Beagle Information:  How To Keep Your Beagle Happy And Healthy

Beagles today are one of the most popular breeds of dog in the United States. According to the American Kennel Club, the Beagle is currently among the top five breeds in registration numbers, and has been for the last several years. They have a merry, even clownish personality and they love children, which makes them a great family dog. Beagles are usually easy to care for but there is some Beagle information you should know before you get a Beagle so you can keep your dog happy and healthy.

1. How large do Beagles get?

Beagles are a small dog, but they are very active and they require a great deal of exercise. They come in two sizes: dogs that are up to 13 inches tall at the shoulder; and dogs that are over 13 inches and up to 15 inches tall at the shoulder. They should not be over 15 inches tall. Even though they are a small breed, Beagles are hounds and they have been bred to hunt rabbits for centuries. They have an amazing nose and they are very keen hunters. The important Beagle information you should remember is that, despite their small size, Beagles are still hunting dogs. Given the opportunity, your Beagle will follow a scent and take off hunting. Even if your Beagle is safely in your backyard, if he smells something interesting, he could try to dig his way out of your yard to pursue a rabbit. When walking your Beagle you will need to be alert. If your Beagle catches the scent of something interesting, he could easily pull the leash from you and take off after it. He is always ready to hunt.

2. Do Beagles do well as apartment dogs?

Beagles do not make the best apartment dogs for a couple of reasons. First, Beagles do require lots of exercise. It’s possible a Beagle could live in an apartment, but only if you are committed to giving him lots of walks and taking him on runs every day. Secondly, Beagles are very vocal. They are a hound breed. Part of their original job was to bay or give voice when they found prey, to let the hunter know where the quarry was. Unfortunately, Beagles, like many hounds, also give voice when they live in apartments. Neighbors who live nearby in an apartment building may not appreciate your Beagle baying. It is possible for a Beagle to live in an apartment setting, but the important Beagle information for you to consider is the nature of the Beagle. They do need lots of exercise and they are very vocal. Consider these things carefully before deciding to get a Beagle if you live in an apartment.

3. Do Beagles shed?

Yes, Beagles do shed. They shed quite a lot according to Beagle breeders and owners. Although Beagles have a hard, smooth hound coat, it is a double coat, with both an undercoat to keep them warm and an outer layer to protect them from the elements. They have a heavy seasonal shed and they will shed smaller amounts throughout the year. The coat is easy to care for. It requires regular brushing and an occasional bath. The Beagle’s ears should be cleaned regularly and you should check them often as the breed is prone to ear infections. The important Beagle information to remember here is that Beagles do shed a lot which means they are not usually a good choice of dog for people who suffer from allergies.

4. Do Beagles get along well with other animals?

Yes and no. As hunting hounds, particularly for hunting rabbits, Beagles were raised and kept in large packs of dogs. Many hunters still raise Beagles and hunt with them in this fashion today. Beagles generally get along very well with other dogs. They are happy to live in a home with a pack of dogs in residence and they understand how to live in a pack structure. However, since they do have very strong hunting instincts, your Beagle is likely to view any cats or other small animals in the home as potential prey. This is especially true if you have gerbils or guinea pigs, or, heaven forbid, any rabbits in the home. It would be very difficult to keep these pets in the home if you had a Beagle. Your Beagle has been bred for centuries to hunt small animals such as these. The important Beagle information for you to remember is that Beagles get along great with other dogs, but it’s very risky to have other small animals in the home with a Beagle.

Beagles make wonderful family pets, particularly if you have some space for them and they can get plenty of exercise each day. They love children and they love their families. They are usually not too hard to train, although they may ignore you if they smell something interesting. A Beagle has strong hunting instincts and a great nose. Anyone who wants to own a Beagle must always take these facts into consideration when owning a Beagle.

Related Articles:

Beagle Health Problems: What You Should Know About Your Beagle’s Health

Beagle Temperament: What’s Good? What’s Bad?

Beagle Life Expectancy: Help Your Beagle Live A Long And Healthy Life

Beagle Training: How To Train A Beagle You Can Live With

Do Beagles Shed? How To Care For Your Beagle’s Coat