Beagle
Beagle
| BreedHighlighs: |
| Being small, compact, and robust, Beagles are active companions for kids and adults alike. |
| Weight: |
|
Male:10-11 kg |
| Height: |
| Male and female:33-41 cm |
| Life Expectancy: |
| 12-15 yr |
| Litter Size: |
| 2 - 14 puppies, average 7 |
| Breed Appearance: |
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It is a miniature Foxhound, though more robust and big for his inches, with the wear-and- tear look of the hound that can last in the chase and followhis quarry to the death.. |
| History: |
| The roots of the dogs having the same size and purpose as themodern Beagle can be traced to Ancient Greece of the 5th century BC. Xenophon, born around 430 BC, in his Treatise on Hunting or Cynegeticus, alludes to a hound that hunted hares by scent and chased them on foot. Small hounds find mention in the Forest Laws of Canute, which exempted them from the ordinance that commanded that all dogs capable of running down a stag should have one foot mutilated. However, there are divergent opinions regarding the time of existence of such laws. If they indeed existed in practice, they lend weight to the fact that such dogs were prevalent in England prior to 1016. |
| Originally: |
|
The Beagles date back to the 1500s. English hunters have a tendency of using these dogs profusely for the purpose of tracking rabbits, hares, pheasants, quails and other small animals. The breed probably originated as a cross between the Harrier and other types of English hounds. |
| Currently Used As: |
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Beagles are currently employed as scent hounds to mostly track animals, like rabbits and hares. Dogs of this breed are utilized for this purpose in numerous countries, including the USA. |
| Training: |
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Dealing with Beagles can be a Herculean task at times. This is because their attitude makes training a real nuisance. Therefore, it takes plenty of tenacity and resolve to train the Beagles. |
| Health&Care: |
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Some dogs of this breed can be susceptible to a multitude of diseases, including epilepsy, heart disease, eye and back problems, chondroplasia, popularly termed as dwarfism (warped front legs, like a Basset's), mast cell tumors, etc. |
| Living Condition: |
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Beagles can live pleasantly in an apartment if they are not provided with ample opportunities to roam outdoors. They tend to stay vibrant indoors, and a small yard will suffice. |
| Excersie: |
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Being endowed with qualities of dynamism and stamina, lots of exercise, including a brisk daily walk, is a prerequisite for the Beagle. There should have a fenced yard of reasonable size for romping the breed. Always use a lead when taking this breed out for a walk or you may lose track of the swift-legged dog very quickly. |
| Grooming: |
|
Nurturing the Beagle's smooth, shorthaired coat is no different from having a walk in the park. Brush it with a firm bristle brush, and bathe it with mild soap only when the need arises. Dry shampoo occasionally. Be sure to check the ears carefully for signs of infection and keep the nails trimmed. This breed is an average shedder. |
| Pros: |
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Beagles are quite capable of fetching and returning a variety of items, like balls and plush toys. They are an intelligent breed, and when trained as pups, can be rendered disciplined and mannerly. Beagles have the potential of learning and understanding pet owners' commands, if trained at an early age or taken to attend some obedience classes. They are also known for mixing and mingling with children, other dogs and even cats, if acquainted early. They are frisky, and easy to maintain, clean and groom. Since it is a neat and tidy breed, it necessitates an occasional bathing and brushing at times. |
| Cons: |
| As they have a penchant for digging and chewing on things, pet owners need to distract the dog by buying chewable toys and bones for the beagles or they could run the risk of having their own personal items chewed and buried. Absent-mindedness and inattentiveness of a beagle makes it a headache to train it. As a result, pet owners must repeat dog commands and demands quite a number of times before it becomes an obedient dog. Furthermore, beagles howl very loud, and they learn this kind of barking, a part and parcel of their hunting activities, when they are pups. |
