Are There Two Different Types of Beagles ????

Beagles come in two varieties (13” and 15”) and two types (field and show). The variety is determined by height when measured from the shoulder. Type is determined by the pedigree or the list of ancestors of the dog.  Field dogs are bred to follow the line (the trail of scent left by the rabbit). Little if any regard is paid to the structure or appearance of the dog; thus many field beagles hardly resemble the breed standard. Show dogs are bred to fit the AKC standard (a verbal description) for the beagle. Hunting ability is not considered.

 

 

Typical Field Dog Appearance

Typical Show Dog Appearance

How Big Do Beagles Get ????

According to the A.K.C. standard beagles should be no more than 15” tall at the shoulders.  Beagles at dog shows are divided into two varieties, those under 13” and those that are over 13” but under 15”.  You can and commonly do get both sizes in a single litter.  Just because a puppy starts out small at birth does not mean that they will not mature into a 15” when grown.  Beagles should weight between 15—28 pounds, although you will see beagles that weigh significantly more.  This breed has a tendency to become obese, so watching their weight is very important for their health.

 

What Colors Do Beagles Come In ????

A Beagle can be any true hound color.  These include Tri (black, tan and white), Red & White, or Lemon (a pale tan) and White.  There are other colors, but they are not commonly seen.  Tri colored puppies start out black and white in color, only with maturity do they gain tan in their coloration.

Red & White

(Comes in various shades)

Tri-Color

Chocolate or

Liver Tri

Are Beagles Good With Other Pets and / or Children ????

Beagles fit wonderfully into almost any situation and with almost anyone or anything.  All they ask is to get to be a member of the family, and to be able to participate in the group.  As they are pack animals when you bring a beagle home you become their pack.

 

Are Beagles Hard To Train ????

Yes, they are difficult to train.  They are very intelligent little dogs, who use their intelligence to bring themselves pleasure.  They are great problem solvers and if there is something they want, odds are they will find a way to get it.  The key to training a beagle is to use lots of treats and praise.  You will never be able to force a beagle to do anything consistently, you have to make them see it as fun to do.  If you take the time when the dog is young you and your puppy can train each other into a mutually rewarding relationship.  Dogs from show background tend to be more obedience than the field variety who has an even more independent nature.

 

Do Beagles Run Away ????

Yes, given a chance beagles will follow a scent right out of your yard.  They are scent hounds and as such have a tendency to follow their noses.  It is very important that they are always kept on a leash when not in a fenced yard.

 

Do Beagles Bark ?????

Yes, all dogs bark, even those breed which are deemed “barkless” make sounds, just not the traditional bark.  Are they excessive barkers, no.  When you hear of a beagle that barks excessively you need to ask why.  Some beagles tend to bark when playing with another dog, but most beagles who bark a lot are doing so out of boredom.  It is very important that a beagle have plenty to occupy its time, whether it be from human companionship or toys.  It is best if they are not frequently left alone for long periods of time when they are young, as this is when they are most likely to get into trouble, barking included.  Some beagles are louder than others and a responsible breeder who has spent time with their puppies should be able to clue you in to which dog is likely to be more talkative than the others.

 

Do Beagles Dig ????

Digging goes along with barking, when a Beagle is bored, it will find another way to amuse itself and occasionally their amusement may be hard on your landscaping.  They may also be digging to turn up cool dirt to lay in on a hot summer day, or have smelt an object that they decided to dig up.  But as a generalization beagles dig much less then other breeds and because they are smaller they tend to do less damage to your yard then a larger dog would do.

 

How Long Do Beagles Live ????

The life commitment to this puppy is approximately 12 or more years and unlike children who reach adulthood, a beagle will never go out on his own into the world. If you are not ready for this long term responsibility, then do not buy a dog.

 

Do Beagles Make Good Outdoor Pets ????

The Beagle is an indoor/outdoor dog, in order to thrive and be happy they need to have access to indoor accommodations as well as time in a well secured outdoor environment.  An outdoor only beagle will be an unhappy beagle. 

 

Do Beagles Shed ????

Yes, Beagles shed as do most dogs.  They have the advantage of being able to shed in multiple colors and always the color you are not wearing.  The advantage to beagle hair is that it is very fine and unlike the more heavily coated breeds nearly impossible to see in small amounts in your home.

 

What Health Problems do Beagles Have ????

If you look in the Merck Veterinary Handbook you will find pages of genetic problems related to beagles do to the heavy inbreeding that can be seen in some populations of this dog.  What are the more common ones, Epilepsy, Cataracts,  and Hypothyroidism.  Although some breeders will deny it we are also seeing Hip Dysplasia in the breed.  More breeders are starting to routinely screen their breeding stock through OFA and CERF for these problems.

 

How Much Do They Cost ????

You should expect to pay between $1000 and $1500 for a well bred beagle puppy.  The price will differ based on location and breeder.  Why do they cost so much?  Well when you buy a puppy from a reputable breeder you are getting more than just a puppy.  You are getting that breeders lifelong commitment.  They should always be available to help you with any problems or questions you may have.  The puppy you are buying will also be from a litter that was carefully thought out with temperament, looks and health in mind.  A responsible breeder does not just put a female and male together hoping for the best.  These breeders take the time to do genetic testing (OFA, CERF, etc.) and insure that the puppies are properly vaccinated and socialized prior to you taking one home.  You can also expect to receive a contract with the purchase of your dog that guarantees the health and ancestry of the puppy.  It is not uncommon for those same contracts to require you to spay/neuter your dog by a particular age and/or it to be placed on limited registration.