— Breed of the Month —

Beagle

Who doesn't love a beagle’s doe-like eyes and happy, easy-going nature? Their cute, floppy ears? As a member of the hound family, they live to use their nose and love to eat! They are excellent as scent detection dogs at airports and can search out weapons, drugs, and illegal food items with ease. Originally bred in England to hunt, the Beagle has long been popular as a family companion.

It is believed the name “Beagle” comes from the Middle French words “bee gueule,” which literally translated means “wide throat,’ or perhaps more colloquially translated as "loudmouth."

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Breed Traits and Characteristics

According to the American Kennel Club, here are some breed characteristic you can find in Beagles. 

 

  • Height

    13 inches & under, 13-15 inches

  • Weight

    Under 20 pounds, 20-30 pounds

  • Life Expectancy

    10-15 years

  • Coat Type/Length

    Smooth/Short

  • 60 Affectionate with Family
  • 100 Good with Young Children
  • 100 Good with Other Dogs
  • 60 Trainability Level
  • 80 Energy Level
  • 80 Barking Level
  • 60 Shedding Level
  • 20 Drooling Level

History

Beagles have been around so long that no one is quite certain of their origins. Similar size and type dogs were found in Ancient Greece in the 5th century BC to hunt rabbit and hare. Early Beagles during Medieval times were small and stood only 8 to 9 inches tall. They were called "pocket Beagles" because they were small enough to fit into a hunter's pocket. As larger dogs were needed for hunting larger prey, these smaller Beagles became extinct in 1901.

The more modern breed which is larger in size originated in Great Britain in the 1830s as a cross between two breeds: the Southern Hound, and the North Country Beagle. A man named Reverend Phillip Honeywood of Great Britain started a breeding program and King Henry VII and Queen Elizabeth I fell in love with the breed. Wanting to improve on the breed, Thomas Johnson produced dogs that were more stately in appearance and better hunters.

General Richard Rowett from Illinois imported some Beagles from England and began breeding what is known as the standard Beagle today. The Beagle was accepted as a breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1884.

Today, the breed is as noteworthy as a family companion as it is as a hunting dog.

The Beagle

Beagles are loving, gentle dogs with a fierce independent streak. As a pet parent, you will have to be patient and persistent since this breed is so strong willed.

When training your Beagle, always have him on a leash or he will follow his nose versus your commands and head off in search of an enticing scent.

Before you go over the moon for this breed, know that they love companionship and do not like to be alone. Therefore, separation anxiety can be an issue.

As Bark Busters trainers, we have seen Beagles plow through drywall when left alone for too long. To cut down on the destruction, Beagles need a lot of exercise, education, and an outlet for their energy.

Beagles are often known as the “Goldilocks” of dogs – not too big, not too small, not too aggressive and not too shy. Because of their acute sense of smell, they are often called a “nose with feet.”

Know also that they are so vocal, they might not make the best apartment dwellers… you can hear them howl loudly. For a dog its size, the Beagle has a BIG voice. A Beagle’s voice is not only typically louder than other breeds its size, it has a passionate tone that other breeds do not have.

The breed is multi-talented and is often used by U.S. Customs to search for illegal food, plants and drugs because of their phenomenal sense of scent. It’s not uncommon to see beagles in airports, sniffing around the baggage lines.

Beagles are also great hunting dogs. Beagles are fiercely loyal, highly energetic and hunt with all their heart. Remember, they were originally bred to hunt hare and rabbit. They are particularly good at being left loose in the field and hunting their prey without instruction. It is this independent streak that contributes to their stubbornness. This is in contrast to dogs like Labradors who hunt on command.

However, the Beagle doesn’t have to hunt to be happy – he can he just as happy on the lap of a loving dog owner.

Fun Facts About Beagles

Beagles are a beloved breed of dog that have captured the hearts of many with their adorable and friendly nature. They are well-known for their exceptional sense of smell and their playful personalities. Whether you are a long-time Beagle owner or are considering owning one for the first time, here are some fun facts you might not know about the breed.

Beagle Points of Interest

  • Beagles are scent hounds and are wonderful escape artists so a fenced in yard or a leash on a walk is essential.
  • One of the most vocal dogs as they bark, bay and howl.
  • Pack animals that do well with other dogs.
  • Eyes are either hazel or brown and look like they are pleading.
  • Most don’t like to swim.
  • Not great as guard dogs-they are generally everyone’s best friend.

Beagle Trivia

  • Beagles have approximately 220 million scent receptors compared to the 5 million in people.
  • The "Beagle Brigade" patrols the baggage-claim areas at more than 20 international airports and other points of entry into the United States. They are used for this purpose because of their appeal and the fact that most passengers don’t fear this breed.
  • The Beagle has ranked among the top 10 most popular dogs since its acceptance into the AKC in 1885
  • The “Peanuts” character Snoopy was a Beagle and possibly was the reason behind some of this breed's more recent popularity.
  • One of the identifying marks of a purebred Beagle is some white in its tail. It may only be a few hairs at the tip, or it may be mostly white, but a "Beagle" without any white in its tail is probably a mix.
  • President Lyndon Johnson had 2 beagles named Him and Her.
  • Although we know Queen Elizabeth II as a huge Corgi fan, the first Queen Elizabeth loved the miniature “pocket” Beagles.
  • Barry Manilow owned a Beagle named Bagel and featured this breed on his album covers.

