Beagles are Dogs with a Heart of Gold

Are you considering getting a Beagle as your next family pet? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Beagles are one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the world, and for good reason. They are friendly, loyal, and make great companions.

Beagles have been around since the 19th century and were originally bred as hunting dogs. They are a medium-sized breed, usually weighing between 18 and 30 pounds. Beagles have short, smooth coats that come in a variety of colors, including black, white, tan, and red.

Beagles are known for their intelligence and eagerness to please. They are also very active dogs who love to explore and play. Beagles are great with children and other pets, making them an ideal family pet.

Beagles are very loyal and loving companions. They enjoy spending time outdoors, and will happily go hiking with their family. They are also very social, and enjoy playing with other dogs and people. They are highly trainable, and can be taught to perform a wide variety of tasks.

Beagles are an extremely versatile dog. They are excellent guard dogs, and they’re great with families. They are very smart, and can learn tricks quickly. They are excellent companions, and will be happy to spend hours playing with you. They are very playful and energetic and love to run and jump. They are also very gentle and docile, making them an ideal choice for people who live alone, or families with children.

Beagles are relatively easy to train, but they do require a lot of patience and consistency. They can be stubborn at times, so it’s important to stay firm and consistent with your training methods. Beagles also need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy.

While they are generally quiet and calm, they can become anxious when left alone for long periods of time. If you plan on leaving your Beagle alone for extended periods of time, you should consider getting another dog to help with any possible anxiety.

If you’re a beginner looking for a dog that is easy to train and care for, then a Beagle may be the perfect choice for you. They are relatively low maintenance and don’t require a lot of grooming or special care. Beagles are also very social dogs who love to be around people, so they make great companions.

Overall, Beagles are an excellent choice for families looking for a loyal and loving pet. They are intelligent, active, and make great companions. With the right training and care, Beagles can be a wonderful addition to any family.

Beagle Information

Average Height: 12 to 15 inches
Average Length – 20 to 25 inches
Average Weight: 20 to 30 pounds
Coat Type: Medium length
Coat Appearance: Dense double-coat that is straight and smooth
Coat Colors: Red and white; lemon and white; white and chocolate; tricolor; and white and tan.
Grooming Needs: Medium
Shedding: Medium Shedding
Brushing Requirements: Once a week is enough
Sensitive to Touch: No
Excessive Barking: No
Tolerance to Heat and Cold: No
Good Pet: Yes, they are lovable and affectionate
Safe with Children: Yes
Good with Other Dogs: High
Good with Other Pets: High
Suitable to live in an Apartment: Yes
Good for Less Experienced Pet Owners: Yes
Training: Energetic dogs who need at least an hour of exercise every day
Exercise Needs: High need
Weight Gain: Medium
Health Concerns: Epilepsy, hypothyroidism, Beagle dwarfism, eye-related diseases, hip dysplasia, Pyruvate kinase deficiency and patellar luxation
Allergies: None
Average Life Span: 10 to 15 years

Physical Appearance of Beagles

a Beagle who looks very happy to be going bye bye in the car

A Beagle’s body looks similar to a miniature foxhound. They have a small, compact body with a domed skull. Their thighs, legs, and paws are muscular and strong. They have a broad nose with a square-shaped snout. Beagles have a level back with a deep chest and a long tail. The tip of their tail looks like it was dipped in white paint. The white tip on their tail can help you keep track of them if they run off while you have them out on a walk.

Their ears are large and rounded and lay forward along the side of their face. They are known for having dark brown or hazel eyes. Many people think that their large eyes and overall facial characteristics make Beagles look super cute.

Beagles have a dense coat that is straight and smooth. Their coat is resistant to rain and like most dogs gets thicker during the winter. Their thick coat helps make the cold winters a little easier to handle.

A Beagles coat can be one of a number of patterns, shades of red and white; lemon and white; white and chocolate; tricolor; and white and tan. The most common is tricolor which is a tan brown color on their body, white shade on their chest, legs, neck, and the tip of tails with a black saddle. Unfortunately very few are a black and white Beagle like Snoopy.

