Beagle Dog Breed

The Beagle is a sturdy and attractive dog with amay take off the second hi picks up a scent.
full blast of energy. Originally bred to track fox,Size: Beagles are among the smaller scent hounds
this breed has a great sense of smell and likewhich com in 2 varieties, the first stands about
other scent hounds, will likely to ignore you and13in at the shoulder and the other is more than 13
everything else when hot on a scent trail.but not exceeding 15in. He weighs between
For this reason, extra care must be taken to18-30lb.
make sure that he does not wander off. He is aHistory and origin: This breed is one of the
happy dog that loves children and gets along wellsmallest of the hounds. He is an ancient breed
with other pets.that has been a great companion to sportsmen
The breed standard describes this dog as Afor hundreds of years. The Beagle was first
merry hound whose essential function is to hunt,mentioned by name in writings published in 1475.
primarily hare, by following a scent - bold withThey were used to hunt in packs for hare and
great activity, stamina, and determination - alert,were first imported into the United States for this
intelligent, and of even temperament - a sturdypurpose. They have hunted many different
and compactly-built hound, conveying thequarries in different climates including jackal, wild
impression of quality without coarseness.pig, and deer.
Although this breed is affectionate and intelligent,In the United States and Canada, they are used
he requires patients and persistent training fromas gun-dogs to seek out and retrieve game and
the first day of training because of its stubbornto hunt by scent in competitive Field Trials.
nature in which he is easily distracted.Feeding: Because this breed is likely to put on
It is very rare to find scent hounds, including theweight, 1-2 meals per day are sufficient for an
Beagle, in the obedience ring because their noseadult Beagle with no tidbits. Recommended
often overrules their brain. Also similar to otheramount of feeding is 1-1 cans (13.3oz size) of
scent hounds, the Beagle was bred to bark, bay,meat diet with added biscuits in equal amount or 3
and howl to alert the hunter to his location duringcupfuls of a complete dry food.
the hunt.Exercise: Daily exercise such as walks and
He may run away and is not likely to come whenoccasional runs is required for this breed.
called so you may need a secure fence that heGrooming: Their shedding coat is tough,
cannot get under or over. Always keep him onweatherproof, and requires very low maintenance
leash whenever you take him out, otherwise hegrooming.