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Beagle Dog Breed Introduction
Beagle is a breed of dog originally from England that hunts by scent rather than sight. It was developed for hunting hare referred to as beagling. This breed has a great sense of smell and superior tracking instincts and therefore, they are used in detecting prohibited foodstuffs and agricultural imports around the world.
This breed was exported to the United States in the mid-19th century strictly for hunting. As of today, Beagles are used for hunting, detection, family pets, and therapy. This dog has gained popularity in both Canada and United States as compared to their native England.
They are neither timid nor aggressive, although this entirely depends on the individual. Beagles are pack dogs who also enjoy the company. However, they make poor guard dogs since they may be standoffish with strangers at first but only be easily won over. This dog has a tendency to howl or bark when confronted with the unfamiliar making it a good watchdog.
History
The origin of Beagles has been a subject of debate for centuries. Some argue that the name was derived from the French word, baugler, meaning to bellow, or from an old English word. beag, meaning small. Others also think the word Beagle may have come from the French word, begueule, which means an open throat or begele, a German word meaning to scold.
The history of Beagles is also cloudy since the modern breed as it is known today was developed in the 19th century. There are Greek documents dating back to 400 B.C. that describe Beagle like dogs. Others argue that the Romans brought small-rabbit hunting hounds to England that were eventually breed with the local hounds.
The modern Beagle was developed in the 1830s from crossing several breeds including Southern Hound, Talbot Hound, and North Country Beagle and possibly also the Harrier. This was from a pack established by Reverend Phillip Honeywood. Even though, Honeywood has been credited for developing the modern breed, he concentrated on producing dogs for hunting. However, Thomas Johnson was left to refine the breeding to produce dogs that are both capable hunters and attractive.
Around this time, two strains were developed, Smooth-coated varieties and rough -coated varieties. The rough-coated variety survived until the beginning of the 20th century. Although, there are records of a rough-coated beagle that made an appearance in a dog show in 1969. Rough-coated beagles are now extinct and were probably absorbed into the standard beagle bloodline. Beagles were imported in the United States by 1840s strictly for hunting. The first beagle, Blunder was registered by AKC in 1885.
Life Expectancy
Beagles have an average lifespan of 12-15 years. The typical longevity of this breed is a common lifespan for dogs of their size. Some dogs may also live up to 20 years while others may never make it past the age of 6 years due to health issues. Giving your pet better care increases the chances of a longer lifespan.
Lifespan Female
A female Beagle with a normal weight has a lifespan of 15.3 years. However, if your female is obese, her life expectancy is cut short by two years living up to 13.3 years.
Overweight Lifespan
This breed likes to eat a lot and if not properly monitored, your Beagle may become overweight or obese. An overweight beagle’s life span is 13 years compared to a healthy Beagle that may live up to 15 years.
Lifespan Male
The life expectancy of a male Beagle that is healthy is 15.2 years. An obese male dog may have a lifespan of 13.2 years.
Beagle Grooming
While grooming your Beagle, weekly brushing with a medium-bristle brush, hound glove, or a rubber grooming mitt is advisable in order to remove loose hair as well as promote new hair growth. Beagles should be bathed once between a period of four to six weeks unless it happens to get into something messier.
This breed also has drop ears and air may not circulate well inside their ears. Therefore, check your dog’s ears every two weeks for wax buildup or signs of ear infection. Brushing your pet’s teeth at least twice a week is recommended to remove bacteria lurk-up and tartar buildup. Use dog-formulated toothpaste or dental wipes. Nail trimming should also be done twice a month if your Beagle doesn’t wear them down naturally.
As for the nose, apply nose balm or butter to keep it healthy and moisturized. Use canine eye wipes to wipe the tear stains and wipe away eye gunk or boogers. Get your dog to get accustomed to touch which will make grooming a positive experience.
Shedding
Beagles shed at moderate levels all-year-round. They also blow off the coats during Spring and/or Fall when experiencing seasonal change. During the shedding season, dog owners should regularly brush the coat at least twice a week to confine the hair in the brush that would otherwise spread around the house.
Coat Type
A Beagle has a dense and smooth double coat that is of medium length.
