Beagle Dog & Puppies

The Beagle - A Scent Hound
The Beagle belongs to the collection of dogs referred to as Scent Hounds, which specialise in following the scent or the smell of its quarry. It wasn’t until the mid 1500's that hounds began to be classified according to their purpose, i.e. sight hounds, scent hounds, etc. Scent Hounds have distinctive characteristics, features and traits which are perfect for their purpose. They have large noses which have deep, open nostrils and their lips are loose and moist, designed to pick up scent particles and follow the trail of an animal. Their ears are long which concentrates the scent on the nose. Their bodies are designed for endurance, an essential asset when following any scent trail. Hunting takes different forms and as man opts for hunting their quarry either on foot or on horseback the scent hounds have been selectively bred to produce small legs, to enable a man to easily follow on foot, or longer legs suited to keep up with a man on horseback. Most scent hounds were used in packs - making a loud, deep baying noise alerting hunters to their location. As a pet the Beagle is cheerful, alert, energetic, and loves to be part of the family. This dog has a special place in our affections as the character Snoopy is a Beagle in the famous Peanuts comic strip.

Information, Facts & History of the Beagle Dog
The Beagle's ancestors date back as far as the Greeks who were known to hunt with packs of dogs. The Romans were no doubt responsible for the spread of this type of breed throughout the realms of the Roman Empire. The history of England is long and colourful and is highly influenced by the French, and the French language. This occurred during events such as the Norman Invasion of 1066 and it will come as a revelation to many that the only spoken language of the famed English King, Richard the Lionheart, was in fact French. It is therefore no surprise that many French words have found their way into the basis of the English language - beagle being a prime example. Beagle is derived from “Begle” a French term meaning ‘gape throat’ referred to the animals tendency to bay making what has been described as the the bloodcurdling "beagle music". The Beagles are a scent hunting dog, used by hunters on foot, and they are the perfect size for trailing and back trailing their normal quarry of rabbits and hares. Although famed for hunting in packs, of between 12 and 24 dogs, the Beagle's size made it popular with commoners and poachers. The size of the Beagle varied through different strains which were dependent on the hunting terrain - the smaller Beagle Hound was suited to the open fields whereas the larger Beagle was better suited to the hills. The smallest strain of Beagle measured standing at just 10 inches high and could be carried in a saddle bag or even about the hunter's person as the nickname “Pocket Beagle” implies. Their prowess as scent hounds have found the Beagle new employment in the modern day - they are used as 'sniffer' dogs for drug and contraband detection. One of the most popular breeds of dog famous as the character Snoopy in the Peanuts comic strip.

Description of the Beagle Dog and Puppies - Coat and Colours info
The Beagle's coat comes in a range of the following colours: Tri-colour (white with large black and light brown spots) or Lemon & White. The coat is short, dense & weatherproof.

Dog Health information - potential health problems of the Beagles
All owners of dogs and puppies are concerned about the health care of their pets and just as with humans dog health issues arise from time to time. Resolving dog health problems, including those of the Beagle, can prove to be costly and it would be wise to consider the benefits of obtaining dog health insurance. Diseases in dogs may occur because of trauma, infection, immune system abnormalities, genetic factors, or degenerative conditions. Common health problems and questions occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears, Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune & Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems. Potential health problems of the Beagle can include:

• Hip and Elbow Dysplasia (abnormal development of joints referred to as CHD - Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia)

• Glaucoma

Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems
Please click the following link for additional information which we have provided via our:

Description of the Beagle Dog and Puppies - Comparative Sizing Pictures & info
The pictures above allow for a useful sizing perspective between an average man (Five feet ten inches) or an average sized woman (Five feet six inches) in comparison to the average sized Beagle dog which we have detailed above. These pictures are extremely important as they provide an immediate and accurate visual representation of the height of an average Beagle compared to the height of a male or female - essential information but unique to this site. Use the pictures to help to estimate the size of this breed of dog to each the various growing stages of children. Use the pictures to provide a guideline to the adult size of Beagle Puppies. The pictures will also prove to be invaluable when comparing the sizes and heights of other dog breeds. The dimensions will vary according to the sex of the dog or puppy. Girl dogs, or bitches, are on average, 2 inches smaller than boy dogs. Another useful piece of information when considering puppies.

