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Beagle
Breed:
Belongs to the group of hounds/hunting dogs.
- The Beagle belongs to a group of hunting dogs known as scent hounds, which use scent to search and find their prey. It is a medium-sized hunting dog used primarily for hunting rabbits and even larger hares.
- It is similar in appearance to a Foxhound but smaller with shorter legs, and with longer, softer ears.
- Presently, they are used for trailing rabbits, field trials and contraband detection.
- Beagles are generally gentle-tempered and friendly. Some people think they can be obstinate and hard to train. Beagles are usually not aggressive and do well with children.
Origin:
Country/region of origin: England
- The origins of the beagle can be traced to the mid-19th century, though a hound similar to beagle was used to hunt rabbits in the 14th century.
- The breed was developed in the British Isles. Besides being favoured as a rabbit hunter, the beagle was a favorite breed of Queen Elizabeth.
- History suggests that the basis of the breed may have come from the pack hounds used in England before Roman times.
- Some experts suggest that the Beagle was born from crossing the Harrier with other English hounds. Whatever the true origin, the Beagle was used expansively by hunters, who followed these dogs on foot.
Personality:
- They are an especially loyal breed, intelligent, good-natured and docile.
- Friendly and lovable, the beagle’s tail is perpetually wagging.
- The breed is not aggressive, but, with its loud bark, will alert the owner of any intruders.
- The beagle loves and needs companionship from humans and other dogs because of its history as a pack hunter.
Home adjustment:
- Beagles are excellent choices for families with children.
- The breed’s easygoing and relaxed nature makes them understanding family members that love to participate in games.
- Beagles do not enjoy being left alone for long periods of time. They can easily become frustrated and bored, leading to behavioural problems, including destructive behaviour.
- If provided with sufficient exercise, the beagle can be a wonderful house-dog. It is particularly good with children because of its gentle, tolerant nature, and it always enjoys a good game.
Care:
- The beagle should be provided with exercise on a daily basis, which can consist of a long walk. Obesity is a common health problem due to people overfeeding them.
- Due to their short hair coat, beagles do not require special grooming. This breed is considered to be an average shedder.
- The Beagle's ears are long and floppy, causing ear infections, so be careful to regularly clean them. Other diseases include epilepsy, cataract.
- Sometimes their eyelashes grow into the eye and irritate the eye, also known as distichiasis which might require surgery to remove the eyelashes.
- The breed does well in obedience training, but at times the beagle may act stubborn. Some even have trouble with housebreaking.