Coat
This dog has a dense and smooth double coat that sheds heavily during fall and spring. Beagle’s double coat makes it resistant to rain. In order to maintain its’ coat, you should brush your pet at least once a week using a hound glove or a medium-bristle brush which will loosen and get rid of dead hair. The coat of this dog also gets heavier during winter.
Hypoallergenic
Beagles are not hypoallergenic since they shed-all-year round and heavily once or twice a year when experiencing seasonal change. Shedding allows the spread of hair and dander around the house. Dander, hair, urine, saliva, and mucus have a protein that causes allergic inflammation in people who suffer from dog allergies. Beagles also tend to drool when they spot food or delicious treat. Drooling is also common for this breed as it pants to cool down the body. Drool allows licking of saliva on the surfaces which will trigger allergic reactions.
Beagle Training
Housetraining this breed may be difficult with reports that it takes up to a year to fully housetrain some Beagles. Crate training is highly recommended for Beagles which allows everyone to sleep through the night without destruction or accidents. Your pet is also independent with a stubborn streak. However, obedience training is advisable where food is used as a reward.
Beagles get easily distracted by their stubbornness, inquisitive nature, and sharp sense of smell making them relatively difficult to train. Socialization is key to raising a well-adjusted, confident, and kind dog. When potty training, note that female Beagles may take longer because they are most likely to suffer from UTIs between four to six months. The key to potty training is understanding, patience, attention, and consistency.
Potty training is also effective if you take your dog out often to the spot where you want them to do their business. A dog owner should also teach the dog basic commands such as stay, sit, and quiet. Socialize your Beagle between the age of 8 to 16 weeks by exposing it to new people, places, sounds, sights, smell, and situation such as crates and car rides. This training is key in raising a well-adjusted, kind, and confident dog. Enrolling your pooch in Puppy obedience classes is also a good way of socializing your pet. This classes will also help you in identifying and correcting bad habits. Effective potty training depends on how consistent the owner has been taking the pooch outside to avoid accidents.
Training Tips
Crate training and establishing a feeding guide makes housebreaking easier. A crate is a safe place for your pet as it protects the pet from harm while you are running your daily errands. Make the crate cozy and comfortable by lining it with a blanket and positioning treats and toys inside the crate. Never use a crate as form of punishment. This will make your Beagle defensive anytime it is supposed to go to the crate.
Around the age of six months, teach your pet basic command words such as sit, down, stay, and leave it. Leave it is a command word used on a puppy that is chewing something he shouldn’t. Teach basic command words one at a time until your pooch understands before proceeding to the next command word. Remember to keep the training sessions short for a span of at utmost ten minutes since Beagles have a short attention span and get easily distracted by smell.
Beagle Training For Hunting
Beagles have a strong sense of smell, long ears, and large lips which probably come in handy in trapping the scents close to the nose. Beagles are energetic dogs and training them for hunting is the perfect way to channel that energy into something useful. This kind of training also instills discipline and set your pet up as an obedient and well-adjusted dog in the future. Teaching your Beagle how to hunt also offers a fantastic way to bond.
Before your pet starts training for hunting, it should undergo obedience training. This is because if your pet is uncontrollable out in the field, it will make your job difficult instead of enjoyable. Some dog owners start training for hunting when their pets are five months old. It is easy to teach puppies to hunt as compared to adult dogs since they are receptive and keen to please the owner.
Requirements
Before starting to train your pet to hunt, you will need scent sprays, decoys, rewards and tasty treats. Remember to set aside fifteen minutes each day for training. If you have no yard, you will require to have access to local fields for training. A dog owner may use a lead method for this kind of training or even scent method which is move effective since Beagles hunt by scent. Hunting by scent requires you to spray the rabbit scent on the decoy toys and then spare a few minutes each day to play around them.
Create a trail in the yard that will lead to a hidden decoy at the end. This will teach your beagle to use his nose to sniff the prey. Secure your dog in a leash and take him to the start of the trail. Point to the trail and encourage him to follow it. If he gets distracted pull him back on. Ensure he follows the trail up to the end until he finds the decoys.
After he gets to the end of the trail, reward him by playing with him for a few minutes and even give a tasty treat. Repeat this for a couple of weeks, making it trail harder while setting them up in a local field. Continue offering him rewards after he finishes the trail until he can naturally sniff out rabbits independently.
