Beagel

Sep 19, 2024

Introduction to the Beagle

The Beagle is one of the oldest dog breeds, originally bred in England for hunting hares. With its friendly nature, size and keen sense of smell, the Beagle is a popular family dog and companion today. It belongs to the group of hunting dogs and is valued for its lively and social nature. The Beagle is intelligent, curious and has a keen sense of smell, which makes it ideal for various activities and sports, such as mantrailing.

Appearance of the Beagle

The Beagle has a compact, sturdy build that makes it ideal for long distances and activities that require a great deal of stamina. Its face is characterised by long, drooping ears and large, brown eyes, which give it a particularly lovable expression. The head is proportional, with a slightly domed skull and a prominent muzzle. The Beagle has a level back, a well-developed chest and strong legs. The tail is of medium length, strong and carried happily erect.

The Beagle's fur and colours

The Beagle's fur is short, dense and weatherproof, which also makes it suitable for more adverse conditions. Beagles come in different colour combinations, with the typical colours being tri-coloured (black, brown and white) and bi-coloured (e.g. brown-white or lemon-white). The colour distribution often varies from individual to individual, but the tip of the tail is always white, which originally served to make the dog easier to see in tall grass when hunting.

How big can a Beagle grow?

Beagles come in two sizes: the smaller variety reaches a shoulder height of up to 33 cm, while the larger variety grows up to 40 cm. The weight varies between 10 and 18 kg, with bitches tending to be slightly lighter and smaller than males.

The character of the Beagle

Beagles are known for their friendly, happy and lively nature. They are very social, love the company of people and other dogs and are rarely aggressive. However, their pronounced curiosity and strong hunting instinct also make them demanding companions. They need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to be happy and well-balanced. Due to their strong-willed nature, they can sometimes be stubborn, which requires patience and consistency when training them.

Training a Beagle

Training a Beagle requires patience, consistency and a lot of positive reinforcement. Because Beagles are intelligent and strong-willed dogs, they tend to want to do things their own way. Early socialisation and consistent training are crucial to control unwanted behaviour such as following scent tracks. Beagles respond well to treats and praise because they are very food motivated. Nevertheless, training should be varied to avoid boredom.

Who is the Beagle suitable for?

The Beagle is an ideal dog for active people who spend a lot of time outdoors and can offer their dog both mental and physical activity. It is also suitable for families who appreciate its playful and friendly nature. Since it needs a lot of exercise and activity, it is less suitable for people who are looking for a quiet, undemanding dog or who have to leave it alone for long periods of time.

Is the Beagle a family dog?

Yes, the Beagle is an excellent family dog. It loves the company of people, is patient and friendly towards children and usually gets along well with other pets too. Its playful and happy character makes it a popular companion for the whole family. However, due to its hunting instinct, you should always keep an eye on it when small animals are around.

Grooming the Beagle

The Beagle is relatively easy to care for, as its short coat requires little grooming. Regular brushing helps remove loose hair and keep the skin healthy. Beagle ears should be checked and cleaned regularly as they are prone to infection due to their shape. claws must also be trimmed occasionally if they do not wear down naturally.

Beagle nutrition

Beagles tend to be overweight because they are very food motivated. A balanced diet is therefore particularly important. High-quality dog food that meets the dog's nutritional needs, combined with the right amount of exercise, will keep the Beagle fit and healthy. Treats should be given in moderation, and it is advisable to check the weight regularly to prevent obesity.

How much do Beagles shed?

Beagles shed a moderate amount of hair all year round. During the change of coat in spring and autumn, the hair loss can increase slightly, but regular brushing will help to keep the amount of hair in the home to a minimum. Their short fur makes them relatively easy to care for in terms of shedding.

How old do Beagles live to be?

The average life expectancy of a Beagle is between 12 and 15 years. Good care, a balanced diet and sufficient exercise can help your dog to live a long and healthy life.

What diseases are typical for Beagles

Beagles are prone to some genetic diseases. These include hip dysplasia, epilepsy and eye problems such as cataracts or glaucoma. Ear infections are also not uncommon due to their long, droopy ears. In addition, they are prone to being overweight, which can lead to further health problems. Regular visits to the vet and check-ups are therefore important.

How much does a Beagle puppy cost?

A Beagle puppy from a reputable breeder usually costs between CHF 1000.00 and CHF 2000.00, depending on the origin, pedigree and breeder. However, the price can also vary depending on whether the dog is intended for shows or as a family dog.

What should you bear in mind when buying a beagle?

When buying a beagle puppy, you should definitely pay attention to the reliability of the breeder. A good breeder values the health of the parent animals, offers comprehensive advice and the opportunity to get to know the puppies in their environment. The puppy should be healthy and well socialised. It is also important that all the necessary vaccinations and papers are available.

Beagle profile

Height: 33-40 cm
Weight: 10-18 kg
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
Coat: Short, dense, weatherproof
Colours: Tricolour (black, brown, white), bi-colour (various combinations)
Character: Friendly, lively, intelligent, social
Origin: England
Grooming: Low
Particularities: Strong hunting instinct, pronounced sense of smell
Suitable for: Active people, families, dog sports