Description

The Beagle has soft brown eyes that betray his warm personality but does not reveal his admirable courage and stamina. A truly trustworthy friend can be found in Beagles and they make a great family pet as they are eager to romp and play. A good watchdog, Beagle can also be trained to hunt. Also known as the “singing Beagle,” he has a sweet hunting voice, but it left alone may howl. However, training will alleviate this problem. He will adapt well to a home or kennel environment, but new owners should be aware of natural hunting instincts and that the beagle should not be left alone for long periods of time.

Size of Male: Height: 13-15 inches Weight: 18-30 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 13-15 inches Weight: 18-28 pounds

Temperament

The Beagle is a gentle, sweet, lively and curious dog that just loves everyone! Beagle is a happy little tail-wagger! Beagles are sociable, brave and intelligent. Calm and loving. Excellent with children and generally good with other dogs, the Beagle should not be trusted with non-canine pets, unless they are socialized with cats and other household animals when they are young. Beagles have minds of their own. They are determined and watchful and require patient, firm training. This breed doesn’t like being left alone. Consider buying two if you will be gone a lot. A Beagle has a loud baying cry that was a delight to hunting horsemen, but can be disturbing to family and neighbors. Beagles also have a tendency to follow their own noses. They may take off on their own exploration if let off their leash in an unfenced area.

Living Conditions

Beagles will do ok in an apartment if they get plenty of chances to be outdoors. Beagles are very active indoors and a small yard will be sufficient. Allowing the beagle to exercise daily is important as it will help your pet to be healthy and remove destructive behavior that usually happens out of boredom.

Upkeep

The Beagle needs daily exercise, either a long walk on leash or a romp in a safe area. Beagle can live outdoors in temperate climates as long as it is given warm shelter and bedding. Beagle is a social dog, however, and needs the companionship of either other dogs or its human family; as such, it is usually happiest if it can divide its time between the house and yard. If you are not at home most of the time and do not have a yard it is good to have more than one Beagle so they do not feel alone. Brushing the beagles coat at least once or twice a week is also important as to keep your beagle healthy.

Health

Major concerns: intervertebral disc disease, Hip dysplasia

Minor concerns: Glaucoma, Cherry Eye, Epilepsy, Progressive retinal atrophy, Lens luxation

Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years