Beagles are a hunting dog breed defined by their strong sense of smell. They’re also friendly to children, similar to Golden Retrievers. The one difference is that Beagles have a strong sense of smell, making them great hunting companions or contraband detectors.
If you’re looking to get one of these dogs as pets, here are a few facts and things to know about Beagles.
Breed history
The exact origins of the Beagle are unclear, but it’s believed that they are a product of centuries of breeding between European and British Hounds. These are thought to share an ancestry with the foxhound and now-extinct Southern Hound.
Beagles as we know them most likely took shape as a result of refining and standardized breeding in England and Scotland during the 1800’s. The American Kennel Club later recognized Beagles in 1885, and is the 7th most popular dog breed in America as of 2020.
Today, Beagles have two varieties: those who usually stand at 13 inches at the shoulder, and those slightly bigger, reaching up to 15 inches. Both varieties have a sturdy build, hazel eyes, and large floppy ears. Their coat colors can range from lemon, red-and-white, or even a tricolor mix of brown, black, and white.
Is the Beagle the right breed for you?
As Beagles are defined by their strong sense of smell, they have a tendency to follow and hyperfocus on scents that interest them. They’re known to have at least 220 million scent receptors on their noses, a trait that makes them helpful in sniffing out contraband in airports. This ability was first used in 1984 at Los Angeles International Airport and continues to this day around America.
While their sensitive noses give Beagles a wide range of employment opportunities, this can make them difficult to housetrain. That’s why it’s recommended to make them familiar with as many scents at home as possible to engage their constant curiosity. Doing so may help reduce the chances of getting distracted by whatever they smell.
Since they are an active dog breed used for hunting, they will need proper socialization at a young age and daily walks to burn off the excess energy. Despite their general friendliness, Beagles will find ways to amuse themselves if not actively engaged in activities. If left alone, they can be prone to actions like digging or howling. Training them with food is also a highly recommended option for making them obey your commands.
Beagles are also prone to shedding, despite having a short coat. Be sure to brush them 2 to 3 times a week and clean their ears weekly.
Common health issues
Beagles are prone to Musladin-Lueke Syndrome or Chinese Beagle Syndrome, a genetic disease that targets connective tissues like joints, bones and skin. This can result in a smaller size, reduced joint mobility and an abnormal gait. Early testing is recommended to prepare for treatment if possible.
Intervertebral disc disease is another issue that affects the cartilage discs in the backbone. These can become damaged due to wear and tear or constant activity. Surgery may be needed to correct this, depending on the severity of the disease.
Seizures and epilepsy can also be common problems Beagles can face as early as 6 months old. This may require giving them medication for life.
Diet and nutrition
Beagles are medium-breed dogs that require an active lifestyle. This means they need a diet rich in Proteins and enhanced with Taurine, Glucosamine and Chondroitin to maintain muscle health, heart health, and joint mobility. All these are found in Addiction MEGA.
MEGA is a Complete and Balanced diet made with premium New Zealand Lamb and Beef to help medium to large breed dogs build and maintain muscles. It’s also enriched with Glucosamine and Chondroitin to keep their joints healthy. Best of all, it has a large-size kibble that encourages thorough chewing and digestion. That way, your dog gets the most nutrition out of each serving.
Another option would be Addiction Raw Alternative Dog Food. This product range provides the goodness of raw food with the safety and convenience of dry food. It’s also made with premium proteins and formulated for your dog’s overall health. It has 6 different flavors that have an irresistible smell.
Addiction Raw Alternative Dog Food can be served in five different ways to liven up mealtimes: on its own, as a kibble topper, with canned food, or paired with home-cooked meals.
Get Addiction MEGA and Raw Alternative Dog Food at a store near you. For more information about dog breeds and pet care, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
