Introduction
Beagles are small- to medium-sized, highly energetic dogs. They are similar to foxhounds and were used for hunting, mainly rabbits, in the past. They have keen noses that are always ready to track the unusual. Adult Beagle dogs look elite in appearance because of their long ears. They are family dogs who are very loyal and friendly in nature. Are you thinking to buy or adopt Beagle? Dont worry We will explore the combination of their physical traits and how to maintain these adorable dogs in this blog.
Understanding the Beagle Breed
Quick Information
• Origin—England
• Life expectancy—13-15 years
• Height—11-13 inches (male), 10-12 inches (female)
• Weight—13-15 kg (male), 10-12 kg (female)
• Color—black, tan, white
• Ideal weather—12-30°C
• Price range—Rs. 20000-75000/-
• Energy level—high
• Shedding level—moderate
Why are beagles popular choices?
Beagles are small, friendly, and joyful dogs. The one cute thing is that they always need you. They will go nuts if you leave them alone for some time. They are also known for their howling barks. If we talk about their size, they are perfect small- to medium-sized dogs. Although all dogs are cute at the puppy stage, beagles carry their cuteness into adulthood, which is rare among other breeds. They provide a deep companionship for their entire life because they are not like some breeds that are attached to only one person in the family, but they are affectionate towards their whole family. They are generally not aggressive dogs; They are good watchdogs but are not suitable for guard dogs.
Behavior you should know before buy or adopt Beagle
Beagles are happy-go-lucky spirit dogs. Start with their looks; they are very captivating creatures who always want their owner’s attention. They are highly intelligent dogs; that’s because they have a history of hunting small game like foxes, rabbits, etc. Beagles evolved from being hunters in the past to becoming the best companions. Talking about their temperament, they are curious and friendly personalities. They are highly energetic dogs, prone to obesity; that’s why they require long walks and daily exercise sessions to maintain the ideal weight. Fun activities and games also play a vital role for beagles to prevent boredom and harmful actions.
Trainings
Beagles are brilliant creatures; they grasp the tricks easily but can also be bored in a short period. That’s why their regular sessions need to be short. They also distract easily because of their keen nose, as they start barking when they catch interesting scents. They are highly responsive to positive aids. They can be quick in learning if you offer them treats and praises between the trainings.
Beagle training guide:
- Begin early training and stick to the routine.
Start training your beagle as soon as possible. The most effective is at the puppy stage. Initiate with simple commands and slowly approach the difficult training.
- Prioritize early socialization.
It is very crucial for any dog to be introduced early to other people and pets; this will help them to evolve around your environment, and the confidence they build up through early socialization will help with fear-based aggressions.
- Master the basic obedience commands.
You heard other owners command their dogs with words like “stay,” “sit,” “come,” “hello,” and “silent.” These are basic commands that should be adopted by your dog too. If you want to master these commands, then train your beagle in different situations and environments to let them learn to react the same everywhere after each order.
- Manage typical beagle behavior problems.
As beagles are highly energetic dogs, initially excessive barking, jumping, and chewing are normal to them. Distract and redirect with commands like “silent” or “sit” at the time of excessive barking and jumping. Offer them chew toys, and this will help in distracting them from irrelevant items.
- Be patient and positive.
If you are training a stubborn dog like a beagle, you need to be patient and positive. Focus on positive reinforcements instead of punishment-based methods. This will not only build trust but also be helpful in long-term results.
- Be Consistent
You often hear consistency is the key to any small or big goal. If your training periods are not proper and on time, this will encourage their destructive behavior and frustrations, and ultimately your beagle will end up learning nothing.
- Train for reliable recall.
The “come when called” command is often used for beagles because of their strong hunting capacities. They love to sniff and wander every time. You need to offer them bigger treats when they do not respond accordingly.
- Keep the training fun, stimulating, and short.
Beagles distract easily, so you need to keep the sessions short, not more than 10 minutes a day. Experiment with the commands in different situations and locations. Don’t miss their treats in between.
