Beagle

Some Dog Diaries readers were horrified to discover that the Beagle was listed as one of the daftest dog breeds. After all, Beagles are used all over the world as sniffer dogs to detect drugs, explosives and the like. And arguably the world’s most famous – and certainly most world-weary – fictional dog, Snoopy, was a Beagle, so surely that indicates intelligence?

It’s an argument that could run and run. What is indisputable is that Beagle-type dogs have existed in Europe for well over 2000 years, having been bred by the ancient Greeks as hunting and tracking dogs. The Beagle has also been historically popular with British royalty, with Queen Elizabeth I a noted Beagle lover. The modern breed, though, was developed in the UK from various breeds, including the Talbot Hound and the North Country Beagle.

Beagle characteristics

Beagles resemble miniature Foxhounds, weighing between eight and 16 kilos and standing between 33 and 41cm at the withers. The gorgeous hazel or brown eyes are a Beagle’s most appealing characteristic. The term ‘puppy dog eyes’ could almost have been invented for the breed and it’s certainly hard to resist that pleading look. However, as Beagles have a tendency to obesity, you must fight the urge to give constant treats!

Beagles have a muscular build and short, slightly curved tails with distinctive white tips (known as the flag and selectively bred so owners could see their dogs when following a scent). They can come in a range of colours, but the distinctive tricolour (white with large black areas and light brown shading) is the most common. Beagle puppies are generally black and white, with the white areas set by eight weeks and the black areas gradually fading to brown.

Beagles make excellent pets because of their even temper and gentle disposition. However, they can be hard to train (and it is because they are not particularly biddable that they are often considered to be among the least intelligent breeds). It is inadvisable to walk a beagle off the lead as they have a habit of not returning when called, particularly if they pick up a scent.

Caring for Beagles

The Beagle adores children, which is one reason why they are popular family pets, particularly in North America. However, they are prone to separation anxiety. The Beagle Club of NSW advises that unless you are able to provide company (either human or canine) for your dog for most of the day, the Beagle is probably not the breed for you. The Club also stresses the importance of having an escape-proof yard (including a fence that’s at least five feet high and can’t be chewed or dug under) and warns of the Beagle’s propensity for chewing anything and everything left in reach.

Beagles require regular exercise to guard against obesity and generally live from 10 to 15 years. Unlike many other breeds, Beagles are not prone to hip dysplasia, although ear and eye problems do occur. Beagles can be prone to epilepsy, although this can be controlled with medication.

If you’ve got the time to lavish love on your dog – and if you can resist those pleading brown eyes – the Beagle is a wonderful breed to own.

Images by Очи чёрные and Ian Main