Beagle, also known as the Meigle Harehound, is originally from England and belongs to the hound category. It is consistently ranked among the top ten most popular dogs in the United States and Japan. The name “Beagle” is said to come from the French word “beagle,” meaning small. In the UK, it is considered a hunting dog, specifically used for hunting rabbits, hence the title “Harehound.” The Beagle’s barking is louder than other hunting dogs, earning it the nickname “the bell of the forest.”
- English Name: Beagle
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Subphylum: Vertebrata
- Class: Mammalia
- Subclass: Theria
- Order: Carnivora
- Suborder: Caniformia
- Family: Canidae
- Genus: Canis
- Species: Domestic dog, hunting dog type
- Subspecies: Beagle
- Distribution: England, United States, Japan, etc.
- Size: Medium-sized dog
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Uses: Companion dog, hunting dog, gun dog
- Origin: England
- Weight: 7 kg to 12 kg
3. Morphological Characteristics of Beagles Beagles originated in England, with a size mostly around 16 inches (41 cm). In the UK, Beagles exceeding 16 inches would be disqualified in dog shows. Introduced to the United States for breeding in the 19th century, American Beagles are generally not larger than 15 inches (about 38 cm), with most staying around 13 inches (33 cm). In American dog shows, Beagles exceeding these standards would also be disqualified.
4. Personality Traits of Beagles Beagles, also known as Meigle Harehounds, are well-suited for family living due to their small size, ease of training, and capturing abilities. They are adorable in appearance, have an outgoing personality, charming movements, responsive, and are understanding, making them popular family companions. Beagles are naturally lively, not shy, and enjoy human interaction. Due to their excellent sense of smell, Beagles have been trained as drug detection dogs, often seen at major airports worldwide performing tasks to detect if travelers are carrying drugs.
5. Care Tips for Beagles Beagles are naturally lively, requiring a lot of exercise, and compared to other dogs, they are more prone to body odor. Regular bathing and grooming are essential to prevent body odor.
6. Feeding Tips for Beagles Beagles have a loud bark and an active personality, making them relatively easy for owners to care for. However, regardless of the breed, basic dietary considerations are crucial for Beagle health.
Feeding Taboos:
- Do not let small Beagles have the opportunity to swallow chicken bones, ribs, or fish bones. These can get stuck in the throat and pose a risk of puncturing the stomach or intestines.
- Avoid feeding Beagles with leftovers from human meals, as their nutritional needs differ from humans. It’s challenging to provide a well-balanced diet using human recipes.
- Refrain from giving snacks between meals for small Beagles. If they follow other training commands, small treats can be given as encouragement.
- Do not allow Beagles to eat at the dining table, as this can develop begging behavior. Food should be provided at specific times and places in designated bowls. Ensure an adequate and clean supply of water.
Feeding Guidelines:
- For puppies, feed three times a day, gradually reducing to once or twice a day by five to six months old.
- Initially, provide sufficient amounts of food, allowing the dog to eat at feeding times.
- Clean the food bowl daily and ensure a clean water supply.
- Soften food with water for weaning puppies, gradually reducing the moisture content when transitioning to dry dog food.
- Quality commercial dog food usually contains all necessary nutrients, eliminating the need for additional supplements.
In summary, owners should not worry too much about Beagles consuming a single type of dog food. High-quality dog food typically provides comprehensive nutrition, and as long as the Beagle eats regularly, there is usually no need for additional supplements.
