The hunting instincts and energy of a Beagle dog can be a great plus for lovers of professional hunting. But these qualities can become a disadvantage if you decide to buy a beagle as a pet. If you don't give your dog proper attention, its behavior and character will deteriorate. In this article you will read about the advantages and disadvantages of Beagle dogs.
Pros and cons of beagles
Experts include the following main advantages of the breed:
- no unpleasant odor;
- short hair that is not subject to shedding;
- friendliness (they make contact with both adults and children);
- conflict-free (they get along well with other pets);
- cheerful disposition;
- mobility and activity.
Disadvantages are also present:
- the need for proper training;
- stubbornness and self-will;
- intolerance of loneliness;
- tendency to run away;
- ringing and loud barking;
- predisposition to obesity due to poor nutrition.
Description of beagles
The Beagle is a small dog, similar in appearance to the Foxhound, but smaller in size.
Head
Fully proportional to the body. It looks powerful, even rough, thanks to its slightly square shape. In females it looks more graceful. The skin on the skull is smooth, without pronounced folds. The occipital protuberance of an adult is almost invisible. The forehead is convex and moderately voluminous.
The jaw is strong and well developed. The bite is scissor-shaped. This correct position of the jaws allows for a strong grip. This is very important for hunting dogs. There should be 42 teeth in the mouth. The incisors are set vertically. The dentition is fully formed by six months.
The muzzle is not pointed. The stop clearly divides the skull into two parts - from the nose to the back of the head. This becomes clearly visible if you look at the dog in profile.
The nose is most often black. Wide. The nostrils are open and large. A duller shade is acceptable in light-colored animals. The jowls are moderate, the lips do not fit tightly to the jaw.
Eyes
They should be brown or light brown. Large in size, planted shallowly. According to the standards, if you look at the animal from the front, the eyes and nose should form a triangle with equal sides. The eyelids are dry, with obvious pigmentation.
Ears
Usually soft, hanging (according to the breed standard, they should reach the tip of the nose). Their fur is short but quite thick. Set low and hanging down to the sides, touching the cheekbones.
Neck
This part of the dog's body should be long enough to lower its muzzle to the ground and look for a scent. It has a light suspension and good flexibility.
Frame
Well balanced. The line of the spine is straight and even.
The croup is moderately sloping. The body is muscular, smooth, of medium length, with a wide chest, tapering towards the stomach.
The loin is large but short.
The chest, according to the standard, should be lowered below the level of the elbows.
The stomach is toned, not sagging. The muscles are well defined.
Males have two well-developed testicles, completely descended into the scrotum.
Tail
Covered with dense hair, very thick, forming a tassel at the end. Its length is relatively short compared to the body. According to the standard, the tail must be raised high, but not curled over the body. Experts say about this tail: “The dog carries it “happy.” It is this feature that is considered the trademark of the breed.
Limbs
The legs are powerful, especially the hind legs. The fingers are small, crowded, with dense black pads. The claws are not long.
The front legs are straight and parallel to the body. The shoulders are oblique and muscular. Elbows always point back. The distance from the elbow to the surface of the ground should be half the length of the dog's withers.
The hind limbs are more powerful than the forelimbs, the hips are very well developed. The angle of the knees is clearly defined.
The paws are harmoniously combined with the body, the dog does not look disproportionate.
Gait
When walking, your back does not look hunchbacked or slouched. The step is very free and easy. Beagles never waddle. While running, the animal pushes off with its hind legs, while its forelimbs are directed forward.
Coat
In a healthy pet it is shiny and thick. The rigidity is moderate. The undercoat is completely absent. This cover perfectly protects the animal from rain and snow; it is not saturated with moisture for a long time. This feature is characteristic of dogs of the hunting breed.
Short hair allows you to move freely through the forest without clinging to the branches of bushes and trees.