Information on Grooming and Care of the Beagle Dog Breed
The Beagle requires a minimum amount of grooming. Regardless of the breeds, a certain amount of grooming and care is necessary to keep dogs and puppies looking at their best. Grooming consists of not only brushing out the coat and bathing but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and nails. A regular routine also ensures that any potential health problems are identified as quickly as possible, especially important in puppies and older dogs.

Information on the Temperament and Character of the Beagle Dog Breed
The Beagle is a very adaptable breed, enjoying the company of other dogs and humans, they are loyal, playful, inquisitive, affectionate, gentle, and versatile. Although the Beagle was developed as an active hunting dog it is also makes a good house pet providing it is given lots of exercise and attention. It is, however, an independent and strong willed breed and may run off to follow a scent trail.

Living conditions and Exercise Requirements of the Beagle Dog Breed
The Beagle dogs and puppies requires a substantial amount of exercise. It is well suited to living in the country and even outdoors in kennels. It is a natural scent hound which will be inclined to follow and scent trails and can be difficult in getting them to return. The Beagle has also been described as an escapologist who will attempt to dig their way out of any confinement.

Beagle Puppies info
The following considerations should be taken into account when choosing Beagle puppies:

• Budget - Purchasing, training, equipment, medication and feeding costs of the breed

• Convenience and Grooming time e.g. long or short hair

• Personal situation - time available and medical conditions such as allergies, asthma or back pain

• Exercising requirements for the Beagle breed

• Living Conditions for the breed - suitability for puppies

• Family - child suitability

Children and Puppies!
The pictures above allow for a useful comparison of sizes providing an accurate portrait of the size of an average Beagle - essential information and unique to this site. It should also be noted that the pictures feature adults. The size of puppies are naturally considerably smaller and the full grown size of the animal can easily be forgotten when confronted with cute puppies! The slogan " A dog isn't just for Christmas - it's for life!" was necessitated by well meaning people buying puppies at the Christmas, unaware of the puppies growth rate. The pictures provided make it extremely clear exactly how small puppies will develop and whether it will suit the life and living conditions of the family.

Age comparison between the Beagle Dog Breed and a Human
Age comparisons between dogs and humans are always a matter of debate - we hope that the following information clarifies the situation. After the first year of life, a dog is equivalent to sixteen human years. After two years, they are equivalent to a 24 year old, at three years a 30 year old, and each year after, add 5 human years to determine a dog's age.

Life Expectancy of the Beagle Dog Breed
The life expectancy for this particular breed is between 12 – 15 years.

Hound Dog Breed Information
As implied by its name the Hound has been bred to chase a quarry by sight or smell, or a combination of both senses. Sighthounds have exceptional eyesight, combined with the speed and stamina necessary to catch the intended prey once seen, typical examples being the Greyhound and the Whippet. Hounds which rely strongly on the sense of smell to follow the trail of a prey, such as the Bloodhound, quite literally follow their noses, speed and eyesight is of less importance.
Characteristics and features have been introduced and strengthened by breeding from animals who already demonstrated the desired traits. Breeding for appearance was only introduced in the 19th Century. Before this time dogs and puppies were bred to increase useful abilities and traits helpful for the duties they were intended for.  Thus, the various hound breeds were initially introduced to help man according to specific requirements such as:

Hunting and running down small quarry Flushing out and Driving game Vermin Hunting Guard duties Tracking In this day and age only a few hounds still undertake these tasks, but nevertheless, they still harbour the skills and characteristics that made the original Beagle dog breeding program successful.

The Hound Breed Group of dogs differ in that some hunt by scent and others by sight. Many hounds are kept in packs, in outdoor kennels. Any dogs and puppies belonging to the Hound breeds require a significant amount of exercise as they have high stamina levels suitable for hunting quarry. There are some breeds in this group who make a distinctive ' baying ' sound - invaluable information should be considering puppies. The pictures above allow for a useful size comparison providing an accurate portrait of the size of an average Beagle dog - essential information but unique to this site. 

Examples of other Breeds within the Hound Dog Group 
The Hound group of dogs includes the Beagle and all of the following breeds:
Afghans, Foxhounds, Basenjis, Bassets, Beagles, Black and Tan Coonhounds, Bloodhounds, Borzoi, Dachshunds, English Foxhounds, Greyhounds, Harriers, Irish Wolfhounds, Norwegian Elkhounds, Otterhounds, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens, American Fox hounds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Salukis, Scottish Deerhounds and Whippets. The name is sometimes mis-spelt as Beagel. Pictures and information about all of the above Hound Dog breeds, together with all other dog groups, may be found on this website via the following links: