Beagle: An active and lovable dog

This is a playful and energetic dog, loved by all. It is impossible to resist his charm and jovial attitude.

Before buying a Beagle dog you need to find out about its characteristics. Specialists recommend choosing a dog that resembles you in terms of temperament. For example, this adorable animal is an active dog, very curious and needs a lot of physical activity.

To begin with we will analyze some characteristics of this breed:

1. Origin and history

In the 11th century, William the Conqueror brought the St. Hubert Hound and Talbot Hound dog breeds to Britain. They were crossed with greyhounds to convey some characteristics such as speed and endurance necessary in deer hunting. The beagle is a dog that has a very developed sense of smell. Initially the animal was used in rabbit hunting (hence the name – Beagle also means “dog” in English).
He was considered the ideal hunting companion for the elderly who were not in good physical condition. The beagle was practically “a leader in the hunt” while the owner followed him on horseback. It was also used by the poorest people who could not afford hunting horses. This dog breed has been mentioned in popular culture (literature and painting) since Elizabethan times and currently appears as characters in films, television and comics.

2. The smell

Due to its sense of smell, curiosity and superior abilities, the Beagle is the dog used in special missions regarding the detection of prohibited substances or non-compliant agricultural imports. In the 1950s, John Paul Scott and John Fuller began a 13-year study of canine behavior. As part of this research they tested the olfactory abilities of different dog breeds. Next, they placed a mouse on a plot of land with an area of ​​4,047 m² and timed the performance of several dogs, determining how long it took each dog to find it.
The Beagle found the mouse in less than 1 minute, the Fox Terrier in 15 minutes and the Scottish Terrier failed to find it at all. The Beagle has more developed senses when it comes to smelling the ground and less so the air. So mountain rescue teams choose Collie dogs in the team for their superior ability to smell the air. Specialists have come to the conclusion that the Beagle’s long and large ears prevent it from perceiving delicate aromas in the air.

3. General characteristics

The Beagle is an intelligent dog and very attentive to its surroundings. It is a popular pet due to its size, good temperament, and lack of specific health problems. He has a balanced personality and a special sweetness. However, he is a difficult dog to train due to his alert reflexes and constant tendency to “go hunting”. His attention can be distracted by anything in the environment. He responds very well to training based on rewards (food), encouragement, praise and takes great pleasure in thanking his owner.
This dog has the ability to develop a deep relationship with little ones and this is one of the reasons why it has become a family pet. He has a tendency to develop separation anxiety if he is left alone for too long and one of the manifestations is destroying things in the house. They have a good relationship with cats and other dogs. Regular physical exercises help avoid the weight gain that the breed is prone to.

He greatly appreciates the company of people but can be shy around strangers. This dog can approach anyone if he feels acceptance and kindness. The Beagle cannot be classified as an aggressive guard dog, but rather as a dog that tends to bark or howl when strangers invade its territory. Following a study conducted by Ben and Lynette Hart, it was discovered that the Beagle is one of the most alert dog breeds along with the Yorkshire Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer, West Highland White Terrier and Fox Terrier.

4. Health

The average lifespan of Beagle dogs is 12-15 years, which is a normal lifespan for dogs of their size. They may be predisposed to epilepsy, a disease controlled with medications. Particular attention will be paid to the ears: their elongated shape blocks the flow of air, which will lead to a lack of ventilation and sometimes the appearance of infections.
Additionally, dogs of this breed are prone to developing eye problems such as glaucoma or corneal dystrophy. Since these are active dogs, which require a lot of exercise, they tend to attract fleas, ticks, mites or internal parasites, as well as fragments of stones, grass, etc. which can attach to ears or paws.

The biggest challenge for a Beagle owner is managing the constant need to smell the environment. The animal will begin to explore the territory if it is stimulated by a certain odor. Whether it is an animal or a stone, the dog will be happy to learn more about the object of his interest.

Situations will often arise where the dog does not respond to the owner’s commands because his attention is focused on the surrounding environment. He ignores the signs because he is simply “on a hunting mission” and in these situations his instincts prevail. This is why the Beagle is sometimes described as a stubborn or too rebellious dog.