Adopt a Beagle

Picture: Kent and Donna Dannen

Family:

Scenthound

Area of origin:

England

Original function:

trailing rabbits

Average size of male:

Ht: 13-15, Wt: 18-30

Average size of female:

Ht: 13-15, Wt: 18-30

Other names:

English beagle

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Energy
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Exercise
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Playfulness
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Affection
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Friendliness towards dogs
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Friendliness towards other pets
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Friendliness towards strangers
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Ease of training
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Watchdog ability
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Protection ability
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Grooming
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Cold tolerance
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Heat tolerance

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Dogs 101: Beagle

Beagle Dog Temperament

One of the most amiable hounds, the Beagle was bred as a pack hunter and needs companionship, whether human or canine. He loves to explore the outdoors and is an enthusiastic trailer. Given adequate exercise, he is a calm, tractable house pet. He is an excellent child's dog, gentle, incredibly tolerant and always ready to join in a game or an adventure. He is an independent breed, however, and may run off if a trail beckons. He barks and howls.

Beagle Dog Care

The Beagle needs daily exercise, either a long walk on leash or a romp in a safe area. He is a social dog and needs the companionship of either other dogs or his human family; as such, he is usually happiest if he can divide his time between the house and yard.

Beagle Dog Health

Major concerns: intervertebral disc disease, CHD
Minor concerns: glaucoma, epilepsy
Occasionally seen: deafness, hemophilia A, cataracts
Suggested tests: hip, (eye)
Life span: 12-15 years

Dogs Related to the Beagle

Basset Hound
Black and Tan Coonhound
Bloodhound
Dachshund (Standard)
American Foxhound
English Foxhound
Harrier
Otterhound
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
Rhodesian Ridgeback

Interested in the history of the Beagle dog breed?

By the 14th century, hare hunting had become a popular sport in England, and the dogs used were probably of Beagle type. The origin of the name Beagle may be from Old French words meaning open throat in reference to the breed's melodious bay, or from the Celtic, Old English or Old French words for 'small'. The word Beagle was not used until 1475, however, but can then be found frequently in writings from the 16th century on. Hunters could follow these dogs on foot and could even carry one in a pocket if the need arose. By the 1800s, Beagles existed in several sizes, but the smaller 'pocket-size' dogs were particularly popular. These dogs measured only about 9 inches and often needed the hunter's assistance in crossing rough fields. One of the special appeals of the smaller beagles was that the hunt could be followed even by ladies, the aged or the infirm, as they slowly followed the winding path of the hare. The first mention of the Beagle in America was in 1642. Beagles were used in the South prior to the Civil War, but these dogs bore little resemblance to their English counterparts. After the war, English imports formed the basis of the modern American Beagle. By the end of the 19th century, Beagles were popular competitors in both field and conformation exhibitions. But the merry little scenthound did not stop there: He continued to become one of America's all-time favorite breeds, finding his special niche as a family pet.