Advantages of Beagles

  • Inquisitive, determined, loving, easy going
  • Compact, short-coated, easy to groom
  • Alert, curious & busy
  • Gentle
  • Intelligent, friendly and easily won over
  • Rarely shy or aggressive
  • Mischievous and funny

Beagle Personality & Temperament

There are two Beagle varieties: those standing under 13 inches at the shoulder, and those between 13 and 15 inches. Both varieties are sturdy, solid, and “big for their inches,” as dog folks say. They come in such pleasing colors as lemon, red and white, and tricolor. The Beagle’s fortune is in his adorable face, with its big brown or hazel eyes set off by long, houndy ears set low on a broad head. A breed described as “merry” by its fanciers, Beagles are loving and lovable, happy, and companionable—all qualities that make them excellent family dogs. No wonder that for years the Beagle has been the most popular hound dog among American pet owners. These are curious, clever, and energetic hounds who require plenty of playtime.

Beagles are often described as: “they never met a person they didn’t like”. They get along well with kids and other breeds because they are carefree and cooperative. In fact, the Beagle has a fun and curious nature, much like many children. They can thrive both in the city and country, although they do best with plenty of room to roam. If you are looking for a couch potato – this is not the breed to choose as they require a lot of exercise.

The two biggest dog training problems with the Beagle involves coming when called and walking by their pet parent’s side on a leash. Why? Because Beagles have their nose to the ground and prefer to follow that versus you! They will wander around whether supervised or not.

Some people will say that Beagles are not intelligent, but this is far from the truth. Consider the fact that they often get away with NOT following your commands. Beagles are free thinkers, and unlike Labradors who live to please their pet parents, Beagles follow the beat of their own drummer. This does not mean they can't be trained. In fact, the Bark Busters style of training which is based on the way dogs naturally communicate is perfect for this dog. Although training can be a challenge, with persistence and patience you can succeed. He will have to develop respect for your leadership and perceive you as the leader of the pack.

Beagle Health

Like many popular breeds, the Beagle has a number of hereditary health issues, like eye problems and allergies. Most reputable breeders now have their breeding stock checked and scored for these hereditary ailments by a vet. You can request proof that the puppy you are purchasing comes from parents that have been checked for these issues.

Because many other health issues are also hereditary, you should do some research on the ancestry of your puppy and any health issues of that particular breed.

Many rescue organizations also check for common-ailments before making them available for adoption.

At any stage of life, here are some of the most common injuries and illnesses you should be aware of when bringing home a Beagle:

  • Allergies
  • Cruciate ruptures
  • Gastroenteritis
  • Intervertebral disc disorder
  • Lameness and limping
  • Masses
  • Urinary tract infections

Common Behavioral Issues with Beagles

Beagles are regularly in the top 10 most popular breeds. Even though Snoopy is probably the most well-known Beagle, all dogs are priceless to their families. Beagles' incredible abilities really can come in handy - you may see them at airports as detections dogs, trained to find bed bugs and termites, and you may even see them as therapy dogs.

However, just like any breed, they present unique challenges.

Beagles are scent hounds which means that even more than some other breeds they are ruled by their noses. They will naturally follow a scent until they either find the source or they find a more interesting scent.

Due their prodigious ability to follow a scent they make excellent hunters and trackers.

Tracking is an activity they were born to excel doing. Following their noses however can make them challenging to walk.

Recall, or coming when called, can also be a challenge for Beagles. These are probably the two areas of behaviors that Bark Busters Trainers deal with consistently with Beagles.

Beagles can be prone to becoming anxious when left alone so, as puppies, they definitely need to be confined or crated or you may come home to find holes in your walls.  Their “chase first, ask questions later” has caused more than a few Beagles to run through screen doors or to run into glass doors that they forgot were there. 

They are short and stocky so, like most of us, you have to watch their weight as they get older. This can become a serious problem as it can lead to other health issues especially if they get lazy.

Bark Busters training can help you to understand your dog and how to not only have your dog love you, but to show him that you are also are a capable leader worthy of his respect.

