All About Beagle

All About Beagle

The Beagle is one of man’s oldest friends.

Oppian wrote around 200-AD;

“There is a kind of dog of mighty fame,

For hunting worthier of a fairer frame,

By painted Britons brave in war they’re bred,

Are Beagles called and to the chase are led,

Their bodies’ small and if so mean a shape,

You’d think them curs that under tables gape”

Now there is some controversy about whether this is a true translation, or whether it is even accurate, as the Beagle as a particular breed was not called so until many centuries later. But what it may illustrate to us is just how long the hound that is commonly referred to as Beagle, has been around. What it also shows us is that the Beagle was and has been consistently bred as a hunting hound, and in particular bred for small prey like Hares and Rabbits.

The Beagle is of European origin, and is particularly associated with Britain. It has been a constant companion in the hunt for hare and small prey for centuries, gracing both royal packs, and common packs equally. They are bred for the foot chase.

To-day and due to changes in social attitude toward hunting and killing wild animals for sport, the Beagle has had to be more adopted to being a domestic household pet, rather than the “meat provider” for the evening meal as it was in the past. As such it is an admirable companion pet for any household.

But what characteristics and traits are particular to the breed that make it such a good all-around family pet?

Here are 20 Facts about the Beagle.

1. Good Rabbit dog.
2. Family dog par excellence.
3. Beagle size, combined with his hardiness and his short coat and his good appetite make it an easy family dog to own.
4. Good apartment dog or house dog.
5. It is amenable, good natured, loving and gentle.
6. Clean dog. Seldom needs to be bathed or brushed.
7. A toweling down after a wet romp is all it needs to look clean and healthy.
8. Splendid appetite that is non-discriminatory. If it looks like food, they will eat it with pleasure.
9. Versatile dog. Very “Outdoorsy”
10. Equally lazy and liking the “Home Comforts”
11. Do not need to be kept outside – Fallacy.
12. Do not need to be run for miles over open country – Fallacy.
13. A Beagle will prosper with exactly the same exercise as any small dog.
14. Free run of your apartment or house combined with the trips outside for toilet or walks is adequate for its exercise needs in general.
15. Do not let a Beagle off the leash. They are scent hounds by breeding and if they pick up a scent, they are on it, and will adopt “Selective Hearing” until the scent plays out.
16. As a watchdog the Beagle is alert. It will warn intruders with a deep throaty “Baroooooooooh” and are noted for having a very musical hound voice.
17. Great with kids – showing endless patience and showing a very kind nature.
18. Easy to train, and easy to train as a work dog.
19. Excel at obedience and tracking.
20. Good healthy lifespan, with few ailments particular to the breed.

Beagles range from 10” which are considered “Pocket Beagles” on up to a maximum height of 15” which are considered “Foot Beagles” The average height of a pet quality Beagle is between 10” – 13”.

The true color of a Beagle emerges around the three week mark, and can be a Tri-color, or a mottled or single color so do not be overly concerned on color, after all;

“A good horse cannot be a bad color”

How to choose a Beagle Puppy?

1. Take your time and care in picking a pup.
2. Must radiate good health and spirit.
3. Must be lively on their feet.
4. The eyes should be bright and the coat should shine.
5. The puppy should come forward eagerly to make your acquaintance.

Which Puppy should you avoid?

1. Avoid the shy “Little Darlings” that want to retreat to their bed or box.
2. The puppy that plays coy behind other puppies or people.
3. The puppy that hides its head under your arm or jacket appealing to your protective nature instinct.

As a general rule……”Pick The Puppy That Picks You” The feeling of attraction should be mutual. After all you may be together for a lot of years so make a careful considered choice.

The Basic’s That a Beagle Puppy Needs?

1. Food bowl.
2. Water bowl.
3. Bed. https://goo.gl/K91iUP
4. Leash https://goo.gl/Ub47JF
   and Harness https://goo.gl/PvbCmg
5. ID Tag.Crate for Travelling and House-training.
6. Lots of Toys https://goo.gl/pgCYPv
   ,and Chews  
7. Grooming supplies.

When your puppy gets used to its new surroundings over the first couple of days, it is now time to slowly break the puppy in. I have found through experience that a Soft Harness is better than a leash for a lot of reasons. A harness does not have the risk of choking the puppy, as it learns to walk on a leash. A good practice is to use a tie-out stake in the backyard or garden or park, and let the puppy play itself out a few times getting used to the feel of being harnessed. Then graduate to short walks. By doing it this way, you will lessen the natural resistance that the pup will have to being tethered and restrained and will find that the pup adopts very quickly to being on the leash.

It is not necessary to bathe a Beagle puppy, unless they have rolled in something, otherwise avoid bathing as it will rob the coat of natural oils which are necessary as a conditioner for skin and coat. The only grooming that the puppy will need is;

1. Brush the coat with a Hand Glove Brush about once a week to gently remove any dead hair or skin.
2. Comb the coat twice monthly with a Flea comb.
3. Cut nails about every three months.
4. Comb coat as necessary with a de-shedding brush.
5. Towel dry coat if wet.

Otherwise, enjoy what may be your best all round family pet, that is low maintenance, loyal, happy, playful, easy to raise, great with kids, clean in habit,

humorous by nature, 

good for a house, apartment, city, or country dwelling.