Known for their happy-go-lucky attitudes, families around the world love Beagles because these little dogs are rarely seen without their tails wagging. Friendly, intelligent, and playful, while originally bred as hunting dogs, Beagles have been popularized in modern times as incredible companion animals. Keep reading to learn about the history, temperament, appearance, health concerns, and other interesting facts of the affectionate and lovable Beagle.

Beagle History

While the origins of the Beagle are shrouded in mystery and has become a subject of debate, there are reports of these dogs hunting in packs in England all the way back in 55 B.C. By the 1500s, it’s believed that most English men had packs of Beagles to assist them when hunting as they tracked deer and chased rabbits. Known as ‘Foot Hounds’, Beagles were known to run at a pace that their owners could keep up with, so riding a horse wasn’t necessary when hunting with this breed. Finally, after several centuries, Beagles began arriving in America after the Civil War and became immediately popular with small-game hunters. Today, Beagles are less known as hunters and have become popular amongst individuals seeking a companion dog.

Temperament

As they are full of energy, Beagles require at least an hour of exercise every day. As long as these exercise needs are met, the Beagle breed is loving, affectionate, and known to be great around children and other pets. Due to their history as hunting dogs, Beagles have an incredible sense of smell and their curiosity for nearby scents may lead them into getting into trouble. Additionally, Beagles have a reputation for being a bit more vocal than the average dog, so be prepared for them to howl and bark when the situation provokes them. While highly food-motivated, Beagles are intelligent and can be taught various tricks.

Appearance

Given how any healthy Beagle should never exceed 30-pounds, a standard breed generally stands at 12-15 inches and miniature Beagles are usually under 12-inches tall. Beagles have short and waterproof fur that is relatively low maintenance as they should be groomed at least once-a-week. With their mottled coats, Beagle’s generally feature a mix of white, black, and light-brown colors across their bodies.

Health Concerns

With an average lifespan between 10-15 years, Beagles are relatively healthy dogs but are prone to certain health issues. As they are notorious for their long floppy ears, Beagles frequently succumb to ear infections that can be minimized with high-quality ear cleanser. Additionally, obesity is commonly seen among Beagles as their strong sense of smell causes them to have an insatiable appetite. Other commonly seen health issues include limber tail syndrome, various allergies, epilepsy, and hypothyroidism. If you believe your Beagle has acquired any of these listed issues, then it’s vital to bring them to their trusted veterinarian as soon as possible.

Interesting Beagle Facts

• Beagles don’t drool, are known to hardly shed, and don’t have a typical doggy scent.
• Lyndon B. Johnson owned three Beagles which were named ‘Him’, ‘Her’, and ‘Edgar’.
• The classic cartoon character Snoopy, from Charlie Brown, is a Beagle.
• Beagles’ tails look like white flags, which stick straight up when hunting to signify prey.
• Their ears can actually pick up some scents, which assists it’s powerful nose.

Caring for Beagles

Beagles are known for their insatiable appetites, and the correct amount and type of food you should feed your Beagle depends primarily on their age, weight, and activity level. Originally formulated to help performance dogs reach their maximum potential, Canine Ultimate Fitness & Health is a delicious, concentrated nutritional powder, providing a balanced blend of 55-nutrients your Beagle needs for better health, increased activity, maximized performance, the prevention of age-related diseases, and ultimately a longer, healthier, and more enjoyable life.