|
The Canine Chronicles Directory
Beagle
Beagles are robust, strong and squarely built. They have a short, dense, weather
resistant coat which usually comes in tri-color, red and white, orange and white,
lemon and white or any hound color, except liver. The head should be a good length
and width, with a slight curve. The muzzle should be level and square-shaped with
open nostrils black in color. The wide set eyes are hazel or brown in color. The
suspended ears should be long enough to reach the tip of the nose when drawn forward.
The well defined line of the neck fuses into sloping shoulders combining with a
muscular yet slight build. The short back and front legs are straight. Firm hocks
and muscular thighs help to create this compact breed. The slightly curved tail
should be set high and end in a point.
|
|
Temperament
|
Beagles are sociable, gentle, sweet, brave, lively, curious, affectionate and intelligent.
Beagles are good natured, excellent with children and good with other household
animals if exposed to them at an early age. They enjoy being a part of their family's
lives and can become destructive when left alone. Having two Beagles will help if
left alone for long periods of time. They have a mind of their own and need a lot
of patience and consistency during training. Beagles will peruse around the house
with their nose down familiarizing themselves with their territory. They will let
their owners know if anything is amiss, however once a stranger or a burglar is
inside the house beagles will want to play with them. Beagles have a loud baying
cry. They also tend to follow their nose and take off exploring. They should always
be on a leash or in a fenced yard.
|
|
Height, Weight
|
Male Height: 14-16" ; Weight: 22-25 lbs.
Female Height: 13-15" ; Weight: 20-23 lbs.
|
|
Health Problems
|
Beagles are a fairly healthy breed. A few common ailments include: IGA Deficiency,
Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia, Pruvate Kinase Deficiency, Heart Disease, Epilepsy,
Chondroplasia, as well as, eye and back problems.
|
|
Living Conditions
|
Beagles can live fine in an apartment but would do best with a small yard with plenty
of outdoor time.
|
|
Exercise
|
This breed needs daily exercise. A vigorous walk will take care of its needs. Make
sure that the Beagle is on a leash as he may take off in search of an interesting
scent.
|
|
Life Expectancy
|
About 12-15 years
|
|
Grooming
|
This breed requires very little grooming. It has a short coat and is an average
shedder.
|
|
Origin
|
Hounds were hunting with Greeks as far back as 400 B.C. They eventually migrated
to England and in 1550 they were classified according to their purpose. (Example:
Sight Hounds, Scent Hounds, etc.) It was also around that time that a small hound
was bred to kill rabbits and hares. These dogs were named, "Beagles", French for
"gape throat". The English version of this is, "Beagle". England is also the country
of origin for the modern version of the Beagle, which was developed by crossing
Foxhound, Harrier, and a small bloodhound, known as "Kerry Beagle". The modern beagle
originally came in various sizes and coat types but was eventually standardized
to a uniformed size. Due to this standardization, they are often used in medical
experimentations. Since Beagles have a keen sense of smell, they have also been
used in narcotic detection. They are recognized by the AKC and the UKC.
|
|
Group
|
AKC Hound, UKC Scenthound
|