Beagles are small hound dogs that are gentle and well-tempered and are highly intelligent. They make excellent companions. They just might be the dog for you! Here’s everything you need to know about one of Australia’s favourite breeds.
Breed Snapshot
- Size Small dogs (10-11.3kg)
- Coat Beagles shed moderately all year but shed more in the springtime.
- Energy Lots of energy and need lots of activity to stay healthy and happy. An adult Beagle needs about 60-90 minutes of activity a day.
- Lifespan 12-15 years
- Country of origin United Kingdom (England specifically)
- Breed type Beagles are a small hound that are similar in appearance to the foxhound. Temperament: gentle and even-tempered.
- Other names Beagle
Great breed for
• Families with children
• Homes with big yards
• Friendly with other animals (including cats if you have one)
What is a Beagle?
Beagles are a scent hound that were bred for hunting hare, otherwise known as beagling. They’re excellent trackers thanks to their noses and keen sense of smell. They were used as detection dogs for prohibited agricultural goods! They’re intelligent and don’t have many health issues.
They were developed in Great Britain around the 1830s from many breeds including the Talbot Hound, North Country Beagle, Southern Hound and Harrier. They became popular during the Elizabethan times in both book and paintings and modern-day films and tv shows!
What do Beagles look like?
Beagles are very similar to the Foxhound however their heads are larger and they have shorter legs in proportion to their body. On average, they are 33-41 centimeters tall and weigh about 8-15kg. They have long, droopy ears and a broad chest.
They can come in a few different colours including the tricoloured beagle, white with black and light brown spots and shading. This is the most popular colour way. There’s also tricoloured Beagles that have a broken pattern of colours which is referred to as pied. Colours can vary from tan, red, orange, brown, liver and black!
What makes the Beagle special?
Beagles are well-known for their strong sense of smell and for being inquisitive. When they catch someone or soemthing’s scent, they’ll run off and follow it. Beagles have been featured in animal comic strips and animated cartoons since the 1950s. The famous character “Snoopy” was based on a Beagle!
How often do I need to groom my Beagle?
Because Beagles have short hair, they don’t need to be groomed too often. Frequent bathing can irritate the skin below the fur. A quality bristle brush is perfect for them and brushing them once a week is all they need.
How often should I walk my Beagle?
Beagles should be walked at least once a day. Ideally, twice a day is best! Because they’re driven by their noses and different smells, they love to roam. Going to an off-leash dog park gives them the chance to do what they were inherently bred to do. Some Beagles may require more cardio other than your average walk. You can try playing fetch, going on a hike or playing with them.
How do I train my Beagle?
If you get your Beagle when they’re a puppy, you’ll first want to teach your pup where the designated food, water and the place to their business is located. Beagles are highly motivated through food, praise and enthusiasm and positive reinforcement. Beagles have a sensitive nature so it’s important to be stern but keep your tone light!
Keep your training sessions short, fun and implement some games. Pet Cloud offers dog training classes. A trainer will come to your home and use positive reinforcement techniques in line with RSPCA guidance to teach your puppy.
Quickfire Beagle Questions
How long will my Beagle live?
Beagles have a lifespan of about 12-15 years.
Can my Beagle be left alone during the day?
Beagles crave attention from their “pack” more than other dogs. If you have to leave the house for more than 6-8 hours, it’s recommended to give them a walk beforehand. This will help get some of their extra energy out. If they’re left alone often, they can develop separation anxiety. Beagles are known to bark excessively when they’re bored or home alone.
Are Beagles “barkers”?
Beagles are some of the barkiest dogs out there. They have a natural howl, will yelp and bark when they’re left home alone. But don’t despair! You can train your Beagle to stop barking through positive reinforcement and commands.
What kind of health risks do Beagles face?
Beagles are prone to epilepsy, hypothyroidism and dwarfism. There are two conditions that are unique to Beagles: “Funny Puppy” which is where the puppy develops slowly and eventually gets weak legs as a result. The other is MLS which is when their eyes are slanted and outer toes are underdeveloped.
It’s recommended to do yearly checkups to make sure your pup is healthy and happy!
Where can I get a Beagle?
So, you’ve finally decided to bring home a Beagle? Awesome! There are a couple things to consider: adoption or a breeder. There are tons of dogs that need a chance at a new home. If you decide to go the adoption route, be sure to check out RSPCA’s adoption guide for more information.
If you want to go through a breeder and buy your Beagle puppy, make sure they don’t support puppy farms. The RSPCA also has a handy guide for finding the right breeder.
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