Training Rabbit
When training your Beagle to hunt a rabbit, you may use a rabbit foot that still has a smell on it or old rabbit skins to help your pet to recognize the scent of the rabbit. Rabbit training for this breed is productive when it is done during the season when they can actually hunt.
This kind of training is best taught in repetition for several days in a row, not over a long-drawn-out process, like other types of hunting. Rabbit training should be done in the afternoon when rabbits are most active.
Training Collars
A training collar assists the owner to communicate with the dog while on a hunt. Modern training collars also provide a GPS to locate your pet when out hunting in the field. A training collar is recommended for a beagle that has already enrolled in obedience classes and will follow your commands via the training collar.
Some of the dog owners of this breed use shock training collars which help in the containment of unwanted behavior. However, shock training collars do not teach your Beagle the behaviors that you like and dislike. They may also create aggression, anxiety, and fear.
Beagle Barking
Beagle’s barking is frequent since this is a vocally expressive breed. Therefore, not recommended for an owner residing in a city or has neighbors close by. This breed also tends to bark when it is aware of movement from unknown source in its territory and wants to alert its owners. This dog also has a very loud and distinctive bark. At times a Beagle may howl especially when they spot prey including rabbits, squirrels, etc.
Stop the Barking
They are quite loud barkers and it may be frustrating at times. However, the use of the Quiet command may help in stopping the barking. Put a treat above the head of your pooch, while uttering the command word Quiet. The dog will stop barking to sniff the treat. Proceed to give the dog a treat and praise it. Repeat this until your dog associates silence with rewards. Moreover, bark collars are also effective in controlling barking with a 98.5% success rate. This kind of collar delivers a quick safe statistic stimulation that quickly controls your dog’s barking.
Beagle Temperament
- Even-tempered.
- Neither timid nor aggressive.
- Friendly.
- Excellent with kids.
- Gentle.
- Loyal.
- Suffer from separation anxiety.
Height
A male Beagle stands at a height of 14 to 16 inches ( approx. 36 cm to 41 cm ) while the female counterpart has a height of 13 to 15 inches ( approx. 33 cm to 38 cm ).
Weight
A female adult dog of this breed should weigh between 20 to 22 pounds ( approx. 9.1 to 10 kg ) while a male Beagle should have a weight of 22 to 24 pounds ( approx. 10 to 10.9 kg).
Healthy Weight
The healthy weight of a Beagle is determined by the height it possesses. Therefore, a dog standing at 13 inches ( approx. 33 cm) or less should weigh less than 20 pounds (approx. 9.1 kg ) while an adult beagle with a height of 13 to 15 inches tall ( approx. 33 cm to 38 cm ) should weigh between 20 to 30 pounds ( approx. 9.1 kg to 13.6 kg ).
Beagle Weight Chart
There are two types of Beagles categorized based on height smaller Beagle ( 13 inches and under) and Larger Beagle ( 13-15 inches). The following is a chart weight based on height for both types of puppies aged one to twelve months.
Age in Months Larger Beagle Smaller Beagle
1 3-4 pounds(approx. 1.4-1.8kg) 2-3 pounds(approx. 0.9-1.4kg).
2 4-7 pounds( approx. 1.8-3.2 kg) 3-5 pounds(approx. 1.4-2.3kg).
3 8-11 pounds(approx. 3.6-5.0 kg) 7-10 pounds(approx. 3.2-4.5kg).
4 9-12 pounds(approx. 4.1-5.4kg) 8-11 pounds(approx. 3.6-5.0 kg).
5 10-13 pounds(approx. 4.5-5.9kg) 9-12 pounds(approx. 4.1-5.4kg).
6 14-18 pounds(approx. 6.35-8.2kg) 12-17 pounds(approx. 5.4kg -7.7kg).
7 16-20 pounds( approx. 7.3-9.1kg) 14-16 pounds(approx. 6.4-7.3kg).
8 18-22 pounds(approx. 8.2-9.10.0kg) 16-20 pounds( approx. 7.3-9.1kg).
9 20-26 pounds(approx. 9.1-11.8kg) 16-20 pounds( approx. 7.3-9.1kg).
10 20-28 pounds( approx. 9.1-12.7kg) 16-20 pounds( approx. 7.3-9.1kg).
11 20-30 pounds(approx. 9.1kg-13.6kg) 16-20 pounds( approx. 7.3 9.1kg).