- Early crate and Potty training
Potty training makes your dog a well-behaved creature, while crate training provides your beagle a sense of safety and personal space. This should have started as early as possible.
- Get expert guidance when necessary.
You can also consult a certified trainer or professionals if you find it difficult to train your dog by yourself. They provide tailored solutions, that make your dog’s training easier and smoother.
Monthly expenses of a beagle
As beagles are low- to moderate-maintenance dogs, they still require good food, grooming, and veterinary care. Expectations of these expenses are
• Food—Rs.3000-4500/- monthly.
• Grooming—Rs. 2000-4000/- terminally
• Veterinary checkups, including vaccinations—Rs 3000-5000/- annually.
Beagle dog food and nutrition guide
Beagles need a balanced amount of protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals for perfect growth and immune response. Generally they should eat turkey, chicken, meat, and fish for protein sources. Oats and brown rice for carbohydrates, omega-3 fatty acid-rich food for healthy fats, vegetables and grains for fiber, and milk for calcium sources. If you are not able to provide all of them to your dog, then you can go for various tailored market products by well-known pet food companies that include all of them in standard quantity, and they also ensure the proper growth of your furry friend, as per millions of factual dog owner reviews on the internet.
Beagle dog breed grooming
Beagles have short and dense coats that require regular brushing because they shed moderately throughout the year. A soft bristle brush or hound glove is recommended for brushing. Beagles require fewer bathing sessions than other dog breeds because they are naturally clean, but it’s important to use customized beagle shampoo to avoid coat infections. Their ears frequently develop moisture and debris due to their long, floppy shape, so it is advised to clean their ears daily. In addition, periodic brushing and nail trimming are common for all dog breeds; that, too, should be done at least once a week to complete their grooming routine. You can also take professional help from grooming experts near your place, though they charge slightly more, but they groom your dog properly.
Beagle dog health problems
Like other dogs, beagles are also healthy dogs, but they are prone to certain health issues, which should be kept in mind if you are owning them. Let’s discuss some of the health issues that are commonly addressed in beagles.
1. Obesity—Beagles are food lovers. They generally overeat if you are not looking after their diet, portion, and exercise sessions. So you need to strictly measure the quantity of their consumption.
2. Allergies and ear infections—Beagles have recurring ear infections due to their long, floppy shape and other allergies related to skin and eyes. A good veterinarian is required to peel these issues. Generally, skin-related issues can be solved by customized shampoos, sprays, wipes, and mousses.
3. Epilepsy—Beagles are more prone to short epilepsy episodes that last from 30 seconds to 5 minutes. Generally it goes on its own, but if you are watching your dog getting frequent seizures, then talk to your vet and get the needed medicines recommended specially for epilepsy in beagles.
Common symptoms of severe seizure are
• Defecating
• Urinating
• Thrashing
• Loss of consciousness
• Involuntary movements
4. Hip Dysplasia—This is a common genetic joint problem where a ball-and-socket joint of the hip does not fit properly, leading to unbearable pain and arthritis. To prevent hip dysplasia problems, their exercise and walk sessions should not be missed.
5. Hypothyroidism—It occurs when the thyroid gland is not able to produce enough thyroid hormone. Lacking this hormone leads to weight gain, skin problems, slow metabolism, and lethargy.
FAQ
1. Are beagles aggressive?
Yes, beagles were used for hunting in the past, but they are not aggressive. In fact, they are very kind, friendly, loyal, and affectionate by nature.
2. Will beagles protect their owners?
Beagles are not guard dogs because of their friendly nature, but they are highly intelligent and alert dogs. Their loud barking trait makes them good watchdogs.
3. When do beagles stop growing?
At 8 to 9 months, beagles reach their full height, and at around 18 months, they are fully grown adults. But they continue to lose or gain weight according to their diet and exercise routine.
Final words
Overall, beagles are incredible companions. They are charming and full of personalities, but they need the right owner who consistently fulfills their mandatory needs. Their grasping power and endless love make them a cherished family member.