Beagle Complete Profile

Key Facts:

Size: Small
Height: 33 - 40 cm (13 - 16 inches)
Weight: 9 - 14 kg (20 - 30 lb)
Life Span: 15 years
Grooming: Easy
Exercise: Considerable
Feeding: Reasonable
Temperament: Stubborn & active
Country of Origin: England
AKC Group: Hound
Other Names: English Beagle

Temperament:
The Beagle is alert, bold, active, eager and affectionate. Beagle's can be stubborn dogs, but have the intelligence to be trained, if done in a firm manner. They still have pack instincts and enjoy being socialised with other dogs or beagles for pack activities. Beagles make great family pets with their cheerful and gentle nature and tolerance of other pets and children.

Grooming:
The coat of a Beagle is waterproof and is able to drip-dry easily and dirt can be sponged off with ease.

Exercise:
Beagles need a considerable amount of exercise. They are not recommended for a flat or apartment home.

History:
The Beagle is believed to have evolved from the old Talbot or Southern Hound in France, these hounds made their way over to Britain. Originally there were two kinds of scent hounds in England, large ones who hunted deer and small ones known as 'begles' who hunted rabbits. Thus, just as Harriers are a smaller version of the English Foxhound, the Beagle is a smaller version of the Harrier.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Well proportioned, compact, muscular, active and exuding strength and energy.
Colour: Any hound colour, except liver. Tip of the tail is white.
Coat: Short, dense and weather resistant.
Tail: Moderate length, set high, tapering, carried gaily but not curled over the back and longer hair on the underside.
Ears: Long, flat, set low, round tip and hanging.
Body: Short, straight, muscular back, muscular thighs, ribs well sprung, loin powerful and extending right back.

Additional Comments:

Beagles may become destructive and howl if bored and not kept occupied.
Beagles make great household members, as they naturally enjoy being part of a team and the family becomes part of their pack.

Related Information of Interest:

7 Simple ways to safe Guard your dog this summer!
If you have a hard time in summer imagine how it must feel under a fur coat! here are some simple tips to help your dog beat the heat.

1) Bob The Hair:
If you have a shaggy dog like a pomeranian, Pekinese or any such variation then listen up. Your dog needs a hair cut. The hair should be cut with scissors and not shaved. Do not cut around the whiskers but you can carefully trim around the eyes.The less hair on your dog the cooler he will keep. If you have a short haired dog no need for a trim.

2) Play it cool: Food can be lighter and given before it gets hot in the morning and after it cools down in the evening.Depending on the dogs normal diet, reduce or entirely eliminate meat. Replace with soya, mashed or cooked with meat flavour. When a dog is panting give ice to lick.

3) walk on the mild side:
Walks should be taken early and then again after sundown. Don't encourage chasing, fetching games too much.

4) Cool it: If you enjoy airconditioning so does your dog.If you have a cooled space share it with your pooch.

5) No closed encounters: Never leave dogs in a completely closed space. If your dog is home, Leave on the fan. In a car, leave the window partially open.

6) Let it all hang out: Dogs sweat from their tongues so never tie or muzzle the mouth in the summer. Whilst giving medical treatment see if you can hold the head rather than tying the mouth. If you have to tie the mouth be sure to release as quickly as possible.

7) Do not bathe your dog more than once a month. Soap/ Cleansers strip their skin of natural oils and lead to skin irritation. when dirty you can simply towel dry with a damp towel.

About the Author

Venkata Ramana is a Dog Lover since childhood. Visit his www.dogs-now.com/go/Boxer Dog website and discover how you can make boxer dog the happiest, loving dog alive, Running healthily with you.

A Good Tip For Dogs With Itchy Skin
Now that summer is in full swing, many dogs are experiencing dry skin and excessive itchiness. I know that my dog, "Forbes," certainly has been! Of course, the first thing you'll want to rule out is fleas. But barring fleas, I've found that the best way to alleviate itching is to:

Splash approximately 2 Tablespoons of either vegetable oil or canola oil in your dog's food.
The additional fat will give your dog's coat a soft, shiny look and will help alleviate dry skin and itching.
You can also try an over-the-counter product you can get at most pet stores called, "Lipiderm," which works pretty much the same, but costs a bit more.
Something else you might try: One of my newsletter subscribers writes, "Best thing for itchy skin is lemons. Slice a couple of lemons in a litre of water and boil it. Let it cool down for a day then you can spray it on. Works wonders and is cheap."

About the Author

Author, “Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer!“ which you can read more about at:
tinyurl.com/4efaq

Body Language Before Dog Bites
Dear Adam:

After catching up on doggy email, I've noticed your reference to submissive posture. Your book helped more than a professional trainer I hired for my adopted Golden. We went through biting and dominance issues. The problem I am having now is I still do not trust him 100%. When he bit there really wasn't any sign it was coming (that I noticed). Even now, the only sign that he doesn't like something is a lowered head and sometimes a low growl (the groomer told me this). This dog growls sometimes when he is happy. It is almost like someone taught him not to make any other noise in doors. Outside he will bark. I guess the big question is how do you read a dog's face, body, etc.?

Thanks,
Mark.

Dear Mark:

It's a tough situation you've got. You've really got to just pay close attention to the dog at any time you suspect she may display the aggression. The most common indicators that I used when working with clients who had aggressive dogs was to watch:

1. The mouth. A dog will always pull has mouth closed tight just before he bites.

2. Body language. The dog's body language will get stiff and still just before he bites. Especially watch the stillness. It's very subtle, but at the same time very noticeable once you train your eye to look for it.

There are other things that you could look for depending on the dog and the type of aggression. However, you need to recognize that there are ALWAYS cues... it's just a matter of whether we are quick enough (or aware enough) to catch them.

To read more of my dog training ramblings, read about my book (click below): tinyurl.com/4efaq
Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer!

About the Author

Author, “Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer!“ which you can read more about at:
tinyurl.com/4efaq