Temperament of Beagles

Beagles generally have a calm and friendly attitude. They don’t have any aggressive tendencies and are known for their playful nature. Beagles find it easy to bond with people (especially children) and get along well with other pets. Their great personality and non aggressive nature is why they’re known for being excellent family dogs.

Though they are medium-energy dogs, they love to spend time relaxing with their families. Laying beside a friend, a good ear scratch and the occasional treat will keep them happy.

One thing you will notice when you take them outside, Beagles love to go out and spend time sniffing everywhere. Because they love to wander they should be kept on a leash when being taken for walks. A leash lets them wander a little, but keeps them from running away if they smell something.

Training a Beagle

a beautiful Beagle puppy running through the grass with a red ball

Though Beagles appear to be small and cute, they are known for being difficult to train.

Kennel Training

Kennel training works very well with Beagles. If done right they will see the kennel as their safe space, and a place that they can relax and sleep. Most dogs enjoy small spaces and will find a sense of security while inside it. Getting them comfortable in a kennel early on will save you a lot of headaches. You know that they can’t get into trouble while you’re sleeping or at work if they’re in their kennel. It’s also a great place for them to dry off after they come into the house when it’s wet outside.

Clicker Training

Beagles need to be trained to understand what is good behavior and what is not OK. Clicker training will help them understand what is good behavior. Clicker training has you make a noise with the clicker when the desired action is done. In addition to the click you’ll give them a treat, at least while you train them. Every time your dog hears the click they’ll know they did a good job and you are happy.

If your dog misbehaves, try not to punish them because it can discourage them. Instead, remember the clicker training and divert their attention to something else. You might have to do this several times to help your dog understand that they are not supposed to do the undesired activities.

Obedience Training Classes

Obedience training classes are a great way to help your dog learn some basic instructions. Obedience training isn’t just for your dog, it also helps owners learn to teach and control their new dog. These classes can teach you as an owner the best ways to teach your puppy.

Their Compatibility with Children

a Beagle sitting and looking like they're waiting for something

One of the best things about having Beagles as a family dog is that they bond so well with children. They are generally well behaved while playing with kids and love the attention of children.

One thing to watch for is that they have a habit of licking things a lot and picking things up. If they are not getting enough exercise they may also grab your child’s toys and start mouthing or chewing them. Chewing on small objects can be dangerous for them because they can accidentally swallow parts of it causing severe health issues. Even if they are well played with, it is best to keep the toys away from the Beagle to make sure they don’t chew them.

Another nice thing about Beagles is their small and lightweight body shouldn’t hurt your children if your dog gets jumpy. Children are usually bigger than they are, so even if they do jump, your dog usually won’t be pushing anyone over.

Teach your kids the best ways to interact with your Beagle. Children should not disturb them when they are eating because they might get bit because your dog thinks their food is being taken away. Until you know how your children and new puppy will react its best to have an adult supervise their interactions. Supervision is the best way to keep accidents from happening.

Best Climate for Beagles

Beagles are more comfortable in hot weather than cold weather. They have a fairly short coat that starts to get thicker in the fall, but cannot provide protection from freezing temperatures. If you plan to take them out in the snow, make sure they aren’t out too long or they’ll get uncomfortable.

In the summer they have a heat tolerance of up to 100 degrees. If the outside temperature exceeds 100 degrees it would be best to limit their time outside. When they do go out make sure they have enough water to drink and a shaded place to lay. Something to drink and a cool place to lay down will help prevent their body from overheating. A moderate climate that tends to lean towards the hot side is the best climate for a Beagle.

The Attention a Beagle Needs

Like most family dogs, Beagles like to stay busy. They do not like being left alone and in some cases they can develop separation anxiety. Beagles loves to be praised and cared for by the owners.

