Beagle

Breed Profile

The Beagle is a wonderful family companion who is generally very good with children. He is a “pack animal” who requires companionship. If he cannot have companionship from other dogs, he will require it from his family. The breed is not one to bond with only one family member but rather, bonds to the entire family, especially children. He is bright, friendly, outgoing, inquisitive and active. He has a highly developed sense of smell and an independent nature and, therefore, may tend to roam. He is energetic, very alert and has incredible stamina so daily outdoor exercise is a must. Today, Beagles are seen in field trials, as well as the conformation ring, obedience competition, tracking, flyball, and agility.

The most common colours are tri-colour (black, tan and white) and tan and white (also called lemon and white or red and white), but they can be “any hound color”. They always have white feet as well as a white tip on their tail which makes them easier to follow in the field.

Of Note:

• As part of their hunting background, Beagles are known to bark.
• Beagles do not drool.
• Beagles do not have a doggy odor and shedding is minimal.

A Brief History of the Beagle

The Beagle’s origin is uncertain but it is believed that his ancestry dates back to 200 AD when he was bred to track small game by scent. Early development of the breed took place in Great Britain and was introduced in the United States in the 1870s.

Previous to 1870, in the Southern United States, the then called Beagles resembled more of a straight-legged Basset or Dachshund. By this time, however, the first imports were brought in from England and breed type was established. In 1888, the National Beagle Club was formed and held its first trial.

The English variety of the Beagle was used to track fox and bred to an average height of about 15 to 17 inches while the American variety was bred smaller and used for rabbit hunting.
 

Health Issues

In general, the Beagle is a very healthy breed. However, like all breeds of dogs, they are susceptible to certain genetic/inherited problems including: Epilepsy, Thyroid abnormalities, Hip Dysplasia, Eye problems, and Disc Disease. The average life expectancy for the Beagle is about 14 years but it is not unusual for a Beagle to live to 17 years.

If you are considering the adoption of a Beagle puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy’s parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the General Information page.)

Recommended Health Screening:

For the Beagle, the CHIC^{Note 1} database includes health screenings for the following:

• Hip Dysplasia;
• Eye Examination by a board Ophthalmologist;
• MLS; and
• One of the following: OFA Cardiac Evaluation; OFA Thyroid Evaluation from an approved Laboratory.

Additional Health Resources:

• Canine Inherited Disorders Database — Beagle
• Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) — Providing a source of health information for owners, breeders, and scientists that will assist in breeding healthy dogs. CHIC is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
• Health and Nutrition — Growing section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website which includes information on several health and nutrition related issues.
• AKC Canine Health Foundation — Working towards developing scientific advances in canine health.
• OFA – Companion Animal Eye Registry (CAER)
• Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
• Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
• University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip)
• HealthGene — HealthGene Corporation is the leading provider of veterinary DNA diagnostic services in Canada.
• Labgenvet — Laboratory of Veterinary Genetics is a Canadian diagnostic laboratory that offers a comprehensive service of DNA tests for veterinary genetic diseases.

Grooming Information

The Beagle has no “doggy” odor and shedding is minimal. In order to maintain a clean healthy coat, brushing once or twice a week is recommended. The Beagle’s ears can be prone to infection and regular cleaning is required. Toenails should also be kept trimmed.

• Grooming — This section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.

Training Resources

• Training — For training information, see this growing section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.

Additional Information

• You Want a Beagle? — From BREW Inc. Beagle Rescue, Education and Welfare
• Beagle Facts & Myths
• Clubs, Sports & Activities — For information on the many sports and activities you can get involved in with your dog.
• Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website provides information and listings of organizations that are involved in various dog jobs, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Protection Dogs, and much more.

*NOTE 1: CHIC – The Canine Health Information Center “is a database of consolidated health screening results from multiple sources. Co-sponsored by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Health Foundation, CHIC works with parent clubs to identify health screening protocols appropriate for individual breeds. Dogs tested in accordance with the parent club established requirements, that have their results registered and made available in the public domain are issued CHIC numbers.” To learn more, visit: www.caninehealthinfo.org

*NOTE 2: The Fédération Cynologique International (FCI) is the World Canine Organization, which includes 91 members and contract partners (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 344 breeds, with each being the “property” of a specific country. The “owner” countries write the standards of these breeds in co-operation with the Standards and Scientific Commissions of the FCI, and the translation and updating are carried out by the FCI. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.