Beagle is a breed of small hound dogs that has the same appearance as of large foxhound. It is a scent hound that got developed for hunting tasks. These dogs have a good sense of smell and primarily used to detect dogs that are prohibited for agricultural imports. It is an intelligent dog and is much popular these days due to its good temper, size, and lack of health problems.
Breed Overview
History
These dogs got originated in Great Britain around the 1830s along with other breeds, including North Country Beagle, Talbot Hound, Harrier, and Southern Hound. These dogs have been popular since the time of Elizabeth of painting and literature. You can find these dogs in comic books, television, and films.
The Beagle type dogs were initially present in England before the year 1016. Later in the 11th century, William the Conqueror brought Talbot, hound to Britain. These dogs were white, deep-throated, slow, and scent hound that got derived from St. Hubert Hound. Hubert Hound got developed in the 8th century. Then comes medieval times when these beagle dogs used as the generic description. These dogs are, however somewhat different from the modern breed. These dogs were used for hunting purposes in the starting.
The Great Beagle Dogs were brought to the US in the 1840s for hunting and many other qualities. These dogs turned to be representatives of the modern breed, and they describe the straight-legged Dachshunds. The quality development of the breeds begun in the 1870s. And later in 1885, the American Kennel Club accepted these dogs. By the 20th century, this dog breed became popular in the whole world.
Characteristics Of Beagle Dog
Adaptability
Adapts Well To Apartment Living
Tolerance of being alone
Suitable as a first dog
Tolerates cold weather
Tolerates hot weather
Friendliness
Affectionate with family
Kid-friendly
Dog friendly
Friendly toward strangers
Health and grooming
Coat Color And Grooming
The beagle has a thick double layer that is weatherproof. His hair is easy to maintain.
Beagles shed year-round and you need to brush them weekly to remove dead hair and keep their hair clean and healthy. Because Beagle’s hair grows thicker in winter, it falls more off in spring.
Any dog color is acceptable according to the breed standard, but the most common color is tri-colored. You don’t have to bathe them often unless they get very dirty. With the ears lowered, ear infections can easily occur because the air cannot circulate well.
Check your dog’s ears weekly to make sure no infection has developed or wax has built up. Trim your nails once or twice a month. Brush your teeth regularly to prevent gum disease and bad breath.
Drooling Potential
The Beagle does not drool and is generally a clean dog. Periodontal disease is considered a major cause of drooling in dogs. If the Beagle has not received regular dental checkups and hygiene, there is the possibility of tartar buildup, an important predisposing factor for gum infections which can result in saliva buildup which could lead to drooling.
Health and diseases
Intervertebral Disk Disease: IVDD Happen when a disc is herniated or slipped. Sitting in the joints between the spinal vertebrae is a soft cushion known as the intervertebral disc. These discs are pads between the vertebrae that act as shock absorbers. Discs can be displaced, collapsed, bulging or bulging, deteriorated, broken, or herniated. Depending on the exact cause, the condition could be referred to as intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), or a slipped or herniated disc. The degeneration of the discs causes pain and neurological problems.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): Progressive retinal atrophy in dogs is generally a genetic, degenerative disease that affects the eyes: it occurs with the death of the cells that make up the retina (organ of the eye that allows the images captured by the optic nerve to be sent to the brain).
Distichiasis: This condition occurs when an additional row of eyelashes (known as distichia) grows on the oil gland in the dog’s eye and protrudes along the edge of the eyelid. This irritates the eyes and you may notice your Aussie squinting or rubbing his eyes. Distichiasis is treated surgically by freezing excess eyelashes with liquid nitrogen and then removing them. This type of surgery is called compilation and is performed under general anesthesia.
Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a chronic disease of the brain of various etiologies, which is characterized by repeated unprovoked attacks of disorders of motor, sensory, autonomic, mental functions arising from excessive pathological neuronal discharges.
Despite the fact that there are many causes of epilepsy, the disease is based on pathological synchronous discharges of a group of neurons. Epilepsy occurs secondarily with the pathology of neuronal membranes and an imbalance between the excitatory-inhibitory systems.
Diet
Among dog experts, there is a saying about Beagles that says: better quantity than quality. This saying refers to the insatiable voracity of this race. It is a friendly and generally obedient dog. But when it comes to eating, they are real beasts.
Despite your ability to eat huge amounts of food, the correct amount of food should vary based on your height, age, gender, and weight. The standard measurement of this breed is 33 to 40 centimeters in adult height and between 9 and 18 kilos of weight depending on the gender.
Below we explain how to calculate the necessary amount of food for a Beagle. It is recommended that for them, in addition to what we explain, you rely on the instructions of your veterinarian and a team of nutrition experts.
What should a Beagle eat to be healthy?
The first important step in feeding a Beagle is to get it used to a certain amount of food, since, if it were up to them, they would eat non-stop. It is very important to start working on this in the puppy period. He should not be given more than one-fifth of his weight at each meal.
There is a theory that, unlike with other dogs, a Beagle can be fed irregularly. That is, without having specific hours to eat. This is because the appetite of this breed tends to vary throughout the day and the animal may ask to be fed one or two hours earlier than the last meal.