12 20-30 pounds(approx. 9.1kg-13.6kg) 16-20 pounds( approx. 7.3 9.1kg).
Types
According to American Kennel Club, there are two types of Beagle the smaller variety with a height of 13 inches and under and a larger variety with a height of 13 to 15 inches at the withers.
Exercise
This requires at least one hour and thirty minutes of exercise a day. The exercise may include running and walking. A walk should have a minimum of 20 minutes. Beagles should also have a cardio exercise that is short and a bit intense at least once or twice a week. This breed may also run at least one mile ( approx. 1.6 km). It also has inbred stamina which means that it doesn’t tire easily when exercised.
Aggressive
A Beagle is neither aggressive nor timid. However, your dog may be aggressive when he or she is trying to protect the territory or show dominance. Beagle puppies are also likely to bite aggressively due to teething or lack of enough daily exercise to release excess energy.
Bite Force
This is not an aggressive breed of dog. Therefore, a Beagle bit force is below 200 PSI.
Biting
Common behaviors with Beagle puppies is nipping, chewing, and biting. Biting is even more rampant when the puppy is teething between the age of 4 to 8 months due to discomfort. During this stage, biting will be resolved through redirection. Instead of a puppy nipping on your hands or feet, give him teething toys which will assist in easing the discomfort.
Puppies also bite as they play with their littermates and also when exploring new textures, people, and their surroundings. Biting may seem adorable for a puppy but not anymore after it grows to a mature adult dog with serious biting habits. Fortunately, aggressive biting is seldom with Beagles because they are not an aggressive breed.
Heat Cycle
The heat cycle of a Beagle lasts for 2 to 3 weeks. Some of the dogs experience their first heat cycle at the age of six months. However, some will experience their first the heat cycle at the age of 4 months and some later at the age of 15 months. The heat cycle may reoccur after every 5 to 7 months.
During the heat cycle, if your female is intact and you have no intentions of mating her, keep her safe since any un-neutered dog of any breed can pick up her scent within a 3 mile radius. Some of the signs that a Beagle exhibits while experiencing the heat cycle include increased urination, bloody discharge, swollen vulva, tail flagging, and behavior changes.
Before mating your Beagle, ensure that both the male and female have been scheduled for a genetic testing to clear most of the genetic health concerns. Breed a dam after the age of 2 years to allow the genetically linked faults the time to express themselves.
Pregnancy Length
This breed has a pregnancy length of 60 to 65 days ( approximately two months). Some of the pregnancy symptoms that Beagle exhibits include decreased activity, discolored or enlarged nipples, nesting behaviors, unusual behavior, weight gain, enlarged abdomen, and spending more time napping.
Litter Size
A female Beagle may deliver a litter size of 1 to 10 puppies. Beagles tend to maintain their litter size in each pregnancy. Therefore, if a beagle has a larger litter size the next pregnancy will likely also have a large litter. The average litter size for beagles is 6 puppies. The largest known litter for this breed is 13 puppies.
Hair Loss
Beagles have a dense smooth coat that sheds excessively during spring and fall. However, this breed may also experience hair loss due to:
Hypothyroidism – this is a condition in which the thyroid gland inadequately produces the thyroid hormone. This makes the coat dry and scaly and hair may break off easily leading to hair loss in Beagles.
Hormones – A female Beagle is likely to experience hair and thinning of the coat when on heat cycle because of increased estrogen levels.
Dermatomyositis is a condition that causes hair loss to Beagles due to a negative reaction to UV rays or sunlight.
Allergies – Beagles are also affected by food, contact, skin, and environmental allergies. Allergies cause scratching, licking, and biting which leads to sores, hair loss, and secondary infections if left untreated.
Stress– a stressed Beagle may find a way of relieving the anxiousness through scratching and biting. Excessive licking causes granuloma, a condition that results in hair loss in the excessively licked body parts.
Mange also causes loss of hair in Beagles due to mites leading to itching, scratching, licking, and rubbing and eventually hair loss, sores, and scrabs.
Beagle Colors
The most common color of a Beagle is Tri-color which is white with light brown shedding and large black areas. The tri-color in this breed may occur in a number of shades including Classic Tri with a Blackback, Faded Tri, and Dark Tri. Some of the tricolored dogs of this breed have a broken pattern referred to as pied. Other colors of Beagle include:
- Liver.