Color
Any colors characteristic of hounds are allowed, except for liver. Tricolor coloring is acceptable. The most common option is black, white and red. This is what can be considered traditional for representatives of this breed.
There may be variegated, lemon-white, or plain white dogs. There are also colors that combine not three colors, but only two - black and white, white and red.
All types of colors, except pure white, can have specks - very small dark spots. At the same time, according to the standard, the tip of the animal’s tail must always remain white - this is a sign that the animal belongs to a hunting breed. This feature is present in all dogs, regardless of the primary coat color.
Photos of beagles of different colors
Size and weight
The height at the withers should be 33-40 cm. Weight ranges from 9 to 12 kg. Females are always smaller than males.
These indicators directly depend on the age of the pet. At birth, puppies weigh very little - 250-400 grams. By two months, the difference between the weight of males and females becomes more noticeable.
Beagles reach their final weight by about one year. It is during this period that the basic parameters of the animal should approach the standard ones. For proper weight gain, puppies need to be fed on a regular basis according to their age.
Deviations from the norm are considered to be defects. Only representatives of the breed who have a full set of characteristic characteristics of the breed can participate in breeding.
The level of severity of the defect is determined by specialists depending on how strongly this feature affects the development of the dog - physical and psychological.
Beagle character
Beagles seem to be very friendly and sweet. But do not forget that initially these are hunting dogs that need serious attention from their owners. They are very stubborn and cannot be avoided without training. Without proper attention and a steady hand, the beagle gets out of control. This is fraught not only with disobedience on the street, but also with damage to everything that comes into the dog’s field of vision. The irrepressible energy of a beagle can result in destruction, the scale of which can not only surprise, but shock unprepared owners.
Beagle photo
But, if you spend enough time raising and training the dog (they are reluctant to train, so you will need a fair amount of patience on the part of the owner), you will get a friendly and loyal pet. He will get along well not only with all family members, including small children, but also with other animals in the house.
These dogs do not like to be alone. Aggression is not typical for representatives of this breed. If it is present, then it is considered a defect.
These dogs are very loyal to their owner and are always ready to protect him - cowardice is not characteristic of them.
Beagles are extremely active. In order to release its energy, your pet should go for walks regularly. In the summer, experts advise taking your dog out into the forest.
Lifespan
A beagle lives 12-15 years - average for individuals of this size. The period may change due to external factors and heredity. Excess weight has a negative impact on the life expectancy of dogs. Pets eat without restriction. It is important for owners to control the amount of energy consumed.
Beagles often contract diseases such as boils, glaucoma, cataracts, and ear infections. Your dog's hearing organs require care because they are poorly ventilated.
Education and training
It is worth remembering that this breed was originally bred to hunt rabbits and hares. That is why the animal needs quality training, otherwise it can become disobedient and stubborn. Raising a beagle must be done in a timely manner, otherwise it will get out of control. Only a professional can help with re-education.
In the absence of proper attention, the pet will not only run away on the street, but also spoil things in the house - chew shoes, furniture, flooring, etc. To prevent this from happening, you need to walk the dog at least three times a day. Walks should be active, the dog should be let off the leash, and play outdoor games with him.
Since representatives of this breed are not very willing to train, the owner needs to be patient. Before getting a hunting dog in a city apartment, you should realistically assess your capabilities. Consider whether the animal can receive proper attention and care.
Beagles often simply ignore their owner's commands. This is because hunting dogs tend to make independent decisions.
Representatives of this breed love to bark for a long time. Their voice is clear. You need to be prepared for this; it is not always possible to wean your dog off of this.
You need to find the right approach to your pet, and he will quickly begin to follow the necessary commands. Professional trainers manage to teach beagles the most difficult tricks.
You need to pay attention to the animal constantly; breaks are unacceptable. The dog very quickly begins to feel free and becomes uncontrollable. Only with regular attention from the owner can a representative of this breed become a good friend and companion.
