![Beagle Dog Breed](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium_440x440/public/2022-07/Beagle.jpg?itok=ewIKYJgr)
Family-friendly: | 5/5 |
Exercise needs: | 4/5 |
Easy to train: | 1/5 |
Tolerates being alone: | 1/5 |
Likes other pets: | 3/5 |
Energy level: | 4/5 |
Grooming needs: | 1/5 |
Shedding: | 3/5 |
Beagles are generally a robust breed but can suffer from:
- Hip dysplasia
- Lafora's epilepsy which is an inherited condition where carbohydrates cannot be broken down reulsting in toxin build up and nervous signs.
- Meningiti which is a painful condition where the tissue surrouding the spinal cord and the brain become inflamed.
- Hypothyroidism where the thyroid gland is underactive and does not product enough thyroid hormone, and can result in low energy levels, weight gain and skin problems.
- Intervertebral disc disease a condition where there us abnormality in the discs which act to cushion the bones in the spine.
- Ear infections
- Cherry eye which is where a gland within the third eyelid pops up in the corner of the eye.
- Musladin-Lueke Syndrome which is a genetic condition which can affect development of puppies.
- Neonatal cerebellar cortical degeneration which is a disease affecting the brain that causes neurological signs.
Priority Kennel Club health schemes and testing:
- DNA test for Musladin-Leuke Syndrome and Lafora's epilepsy which tests whether or not a dog has the potential to be affected by these conditions.
These sturdy and bold little scent hounds have kindly expressions and are compact and athletic. They have short coats that are dense and weather-resistant, and come in a range of different patterns. The Beagle colours are also as varied as they can include blue, black, lemon, white, red, brown, tan, or black.
This is a happy, easy-going dog who is full of life and fun to be around. The Beagle personality is very good-natured and, as they were bred to be pack animals, will get along with most other dogs. They love children, but need to be exposed to cats at an early age in order to develop good relationships with them, and may never be safe with strange cats or small furries.
The Beagle is a good watchdog, barking at anything unusual, although once the burglar is indoors, the Beagle may prefer a game with him! The Beagle suits an owner or family who want an active, affectionate, cheerful dog who loves getting involved in games and activities but who are able to cope with their selective attitude to obedience and lack of reliable recall.
The heavy, velvety earflaps actually improve a Beagle’s ability to pick up a scent, as when their nose is pointed to the ground, the long ears create micro-air currents which help better conduct the scent to their nose.
As the Beagle is such a manageable size, and has such an incredible nose, they have found work around the world as a drugs and food sniffer dog in many airports. They are extremely successful in this work — and their appealing look means they don't frighten the passengers.
Is a Beagle a good first dog?
Beagles can be the perfect choice for a first-time dog owner as they are small-sized, loving, and playful. However, they can be more difficult to train, which for a first-time owner might result challenging.
What are the disadvantages of owning a Beagle?
Although they come with plenty of good qualities, Beagles can also be quite vocal and require plenty of training, which can be seen as disadvantages by many potential owners.
Are Beagles okay to be left alone?
It’s recommended that Beagles not be left alone for more than 4-6 hours a day, as they can get anxious and bored easily, and are prone to becoming destructive.
Is it better to get a boy or a girl Beagle?
Both male and female Beagles make great pets, but depending on what you’re looking for in a pet, male Beagles can be more laid back and predictable, while female Beagles can be more energetic and demanding.