Information Relative to The Beagle Breed

by Ardie Haydon
Copyright© 1996

PERSONALITY
The Beagle is a small scent hound, bred to track rabbit and hare while the hunter follows on foot. They are short coated and usually a sturdy little hound. They come in two Varieties: 13" (not exceeding 13" from floor to top of withers) and 15" (over 13" but not exceeding 15" in height). Any hound color is acceptable. You will see a great variation in their hair color, although the most common is black, tan and white (tri), lemon and white, tan and white or blue-tick with a lot of dark ticking on the white parts of the Beagle. The purebred should always display white feet and white on the tip of the tail and usually a white chest. Some of the Beagles do have some brown ticking on the white areas, but this does not mean they are a blue-tick. Some are very dark with hardly any white markings at all.

Because Beagles are scent hounds, they can be roamers, if not confined to an escape-proof yard. Fences should be high enough to prevent climbing and secured at the base to prevent digging out. Gates should have good latches and be child-proof, preferably locked. However, not all Beagles are climbers or diggers. This usually happens if they are just left outside without any kind of attention from the family or other dogs. They do best being an indoor/outdoor dog and should sleep indoors at night.

Beagles are very inquisitive and active their first 1 1/2 to 2 years and because of their scenting ability, tend to be "into everything", especially waste baskets, or food left anywhere. Even though they have a mind of their own, they can make very good obedience dogs if the motivational training method is used. They do not respond to rough methods of training since they do have a sensitive nature. Using non-fattening treats when training can do wonders since Beagles are very food oriented.

They are not constant barkers as many people think. If they have plenty of activity, both work and play, they generally are fairly quiet. They will bark when someone comes to the door or up to "their" fence, but can be trained on command to stop barking. Like any other dog, they like their family around and usually get along well with other dogs (sometimes cats also) since they were bred to hunt in packs.

Beagle puppies need a great deal of time for training, so are better placed where some adult in the family is home all or at least 3/4 of the day. They also require a family that has the patience to work with them and not become angry and abuse them because they don't learn something fast enough for the owners! Beagles are very intelligent, so between this and their inquisitive nature, may take a little longer to learn some obedience commmands than some other breeds. However, don't let anyone discourage you from putting them through obedience -- there are many Beagles who take to it like a duck to water and have their obedience and even utility titles, canine good citizens titles and field champion titles. They also make wonderful therapy dogs. Naturally, they make great tracking dogs (why do you think God gave them that sense of smell?) and many Beagles have their tracking titles.

They really want to work and please you and if they don't do well in obedience, it is usually because the owner is the one not paying attention or not doing the home training in the proper manner. They are little clowns and will keep you laughing and in awe of what they will think of to do next!

Because they are so active as puppies, reputable Beagle Breeders recommend that they be placed in homes where the children are at least 6 years or older. An adult Beagle who has been raised with children (and not been abused by children) work far better around toddlers than a Beagle puppy. Unless they have been trained otherwise, the Beagle thinks that any food being carried around or within reach is for him or her, so with toddlers this can be a problem. As a result of their sad pleading eyes and their penchant for begging for food, most families allow their Beagles to become too fat.
Of the utmost importance is to train the Beagle not to "bolt' out the front door or any door that has been opened. Here again due to their scenting ability and inquisitive nature, they are prone to "explore" anywhere their noses will take them. Running with their noses to the ground makes them a good target for moving vehicles.

Again, a Beagle will do best in a home where the people are patient and loving and willing to work with the dog, and have the time to work with them. Beagles enjoy hiking and camping (don't forget to keep them on a long leash), obedience work, tracking, showing in the conformation ring and almost any activity with the family. These activities help strengthen the bond between yourself and your Beagle and will make him or her a much better citizen and happy animal.

GENETIC PROBLEMS AND TRAITS
Beagles can develop epilepsy, thyroid problems, cherry-eye, occasional disc problems, seasonal allergies, etc. Beagles are prone to ear problems because of their pendulous ears. Ears need to be checked and cleaned if necessary every week. They also have a tendency to build up tarter on the teeth quickly like any of your smaller breeds. Anal glands need to be checked and usually emptied on a regular basis so they do not become infected.

They are a "low maintenance" dog as far as grooming however, they do have an undercoat, so this dead hair needs to be stripped out several times at the beginning of summer to prevent excessive shedding. Obviously like any breed, the nails need to be kept short.

The Beagle will sometimes exhibit what is referred to as a "reverse sneeze". This is quite common at times because of their sensitive noses. it could be something they have sniffed and gotten up into their nostrils, pulling too hard on the leash, eating too fast, etc. This sound however, is distinguishable from kennel cough.