A Full Guide on Beagles
Beagles are a great addition to any active family, as they are known for their creative and fun-loving personality. But, before you add a beagle to your family, make sure you’re fully educated about the breed. So, continue reading to learn more about these adorable pups!
History
The timeline of the Beagle remains unclear, but beagle-like canines were present in the past as far back as the Greeks and Romans. The Beagle ancestors, known as Talbot hounds, were brought to England in 1066. In the 1300s and 1400s, the glove beagle, a sub-breed of Beagles, was popular in England. In the 1800’s Reverend Philip Honeywood bred a pack of beagles that were the ancestors of the modern Beagle. Reverend Honeywood chose to breed this pack for their hunting abilities. Around the same time, American breeders started to import the breed from England. So, in the late 1800s, Beagles began to gain popularity in America. The American Kennel Club registered the Beagles in 1884.
Personality
Beagles are known for their sweet and loving nature and are very friendly. While Beagles are very gentle towards their pack, they often get up to some devious behavior. They are very intelligent, so Beagles can drive their owners wild and can even outsmart them. Beagles need to be socialized early. Exposure to sights, sounds, and other dogs allows them to grow into well-rounded pooches. Beagles are a very active breed, as they love to go on walks, jogs, and even run. Beagles bond quickly and easily. So, they’re great with children.
Health
Like all dogs, Beagles can be prone to health issues. Consider this if you’re considering adding a Beagle to your family. Below are some of the most common health issues Beagles face.
Intevertable Disk Disease
This disease occurs when the inner layer of the intervertebral disk pushes against the spine. It can lead to neck or back pain or, in extreme cases, paralysis, lack of bladder or bowel control, or lack of sensation. The damage done by the disease can be irreversible.
Hip dysplasia
This condition is when the thighbone doesn’t snugly fit into the hip joint. Dogs with this condition show lameness in one or both legs. But, many canines with this condition don’t outwardly display discomfort. So, only an X-ray scan can diagnose this condition. Arthritis often develops in pups with this condition.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
PRA is a degenerative eye disorder in which the photoreceptors in the back of the eye deteriorate. This disorder causes partial loss of vision and eventual blindness. But, PRA is detectable before Fido can show any signs of blindness.
Epilepsy
Epislepy is an inherited neurological condition that causes seizures. It can cause mild or severe seizures depending on the type of epilepsy. The condition can present itself in unusual behavior, such as frantic running, staggering, hiding, or even losing consciousness. Epilepsy condition needs to be diagnosed by a vet. But, the long-term diagnosis for dogs with epilepsy is usually positive.
Care
Like all dogs, Beagles need special grooming and care. A fenced backyard is necessary for this breed, as beagles love to run. As a scenthound, beagles are wanderers by nature. Ensure Fido has an ID tag and is microchipped, as beagles tend to run away. Beagles heavily benefit from obedience training. Positive reinforcement techniques tend to work best with this breed, as Beagles lose interest when treated harshly.
Grooming
Beagles have a dense double coat, which makes them resistant to rain. While beagles shed, it isn’t super prominent. Their coats get thicker in the winter and tend to shed a lot more in the spring. Groom beagles with either a hand glove or a medium bristle brush. Beagles are a clean breed, so they don’t need frequent baths. Beagles have drop ears, meaning the air doesn’t circulate in their ears properly. These pups are prone to ear infections, so ensure you keep their ears squeaky clean!
Beagles are an amazing breed, perfect for everyone. If you’re thinking about adopting a Beagle in the near future, keep these facts in mind!