Beagles should not be purchased by people who have never owned dogs. A teenage child is also unlikely to be able to cope with such a pet. The Beagle is the type of dog that needs to be given a sufficient amount of time.
The training process begins from the first days the puppy appears in the house and includes:
- toilet training;
- mastering various commands.
The main principle that should underlie training is consistency. It is unacceptable to start mastering a new command until the previous one has been fully mastered. The owner's main task is to achieve obedience from the dog. Such a dog, having disobeyed once and accepting this as the norm, will continue to ignore the owner’s commands in the future.
You need to start training only when the beagle is ready to accept commands. During a walk, pets love to carefully explore the territory, sniff and examine the ground. Given this behavior, mastering new commands makes no sense. The owner must wait until the beagle is ready for training.
You shouldn't train for very long. Training should last exactly as long as it takes to keep the dog’s attention. According to experts, this process should not exceed 30 minutes. The recommended amount is no more than twice a day. You should exercise with the puppy for 10-15 minutes.
During the training process, it is necessary to use both rewards and punishments. Rewards are usually a treat or a toy, and the best punishment for a beagle is complete neglect by the owner. You need to scold the dog confidently and loudly. Punishment must follow immediately after the offense.
The dog needs to be weaned from the following things:
- sleep with the owner;
- damage furniture and other things;
- bite and bark;
- jump on people;
- eat not from your own bowl.
Main features
The Beagle is a born hunter, so this breed of dog is preferred mainly by professional hunters or those who like to chase a hare. Of course, the beagle is also perfect as a family pet, which children will especially be delighted with.
Despite the fact that the beagle is an intelligent and loyal dog, it can do a lot of dirty tricks. For example, tearing shoes or chewing a fur coat. But by taking an apologetic pose, wagging his tail guiltily and looking devotedly into your eyes, he will be able to melt your heart and you will forgive him anything.
If you do not plan daily walks, periodic trips outside the city to the forest or field, if you are a busy person, then this breed of dog is not suitable for you. Therefore, think a hundred times before buying a beagle. Otherwise, you will face many problems.
Don’t forget that beagles are not a cheap pleasure. Especially with all the necessary documents.
To help you finally make your choice, we will consider in detail all the advantages and disadvantages of dogs of this breed.
Keeping and caring for beagles
Beagles are very clean and do not require special care. Short hair should be brushed no more than once a week. During the shedding period, brushing with a soft brush can be done every day. Frequent bathing is also useless. The only thing worth paying attention to is the claws on the paws. They should be trimmed regularly. It is recommended to carry out this procedure once every two weeks. An active beagle living in a city apartment grinds its claws on the asphalt during walks. But this will not happen if the surrounding area is covered predominantly with soft soil.
Washing the dog is as follows:
- You need to pour warm water into the bath;
- Immerse the dog in it and wet all the fur evenly;
- add a small amount of water to a special shampoo;
- distribute this mixture evenly over the dog’s body;
- Rinse well with warm water.
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If necessary, the procedure can be repeated. At the end of bathing, the fur is thoroughly dried with a terry towel. It is strictly forbidden to dry it with a hairdryer. To combat dog smell, it is recommended to buy special types of detergents.
Ears also require special care. They need to be inspected daily (after each trip outside) and cleaned with a swab soaked in antiseptic. Excess fluid must be removed to avoid inflammation. Using the same principle, it is recommended to remove discharge from the corners of the eyes every day, only instead of an antiseptic, you can use a strong tea or chamomile decoction.
To care for your teeth, purchase a medium-hard brush, dog paste or tooth powder. You need to brush your teeth several times a week, and ideally every day.
Dogs of this breed need space. Ideally, they would be kept in a country house with a large fenced area in which to frolic. But he will also feel comfortable in the apartment if he has the opportunity to walk and run outside enough.