Beagles need an hour of walks, playtime or exercise each day. Making sure they get their exercise time will keep them physically fit and also keep them mentally stimulated. Beagles love to go for walks and if you can take them out in the morning and again in the evening you will have a very happy dog. In addition to walks they love to have time to just run around. If you have a fenced yard or a dog park near your home this will be perfect for them. Dogs who have their exercise needs met tend to have much less behavioral problems than other dogs.

Even if you don’t have time to play with them they can still play in the yard alone. If you will not be with them make sure they have something to play with or something to chew on so they will not get bored. When Beagles become bored they tend to act out by digging or chewing things. It’s always a good idea to check your yard around the fence line occasionally to make sure that your Beagle isn’t trying to dig under it and escape. It takes much less time than you think for them to dig a hole.

Health Issues

Most Beagles will remain healthy throughout their life, but there are a few diseases that their breed might deal with.

Intervertebral Disk Disease

Canine Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD) is a condition that affects a dog’s intervertebral disks in their spine. These disks are located between each vertebra and act as cushions to absorb shock and provide flexibility in their spine. When these disks become damaged or degenerate, they can cause pain, paralysis, and even death in some cases. The most common cause of IVDD is genetics, but it can also be caused by trauma or age-related degeneration.

It’s important for pet owners to be aware of the signs and symptoms of IVDD so that they can seek prompt veterinary care if their dog is affected. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the severity of symptoms and improve the long-term prognosis for dogs with IVDD.

Beagle Dwarfism

Beagle Dwarfism is a genetic disorder called Osteochondrodysplasia (OCD). Osteochondrodysplasia causes growth and developmental abnormalities in your dogs bone and cartilage causing bone deformities.

Achondroplasia is a form of osteochondrodysplasia where the bones don’t grow to their normal size. The result is shorter limbs, a condition called dwarfism. There are a number of dog breeds affected by this disease.

Cherry eye

Cherry eye is a prolapsed gland of their third eyelid. Cherry eye is what happens after a tear gland in a dog’s third eyelid becomes inflamed. It’s usually not painful, but sometimes your dog will rub it like it’s itchy.

It’s called cherry eye because of a red sack that swells in the inner corner of their eye. Your dog will start to have some discomfort in their eyes because the gland isn’t able to produce tears as much as it should. If your dog doesn’t tear enough, it could lead to an eye infection.

As soon as you see indications of cherry eyes, contact your vet. They can surgically reposition the gland and fix the problem.

Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKD)

Pyruvate kinase deficiency, or PKD is a medical condition that affects the circulatory system and causes a loss of red blood cells and bone marrow. It’s also called erythrocyte pyruvate kinase deficiency, and this is a genetically inherited condition.

The genetic defect of PKD means that the animal’s red blood cells will not carry oxygen rich blood throughout the body as efficiently as they should. Red blood cells die off quickly with this condition and normal bodily processes are hampered. The bone marrow struggles to keep up with red blood cell production necessary for a normal life.

Periodontal Disease

Domesticated cats and dogs can get periodontal disease if their oral health is not taken care of. Periodontal disease is a tooth and gum condition that can become serious in a few ways. One of the biggest problems is that this disease can destroy the gums and teeth of your pet if left untreated.

Another major problem if the bacteria in the mouth enters the bloodstream. Plaque build-up in the mouth can damage the gums and let bacteria enter the bloodstream. If this happens it can cause kidney and liver diseases and narrow their blood vessels which can lead to heart problems.

One of the easiest ways to prevent periodontal disease is to regularly brush your pet’s teeth. More than likely they won’t like it, but regular brushing is the best way you can prevent plaque buildup in your pets mouth.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects dogs and can cause seizures. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms of epilepsy so that you can recognize it and get treatment for your pet.

Symptoms of Epilepsy

The most common symptom of epilepsy is a seizure, which can range from mild to severe. Seizures are associated with uncontrolled muscle contractions, loss of consciousness, and sometimes, loss of bladder and bowel control. Other symptoms can include disorientation, confusion, drooling, pacing, trembling, and even aggression.

