The Beagle breed was originally conceived as a hunting dog, but looking at this cheerful, endlessly loyal creature, one gets the impression that the dog was specially created as a friend and companion for humans.
Beagles are always happy to be with their owners, whether it's enjoying outdoor activities or simply watching TV. The former is, of course, preferable, as it very active dogs, who love fun games on walks.
If you decide to bring a beagle into your home, be prepared not only for regular and long walks but also be patient, as this breed is very difficult to train. They are also quite talkative, often barking loudly and shrilly.
Translated from French, "beagle" means "tinned throat." This is because, in addition to a playful, sparkling character, nature has given the dog a resonant voice that alerts its owner to its catch.
Beagle barking can be conditionally divided into three categories:
- ordinary;
- with elements of growling;
- turning into a howl.
The latter is usually recorded in case of a lack of attention from the owners.
Incidentally, it is the barking of beagles that in most cases causes conflicts between the animal's owner and neighbors in an apartment building.
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Description of the Beagle breed, photo
Beagles have large ears, more like a pennant, and thick, coarse, medium-length hair.
The head is not heavy, without skin folds or wrinkles, and is proportional to the dog’s body.
The occipital protuberance is small in size, the crown is slightly convex.
The lips are slightly pendulous, the jaws are powerful.
The nose is straight. The transition from the muzzle to the forehead is clearly visible.
The limbs are muscular with powerful thighs.
The paws are slightly elongated or round. The palms are compact. The toes are tightly knit and strong.
The tail is set high, medium length, and thick. It has a thick coat, with a tuft of hair at the tip.
The color of the animal may vary., but the following colors are mostly found:
- Tricolor: a combination of bright red, black, and white. The tip of the tail and the muzzle are white.
- Bi-color: a combination of fawn and yellowish-red, as well as bright fawn and white.
A good-natured appearance and beautiful dark brown (or hazel) eyes will not leave anyone indifferent.
History of the breed
Research conducted by scientists suggests that the first hounds resembling modern beagles appeared in ancient Greece. The beagle's ancestors were then brought to the British Isles by the Romans. In England, dogs used for hunting rabbits began to be crossed with local hounds.
In drawings of that period, English beagles were depicted as very small dogs with pointed muzzles and short legsIn the 18th century, fox hunting became very popular, but the small, short-legged hounds were not up to the task. However, thanks to farmers in Wales, Ireland, and England, the breed was preserved, and beagles continued to be used for hunting hares and rabbits.
English Beagle Personality
The Beagle is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. This is explained by the animal's psychological characteristics: Beagles are completely non-aggressive, energetic, and affectionate. Moreover, the dogs infinitely devoted to the owner and get along well with all household members, including small children.
This is a sociable, inquisitive, and determined dog, but also incredibly stubborn, which should be taken into account when training it. Thanks to its natural sociability, representatives of the breed get along well with other dogs and treat them as new friends. However, to ensure your dog easily finds common ground with other dogs, it is necessary to conduct appropriate training beforehand. the process of adaptation and socialization.
Beagles love to hunt small animals. Therefore, they don't get along well with parrots, hamsters, rats, cats, and other pets.
Since beagles are hunters by nature and constantly try to pick up a scent while out on walks, no matter whose, owners should be extremely attentive and walk their pet on a leash or keep them in sight at all times. Otherwise, the hunting instinct will overwhelm all other qualities, and the dog, forgetting about its owner, will go hunting.
Advantages and disadvantages of the breed
Like any other dog breed, beagles have their pros and cons.
Advantages of a Beagle :
- This is a devoted and extremely intelligent companion;
- does not require frequent washing, as it is very clean by nature;
- If well trained, gets along well with all family members and pets.
Disadvantages of the breed:
- In rare cases, the animal may show aggression towards its own kind or strangers.
- The dog is quite a glutton. Owners claim that they can "stuff their stomach" until they burst. If you notice signs of obesity in your pet, consult a specialist immediately to develop a balanced diet.
- Require constant attention and regular long-term training;
- They can’t stand loneliness and start barking and howling loudly.
Maintenance and care
Like all hounds, beagles are prone to year-round shedding, which intensifies in the spring. Therefore, their coat requires specific grooming: thoroughly brushing and combing once a week is necessary. wipe it with a damp terry towel, otherwise your pet's hair will be everywhere.
Since the breed is quite clean, bathing them frequently isn't necessary. However, after a walk in harsh weather conditions, their coat may become dirty, so bathing should be done as needed.
The ear canal and auricles also require regular cleaning. This should be done with a special product prescribed by the clinic.