Dogs of this breed will have to be walked a lot. They need somewhere to splash out their energy, so frequent and long walks are not only desirable, but mandatory. Beagles love to run and happily explore the world around them, giving in to their hunting instincts. For this reason, owners should not let their pet out of sight, as it may get carried away by some trace and get lost. Once in nature, he often forgets all the learned commands, begins to chase cats, birds, and collects all kinds of objects.
The more time a beagle spends outside, the better it feels. Its hunting qualities must be realized at least partially. You need to walk with him at least 2-3 times a day. It is advised to periodically arrange forays into nature for your pet so that he can throw out all the accumulated energy. If it is not possible to take your dog on a real hunt, you can stage it yourself with artificial prey.
Nutrition
Beagles are unpretentious in their choice of food, but despite this, the owner must strictly control the pet’s diet.
Experts advise choosing one type of food for your dog - either specialized food or natural food. Mixing both types of nutrition is not recommended.
Dry food is the best option because its composition is completely balanced. In this case, there is no need for additional purchase of vitamin and mineral supplements. This type of nutrition will completely cover the animal’s body’s needs for nutrients. In addition, the cost of dry food is much lower than natural products.
You can buy such food with a large supply. It does not spoil as quickly as regular food. The packages can be stored outside the refrigerator. In addition, such food is easier to take with you on the road - it is ideal for owners who are fond of frequent trips and travel. This method of eating will help not only save money, but also the owner’s time - there is no need to stand at the stove for hours and prepare a personal meal for the pet.
The diet must be compiled very carefully. It is not recommended to overfeed dogs of this breed - they gain weight rapidly.
A dog's daily diet of dry food should be divided into several parts. In addition, there should always be clean water in the bowl in case the pet becomes thirsty. It is recommended to soak dry food in broth or boiled water before eating. This will promote easy digestion.
Experts advise training your beagle to eat at the same time every day - this will allow the digestive system to work better. You should not give your dog more than the prescribed amount. Most often, the dog asks for more not because he is hungry, but because he wants to attract attention. After 15-20 minutes after the start of the meal, the bowl can be removed - the dog has received its quota.
If an animal regularly overeats, its weight will begin to increase rapidly. A beefy beagle is completely deprived of its natural qualities - it becomes clumsy and overweight.
Under no circumstances should you feed your dog outside of the prescribed diet. One piece received by a pet outside the main meal will be regarded by him as normal. It will be difficult to wean your dog off this habit.
You should not choose dry food with a low price tag. Such food does not contain high-quality meat, but meat waste. Sooner or later this will lead to bad consequences - the dog will have health problems. It is better to purchase food for your pet in a specialized store. Food should be chosen premium or super premium. When purchasing, be sure to take into account the age and lifestyle of the dog.
High-quality dry food contains:
- a large percentage of natural meat and vegetables;
- vitamins and minerals;
- natural spices.
Such products should not contain dyes, preservatives, flavor enhancers, or starch.
Particular attention is paid to the nutrition of the pregnant female. The calorie content of her diet should be sufficient for her to bear healthy puppies. For pregnant and lactating dogs, you can purchase a special type of dry food.
Health
Beagle dogs often suffer from:
- Allergies. The immune system is designed to protect the body from infections, but an allergic reaction will negatively affect it. Such reactions are difficult for animals to tolerate. Allergens can be a huge number of seemingly harmless substances, even molecules or proteins of animal and plant origin. Allergies are caused by pollen, mold spores, microscopic mites, and flea saliva. Sometimes they become components included in medications.
- Ear problems. They are determined by physiology. Beagles have floppy, closed ears that are poorly ventilated and trap bacteria and dirt. Water can also get into your ears and parasites can crawl in. All these factors contribute to the development of otitis media, which in turn leads to destruction of the membranes of the brain. Therefore, it is important to regularly examine your pet’s ears and maintain their hygiene.
- Hip dysplasia is a disease that is inherited. With this diagnosis, the hip bone does not fit tightly into the hip joint. Sometimes dysplasia does not bother the dog at all, in other cases it causes pain and lameness.
