Beagle

The Beagle is a small to medium sized scent hound originally bred for tracking hare, rabbit and other small game. Beagles are commonly used by law enforcement officers around the world, taking advantage of their keen sense of smell to detect contraband. Their sense of smell is one of the best known alongside bloodhounds. In experiments conducted a mouse was placed on a 1acre block beagles found the mouse in less then a minute while other breeds failed to find it at all. The beagle's even temper, gentleness and general good health make them an excellent family pet. The beagles average life expectancy is 12 years. According to the American Kennel Club Registration Statistics, the Beagle is one of the most popular breeds of dog. It's no surprise, really, considering the beagle has made a lot of famous appearances. Snoopy from the Peanuts comic strip is one of the best known beagles, though there are many others. History Hound dogs date back several thousand years, perhaps to ancient Rome and Greece. The Beagle as we know it today is a descendent of the old English hounds, such as the North Country Beagle, the Talbot Hound, the Harrier, and the Southern Hound, that were used in the 1500's as hunters. These relatives were could track everything from tiny rabbits to prized deer. What the hound tracked depended on its size. The smaller the hound, the smaller the game. The Beagle is a descendent from the hounds that hunted rabbits. Famous rules such as Henry VII and Queen Elizabeth both had Beagles. The breed has evolved even further, though, and now looks slightly different from its predecessors. In the 1840's, the Beagle made its first appearance in the United States. Since then, breeders have fought to establish a good bloodline for the dog. This pursuit began with General Richard Rowett and continues even today; breeders can be very picky about which studs they use to sire pups. The dog has been used in shows for over one hundred years and has become a beloved house pet as well, thus expanding its role beyond that of a hunter. Appearance Because of the popularity of this breed and its presence in the media, most prospective dog owners would recognize a Beagle easily. They look like miniature Foxhounds, and they share many similar features with the larger hunting dogs. A Beagle's head is long and domed with broad ears that hang down until they are level with the nose. These floppy ears combined with large, brown eyes give the Beagle a welcoming, gentle look. Though tiny, the Beagle has a sturdy, well-muscled body. The chest is usually deep and broad, the legs are straight and powerful, and the tail is held high. When it comes to height, there are two varieties of Beagles. Some, when measured at the withers, come between 13 and 15 inches tall. Smaller Beagles less than 13 inches tall make up the second variety. It is rare to find a Beagle over 15 inches tall. A Beagle's coat is usually described as hard yet smooth. Fur length is usually medium not long but not short. The coat can be one of a variety of colors typical of hound dogs, including tricolored (tan, black, and white), solid tan, black, red, and brown. Some Beagles have two-toned coats with a mixture of these solid colors. White markings are very common. Temperament This dog is known for its pleasant, cheery attitude and for its friendliness. They are comfortable around small children, other dogs, and other kinds of pets, since they are bred to live in a pack with many different animals. However, they can also be mischievous. The Beagle is a scent hound, and its tracking abilities are rivaled by very few dogs. If they find an attractive scent, they may follow it into trouble, even if it means disobeying your commands or destroying some furniture. Health Issues The average lifespan of a Beagle is around 13 years, which is normal for a purebred dog of this size. And like other purebreds, the Beagle falls prey to several hereditary diseases. Epilepsy is a common one, and this disease causes seizures. Hypothyroidism is another common affliction. Both of these can be controlled with medication, though. More serious problems involve the musculoskeletal system. Immune mediated polygenic arthritis, a disease in which the immune system attacks the joints, is a concern. Ear infections, glaucoma, and obesity are also seen in this breed. Good health care can help prevent some of these problems. Proper portions at meals and regular exercise can help keep older dogs acting and feeling young. Pet Care The Beagle is relatively easy to care for. It doesn't always need supervision since it's friendly with most people and animals. Grooming is simple because the coat requires very little brushing. Daily activity such as walks and games will help tire this dog out so he stays out of trouble. What Owners Have to Say Most owners love the Beagle because it is a family-friendly dog. Their disposition is pleasant and they fit right in with a pack, whether the pack has only humans or it has other animals, too. Owners sometimes complain of the Beagle's scent instincts because they can be hard to walk or train if they catch a whiff of something to track, but the Beagle's lovable qualities usually make this mischief worth it. Is this the right dog for you? If you are looking for a small, family dog with a cheery attitude, the Beagle is a smart choice. These dogs thrive in most environments, whether that means apartment living or life on a farm. Care is minimal and involves mostly exercising the dog. Families can play games, such as fetch, with their Beagle to achieve this goal. Good around children and other animals, this is an ideal pet for a big home. However, the Beagle does have some faults. For instance, they can be hard to train. Since they are scent hounds, they are easily distracted. The best way to train is through constant motivation with treats, though that may put the dog at risk for obesity if food is used all of the time. Also, if Beagles do catch an interesting scent, they may track it despite your orders or calls. This means they have a tendency to run away on a tracking mission if you don't keep them contained. This purebred dog can birth neurotic puppies, so be sure to do a thorough background check before purchasing your dog. Also, you have to be aware of potential health problems, especially the genetic ones that affect the joints. Like other hounds, the Beagle can be loud and, at times, annoying. However, howling and barking are common traits for dogs, so this is not a huge concern. Take all of these factors into consideration when thinking about purchasing any dog, even a Beagle. With the right owner, the Beagle is an excellent pet.

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