Beagle Features
Beagles typically grow to between 20 and 30 pounds. Most have a short, smooth tri-color (white, black & tan) coat, but two-color coats (usually white & tan) are not uncommon. Some tri-color beagles will lose their black markings as they age. They are also bred in two different sizes and both can be present in the same litter, so if you’re intent on one over the other, you’ll need to wait about nine months to bring home your newest member of the family.
Beagle Temperament
Beagles are an affectionate and loyal breed, making them excellent family dogs. Along with loyalty though, can come some pretty stubborn behaviors.
As with most hunting dogs, their sniffers are the center of their universe. As such, they can override everything at times. Yes – even the repeated and reasonable requests of their parents! Most trainers with experience will tell you that the key to working with beagles is to make everything into a game, enabling you to hold his attention long enough to learn what you’re asking of him.
Beagles are a pack breed and typically become very attached to their humans. As such, they are an excellent addition to families with children.
If you’ve done any research into beagles at all, you’re probably aware of the fact that they love to “talk”. Their reputation for being vocal leads to some common concerns on the part of potential owners. Do they bark a lot? Do beagles howl? The answer is that they do employ some very distinct sounds, from barking to braying, for different situations and yes, they do like to howl. They also love food, even more than most dogs. For these reasons, you’ll need to keep a vigilant eye to be sure “people food” is kept out of your beagle’s reach. On the flip side, their love of food can be a plus when training. A beagle will do just about anything you ask if you’re holding a treat.
All of these potentially negative tendencies can be curbed simply by making sure your beagle is never bored. Having a household with children or another dog to play with and plenty of toys is a happy place for most beagles.
Beagle Grooming and Maintenance
It’s critical to remember that as hunting dogs, beagles definitely need their exercise. You’ve no doubt encountered those poor pups that are cooped up in apartments and have “put on the pounds” as a result. If you’re interested in owning a beagle, please be sure your lifestyle can accommodate frequent walks or your budget can accommodate a regular dog walker. When can you carve out the time, a walk with a beagle is typically a very relaxing experience for the parent on the other end of the leash. Beagles live to investigate the world through smell, so you can expect long casual walks with lots of stops along the route.
A fenced-in or perimeter-controlled yard or an off-leash dog walker is also a must! The inner hunter loves to explore and their sniffers will lead them away in a single-minded chase if they’re not in some way prevented from doing so. That same one track mind can also lead to selected listening, so don’t hold it against him if he’s too busy tracking to come to your calls.
Like many breeds, beagles do have a few genetic health issues to keep an eye out for as your beagle ages. Among them are hip dysplasia, diabetes and seizure disorders. It’s impossible to tell whether or not these are areas of concern for a particular puppy, so it’s important to ensure your chosen breeder is reputable and has solid references.
Do beagles shed a lot? While they do shed year-round, a good brushing a couple of times a week will keep the household “fallout” to a minimum. In general, beagles definitely fall on the low maintenance side of the grooming spectrum.Unless he’s found something fun to roll in, a bath every three months or so should be sufficient. Along with their cute floppy ears, comes a heightened responsibility to keep them clean. Finally, as with most breeds, you’ll need to keep his nails trimmed to the point where you can’t hear them clicking on the floor
Beagle Fun Facts
- Beagles are frequently employed by the US Department of Agriculture. They undergo a three-month training program and help to patrol airports across the country for weapons, drugs, and foods that could carry dangerous insects or diseases.
- While your beagle will undoubtedly be the world’s most adorable, they still have some famous shoes to fill. Beagles have roamed the grounds of the White House and are a huge part of popular culture. Snoopy (Peanuts), Mr. Peabody (Rocky and Bullwinkle) and Odie (Garfield) are some of their more famous tinsel town extended family!
When you bring a beagle home, you are literally adding a new member to the family. He will become fiercely attached to his new pack, so please be confident in your decision. Just like many humans we all know, he can be stubborn and willful. That dedication and enthusiasm will also shine in his love for you, though. Would we really want it any other way?