- Cherry eye syndrome. This is the name of a reddish formation on the eyeball that appears in the inner corner of the eye.
- Glaucoma. Another eye disease characterized by increased eye pressure. Glaucoma causes pain and, in the worst case, vision loss.
- Progressive retinal atrophy. With this pathology, dogs stop seeing in the dark, and over time they lose their vision during daylight hours.
- Epilepsy. It is often transmitted hereditarily. The attacks are accompanied by unusual behavior (for example, uncontrolled running), convulsions.
- Infectious diseases. These include: plague, enteritis, ringworm, leptospirosis. They are transmitted through contact with other animals.
Beagle owners should closely monitor the condition of their pet. If something unhealthy is noticed in his behavior, it is better not to postpone a visit to the doctor.
Conclusion
A Beagle dog must be raised and trained from a young age, otherwise its disadvantages will outweigh its advantages. If you have little time or are not patient enough to raise a dog, then it is better not to buy a beagle, because improper training and maintenance will bring a lot of trouble later.
You can learn how to raise dogs of this breed from the article “Raising and Training a Beagle.”
If you do get a dog of this breed, then know that many of the disadvantages can be corrected. And its advantages will give you many pleasant moments.
What features does your dog have? Share with us in the comments.
Origin of the breed
There is no clear opinion on where beagles came from. According to the ancient Greek historian Xenophon, even in Ancient Greece there were hounds that worked on the scent. The ancestors of beagles came to the British Isles thanks to the Romans. And already in Foggy Albion, these “ancient” hounds crossed with local dogs. True, there are versions about hounds that existed in England even before the arrival of the Romans, since the time of King Arthur. For example, Pwyll, Prince of Wales, had a special breed of white hounds.
As a result, by the middle of the 18th century, two separate breeds were formed - the southern hound and the northern beagle. Moreover, until the 70s of the 19th century, beagles were called dogs that were not at all similar to today’s dogs. Those beagles looked more like straight-legged basset dogs, with a head like a dachshund, black, red and white. These dogs had excellent hunting skills, but were not very attractive in appearance. But this did not bother their owners at all.
It is believed that the ancestors of all modern beagles are a pack collected by Parson Honeywood already in the mid-19th century. It was shown to the general public in Essex. Today, in every known kennel there are descendants of breeds from that particular pack. It was then that the dog acquired its modern, familiar appearance.
Story
In official documents, the beagle is considered an English hound, which appeared in the 14th century. The treatise of the ancient author Xenophon describes the breeds of dogs that helped hunt animals. In the work, a beagle chases a hare with a ringing bark. The variety could have been brought about by the Romans, who captured part of the island. However, the origins of the Beagle breed are complicated.
Medieval England was distinguished by hound hunting. Aristocrats got themselves dogs whose size did not exceed 25 centimeters. Mini-dogs were especially popular among women who went hunting.
Dogs were spread throughout England, and wealthy landowners began to own dogs. Then the beagle began to supplant other breeds. In the 18th century, it became fashionable to hunt foxes and hounds gave way to burrowing terriers.
There was no talk about standards. The owners crossed their pets at their own discretion. Two branches stood out: the fast northern one, the heavy southern one. Individuals were mixed with terriers to produce long-haired dogs that helped in fox hunting - fox beagles. The classic breed was preserved thanks to landowners who continued to hunt hares.
The name of Parson Honeywood went down in the history of the creation of the hound. An enthusiast collected northern and southern specimens in Essex. By the 19th century, a standard was formed. The dogs took part in exhibitions, continued to chase the hare, and were used as pets.
Thomas Johnson, on the contrary, paid attention not to the hunting qualities of the dog, but to the aesthetic ones. He developed a line of the breed that ceased to exist by the 20th century.
Photos of beagles
Who are beagles suitable for?
This breed is great for hunters, as well as people who enjoy outdoor activities.
