Dog class - Hound
Average height - 13 to 15 inches
Average weight - 22 to 33 pounds
Size - Small to Medium
Average life span - 12 to 15 years

The Beagle is a good natured, gentle and cheerful dog. They love to explore and should be kept on a leash if out and about. The Beagle gets along with strangers as well as other animals. This is a very energetic little hound who needs plenty of companionship.

Beagles are considered one of the oldest breeds, and came to prominence in the days of King Henry the VII in England. Their exact ancestry is clouded, but it is estimated that they originated in Greece and France. In those days, hunting dogs rode to the fields in baskets on the saddles of horses. Beagles were bred for rabbit hunting and can successfully hunt almost any upland game animal including pheasants.

Beagles love to be with their human companions. They thrive on activity. They can tolerate long walks or even running. Because they are hunters by nature, beagles will sniff and track almost anything while outside. It is important to watch your beagle because they tend to loose focus while tracking with their noses to the ground.

These dogs are intelligent and generally content companions. They are fairly clean and don't require frequent baths. In addition, if these dogs are properly socialized, they bond well to family members, and especially to children. Few beagles will act aggressively towards strange people or dogs once introduced, especially when well socialized.

Beagles love to spend time with their family, and are happiest when they can.

Watch for the following health problems in your Beagle: Cherry eye, glaucoma, cataracts, retinal dysplasia & PRA in the eyes. Epilepsy is fairly prevalent in beagles as well, often times causing seizures. In addition, hypothyroidism (a condition of the thyroid gland causing weight gain, poor coat quality, and reproductive problems) is common in this breed.

Beagles are inquisitive dogs that are easily distracted by their explorations. They must be watched very carefully if not leashed while outdoors because they roam. Active beagles will "eat themselves to death" so to speak, and it is important to watch your dog for obesity problems. Sometimes hard to train, especially housetrain. Many beagles need constant obedience sessions until they are two years old. Beagles will bark and howl quite a bit, specifically when they are left alone.

Beagles may be difficult to train due to their active nature. Beagles cannot concentrate for long periods of time. These dogs, come in 13 inch and 15 inch heights, have very outgoing personalities.

This breed's hunting style is unique and very effective for hunting rabbits. The beagle will bark when on scent, thus allowing the hunter to keep tabs on where his or her beagle is. The beagle is much too slow to actually catch a rabbit, and the hunter gets his or her chance when the rabbit circles back to its original position of where the dogs flushed it out. Most beagle owners who hunt with their dogs, take pride in the performance of their beagles, not in the amount of game taken.

Further Beagle Dog Resources