Choosing Beagles as Pets

If you are choosing Beagles as pets for your family, look no further! We take a look at the personality of this popular dog and include some fun facts that you probably didn’t know already.

The Beagle originated in England and was bred as a hunting dog to chase rabbits and hares. They became popular with the British monarchy in the 13th and 14th centuries and later by the landed-gentry. The breed has life span of 10-15 years.

The Beagle today is much loved throughout the world and one of the most popular breed choices registered with the American Kennel Club.

The definitive guide to Beagles as pets Beagle dogs are attractive sturdy and compact little dogs with a friendly expression. Beagles as pets are sociable and are fun to be with which make them perfect for the family. It is essential that Beagles live as a family ‘member’ as they need constant company. Beagles and children are generally a good mix and will play well if they have been socialized properly, although you should never leave any breed of dog alone with very young children. They are a lively breed of dog and can accidentally hurt little ones so supervision with children is always recommended. Beagles have litters of 5-10 puppies. Both heights of Beagle (13 and 15 inches) can be born in the same litter. After birth and at around nine months of age, it should become apparent as to which group size the puppy will eventually belong. Beagles have a loud voice and will howl if bored or lonely. They are intelligent little dogs but completely ruled by their nose and become oblivious to everything else when following a trail. They require daily exercise and every opportunity to use that nose. They can be stubborn and appear to have ‘selective’ hearing at times. You cannot make a Beagle do anything he chooses not to, but he will co-operate when something becomes fun or there is a treat at the end! They will eat anything they consider to be food!

Beagle Facts and Pictures

Color
Usually tri-colored (black, tan and white). Solid patches of white and black are accompanied by a shade of tan which can vary from a pale lemon shade to light brown, red through to a rich chestnut. Bi-colored Beagles are less common and have two colors (white and tan). The colors can also be of mottled appearance. Beagles can actually be found in a great variety of colors of which the distribution does not matter. All Beagles however should have a  white tip to their tail, the ‘flag’. When out hunting they have their noses down and tails in the air, the ‘flag’ is then visible to its owner.

Height
Two heights are recognized – 13 and 15 inches at the shoulder

Length
Males 13-20 inches Females 14-16 inches

Weight
Between 26 and 40lbs

7 Fun Beagle Facts

1. Arguably the most famous Beagle is Snoopy, the dog in the Peanuts cartoon.
2. Other famous Beagles include Shiloh, Odie, Sandy, Underdog, Gromit, Poochie and The Beagle Boys, not forgetting Uno the best of show winner in 2008 who is now an ambassador for therapy dogs.
3. Beagles have 220 million scent receptors, whilst humans have only around 5 million.
4. They spend most of their time tracking and have been described as a ‘nose on legs’. It therefore makes them an ideal choice for search and rescue situations and airport security.
5. The word ‘Beagle’ is believed to have come from the Celtic word ‘beag’ meaning small.
6. Famous owners include Queen Elizabeth 1, King James 1 and President Lyndon B Johnson.
7. They have been featured in movies, art and even Shakespearean plays.

Beagles have so many admirable qualities – what a terrific breed! . If you are looking to welcome a Beagle into your home visit Beagle dogs for sale and Beagle adoption. Researching Beagle facts and information can help you decide if the Beagle is the right dog for you. If you are choosing Beagles as pets you will have a wonderful new family member.