Want a Beagle? Here's Some Things To Know
Beagles are one of the most common breeds people consider when looking to get a dog. Their size and large hearts make them ideal for family life.
Having a Beagle myself, I have experienced and done research on everything Beagle related. Here are some things you should know.
1. History
When I first got a Beagle, I did a lot of digging into the roots and history of the breed. Let’s just say I went down quite the rabbit hole.
Like many breeds, the history of the Beagle is murky and not well known. The following is the rough timeline that seems to be consistent across most sources.
The Beagle was bred by crossing 2 other hunting breeds. Although it has not been determined exactly which breeds make up the standard Beagle, it is believed to be a cross between coonhounds and foxhounds.
Some historians place the breed’s origin in England during the reign of William the Conqueror in 1066. When knights set out on long journeys, they would often come back with new things, one of these things were dogs.
The likelihood of today’s standard Beagle being around in 1066 is unlikely. Still I’d like to imagine a knight riding off with his pack of howling Beagles following close behind.
In the 1500’s Hunters in England began using smaller hounds for chasing and hunting foxes among other things.
An official breeding program for today’s standard Beagle was created in England in the 1830’s.
It wasn’t until 1860 that the breed was introduced to the US where it was primarily used for squirrel and rabbit hunting.
2. Appearance
Beagles are medium sized dogs typically ranging from 20-40 lbs. Depending on what line of Beagles your dog comes from, sizes could be even smaller or larger.
Like most hounds, Beagles are typically tricolored with brown, black, and white markings. Markings can vary though the typical Beagle has white legs and a white underbelly with a large patch of brown and black on the sides and back.
They do have a white tipped tail which was bred into the breed to make them easier to spot in the field when hunting.
Their coat should be of medium length and have a glossy appearance to it.
Their ears are long and floppy. Most of the Beagles I have met have very soft, silk-like ears. (My favorite part!). Don’t be surprised if they get more food and water in their ears than in their mouth.
3. Temperament and Personality
One of the major factors that draws people to the Beagle is their calm, even tempered personality. They are also easy to handle and train.
Beagles make great family pets and get along very well with children.
Since Beagles are smaller in size, they can be easier for younger children to handle and play with.
Like any animal, a Beagle may bite if it feels anxious or hurt. Always teach your kids the proper way to handle a dog and what signs to watch for.
Beagles are rarely aggressive to strangers and typically get along with other dogs. They especially love people and will try to meet everyone you pass on a walk.
Beagles do tend to voice their opinions often in the form of a howl (not a bark). Their howl is often deep and drawn out. My Beagle often howls until he can’t breathe. Again the type of howl/bark will depend on which bloodline your Beagle was bred from.
Unlike many breeds, the Beagle rarely attaches to one member of the family. Whoever is committed to giving lots of pets and belly rubs is family enough for them…
Seriously, you will be expected to maintain constant contact 24/7.
4. General Beagle Care
Beagles are easy to adapt to play time vs rest time. They will happily run outside all day with you or lay on the couch. Even so, you should plan to walk your Beagle at least 1 hour every day.
A Beagle can do well in an apartment setting so long as you provide enough physical and mental stimulation. The best form of this is allowing them to sniff!
Instead of pulling on the leash when they stop to sniff, give them a minute to do what they love.
Beagles were bred to be outside hunting. Therefore, they love to use their sniffer and will spend hours outside if you let them. They have a tendency to follow their nose and ignore everything else (especially you).
With good training, you may have success walking off leash. However, don’t be surprised if one day they decide to roam a little too far.
WATCH YOUR FOOD! Most Beagles I have met are major scavengers.
They will use that sniffer of theirs to find anything they can to eat. Be mindful of this and start training your dog to “Leave it” or “drop it” early on.
5. Health Conditions
Beagles are known to have several common health conditions.
Some common ones seen are seizures, thyroid issues, eye disorders, and spinal injuries.
Beagles generally live to be 12-15 years old. With age, organs can begin breaking down leading to kidney disease, heart disease, liver disease, and different forms of cancer. These are not specific to the Beagle breed but rather a symptom of old age.
So, Should You Get A Beagle?
Beagles are a great all around dog. They do extremely well in a family environment and are great with kids.
Beagles have a love for the outdoors but can settle down and be a couch potato when given enough attention and pets.
They do well in an apartment if given enough stimulation. If you plan to keep them inside all day, they are not the breed you’re looking for as this can lead to severe depression and separation anxiety.
As always, you should consider how much time, energy, and money you have to put toward a dog. Beagles are a great dog for new dog owners but they still require a lot of your time and attention.
Are you interested in getting a Beagle? Do you already have one? Share any tips or tricks you have! Let’s spread the love and knowledge of Beagles!