- Lemon.
- Red.
- Brown.
- White & Tan.
- White & Chocolate.
- Red & White.
- Chocolate Tri.
- Orange & White.
- Lemon & White, etc.
Rare Colors
The liver is the rarest color in Beagle which tends to look darker brown and black. Furthermore, liver color is not permitted by some standards and tends to occur with yellow eyes.
Beagle Ears
This breed has dropped ears also known as Pendant or floppy. These long ears also catch scent particles keeping them close to the dog’s nose so that he can take in as much as possible. Beagle’s ears also cover the ear canal creating a warm environment where bacteria may thrive.
Beagle Ear Infection
Beagles have floppy ears that cover the ear canal obstructing the free flow of air in the ear. This creates a dark and humid environment for bacteria or yeast to thrive causing ear infection. Other causes of ear infections in Beagles may include ear mites, excess debris, dirt or wax, moisture accumulation, allergies, and yeast imbalances.
The common type of ear infection that affects beagles is externa otitis which causes inflammation to the cells present in the external ear. There is also media and interna otitis which is the ear infection in the middle and inner ear canal respectively which occur if externa otitis is left untreated.
Failure to treat both interna and media otitis may lead to facial paralysis, deafness, and vestibular signs. Some of ear infection symptoms in Beagles include redness, odor, dark discharge, scratching of the affected ear, head shaking, pain, and crusting in the ears.
Ear Infection Home Remedy
Ear infections cause a lot of pain to Beagles and any other dog breed. If you are in a position to attend to the affected ear, use a medicated ear cleanser and cotton balls to gently clean the ear. However, if the pooch is in too much pain, book an appointment with the vet. Since the Beagle is in pain, remember to put a puzzle on since it may be prone to biting. Once you get to the vet, physical examination will be carried before taking a swab from the affected ear. A vet may sedate the dog in order to clean the ear. When going home, a topical medication and ear cleanser will also be prescribed.
Beagle Names
Once a dog owner gets a Beagle pup from a responsible breeder or a rescue center, the next best thing that happens is giving it a name. The names may be inspired by nature, songs, food, books, celebrities, movies, origin, character, and coat color. It is easy for pets to understand names that have vowels. Regardless of the name you choose for your pet, avoid giving it a name that rhymes with the command words to avoid confusion.
A perfect pet name should freely roll off you tongue without making you embarrassed while uttering it out loud in the parks or malls. Resist giving your Beagle a name that is used by other family members or people who frequent your household to avoid confusion.
Names Girl
- Molly.
- Stella.
- Daisy.
- Ginny.
- Alma.
- Alice.
- Bell.
- Sadie.
- Layla.
- Agatha.
- Luna.
- Buttercup.
- Dakota, etc.
Male Names
- Gus.
- Lulu.
- Buddy.
- Wyatt.
- Tucker.
- Hudson.
- Reece.
- Isaac.
- Silas.
- Rhett.
- Theo.
- Eli, etc.
Neck Size
The neck size of a Beagle is equivalent to the collar size. This is because the collar rests around the neck. Beagle’s neck size | collar size is 16 to 18 inches ( approx. 41 to 46 cm).
Speed
A Beagle may run up to a speed of 20 miles per hour ( approx. 32 km/h).
Beagle Eyes
A Beagle has large brown or hazel eyes, with a mild, hound-like pleading look. At times this breed may have a red eye that can be caused by a foreign object, glaucoma, dry eye, and conjunctivitis. Your pet is also prone to various eye conditions including progressive retinal atrophy, cherry eye, cataracts, etc.
Eye Infection
A Beagle may suffer from an eye infection due to bacterial or viral infection. Bacteria is the far more common reason behind eye infections. Dry eye disease, viruses, and trauma to the eye provide a perfect opportunity for the bacteria invasion since the local defenses of the eye have been compromised. Eye bacterial infections that result due to an injury or cornea ulcer are also common. Foreign bodies such as plant material, dust, debris, fur, and hair also results in bacterial infection.
Some of the common symptoms exhibited by a Beagle that is suffering from an eye infection include squinting, pawing at the eye due to itchiness or pain, and a discharge. A clear discharge indicates that the eye infection has been caused by a virus while a thick yellowish-greenish discharge indicates that the eye infection is due to bacteria invasion. A home remedy for eye infection is using saline rinses to flush the eye.
