ORIGIN
In the 14th century the hare hunting was a popular sport and they used probably beagle type of dogs. Larger dogs tracked deer , and smaller ones went for rabbits. The word Beagle was used in writings frothe 16th century. The origin of name Beagle ay come from Old French words which mean open throat, or from Celtic word small.
HISTORY
Beagles in the 16th century were so small that hunters can put them in to the pocket if the need arose. But in 18th century beagles comes in several size, but the pocket size were the most popular, they were so small that they needed assistance to crossing rough fields. In America first mention of Beagles was in 1642. They were used in the South prior to the Civil War. Because of their ability to run fast they were very popular in the 1940s and 1950s.
DESCRIPTION
They have small, sturdy and compact body, and the skull is fairly long and slightly domed. The muzzle is square and it is straight and medium in lenght. They have large brown or hazel eyes and they are set well apart. Ears are wide, low set and long. Nose is black, broad with full nostrils. They have round and firm feet. Beagles tail is set moderately and never curled over the back. Their coat is smooth, dense double coat which is resistant to rain. The ost coon color of Beagles is tricolor with a black sadle, but they come in lot of different colors : lemon, black and tan, white and red, orange and white or leon and white, blue tick and red tick. Beagles have specific baying howl when they are on the hunt.
TEMPERAMENT
Beagles are merry and fun loving dog breed. They are gentle, loving, sweet, happy to see everyone, because of that they are not good guard dogs. They are inteligent, brave and sociable. Beagle are great with children, but be carefull when you have a very young children when they playing they can be rambunctious. They enjoy company other dogs, but because theirs hunter instincts you must be carefull with other pets, only if they are socialized in early puppyhood with other pets. They are very independent, so they require firm training, and from you to be dogs pack leader and provide him proper mental and physical exercise. They have strong instinct to track, so you can by him animal scents and play with him tacking games. With enought exercise he will be satisfied and calm. Because of theirs tendency to follow theirs nose,their nose control their minds , they can wander off and not even hear you calling the back, because when they smell something interesting , nothing else exept that smell,doesn’t exist in their world. When you letting the off leash be sure that you are in safe area. They tend to be mouthly, grabbing things with their mouth to play.
HEALTH
Some Beagles can be prone to epilepsy, hearth disease, intervertebral disk disease, hip dyplasia, cherry eye, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy, distichiasis, hypothyroidis, beagle dwarfism, chinese beagle sydrome, patellar luxation.Not all beagle will get some of these diseases , but be careful and take care of your dog. When you by your puppy be carefull and ask to see health clearaces of oth parents.
LIVING CONDITIONS
They will live in apartment quite well, if they have plenty chances to be outdoors. Small yard will be great. If they are left alone too long they geting to be bored, and they will start finding ways to amuse themselves, howling, digging or trying to escape, so don’t left him alone too long. It is difficult, and can be last up to a year , to housetrain them.
CARE
Beagles have smooth shorthaired coat which is easy to look after. You should brushed him with a medium bristle brush or a hound glove at least once a week. Bath them only if it is necesary with mild soap, they are clean dogs. They shed, expectualy in spring, but because their shorthair it isn’t lot. Because their droped ears , they can get ear infections, so you must check theirs ears , and never left water or oil to enter his ears. Two or three time a week you must brush yours dogs teeth to remove tartar buildup, daily brush is even better. If your dog doesn’t wear his nails down naturaly, and you hear him clicking on the floor , you must trim his nails once or twice a month. Make groming positive expirience by giving him some rewards, and you will never have problems. When you groom check for sores rashes or some infections.
FEEDING
Proper feeding is very important to have a healthy dog, beagles can become overweight . Never leave out dogs food and allow your dog to eat whenever he want, beagles can easily graze all day long and end up overeat. Feed your dog twice a day , and leave him to eat 20 minutes, and after that if he doesn’t eat all food save it for later. They are also food thieves. If they have a chance to raid your panry and garbage they will eat until they pop. It is hard to resist those pleading eyes when they want human food while you have dinner, but if you give him once, just once, you will always have dog that begs for food at all times. Some human food can be poison for dogs digestive system.