Beagle

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Beagle Anyone has comments on the breed "Beagle"?

loktazar 05/19/2008 01:47:12 AM	Not A Bad Choice Beagles are scent hounds, developed primarily for tracking hare, rabbit, and other game. They are popular as pets because of their size, even temper, and lack of inherited health problems & bye the way they make poor guard dogs.


jessica 05/19/2008 11:45:43 AM	More on Beagle The Beagle is a breed of medium-sized dog. A member of the Hound Group, it is similar in appearance to the Foxhound but smaller, with shorter legs and longer, softer ears. Beagles are scent hounds, developed primarily for tracking hare, rabbit, and other game. They have a keen sense of smell and tracking instinct that often sees them employed as detection dogs for prohibited agricultural imports and foodstuffs in quarantine around the world. They are popular as pets because of their size, even temper, and lack of inherited health problems. These characteristics also make them the dog of choice for animal testing.


ashley 05/21/2008 11:11:44 AM	Early beagle-type dogs Dogs of similar size and purpose to the modern Beagle can be traced back to around the 5th century BC. Xenophon, born around 433 BC, in his Treatise on Hunting refers to a hound that hunted hares by scent and was followed on foot. Dogs of this type were taken to Rome and may have been imported to Roman Britain. Small hounds are mentioned in the Forest Laws of Canute which exempted them from the ordinance which commanded that all dogs capable of running down a stag should have one foot mutilated. If genuine, Canute's laws would confirm that beagle-type dogs were present in England before 1016, but it is likely they were written in the Middle Ages to give a sense of antiquity and tradition to Forest Law.


jessica 05/31/2008 09:51:46 AM	Appearance The general appearance of the Beagle resembles a Foxhound in miniature, but the head is broader and the muzzle shorter, the expression completely different and the legs shorter in proportion to the body. They are generally between 13 and 16 inches (33 and 41 cm) high at the withers and weigh between 18 and 35 lb (8 and 16 kg), with females being slightly smaller than males on average. They have a smooth, somewhat domed skull with a medium-length, square-cut muzzle and a black (or occasionally liver), gumdrop nose. The jaw is strong and the teeth scissor together with the upper teeth fitting perfectly over the lower teeth and both sets aligned square to the jaw. The eyes are large, hazel or brown, with a mild hound-like pleading look. The large ears are long, soft and low-set, turning towards the cheeks slightly and rounded at the tips. Beagles have a strong, medium-length neck (which is long enough for them to easily bend to the ground to pick up a scent), with little folding in the skin but some evidence of a dewlap; a broad chest narrowing to a tapered abdomen and waist and a short, slightly curved tail tipped with white. The white tip, known as the "stern" or "flag" has been selectively bred for, as it allows the dog to be easily seen when its head is down following a scent. The tail does not curl over the back, but is held upright when the dog is active. The Beagle has a muscular body and a medium-length, smooth, hard coat. The front legs are straight and carried under the body while the rear legs are muscular and well bent at the stifles.


jessica 05/31/2008 10:10:21 AM	Sense of smell Alongside the Bloodhound, the Beagle has one of the best developed senses of smell of any dog. In the 1950s, John Paul Scott and John Fuller began a 13 year study into canine behaviour. As part of this research, they tested the scenting abilities of various breeds by putting a mouse in a one acre field and timing how long it took the dogs to find it. The Beagles found it in less than a minute, while Fox Terriers took 15 minutes and Scottish Terriers failed to find it at all. Beagles are better at ground-scenting (following a trail on the ground) than they are at air-scenting, and for this reason they have been excluded from most mountain rescue teams in favour of collies, which use sight in addition to air-scenting and are more biddable. The long ears and large lips of the Beagle probably assist in trapping the scents close to the nose.


sophia 05/31/2008 10:18:36 AM	Temperament The Beagle has an even temper and gentle disposition. Described in several breed standards as "merry" they are amiable and not generally aggressive or timid. They enjoy company, and although they may initially be standoffish with strangers they are easily won over. They make poor guard dogs for this reason, although their tendency to bark or howl when confronted with the unfamiliar makes them good watch dogs; in a 1985 study conducted by Ben and Lynette Hart the Beagle was given the highest excitability rating along with the Yorkshire Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer, West Highland White Terrier and Fox Terrier. Beagles are intelligent, but as a result of being bred for the long chase are single-minded and determined, which can make them hard to train. They are generally obedient but can be difficult to recall once they have picked up a scent and are easily distracted by smells around them. They do not generally feature in obedience trials; while they are alert, respond well to food-reward training, and are eager to please, they are easily bored or distracted.


sophia 05/31/2008 11:27:43 AM	Ideal Living Conditions The beagle is an energetic and lively dog, with a curious and excitable personality. Although this breed can be suited to apartments, regular exercise is essential, and the beagle will always be more at home if he has access to a garden for outside activity, play and exercise. Gardens should be fenced off, as otherwise the beagle’s curiosity and sense of smell may tempt him to wander off.


sophia 05/31/2008 11:41:34 AM	Exercise Requirements The beagle will required regular exercise, and enjoys going for walks. He should always be on a leash when being taken out on a walk, as this breed has a tendency to wander if given the chance. A fenced garden provides the perfect environment for the beagle to enjoy some healthy activity and fresh air.


sophia 05/31/2008 11:42:50 AM	Diet and Nutrition Beagles are energetic dogs with big appetites. However, they also have a tendency to become obese, so food needs to be monitored carefully. The breed requires a balanced and nutritious diet, and if used for hunting will require plenty of carbohydrate for energy. Dry food twice daily is recommended for most beagles to avoid obesity and keep them healthy. As with all breeds, fresh, clean water at all times is essential.


sophia 05/31/2008 11:48:08 AM	Grooming Requirements Maintenance of the beagle’s coat is fairly simple as it is straight, sleek and smooth. You should only bathe when really necessary, and the coat can be maintained through regular brushing with a firm bristle brush and the occasional dry shampoo. Grooming time is the ideal time to check the ears and skin for any signs of infection or problems.

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