Eye Problems
Apart from eye infection, other eye problems that are likely to affect Beagles include:
Cherry eye is a common eye problem in Beagles that is characterized by red tissue protruding from the inside corner of the eye caused by the prolapsed gland of the eyelid. Symptoms include overproduction of tears, watery eyes, rubbing at the eye, squinting, discharge, and excessive watery eyes.
Glaucoma which causes insufficient drainage of the fluid from the eye of the Beagle.
PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy). This is an inherited illness where the dog’s eyes are genetically programmed to go blind.
Eye Discharge
Eye discharge in dogs is medically known as eye gunk or eye boogers. It is normal for a Beagle to have eye discharge that should be gently wiped using a damp cloth or canine friendly wipes. The normal eye discharge is clear or whitish grey with a water consistency. A thick-yellowish discharge indicates that your dog is suffering from a bacterial eye infection whereas a clear discharge indicates that your dog is suffering from a viral infection.
Paws
It has big paws which help them get more traction on the mud and not labor and sink as they walk. This breed also has webbed feet which help them grip slippery surfaces.
Teeth
An adult Beagle has a total of 42 set of permanent teeth. A puppy is born with no teeth. However, the deciduous teeth starts growing at the age of two weeks and fall out from the age of 3 to 9 months. A Beagle pup has a total of 28 deciduous teeth. Regular teeth cleaning at least twice a week using dog-formulated toothpaste is required to prevent excess tartar buildup that results in gum inflammation and periodontal disease.
Tail
Beagles have a moderately long tail that is carried casually yet happily(gaily). The tail is slightly higher than the crown of the head when a Beagle stands at attention.
Tail Positions
A Beagle carries his tail in different positions including holding his tail down when relaxed, curled or tucked around his body when sleeping, carry it close to his back, etc. A dog owner should only be concerned if his pooch can’t hold his tail up or is showing signs of pain.
Beagle Allergies
Beagles are genetically predisposed to food-related allergies and environmental allergies that often manifest themselves as hot spots, flakiness, rashes, and dandruff. The common allergies that affect Beagles are discussed below:
Contact allergies – Beagles are affected by this allergy when the allergens get in contact with the skin. Some of the contact allergens that cause inflammation include latex, medication, carpet cleaning detergents, and grooming products such as shampoos. Contact allergens cause itchiness and irritation to the skin. The most affected body parts by this allergy include belly sides and paws. This allergy result in excessive biting and licking which causes hair loss and secondary infection to the skin.
Environmental allergies – Some of the allergens that causes inflammation include fleas, mites, ragweed, pollen, grass, dust and dust mites, and house molds. The common symptoms of environmental allergies include chronic itchiness, hot spots, swollen eyes, a runny nose, and chronic itchiness on various body parts including armpits, groin, between the toes, paws, ears, around the eyes, muzzle, and belly sides. Environmental allergies may be controlled by wiping the coat with a wet cloth or canine friendly wipes after a Beagle returns to the house following an outdoor activity.
Food allergies in beagles cause an immune response which may result to symptoms of skin conditions and or gastrointestinal signs.
Skin Allergies – A Beagle is predisposed to skin allergies due to food, environmental and contact allergens that causes scratching and chronic itchiness.
Food Allergies
Dog owners are likely to confuse food allergies and food sensitivities or intolerance. A Beagle that is suffering from true food allergies will experience an immune response that will make your pooch manifest a range of gastrointestinal signs as well as skin conditions symptoms. Some of the skin conditions signs include facial swelling, pruritus, hives, crusting lesions, and dermatitis. Whereas, gastrointestinal signs that your dog may exhibit include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and even lethargy.
Food sensitivities in Beagles are caused by a gradual response to an offending food ingredient including pork, lamb, fish, chicken, beef, dairy products, eggs, corn, soy, milk, etc. Remember that food intolerance doesn’t cause an immune response. If your beagle is experiencing food sensitivities it will exhibit various signs including chronic ear infections, foot infections, diarrhea, vomiting, and poor coat & skin. It is highly recommended that dog owners work closely with their Vet to determine the cause of food allergy and intolerance.
