BCBC member Trisha Sheehan and 'Copper' tracking.
The beagle is a small, compact, short-haired hound. With ancestry dating back to 200 AD, the beagle was bred to track small game by scent. The breed, as it is known today, was developed in England.
Sportsmen in North America imported beagles to hunt rabbit and hare, usually in packs or braces (pairs). Dog shows made their appearance in the US in the late 1800s, and beagles were in attendance.
Today, there are hundreds of beagle clubs throughout the US and Eastern Canada which carry out licensed field and pack trials. Beagles also compete in Conformation, Obedience, Tracking, Flyball, and also in Agility, where their athleticism and problem-solving abilities come in handy.
MERRY LITTLE HOUND
There are many attributes which make the beagle a lovely family pet....for the right family. It is an attractive little hound, four-square, with a short, smooth coat. It has long soft ears and a gentle, pleading expression. A beagle ranges in weight from 15 to 30 pounds, and in height from about 12 to 16 inches at the withers. The official Standard requires that they be 15" or less at the withers to be shown. The usual colours seen are tri-colour (black, tan and white) and tan and white (also called lemon and white or red and white), but, as the Standard states; they can be 'any hound color'. Many beagles have 'freckles' on their white legs. They always have white feet and a white tip on their tail. The purpose of the white tail tip is to make them easy to follow in the field, as the waving white tips clearly show the pack's location.
PERSONALITY
The beagle is a bright, inquisitive, active little hound whose hightly developed sense of smell makes him a wanderer by nature. He is hardy and talkative, and quick to bark.
A beagle puppy is irresistible; but puppies grow up, and the beagle adolescence (six months to two years) is an exuberant one. The pretty little puppy gets bigger and stronger, requires more exercise, and will chew anything in sight. Some dig and climb, so a well-fenced yard is a necessity.
Contrary to popular belief, beagles do benefit from obedience training. A positive-reinforcement method works best, as most beagles will happily do anything for a tasty treat, but 'turn off' when harsh methods are used.
HEALTH The beagle is basically a very healthy breed, but you should select carefully to avoid genetically-influenced problems such as: epilepsy, disc disease, thyroid abnormalities, hip dysplasia and 'cherry eye'. Ask the breeder what health screens have been done on the sire and dam. Hips can be tested (OFA) and thyroid function can be checked on prospective sires and dams, which is no guarantee on the health of the puppies, but it's a start. Epilepsy, disc disease and cherry eye are more difficult as there are as yet no tests for these tendencies. Ask if any of the puppy's ancestors suffered from these problems.
It is not unusual for beagles to live to the age of 14 or 15. At that age, they will require special care for some of the infirmities of age.
HEALTH CARE
As with any pet, health care is important. Hearty eaters, beagles quickly put on weight if the amount of food is not carefully monitored. Feed your beagle once or twice a day, do not leave food out free choice. You should be able to easily feel your beagle's ribs, and he should have a distinctive 'waist'.
Proper early and continuing vaccinations, attention to worming (including Heartworm testing and prevention) are essential. Fleas need to be controlled. You will need a friendly and helpful veterinarian to guide you.
GROOMING
Regular, weekly grooming is necessary to ensure good health; and is an excellent opportunity to closely monitor your beagles well-being. Give him a rub-down with a hound glove or similar rubber brush to remove loose hairs. Nail trimming weekly helps keep the nails short with minimum fuss. Brush his teeth, as recommended by your veterinarian. In addition, it is very important to clean and check your beagles' ears every week. Although all dogs are subject to ear infections, especially if the ears get wet, beagles and other dogs with heavy pendulous ears seem to suffer more as the ears get less air circulation. Never allow water or oils to enter his ears; plug them with cotton before bathing. A solution of alcohol and vinegar (1/3), or a proprietary brand of ear cleaner applied to a cotton ball will swab the ears clean.
HOUSING
Arrrangements should include a comfortable private spot in the house, such as a properly-sized crate (at least at night), a fenced yard for exercise, and escape-proof gates. Adequate shade, water, and protection from poisonous plants and insecticides are essential when your beagle is outside. Baby-proof your house before the puppy comes home, paying special attention to dangerous items such as electrical cords, plants etc. The front door is perhaps the most dangerous part of your house - many beagles simply pop out and into the street when someone comes to the door. Consider baby-gating to keep your beagle safely away from temptation.
MAKING A COMMITMENT
The beagle is an ideal pet for a family with children 6 and up, and for the family with one member home during the day. Everyone in the family must be willing to make the commitment to spend time, love and money on this fun-loving little hound.
REMEMBER: BUY FROM A BREEDER
Pet shops cannot be relied on to provide you with a healthy, genetically sound puppy; one whose parents were carefully selected to produce beagle puppies that will remain healthy in the years to come.
