
	PETS AND ANIMALS

Beagle Dog Breed

The Beagle is a medium-sized dog breed and a member of the hound group, similar in appearance to a Foxhound but smaller with shorter legs, and with longer, softer ears. As well as making excellent (if not very trainable) pets, Beagles are used for hunting.

Beagle A hardy, sturdy squarely-built, small hound, the Beagle has a sleek, easy-care, short coat. The coat is close, hard and of medium length. The Beagle looks like a small English Foxhound. The skull is broad and slightly rounded, and the muzzle is straight and square. The feet are round and strong. The black nose has full nostrils for scenting. The long, wide ears are pendant. The brown or hazel eyes have a characteristic pleading expression. The tail is carried gaily, but never curled over the back.

The Beagle is a strong, muscular dog with a deep chest, straight legs, and round feet. His tail should be set high and carried with a slight curve. The coat of the Beagle is of medium length, hard and close. The preferred colors of the coat are white on the chest and legs, black on the sides and back and neck and tan elsewhere. However, any hound color is acceptable.

Beagle Breed Outline

Country of Origin:	Great Britain
FCI Classification:	Group 6: Scenthounds; Small-sized Hounds.
Utilization:	Hound
AKC Classification:	Hound Group
Size:	Medium
Personality:	Lively, active, high energy, eager to please, intelligent and mischievous. Bold, with great activity, stamina and determination. Alert and of even temperament, showing no aggression or timidity.
Height:	13-16 inches at shoulders
Colors:	Any recognized hound color other than liver.
Litter Size:	5 to 7 puppies
Life Span:	9-15 years
Grooming Requirements:	Beagles need quick daily brushing and regular ear cleaning. They are naturally looking dogs and do not need trimming.
Shedding:	Heavy
Social skills:	Beagles get along with cats when properly socialized from puppy hood.
Suitability for Children:	Patient with children of all ages.
Exercise Needs:	Medium-High. Beagles require daily 60-90 minutes energetic exercise. They have a strong hunting instinct and should never be off leash unless very well trained.
Train Ability:	Beagles can be hard to house train, slow to learn new things, stubborn.
Health Issues:	Beagles have several serious health problems. The most common are eye and ear infections, joint and spine disorders ("slipped disk"), chronic brain disease (meningitis), heart problems and other.
Negative Characteristics:	Beagles shed a lot and have a distinctive dog odor. They can be very noisy. It is strongly recommended to buy a Beagle puppy from a reputable breeder to avoid temperament problems.