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Beagle |
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Description... |
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The Beagle is a good natured, gentle and cheerful
dog. They love to explore and should be kept on a leash if out and
about. The Beagle gets along with strangers as well as other
animals. This is a very energetic little hound who needs plenty of
companionship.
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History...
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 Beagles
are considered one of the oldest breeds, and came to prominence in
the days of King Henry the VII in England. Their exact ancestry is
clouded, but it is estimated that they originated in Greece and
France. In those days, hunting dogs rode to the fields in baskets
on the saddles of horses. Beagles were bred for rabbit hunting and
can successfully hunt almost any upland game animal including
pheasants.
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Traits...
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Beagles love to be with their human companions.
They thrive on activity. They can tolerate long walks or even
running. Because they are hunters by nature, beagles will sniff
and track almost anything while outside. It is important to watch
your beagle because they tend to loose focus while tracking with
their noses to the ground.
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Good aspects...
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 These
dogs are intelligent and generally content companions. They are
fairly clean and don't require frequent baths. In addition, if
these dogs are properly socialized, they bond well to family
members, and especially to children. Few beagles will act
aggressively towards strange people or dogs once introduced,
especially when well socialized.
Beagles love to spend time with their family, and are
happiest when they can.
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Health...
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Watch for the following health problems in your
Beagle: Cherry eye, glaucoma, cataracts, retinal dysplasia & PRA
in the eyes. Epilepsy is fairly prevalent in beagles as well,
often times causing seizures. In addition, hypothyroidism (a
condition of the thyroid gland causing weight gain, poor coat
quality, and reproductive problems) is common in this breed.
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Be aware...
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Beagles are inquisitive dogs that are easily
distracted by their explorations. They must be watched very
carefully if not leashed while outdoors because they roam. Active
beagles will "eat themselves to death" so to speak, and it is
important to watch your dog for obesity problems. Sometimes hard
to train, especially housetrain. Many beagles need constant
obedience sessions until they are two years old. Beagles will bark
and howl quite a bit, specifically when they are left alone.
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Summary...
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Beagles may be difficult to train due to their
active nature. Beagles cannot concentrate for long periods of
time. These dogs, come in 13 inch and 15 inch heights, have
very outgoing personalities.
This breed's hunting style is unique and very effective
for hunting rabbits. The beagle will bark when on scent, thus allowing the
hunter to keep tabs on where his or her beagle is. The beagle is much too
slow to actually catch a rabbit, and the hunter gets his or her chance
when the rabbit circles back to its original position of where the dogs
flushed it out. Most beagle owners who hunt with their dogs, take pride in
the performance of their beagles, not in the amount of game taken.
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source: petcare information centre-
petcare.umn.edu
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