About Beagles – Their Nature & Temprement
Beagles are amazing little dogs with lungs to match. They are one of the sweetest dogs with one of the most pronounced barks and howls of all the breeds. Beagles are sturdy, hardy, and compact dogs with sleek short-haired coats available in any of the typical hound colors, including the traditional tri-color, but also red and white, lemon and white, and orange and white.
Beagles look quite similar to English foxhounds, but with several differences. The head is wide and gently rounded with a straight, square muzzle. The beagle has solid, strong round feet. The nose is full and round, ideal for tracking and smelling. The ears are long and wide, and flop over on themselves, drooping down. A beagle’s eyes may be brown or hazel, and have a gentle look that seem to be asking something. The tail is held straight out, on an upward angle, or straight up, but never curls over the back.
Beagles love to bark and howl and will do so frequently – especially when they are on the hunt for something.
Beagles are sweet, energetic, curious, and sweet dogs that love to be around people. They’re very brave and sociable, while being very intelligent at the same time. They are excellent family dogs because they are great with both kids and other dogs. However, they do have trouble with non-dog pets, so if you intend to have a beagle with a cat or another pet, you should begin carefully socializing the beagle when it is quite young. Beagles have their own minds and can be very patient, determined, and watchful. Beagles are very unhappy if they are left alone too much. Many beagle owners who find that they’ll be away a lot have discovered that owning two beagles is the best solution to this problem because they can keep each other company.
The beagle’s bark is a combination between a long and loud baying sound and almost a crying sound. This was bred into them by hunters who wanted a unique sound to alert them when the beagle is on a trail, without disturbing their neighbors. Beagles should be kept on a leash because of these hunting instincts, because they may wander off after a scent. They tend to follow their noses beyond all else.
The lifespan of a beagle is typically between twelve and fifteen years. However, some lines are prone to illnesses and ailments such as epilepsy, heart disease, back problems, eye problems, chondroplasia (dwarfism leading to warped front legs).
