Beagle Dog Breed

beagle dog sitting down

Are you looking for an active and tolerant furry companion? Beagle dogs are among the most common breeds you can find and adopt in animal shelters. Find out more about the breed and why it could be the right option for you and your household.

Beagle Breed Basics

  • Size: Medium
  • Weight: 9-11kg
  • Life expectancy: 12-15 years
  • ClassificationHunting
  • Good with other dogs: yes
  • Good with kids: yes
  • Good with cats: yes

History & Origin

While the Beagle’s origin remains unknown, they are similar to the Harrier and the now extinct Southern Hound. Originally bred by wealthy Englishmen to hunt hare (also known as ‘beagling’), the Beagle dog breed can be traced as far back as 16th century. By the late 19th century, the breed gained popularity in both England and the US.

Beagles have a very keen sense of smell to track their prey. For this reason, they tend to serve the United States Department of Agriculture to detect contraband food items in luggage.

You may also recognize the Beagle dog breed from the Peanuts comic as the cartoon character of Snoopy.

Appearance

Beagles are distinguished by their long, floppy ears and black, tan, and white coat. Moreover, they have a squarish muzzle and a rounded skull. They also appear bowlegged due to their

Behavior

Beagles are extremely loving and exceptionally tolerant of people. Because of this, they are often used in laboratories as research animals. Make sure to microchip your Beagle, as they tend to be targets for thieves that want to sell them to such research centers for profit.

One of the Beagle’s most distinctive behaviors is its mournful baying, so keep that in mind if you have intolerant neighbors. In addition, they are notorious food thieves that will raid your trash. Hence, training them is essential.

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Training

Beagles are reportedly difficult to housetrain. Crate training is most recommended for this reason. It can prevent them from chewing on items around the house while providing a comfortable space for them to be in. However, make sure that you don’t keep them within a crate for long periods because they might feel entrapped or imprisoned.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Beagle dogs good house pets?

Beagles are great with family members, including children, due to their loving, sweet and gentle temperament. However, while they can do well indoors, they require proper training and long, daily walks.

Are Beagles lazy?

The older they get, the lazier Beagles grow. Make sure to motivate them enough to remain active throughout the years, as they are a breed prone to obesity.

What are Beagle dogs known for?

Beagle dogs are skillful rabbit hunters. However, nowadays they make better house companions than hunters.

Now you’re up to date on the Beagle dog breed! Still got questions? Then book a video consultation with one of our qualified veterinarians to get advice on your pet questions within minutes.

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