Beagles are active and friendly dogs. They need constant contact with people. For people who are often away, they are not suitable. Left alone at home, animals begin to play mischief - chewing furniture and shoes.
In the modern world, this dog is used not only as a hunting companion, but also as a search engine; they can keep a trail for a long time.
List of suitable nicknames
The dog can be named in English, although any names will do. It is better to choose short options for the dog. They are easier to pronounce, especially since the beagle perceives only the first sounds of the word.
There are special rules by which breeders name puppies from a new litter. For dogs with good pedigree this is extremely important.
Types of nicknames:
| Girl | Boy |
| BASIC | Dukes |
| Bonica | Vigo |
| Ada | Hardy |
| Mirri | Bengo |
| Palya | Axel |
The name should suit the dog, please the owner, and be harmonious. Since nicknames are written in Latin letters, it is better to choose an option for the dog that is pronounced equally well in Russian and English.
Famous owners
Beagles were very loved by aristocrats and crowned heads. Elizabeth I and William III chose representatives of this breed for hunting, and George IV is even depicted on many canvases with his lop-eared pets.
It is known that American President Lyndon Johnson had two beagles. A very famous photograph is where the politician holds one of his favorites by the ears in a suspended state. After the publication of this photo, a terrible scandal erupted - the president was accused of disliking animals.
Kinds
The standard describes the European dog. There is also an American version, which is slightly larger in size and color.
The variety includes the mini-dog, known even under Elizabeth I. Individuals had all the qualities necessary for hunting; the dogs were placed in a bag on the saddle. Aristocrats gave small hounds to ladies. The dog's height at the withers did not exceed 29 cm; the dog was called dwarf.
It is officially believed that the height of a healthy dog is from 33 cm. Lower values may indicate congenital diseases in the dog.
There is a separate type of breed, distinguished by its large size. The French pet was bred by Baron Gerard. The dog at the withers is 45-51 cm, weighs 19-21 kg. The Beagle has a muscular, proportionally built body, a large head, a long neck, and high-set ears. The breed's hunting qualities and friendliness have been preserved.
How to choose a puppy
When choosing a puppy, you need to clearly define what it is being purchased for - hunting, exhibitions, or simply as a house dog.
The gender of the puppy is also important. You should purchase females only if you have the opportunity to raise puppies. Experts advise taking a small beagle from its mother at 1.5-2 months.
All representatives of this breed are usually divided into three classes:
- pet;
- breed;
- show.
For owners who plan to regularly attend exhibitions and competitions, it is necessary to purchase a show-class puppy. But you should understand that such a beagle costs several times more than others. To purchase such puppies, you should contact only an elite nursery.
A dog bred for real hunting is not suitable for exhibitions. This fact should be taken into account. Real hunters are very active and are unable to sit still for even a minute.
You can buy any puppy as a pet. The most important thing is that he is physically and mentally healthy and not aggressive.
After examining the dog, you need to make sure that he does not have any diseases. Puppies always look quite well-fed.
The behavior of one-month-old dogs can also tell a lot. Already at this age, characteristic qualities are visible - some are active and play with other puppies, while others hide behind their mother.
Mentally healthy beagles immediately react to a new guest - they run up to him and begin to sniff him.
The puppy's coat should be even and smooth, without bald spots. Eyes must be clean, without discharge. The nose is cold and wet.
Teeth also need to be examined. They should be clean and even, and the bite should be correct.
The puppy's belly is always soft, and existing lumps may indicate the presence of an umbilical hernia.
Reviews
Owners note that the beagle, as an energizer, does not let you get bored. The dog is suitable for active people, large families with small children. Owners often forgive their pets' pranks because of their good disposition and beautiful appearance.
The owners highlight the stubbornness of the dog, which does everything at its own discretion. The beagle's gaze remains kind and pleading.
People like that the dog gets along well with all pets and does not show aggression. The beagle misbehaves only out of boredom when left alone for a long time.
