About Beagle Dogs

Beagles are small dogs that have historically been used for hunting small game. They are a popular dog breed in the United States and are noted for their friendly personalities and high energy levels. If you are considering adopting a beagle, understanding key points about the breed can help you make the right decision.

  1. Types

    • There are two types of beagles, one that is meant for the field and one that is meant for shows. Field beagles are bred to be hunting dogs, and they typically show a higher level of energy than show dogs. Field beagles are working dogs and do not make ideal pets. They are also highly pack oriented and suffer when kept alone. Show beagles, on the other hand, are bred for a more compact body and for conformation to a breed standard rather than for hunting purposes. They have quieter personalities and make good pets.

    Identification

    • The beagle is a sturdy dog that usually stands between 13 and 15 inches in height. They have wide, long pendant ears and feature a medium-length, sleek coat that is easy to care for. They look like a smaller version of the foxhound. They make a distinctive high-pitched bay or bark when they are excited.

    Considerations

    • When purchasing a beagle, be aware that the breed can be prone to certain issues that include heart disease, eye issues, back problems and epilepsy. Depending on the genetic line, they can also be develop chondroplasia, also known as dwarfism. Discuss the health of the dog that you are purchasing with its breeder. Ask about the health of the dog's parents and grandparents.

    History

    • The beagle emerged as a breed during the 16th century in England. Hunters took packs of smaller hunting dogs after small game like quail, rabbit and pheasant. The breed's name may derive from the French term "be'geule," meaning "gape throat" and referring to the beagle's distinctive howl, or from the Celtic word "beag," which means small. The beagle was recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 1885

    Misconceptions

    • There is a common misconception that beagles are hard to housetrain. While beagles are known to be intelligent and even stubborn, beagles can certainly be housetrained. Crate-training can be useful for this breed, as can developing a schedule and sticking to it. Some beagles do take up to a year to housetrain, while others are never fully reliable, but beagles are not necessarily harder to train than other breeds.