Each month we will be shining a light on different dog breeds in our series, Dog Breed of the Month. For July, we take a deep dive into the world of the merry, happy and loving Beagles. Keep reading for everything you need to know...
"Beagles are loyal and active dogs that love their owners," Bill Lambert, a spokesperson for The Kennel Club, tells Country Living.
"They have a long history of popularity in England, not only as hunting dogs, but also as companion dogs – Queen Elizabeth I owned a few too. They can sometimes be hard work due to their strong hunting instincts, but will make a great four-legged friend for anyone willing to put time and effort into their training, and who give them enough exercise to match their boundless energy."
Do Beagles make good house pets?
Beagles are low-maintenance, happy and affectionate pets, making them wonderful for many different types of people. "Beagles' happy and affectionate nature makes them suitable for various owners, including active families," Bill tells us.
"However, they do have a strong hunting instinct and require fairly rigorous training, meaning they may not be the best choice for first-time owners. They have a lot of energy and need plenty of exercise, so would fit an active owner or family that loves to spend time outdoors and exploring. A garden with a very sturdy fence is absolutely essential in order to keep a Beagle safe and secure."
What owners are best suited for Beagles?
"Beagles typically suit a high-energy lifestyle - with lots of time exploring and adventures, and minimal time spent alone due to their high social need," says PDSA Veterinary Nurse, Shauna Walsh.
"In between adventures, they will enjoy playing games, especially scent games where they can use their amazing sense of smell. They can have a tendency to bark, and have a reputation for being good escape artists, so a Beagle-proof garden is essential!"
What problems do Beagles have?
While these will differ depending on how a Beagle is cared for, some common health problems include obesity, epilepsy, allergies, cherry eye, and hypothyroidism. It's worth knowing, however, that these can all be treated and managed by your local vet.
Shauna tells us: "As a purebred dog, Beagles are unfortunately prone to certain health conditions including seizures, hypothyroidism, and meningitis, plus ear disease due to their floppy ears.
"If you're interested in welcoming a Beagle into your family, we'd always recommend adopting a pet. The rescue centre will do their best to match you with the best pet and have really thorough rehoming procedures including a full health check of the dog, as well as ensuring they are up to date with vaccinations and neutered before heading to their new home."
Do Beagles like to cuddle?
Like many other dogs, Beagles also love lots of cuddles with their owners. Don't be surprised if they try to hop into your bed for morning hugs. In fact, Beagles are known to have separation anxiety because they love being around their owners so much.
11 fun things to know about Beagles
- They originate from the UK and were bred for hunting purposes
- Beagles are fast learners, however may need a little help when being potty trained
- They are little inspectors and will love to explore around your home (even if you have certain rooms that are out of bounds!)
- Beagles are great at climbing and digging, so be careful if they are outside in your garden
- They have lots and energy and love to play
- Beagles have their own unique scent, which can mean they need washing more than other breeds
- They are kind, playful, and verifiable cuddlebugs
- Being scent hounds, Beagles can get easily distracted by new and exciting smells whilst out on a walk
- Beagles can be a little stubborn to train but are eager to learn
- They have a characteristic white tip on their long tail – rumoured to be so they could be seen easily in the long grass
- They have a reputation for being good escape artists, so make sure your garden is safe and secure
Do Beagles bark a lot?
Beagles are not known for being quiet breeds, so expect frequent vocalisation. Barking is how they communicate, so pay close attention to what they may be telling you. Some reasons include that they need to be let outside, feel hungry, want attention, or are warning you of danger.
How did the Beagle get its name?
According to Cesars Way, it has been suggested that the word "Beagle" was derived from the French "begueule" which means "open throat" from bayer and "mouth" from gueule, from the Gaelic word beag "small," or from the German word begele "to scold."
Furthermore, during medieval times, the word "beagle" meant any dog that was a hound dog.
What colours are Beagles?
According to the Kennel Club, Beagles are recognised in the below colours:
- Tricolour - black, tan and white or blue, white and tan
- Badger pied
- Hare pied
- Lemon pied
- Lemon and white
- Red and white
- Tan and white
- Black and white
- All white
What characteristics do Beagles have?
"Beagles are friendly, active and loyal companions. They generally love to be around other dogs as well as people, making them a good family pet for some," Bill tells CL.
"They are energetic and have a lot of stamina which means they need regular exercise, as well as plenty of mental stimulation through games and exploration. Their strong hunting instinct can sometimes impact on their obedience, and anyone considering welcoming a Beagle to their family needs to also be ready to invest time into their training."
Need some more help finding the right pup to adopt? Take a look at our expert-approved guides below:
- 10 dog breeds that make the best therapy dogs
- Here's why easy-going Cocker Spaniels make the perfect family dog
- 5 outgoing dog breeds that will bring you out of your shell
- 6 of the best family dog breeds who are great with children
- 5 calm dog breeds for owners who are laid-back
- The 3 most affectionate dog breeds for owners who love cuddles
10 products to keep your dog cool during a heatwave
Rosewood Cool Down Foldable Dog Pool
Let your four-legged friend cool down in their very own pool. And you don't have to worry about blowing this up or it taking up too much room in your garden. This dog pool can be folded away in seconds.
The layered construction of this vest is designed to keep your dog cool when the temperature rises. The outer layer reflects heat and facilitates evaporation while the middle layer absorbs and stores water for evaporation.
A must-have for warm summer days, this cooling dog mat doesn't need to be chilled or filled with water. The gel interior keeps pups cool and is best placed in a shaded space for them to feel the full benefits.
This fountain contains a filter to keep water as pure as possible. It's a great way to encourage your pet to stay hydrated.
Filled with a non-toxic gel, the inner self-cooling mat in this dog bed will maintain its cooling properties for approximately 1 hour. During this time, the mat is typically 5-10 degrees cooler than room temperature.