Beagle Skin Allergies
Skin allergies in Beagles are caused by environmental, food, and contact allergies. If a Beagle is affected by skin allergies, the signs of allergies start manifesting at the age of 1 to 3 years and may become worse with each passing year. Common affected body parts by skin allergies include belly sides, legs, paws, ears, eyes, armpits, and groin.
Some of the symptoms exhibited by a dog that suffers from skin allergies include chronic itchiness, bloodshot eyes, itchy ears, excessive chewing and biting, and hair loss or thinning of the coat. A dog owner may get to know if a Beagle has skin allergies if it licks its paws, rubs the face, or even experiences frequent ear infections. To relieve skin allergies in this breed use a hypoallergic shampoo and conditioner.
Some of the other breeds of dogs include:
Pug.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Beagle Food
This is a medium-sized breed of dog that is highly prone to obesity making it crucial to choose a size-specific formula that meets the general nutritional requirements of most dogs. Some of the best beagle foods include Farmina Natural & Delicious Chicken Small & Medium Breed Puppy Formula, Victor Senior Healthy Weight Dry Food, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Healthy Weight, etc.
Feeding Amount
This breed has a voracious appetite and if the amount of food it is eating is not regulated it may become obese. A puppy Beagle eats up to two cups of food a day fed three times. On the other hand, an adult feeds one cup of food each day. Senior dogs from the age of nine years should eat about 42 calories per pound of body weight.
Collar
Beagles are scent hounds who hunt by scent. Therefore, they should never be off-leash while outside as they can catch a scent and trail behind it. A collar is preferred for a dog that knows how to walk on leash and doesn’t pull. Beagles are likely to pull due to the high prey drive. Therefore, a harness is more preferred. Pulling increases the risk of suffering a neck injury if in a collar.
Hunting Rabbits
Beagles were originally bred for hunting hare. It is among the best breed of dogs for hunting rabbits. From the age of five months, this dog gets socialized to hunt after taking obedience classes. The dog is good at hunting due to its good sense of smell. You should help your pet to recognize the rabbit scent by smelling old rabbits’ skins.
Beagle Health Issues
- Obesity.
- Dwarfism.
- Hypothyroidism.
- Musladin-Lueke syndrome.
- Glaucoma. Cherry eye.
- Retinal atrophy.
N/B Some of the rare health issues that Beagles suffer from include immune-mediated polygenic arthritis, and cerebellar cortical degeneration.
Seizures
Beagles are prone to seizures between the age of 1.5 to 5 years. Although, some may experience seizures at the age of 9 years. Seizures are also referred to convulsions or fits. They may last for a period of 1 to 3 minutes.
Some of the common causes of seizures include reactive, secondary, and primary seizures. Secondary seizures are caused by stroke, brain tumor, and trauma. Primary seizures are inherited but the cause is unknown. Therefore, they are referred to as idiopathic seizures. Reactive seizures occur due to the reaction of the brain to a metabolic problem such as low blood sugar, toxins, and organ failure.
Some of the common symptoms of a seizure include disorientation, drooling, foaming mouth, stiffening of the muscles, loss of consciousness, hiding after an episode, urination or defecation, and Staring.
Ears Itching
Beagles may have itching ears as a manifestation of either skin or food allergies. When a dog is prone to skin allergies, it may have frequent ear infections. Ear itching may also be a sign that your dog is suffering from ear mites or yeast infection which results in funky smells.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How To Clean Beagle Ears
If your dog doesn’t have an ear infection, you may clean its ears from home. Use a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and distilled water to clean your Beagle’s ears. This treatment may help in preventing infection in otherwise unhealthy ears since they are floppy.
How To Measure Beagle Height
The height of a Beagle is measured from the withers to the feet. Withers refers to the point where the neck and shoulder blades intersect. While measuring the height of your pet, their head and neck are not taken into account.
Do Beagles Smell
Yes, this breed has a higher concentration of odor-producing microbes which love wet and damp environments. Furthermore, the coat of the Beagles absorbs moisture and releases an unpleasant smell through hair follicles. Even though other breeds of dogs will have that typical wet dog smell, Beagles have it worse.
Quick Beagle Facts
- It was bred for hunting hare and it is also taught rabbit hunting.
- They may be smelly due to the higher concentration of odor-producing microbes.
- There are two types of Beagles based on their size, a smaller variety, and a larger variety Beagle.
