Beagle breed profile

Beagles are the 5^th most popular dog in America, according to the American Kennel Club. This fun loving dog will amuse you with his antics day in and day out. But beware that they may take off if they find something that catches their great sniffer. A Beagle will follow a trail until he catches whatever it is he’s looking for. In this Beagle breed profile you’ll learn what it takes to care for one these dogs.

As long as you’re active in your day to day life and able to include your dog, the Beagle will be a great companion for you. No matter if you’re single, with a young family, retired (but able to take your dog for long walks or have an area for him to exercise), living in the city or in the suburbs, the Beagle will enjoy being by your side.

This breed is small and compact, yet hardy. That makes them a great companion for adults or children. It’s hard to resist their dark brown eyes and adorable features, but this Beagle breed profile will show you that there is a lot more to these dogs than their cute faces.

Although Beagles have a lot of great qualities, they are a member of the hound family. This means they can also find their fair share of trouble and are bound to test your patience from time to time. You’ll need to be certain that you have plenty of time to train you Beagle, and it may take some creative training to teach him the ropes. After reading this Beagle breed profile you’ll learn that once he’s trained, this dog will be a great addition to any home.

Beagle Breed Profile

Main Characteristics of Beagles

Beagles are small in size but medium in energy. They can go, go, go but will also enjoy curling up with you at night after a fun day of frolicking. They may be headstrong and stubborn, but this Beagle breed profile will show you that once they know the rules of the house Beagles can be great pets.

If you’re looking for a dog that barely makes a noise, look elsewhere. If you want a dog that will let you know if anyone is near your house or the other side of the road, the Beagle will definitely alert you. They have a very piercing bark and a howl which they give off. It is called baying.

Size of Beagles

Every good Beagle breed profile will discuss size. These dogs are known as small dogs since they measure from 13-16 inches high at the shoulder. Most will weigh between 26-33 pounds. Like all breeds, the female dog is usually smaller than the males.

Lifespan of Beagles

Beagles are going to be a long lasting friend. They will live to be about 12-15 years old. Keep in mind that the way you treat your pet, and how well they are fed and exercised, will add years or take away years of their lives. The less strain that they have on their bodies and joints, the happier and healthier they will be.

Proper nutrition and preventative veterinary care will both add years to your pet’s life. Before you adopt a new fur-ever friend you need to be sure you completely understand the cost. You can’t just feed your dog the cheapest stuff you find on the grocery store shelf, and he’s going to need regular veterinary care to stay happy and healthy.

Physical Characteristics of Beagles

Beagles are most distinguishable by their trademarked tri-color markings. And if you have any doubt, you can also tell by their small rounded skull, their squared off muzzle and wide nostrils. When you look into their big brown pleading eyes don’t get lost, they can suck you in. They have wide, long hanging ears that droop down usually past their muzzle.

Beagles are muscular and have compact bodies which are designed to chase and hunt, or to frolic and play. Their tails are usually a blur as they stand straight up and are whip-like. They are constantly wagging and eager to please.

There are 11 standard colors that can be found on the Beagle, but they are usually always tri-colored. The most common combination is White, Black, and Tan. Their coats are short haired and if brushed regularly will be sleek and smooth. They usually have white feet and the tips of their tails look like a paint brush was dipped in white paint.

Living Arrangements for Beagles

As you’ve read in this Beagle breed profile, these dogs are great companions, but they may not be loved by your neighbors if you live in tight quarters. They require lots of exercises and constant mental stimulation. If they are bored they may start amusing themselves with baying and barking. Beagles thrive in a fenced in yard where they are able to catch a scent and wander. If you do live in the city, make sure to keep your Beagle well exercised and on a leash at all times while outside.

Hunters will find Beagles to be great companions when out, they’ll help to flush out the prey and chase them down. Just make sure your dog is well trained to come back before you go out on their first hunting trip or use long leads that allow them to have a head start. This way they don’t get out of your sight.

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No matter what your stage of life is, as long as you’re home often and able to give lots of time and patience to your Beagle, they’ll be a great addition to your family. And since Beagles are so good with kids, they’ll be great for small families as well. As long as you’re able to give them adequate exercise, they’ll be great pets for you.

Socialization of Beagles

Beagles, in general, are easygoing, friendly and curious. Even though they’re barking when someone comes up to the house, it’s because they’re excited to see them, not out of aggression. Beagles were bred as pack animals and, as such, do well in a pack. But they’re best mixed with other Beagles or humans.

Beagles need companionship. They need to be around other dogs or humans.

Beagles are barkers, they will bark at anything that moves close by – kids playing in the park that they can see, someone approaching their house, or sometimes just the leaves blowing in the wind. They’re naturally curious creatures, so they like to draw attention to their findings, and they feel like they’re doing a good job protecting and making sure you know that things are moving around in their territory.

If they are left alone too long they will become destructive looking for their own means of entertainment. If you plan on having them around other dogs, make sure they have been socialized as a puppy and continue to socialize them as they grow. This will make traveling and interacting with other dogs and humans second nature to your Beagle.

Best-Known Beagle Facts

Beagles were used for the hunt. They were bred specifically for their sense of smell, their ability to pick up a trail and follow it until they find their prey. Their endurance is such that they won’t give up until you make them or they succeed in their hunt.

Their natural prey was rabbits and hares of all sizes. But they wouldn’t say no to a good fox hunt either. After all, there were usually more Beagles on the hunt then there was prey. After reading this Beagle breed profile, you’ll see that these dogs love using their nose to investigate the world around them and sometimes they can’t control the impulse.

Beagles are slaves to their noses. If left unattended and they catch a whiff of an interesting smell, they will follow it. Boundaries are not a concern to them – finding the source of the smell is. If you want to keep your Beagle in your yard make sure he is either fenced in so he can’t get out or keep him on a lead. Also, when out walking with him, make sure he is always on a leash.

Video: Beagle Breeds Info

Beagles were bred to be a member of a pack. They were trained to work together to take down larger prey, or at least to corner it. Even today they are comfortable being with other Beagles or creating their own pack, including their humans.