Breed of the Day : Beagle

Beagle


HISTORY :

• Hound breed
• Similar appearance to the Foxhound...Difference - Beagles have shorter legs and longer, softer ears
• Breed intent to track small game - i.e. hare, rabbits, deer, etc.
• Breed used as detection dogs for sense of smell and tracking instinct
• "Snoopy" is the "world's most famous beagle"

(A detailed history can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beagle)


TEMPERAMENT :

• Loving, Gentle
• Social
• Brave, Intelligent
• Curious & tend to follow tracks - Remain in a safe area when off leash
• Child-friendly
• Good with other dogs
• NOT TOLERATE with non-canine pets due to hunting instinct ... EXCEPTION - Tolerate if socialized when young
• "Beagles have minds of their own" - Must train in a patient and firm way
• Daily pack walks with owner proven to be the leader
• Daily exercise avoids separation anxiety
• Howl/Bay bark
• If assumed to be pack leader, destructive behaviors occur - guarding, obsessive barking, biting...Brought on by lack of owner leadership, exercise...Destructive behavior is NOT typical of Beagles

PHYSICAL TRAITS :

• Male average weight : 22 - 25 pounds
• Female average weight : 20 - 23 pounds

HEALTH :

• Susceptible to epilepsy, heart disease, eye problems, back problems
• Susceptible (possibly prone) to dwarfism
• Susceptible (possibly prone) to mass cell tumors

LIVING CONDITIONS :

• Okay for apartment with daily exercise
• Very active indoors

LIFE EXPECTANCY :

• 12 - 15 years

(Temperament, Physical Traits, Health, Living Conditions, Life Expectancy source - http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/beagle.htm)