Height: 13-15 inches
Weight: 18-30 lbs.
Life Span: 13-14 yrs.
Breed Group: Scent Hounds
Overview
The beagle is one of the most popular breeds because it is friendly with
people and other animals, loves children, does well with moderate exercise,
and can adapt to life in the city, suburbs, or country.
Socialization and obedience training at an early age are necessary to avoid
behavioral problems, such as digging holes in the yard or constant barking
and/or howling. The beagle has a tendency to roam while following a scent.
Appearance
The beagle, which is meant to resemble a miniature foxhound, has a close,
hard, medium-length coat. All true hound colors--white, tan, and black in
different combinations and with any kind of markings--are seen.
Grooming & Exercise Needs
The beagle needs to be groomed with a hound glove once a week. Beagles enjoy
vigorous daily walks or the chance to run in a secured area.
Origins
Beagles are an ancient breed with a clouded history. Small hounds used to
hunt hare existed in the British Isles for centuries, probably arriving
with the Celts. Breedings to French scent hounds gave us the dogs we know
as beagles today.
Breed-related health concerns: hypothyroidism, glaucoma, progressive
retinal atrophy, cataracts, intervertebral disc protrusion, epilepsy, bleeding
disorders, atopy, pulmonic stenosis.
Reference: AKC - American Kennel Club |