If your dog has any of these symptoms, it’s important to take them to your vet right away for a diagnosis. Your vet will be able to determine if your pet has epilepsy by performing a physical exam and running tests such as an EEG or CT scan.

Once your dog has been diagnosed with epilepsy, your vet will be able to recommend the best treatment plan for them. Treatment can include medications to control seizures, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications. It’s important to follow your vet’s instructions carefully in order to ensure that your pet gets the best care possible.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a common health condition in dogs that causes weight gain, behavioral changes, skin and coat problems. The condition occurs when a dog’s thyroid gland isn’t creating enough thyroid hormones to regulate their body’s metabolism.

The thyroid gland is located in their neck, close to the windpipe. The gland is responsible for regulating the metabolism. When the thyroid becomes underactive their metabolism slows down and hypothyroidism occurs.

Hypothyroidism is caused by two diseases. One is lymphocytic thyroiditis, an immune-mediated disease where the dog’s immune system mistakes the thyroid as foreign and starts attacking it. We don’t know why this happens but lymphocytic thyroiditis is the most common reason for hypothyroidism in dogs.

The other disease that causes hypothyroidism is idiopathic thyroid gland atrophy where their fat tissue replaces the normal thyroid tissue. The cause of this disease is also unknown.

95% of hypothyroidism is caused by these two diseases, and the other 5% by rare diseases like thyroid gland cancer. Whatever the cause, the symptoms and treatments of hypothyroidism are usually the same.

Hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a hereditary problem that can make walking, getting up or laying down difficult and painful. When a dog has hip dysplasia, their hip socket fails to fully cover the ball portion of their thigh bone. The looseness between the hip and leg bone leads to partial or complete dislocation of their hip joint and can cause pain and stiffness. In most cases, medication and exercise restrictions are advised by the vet. Over time the condition could become severe enough that your vet might recommend surgery to correct it.

Patellar luxation

Patellar luxation is another joint problem that dogs can develop. Patellar luxation happens when the knee joint slides in and out of place. This can be painful for some, and can cause lameness or abnormal walking. Dogs with this problem will usually hop or skip a few steps while walking. Patellar luxation can be painful for some but most will be able to live normally even after having this condition. The disease can lead to arthritis.

Depending upon the severity of their disease, surgery could be needed to treat patellar luxation. This problem seems to affect smaller dogs more than larger dogs.

Bathing, Coat, and Cleaning

a Beagle that's pulling on its leash as its going for a walk through the grass

Beagles shed moderately and will need to be brushed once a week or more in the spring and summer. To remove the loose hair, you can use a regular soft bristle brush or wear a hound glove. Apart from a weekly brushing, Beagles don’t have any major grooming needs because they tend to keep themselves clean.

Beagles don’t need regular baths. They only need a bath if they start to smell bad or when they get dirty. They are prone to ear infections and their ears should be checked a few days after they’ve been around water. Use a cotton ball to clean only the visible part of their ears. Trim their nails twice a month to ensure they do not scratch the floors or hurt anyone who plays with them. Be gentle while handling their paws, Beagles are a little sensitive about their feet.

Every week it is important to check their nose, paws, and other areas of your dog while brushing them for signs of redness or other infections. If you see any signs of infection, call your vet immediately.

Feeding A Beagle

Beagles need 1 cup of dog food every day, split into two meals. Don’t leave food out in the open so your dog can eat it whenever they want. If they don’t eat it all after it is put out, put the food away until the next scheduled feeding time.

Avoid feeding table scraps to your Beagle. If you want to feed them people food, consult your vet before giving them any. They are a small breed and their food needs are minimal. Eating more than what they are supposed to can cause them to put on weight or lead to negative health conditions.

Establish a fixed feeding schedule to keep from getting anxious about when their next feeding is. It is also good to wait for two hours between the last meal and exercise or walks.

Beagles