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Beagle Facts Life Expectancy: 14 years Size: up to 13in or 13-16in Noise: Talkative Common Health Problems: Some eye problems, weight gain Breed Recognized By: AKC, CKC, FCI, KC Alternate Names: English Beagle Friendliness | Loyal to family members and children, quickly warms to friendly strangers and can adapt to small animals | Grooming | Low-maintenance | Energy | Moderate to low, 30min of exercise a day | Trainability | Obedience classes recommended \ | The first record of Beagles dates back to the 14th century. Originally smaller, Beagles were carried by hunters in pouches or saddlebags. When hunters lost track of their quarry, they would release the Beagles and rely on the dog’s keen nose to discover the trail. The Beagle as we know it today was developed in England in the 1830’s. The Beagle has a strong pack instinct and loves to be with its family. Adults and children alike are readily accepted into the Beagle’s pack. While the Beagle is not notably territorial, it will greet a stranger with its distinctive baying bark and will continue to view him with suspicion until the stranger is greeted by a member of the family. Beagles are scent hounds with a strong instinct to hunt, so small animals must be introduced to a Beagle with care. Once it is clear that the animal is part of the pack, the Beagle will treat it with the same loyalty and affection it shows the rest of the family. Beagles have short, smooth coats that are easy to care for. Regular brushing with a hound glove is all that is needed to keep a Beagle clean. Beagles are very adaptable and will accept any amount of exercise. However, Beagles that do not have a chance to run and play are prone to weight gain. Beagles are tough, sturdy dogs that enjoy roughhousing with children. While a daily walk is the ideal form of exercise, Beagles will be happy as long as they have a yard to run and play in and a family member to play with. Beagles are intelligent dogs, but like all scent hounds, they are prone to wandering if left unattended. The Beagle’s drive to follow a scent is so strong it will often pay attention to nothing else. For this reason, it is recommended that first time dog owners consult a professional dog trainer for their Beagle.
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