The main responsibilities of the owner in caring for the animal are constant physical activity It's best to train the dog until the animal is completely exhausted, otherwise the beagle will use any unspent energy it can find at its own discretion, and not always for harmless purposes.
And if one day you suddenly discover a "cheerful mess" in your home consisting of a torn pillow, overturned chairs, and a broken vase, don't rush to scold your pet, but rather think about increasing the time spent on walks and engaging in fun games for your dog.
In this case it can be a great help exercise with a stickA puppy should be trained to retrieve from an early age. However, repetitively throwing a stick can be very tiring for the owner, so it's a good idea to invest in a special sling (or slingshot) and tennis balls. These devices allow you to throw the ball far and provide your beagle with sufficient exercise.
Beagle nutrition
A beagle's diet should be complete, nutritious, and balanced in carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and micronutrients. It's also important to decide on the type of food: ready-to-eat dry mix or natural foods.
Starting at one year of age, beagles can be fed both natural and dry food. Many owners wonder: what kind of dry food can a beagle eat? The food must be premium or super-premium class Avoid buying budget-priced food, as it lacks the nutrients your pet needs. Follow the packaging instructions carefully: follow the dosage instructions and don't feed your puppy adult dog food, and vice versa.
If it's possible to alternate between dry food and natural food, it's advisable to stick to this diet. Calorie content and serving size are determined by the dog's activity level, living conditions, and age.
Feeding a Beagle Natural Food
The diet should be based on the following products:
sea fish;- poultry meat;
- plant foods - berries, fruits, fresh herbs, vegetables;
- offal;
- lean meat;
- cereals;
- fermented milk products;
- vitamin and mineral supplements.
sea fish;Dairy and plant foods should not exceed 30% of the total diet, and meat should make up 70%. Organ meats should be given no more than three times a week and must be cooked thoroughly. Bones can be given occasionally to help clean teeth. Calf tails, as well as large joints and cartilage, are very beneficial for beagles.
No way do not give your pet tubular bones.
Beef and veal should be parboiled or lightly simmered before serving. Serve in small portions. Lamb should be boiled.
The main source of carbohydrates in a dog's diet are cereals—wheat, rice, buckwheat, and oats. Millet, pearl barley, corn, and barley should not be introduced into a beagle's diet, as they are poorly digested. Raw or cooked vegetables can be added to porridge cooked in water, vegetable, fish, or meat broth. One egg (boiled or raw) can be given twice a week.
Plant foods (apples, spinach, beets, zucchini, fresh herbs, carrots) and dairy products (whey, yogurt, sour cream, cottage cheese) are recommended to be included in the morning diet. Once a week, beagles should be fed boneless and cooked fish.
It is strictly forbidden to include in the dog’s diet:
- oversalted foods, spicy, smoked foods;
- any sweets, candies, chocolate;
- baked goods and fresh bread.
As a treat, you can treat your pet with a piece of hard cheese, dry biscuits, or unsweetened crackers.
How much should a beagle eat?
The feeding schedule and amount of food consumed are determined by the dog's age. Puppies aged 2.5 to 4 months should be fed 4 to 5 times a day; from 6 months onward, they can be fed three times a day, and from 10 months onward, they can be fed twice a day.
To prevent a dog from arching its back and to develop proper paw positioning and posture, a puppy should be fed from a stand from an early age. An adjustable stand, the height of which can be adjusted as the puppy grows, is ideal. The bowls should be at shoulder level.
It's recommended to feed your dog 30 minutes before or immediately after a walk. Beagles love a good, hearty meal, so often suffer from obesityDon't fall for your pet's tricks if, after a hearty meal, they start chasing their bowl, pretending to be hungry. Giving your dog treats from the table between meals is also not recommended.
If a healthy dog refuses food in the hopes of getting "something tasty," don't let it cling to you. Instead, put the bowl in the refrigerator and serve it again at the next feeding. Your dog should finish the meal within 15 minutes.
Beagle training and education
Beagles are naturally quite intelligent and quick-witted. They're also excellent manipulators, and one day, the owner may notice that they're not the one training the pet, but quite the opposite—the dog is in complete control of the situation. To prevent this, it's important to firmly understand one simple rule: the educational process should not be interrupted Under no circumstances, without exception. Be demanding, persistent, and don't give in to provocation—and only then will the dog recognize your authority.
Training sessions should be intense but short (no more than 15 minutes). Try to organize the training so that your pet finds it interesting and enjoyable. Monotonous and boring tasks don't engage beagles; they prefer unusual, creative exercises.
So, despite the fact that the English Beagle is, in essence, is a hunting dog, he can easily become a "city dweller" and be content with a modest spot in your apartment. Care and proper training can turn a hound into an attentive and affectionate friend, an excellent companion.
