Country of Origin: Great Britain
Group: Scenthounds and Related Breeds
Section: Scenthounds
Original Function: trailing rabbits
Todays Function: trailing rabbits, field trials, contraband detection, beagle field trials
Dimension Male: 33-40 cm
Dimension Female: 33-40 cm
Weight Male: 10-14 kg
Weight Female: 9-12 lg
Litter Size: 2-14 puppies, average 7
Life span: 12-15 years
Other Names: English Beagle
Colors: Tri-color, black/tan, orange/white, lemon/white, red/white. beagles appear in a range of colors incl
Living: Beagles are small enough to fare well in an apartment but enjoy their time in the outdoors as well.
Recognized: CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR
Description
A hardy, sturdy squarely-built, small hound. The Beagle has a sleek, easy-care, short coat, which can come in any hound color, for example, tri-color, black and tan, red and white, orange and white, or lemon and white. The coat is close, hard and of medium length. The beagle looks like a small English Foxhound. The skull is broad and slightly rounded, and the muzzle is straight and square. The feet are round and strong. The black nose has full nostrils for scenting. The long, wide ears are pendant. The brown or hazel eyes have a characteristic pleading expression. The tail is carried gaily, but never curled over the back. Beagles have a distinct howl / bay of a bark when they are on the hunt. Video Clip of a Beagle"s Baying Bark
Temperament
One of the most amiable hounds, the beagle was bred as a pack hunter and needs companionship, whether human or canine. It loves to explore the outdoors and is an enthusiastic trailer. Given adequate exercise, it is a calm, tractable house pet. It is an excellent child"s dog, gentle, incredibly tolerant and always ready to join in a game or an adventure. It is an independent breed, however, and may run off if a trail beckons. It barks and howls.
Excercise
The beagle needs daily exercise, either a long walk on leash or a romp in a safe area. It can live outdoors in temperate climates as long as it is given warm shelter and bedding. It is a social dog, however, and needs the companionship of either other dogs or its human family; as such, it is usually happiest if it can divide its time between the house and yard.
Grooming
The Beagle"s smooth short-haired coat is easy to look after. Brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe with mild soap only when necessary. Dry shampoo occasionally. Be sure to check the ears carefully for signs of infection and keep the nails trimmed. T
Health
Major concerns: intervertebral disc disease, CHD
Minor concerns: glaucoma, epilepsy
Occasionally seen: deafness, hemophilia A, cataracts
Suggested tests: hip, eye