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Hear from Bark Busters Clients Who Have a Beagle

The methods worked very quickly and even my 10-year-old beagle picked up on the command's. They are quickly learning; I look forward to working with my doggies to get them over the finish line.
Amazing! We have a Beagle who has some severe anxiety. We tried as many routes as we could before Bark Busters to no avail. I was starting to wonder if I was just an unfit pet mom. In a few sessions and staying consistent with training, my dog is much calmer and even more playful. I would recommend Bark Busters to anyone.
Kevin gave my husband and I some fantastic lessons and advice for our 2 year old beagle mix, Smokey. He spent 3 hours with us going through dog psychology and helping us address basic behavioral issues, such as barking at strangers, exerting more control while on walks and establishing boundaries. He also shared some great training tools and toys. I highly recommend Bark Busters! Their tips and advice are fact-based and they actually work!
Nicole is the absolute best dog trainer that we have ever used! We have a 3 year old rescue beagle that would not let anyone into the house including extended family. She would bark, growl and intimidate any visitors and was completely stressed out. On walks, our dog would lunge at UPS trucks, cars, people and other dogs would create a complete meltdown for her. We had used a former military person who specialized in dogs with PTSD as well as another dog trainer and neither one of them produced the immediate results that Nicole has in just a few sessions. What I really appreciate about Nicole is that her methods are completely understandable and there is NO physical treatment to the dog. After the first session, my sister was able to enter my home after I used a few verbal commands. The dog was relaxed and at ease and so was my sister! I give Nicole top marks for her training methods. She truly loves animals and understand how they behave and react to certain environments! We also have another rescue pup and Nicole has given us tips that produced immediate results correcting him from jumping on people, on the furniture and now we can walk both dogs together in peace!
John was very informative and attentive to our immediate needs. He had spectacular communication appropriation and we loved his enthusiasm and commitment.
We saw immediate results today and we are feeling hopeful for the future! Loved John!
John was very thorough and patient with me. Everything was clear and easy to understand. I saw immediate improvement in my dog's behavior.
What a pleasure it was having John come to my home to begin my journey to discover how to interact with my dog and become best friends. The first lesson was informative and gave me positive feelings about the steps ahead.
Training was great. We learned a lot. Looking forward to more lessons.
Kayla has been an amazing trainer for our energetic 2.5 year old dog! She gave us a detailed schedule of various exercises to strengthen our bond and establish ourselves as better leaders. We’ve seen a major improvement in his attentiveness, impulse control, and obedience. I would highly recommend her services for any dog!
Kayla has been an amazing trainer for our energetic 2.5 year old dog! She gave us a detailed schedule of various exercises to strengthen our bond and establish ourselves as better leaders. We’ve seen a major improvement in his attentiveness, impulse control, and obedience. I would highly recommend her services for any dog!
We have tried a lot of things with our dog, including other training programs and medication, but training with Kayla is the first time I have felt like we have her separation anxiety under control. Kayla patiently taught us how to properly communicate with our dogs and techniques to make our fearful and reactive little lady feel safe, calm, and quiet. I learned so much from Kayla and cannot recommend her enough. She is a very clear and effective teacher and such an excellent communicator (human and canine!).
We have tried a lot of things with our dog, including other training programs and medication, but training with Kayla is the first time I have felt like we have her separation anxiety under control. Kayla patiently taught us how to properly communicate with our dogs and techniques to make our fearful and reactive little lady feel safe, calm, and quiet. I learned so much from Kayla and cannot recommend her enough. She is a very clear and effective teacher and such an excellent communicator (human and canine!).
Kayla is a great trainer, is easy to work with. Follows up. Highly recommend with any dog of any age.
Kayla is a great trainer, is easy to work with. Follows up. Highly recommend with any dog of any age.
John did a fantastic job putting forward a tangible training program to help Milly. We have the tools to help improve Milly's ability to listen and learn.
Amazing session with John. It's absolutely worth the time and money we spent. Thank you John!
Our time during our first session, we were able to notice significant change in her behavior. We are looking forward to continuing our training and see her live a less anxious and happy life.
John was great and was able to make Ruby more comfortable and able to stop barking quickly. She and mostly us have work to do, but there is a great base. Already we are more confident to teach her that we are in charge.
Very caring trainer who understood the problems my dog was showing and addressed each issue. Looking forward to trying all my new training techniques. He made sure I understood how to do all of the training tips and strategies.
Training session was very informative and constructive. John is very professional, calm, and helpful. Looking forward to finishing his training and having a well-behaved dog.
John's communication and training style has made it so easy to connect with my dog and take control of my home.
Much more accomplished than we expected. John instructed with patience and clarity. We learned a lot and believe we will be able to deal with our dogs much more successfully.
All of my concerns were thoroughly addressed and we are very optimistic about our dogs' happy future.
Our trainer John was great. John was very informative and educated us really well. I would recommend him to everybody.
I could not believe how effective the first training session was. Unreal!!! John is GREAT!!
Clear-taught, knowledgeable information.
Natalie is doing a fantastic job helping us get our dog into shape!! He’s been a bit of a pickle from the perspective of not listening to mom and daddy, not walking on the leash the way we want him to when we’re out and doing a little more barking than he should. We really appreciate Natalie‘s experience and expertise in helping us manage him much better. He’s back to being more of a dog and less of a super guardian and we really like that! Thank you, Natalie.

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