Beagle

Quick facts

	AKC Group:	Hound
	Height:	12-15 Inches
	Weight:	18-30 pounds
	Colors:	Any recognized hound color
AKC recognized in:		1885

The Beagle ranks number five in popularity of all dog breeds in America for 2008. This could be because of the recent win by Uno, the first beagle to win best in show at Westminster Kennel Club. Or it could be because of some of the famous families that have owned Beagles, like President LBJ and Him, Her, and Edgar. Or perhaps the celebrity Beagles, like Porthos, Captain Archer's companion on the Starship Enterprise, or Mr. Peabody of Rocky and Bullwinkle fame. Or could it be that famous World War I flying ace, Snoopy, from Peanuts?

The AKC recognizes two classes of Beagle, those under 13 inches in height and those between 13 and 15 inches. A height of greater than 15 inches is a disqualification in the AKC, but some kennel clubs recognize a height up to 16 inches.

The Beagle has been around since the fourteenth century, but not in its current form. Beagles were used during the Civil war, but were then cross-breeded with the English variety to give us the Beagle of today.

Temperament

Beagle Summary
Affection
Cold Tolerance
Ease of Training
Energy level
Exercise Requirements
Friendliness : Children
Friendliness: Other Animals
Friendliness: Other Pets
Grooming Requirements
Heat Tolerance
Playfulness
Protection Ability
Watchdog Ability

The Beagle is among the most amiable breeds. It will get along well with other dogs, other pets, and children. Because it was bred as a pack dog, it requires companionship, either human or other dogs, to thrive.

The Beagle is an excellent dog for children, being very tolerant, and willing to explore. As long as the Beagle gets enough exercise, it is a very calm, tractable house pet

Beagles are extremely stubborn and strong-willed, so early and ongoing obedience training is a must. Without training, they can become unruly and defiant.

Health and Exercise

Beagles have an average life span of 12 to 15 years. In general, they will enjoy an active and healthy life, but some are prone to certain hereditary illnesses/diseases, including:

• Hip dysplasia
• Intervertebral disc disease
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy
• Epilepsy
• Hyperthyroidism

Beagles do well as indoor dogs, as long as they have access to a fenced in yard (Note that they can be diggers, so precautions may need to be taken at the fence perimeter). Exercise requirements are mild, and can normally be fulfilled with a daily walk on the leash or playing in the yard.

Visitor Comments

This is your chance to add your feedback. Do you have a Beagle in your family, or know one in someone elses? Do you have a story to tell related to that Beagle? Or maybe you have more questions that either DogNation.net or another of our visitors might be able to help you with? Feel free to add your comment or question below.

There is currently one comment.

1

Beagles are actually prone to HYPOthyroidism (usually caused by lymphocytic thyroiditis, an immune mediated condition that may have a genetic basis, this is still to be determined) - not hyperthyroidism as you have stated.  Hyperthyroidism is very rare in all dogs, it is common in cats however.

2012-01-13 01:11:26

Dr Janette Mattey

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