About Beagles

History

The beagle is a very old pure bred, first records of it can be found more than 2000 years ago in Ancient Greece. In Britain it has been used as a hunting hound since the 14th Century and packs of them are still used to hunt hare. However, the beagle has been domesticated very successfully during recent years and is now a very popular pet and show dog.

Appearance and Size

In appearance the beagle is a lively, sturdy looking hound having several colors. The most common is tri-color, a combination of black, tan, and white, but there are other combinations, such as tan and white, and lemon and white, The stern (tail) should always have a white tip and the eyes should be dark. Its coat is short, dense, and waterproof, making it easy to groom and keep clean.

It is of medium size, being between 13 and 16 inches high, measured from the top of the shoulder vertically to the ground, thus it can fit easily into most households and cars.

Characteristics and Behavior

The beagle is a merry hound, full of stamina. He should be bold, alert, and have an even temperament. Even though he has been domesticated he still retains the instinct to hunt by scent. A beagle likes the company of people and other dogs and is good with children, he should therefore not be kept in a household where he is going to be left all day. If you are away from the house all day, perhaps you could consider a pair.

Food

For a normal, healthy beagle this should be no problem as he will eat well on most easily obtainable dog foods, whether they be fresh, tinned, or dehydrated. Indeed, it can be a problem preventing him from eating too much, so a regular meal schedule should be established with no extras in between. A reputable breeder will provide a diet sheet.

Exercise

All dogs require exercise, the beagle , no more or less than any other breed. He will normally exercise himself if allowed to run free in an enclosed yard, but will certainly appreciate a regular walk on the lead.

Health

If all breeds were as healthy as the beagle, many vets would go out of business! Provided they are looked after, they will rarely need veterinary attention. They will of course require their annual vaccinations against disease and regular anti-worm (including heartworm) treatment. Of course, as with humans, completely unexpected complaints can appear from time to time. Our club has ongoing research into these and so far incidences have been rare. Reputable breeders will never knowingly breed with an animal that has a problem. The average lifespan is 10 to 15 years.

Grooming

A naturally clean animal, the beagle is easy to groom, requiring only a few minutes brushing daily and an occasional bath.

Home and Owner

From the foregoing, it can be seen that the ideal home for a beagle is not a home unit in a busy built up area. He is best at home in the country or suburbs where he can be freely exercised. Although he will make himself at home in the house, he is just as happy to be outside in the yard. His owners should be prepared to devote time to him, especially as a puppy being trained. In return, the beagle will prove to be a fine companion on walks, exercising himself and his owner. Ownership of a beagle can lead to a more interesting social life as he can be hunted with the beagle club or taken to shows at which other dog owners from all walks of life participate and join in various social activities.

Where to Buy a Beagle

Without doubt, go to a reputable breeder.  The breeder will provide a pedigree form, and vaccination certificate and will always be willing to help a new beagle owner with any problems which may occur. In other words, he will offer "after sales" service which puppy farms and pet shops will not do. This is why it is recommended that any prospective buyer goes to a recommended breeder rather than a pet shop or a puppy farm, where possibly a high price will be paid for poor quality and possibly unhealthy stock.

A reputable breeder will spend some time finding out if the prospective buyer and his home are suitable for a beagle, so please do not object to a lot of questions which are to satisfy the breeder that his puppies are not being purchased for re-sale to research.