During the puppy period, a Beagle should eat an average of 3 or 4 times a day. Once he reaches his youth, he can be given 2 very heavy meals a day. It is important to pay attention to diets high in varied vitamins, trace elements, and minerals. This is because it is a very energetic dog and its caloric burn may be higher than that of other breeds.
In adulthood, it is interesting to supplement meals with lecithin. This compound helps control cholesterol and facilitates the digestion and absorption of fats. The Beagle is a dog with a tendency to gain weight if it does not do sports. But lecithin can help you eliminate less healthy fats.
Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Streptococcus Faecium are probiotics that will ensure a good intestinal flora. They support digestion, prevent the proliferation of bacteria in the digestive system, help prevent gastric problems, and help the body to deal with stressful situations correctly.
Calculate the amount of food for a puppy
As we have said before, a Beagle must be taught to eat from the cradle. For this, it is essential that we know how to calculate the amount of food that must be given throughout the day. It is important to look at the puppy’s activity level (the more active it is, the more food it will need) and the size of its parents.
This is the way in which experts calculate the amount of food needed. It is important that you also have the advice of your veterinarian and experts in dog food.
An erroneous indication that is usually made with Beagles is that the intake of carbohydrates must be reduced to avoid obesity and a nutritional imbalance. This is not entirely true, since the amount of hydrates varies according to the dog’s metabolism and activity.
However, it is advisable to use supplements such as Omega 3 fatty acids and type B vitamins. These compounds can be bought in oils or pills and mixed with special puppy food. Regarding feed, it is advisable to look for the most natural ones with top-quality ingredients with a base rich in protein and supplemented, if possible, with glucosamine.
The average recommended amount for a Beagle puppy is divided into 3 intakes per day of about 70 grams per meal until he reaches 9 months of age. Then it will go to 2 intakes of 90 grams, varying the feed.
Wet food
These foods work well with this breed as they offer a great energy supply to this very active dog. Wet food has become so popular with owners of this type of animal that there are several products just for Beagle. These foods contain a high amount of fat, fiber, and fatty acids that would feed any other dog that isn’t as active as a Beagle for life.
Being overweight in adulthood
Although the Beagle is a dog that eats to infinity, it does not mean that it is easily overweight. In adulthood is when more food will eat. If it is appreciated that the animal begins to gain weight, it will be necessary to lower the amount of food a LITTLE.
We must be careful with how we reduce the amount of food, since, taking into account the rapid metabolism of this breed, without giving it less food than it needs it could become sick and weak. The normal thing is that, if the animal takes a correct diet for its breed, it will not gain weight and it will be in its full energy.
Why are beagles so popular?
The regular showing of the Beagle Dogs had led to the development of the uniform type. With that coming time, the Beagle dog continued with popularity and success until World War I because, at that time, the dog show got suspended. After that, the breed had to struggle a lot for their survival in the UK. But after World War II, the breed went going well that after that popularity of the dog revived back again.
These purebred dogs got developed and famous in the US and Canada than in England. Later this dog breed got many prizes in the dog shows due to its looks and appearances along with its sense of smell and intelligence. Also, in 2005 and 2006, these dogs were ranked as 5th out of all 155 registered breeds of dogs. It was an excellent time for the Great Beagle Dogs. The US even ranked these dogs as the 4th popular dog breed of 2012 and 2013.
Along with other dog breeds like Basset Hound and Bloodhound, the great Beagle dog also has a great sense of smell. Two people John Fuller and John Paul Scott began the study of canine behavior. A test was conducted to check who can find a mouse and Beagle took less than a minute to find out. Beagles are the best with their sense of ground sensing and air scenting. These dogs have large lips and long ears that assist them in trapping scent close to the nose.
Is a Beagle a good family dog?
Is Beagle a dangerous dog?
No Beagle is not a dangerous dog instead Beagles are an extremely friendly breed that loves to be around people. It takes a lot of time and effort to train a Beagle, but their curious personalities and sweet, gentle, and playful nature make them a great companion and friend to families and children. Beagles would make an excellent addition to your family, but it is almost important that you understand a beagle’s temperament and how much effort it will take to turn him into the puppy of your dreams.
Do beagles like to cuddle?
Yes they do, the Beagle is a small dog but their love for the family is truly immense. He is very affectionate with all the members, he knows who makes him play, who feeds him, and above all he knows who the leader is. It nourishes a simply boundless affection for its loved ones and is an ideal companion dog also for children. He never gets tired of wagging his tail and partying, and he loves to play, receive cuddles and attention.
Training
Exercise
To be peaceful and tame, a Beagle needs to move, walk, run and keep its mind busy. He especially loves following leads and sniffing around just makes him feel good. If you want to adopt a Beagle you must keep these needs in mind and provide him with the appropriate stimuli for his serenity and yours.
The Beagle loves to play and therefore, as we have said, also loves children very much, with whom they could have fun for hours. He also loves playing with other dogs very much, with whom he always behaves in a friendly and welcoming way. Entertain your Beagle to keep it always in good physical and mental health!
Sonal is a Visual Artist and Social Media enthusiast. She is also a community manager of Picovico and enjoys writing and painting in her free time.