The Beagle has been one of the most beloved English hunting dogs in French and European households for years. Its endearing look and droopy ears (especially in puppies) melt the hearts of many, making it a reference as a companion dog.
But who is the Beagle really? What are its origins? What are its qualities and faults? What environment does it need?
As proud owners of a male Beagle since 2014 (we got him as a puppy when he was 3 months old), we will try to introduce you to Beagles through our different pages by providing advice and sharing our opinions on various topics, along with our photos and experiences. Should you buy a puppy from a breeder or a private individual? Should you choose a male or female? At what price? Should you neuter or spay them? Do Beagles enjoy solitude? Are they stubborn? Our Beagle’s name is Moody: he is of average size, has a healthy build (around 15 kg) despite an obsession with food (you can imagine what happens when his owner cooks…), has quite a character as he is very stubborn, hates to be alone but is a very affectionate companion. He spends his days sleeping even though he has a large 700 m² garden…that’s a Beagle in a nutshell!
The Qualities of Beagles
The main quality of the Beagle is its affectionate nature towards family members. It enjoys contact and cuddles with the most tender-hearted amongst us. It is the ultimate companion and family dog. At home, it knows how to behave calmly and only expresses its emotions by wagging its tail, which ends with a white tip. Its medium size can also be seen as a positive trait by some owners. However, if your Beagle doesn’t get enough exercise, it can become restless and run around the house (or worse). Its second essential quality is its love for children. It enjoys playing with them and knows how to be joyful and patient.
Our advice:
“The Beagle is a terrier, a hunter at heart. We strongly advise against choosing this breed if you live in an apartment and cannot take them out regularly. They need long daily walks to expend energy and explore the outdoors, especially nature. Don’t be frustrated if your Beagle doesn’t pay attention to you during walks; this dog always has its nose to the ground! You will need to train them to look at their owners if you want them to listen. In a garden, their instincts sometimes take over…beware of the enormous holes they can dig in just a few minutes and fences that are not sturdy enough!”
The Faults of Beagles
Beagles are known to be very stubborn dogs that test their owners’ patience repeatedly. Being used to living in packs, they need a clear hierarchy. They will do everything to establish dominance but without showing any aggression. They only show aggression when necessary, such as during hunting or in dangerous situations. It is important to provide firm training from the time they are puppies to get them to listen to you. Another fault of Beagles is that they cannot tolerate being alone. They love being with their owners all the time and playing with children. Separations (such as going to work) can be very difficult for them, leading to barking and misbehaving. Their third fault is their unconditional love for food. They constantly beg and have a talent for jumping high to steal things. You can easily imagine that the kitchen will become their favorite room in your house or apartment.
“It is often said that dogs are obsessed with food. Beagles take it to another level!”
Protect your Beagle by considering pet health insurance from a young age.
The Beagle Puppy
The Beagle puppy is a plush toy that observes you with its endearing gaze, oversized ears, and paws, which is enough to make you fall in love in 99% of cases. Its entire life is conditioned during the first few months, so remember to provide canine training and socialization.
Before getting a Beagle puppy, we advise you on important points to check before adoption to ensure you get a healthy puppy, as well as what to expect during the first few days at home.
The Price of Beagles
When you decide to buy a Beagle, the question of the price inevitably arises.
The price is mainly determined by three factors:
- The age of the dog
- The type of seller
- The location of the purchase. A professional (breeder, pet store, etc.) in a big city will sell Beagles at a higher price than a private individual in the countryside, for example.
Beagles for Sale?
Beagles can be found for sale through various means. Besides word-of-mouth, you can approach breeders, pet stores, or contact private individuals directly. We provide some tips for making a better choice and understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
Origins
In reality, very little is known about the true origins of the Beagle breed, but it is believed to come from England. During the time of Queen Elizabeth I, this short-haired dog breed was already known by its current name, but there were two size varieties:
- The Pocket Beagle, measuring a maximum of 24 cm at the withers, was used for the companionship of court ladies.
- The Standard Beagle, between 33 and 40 cm at the withers, was highly appreciated for hunting.
In Europe, Beagles are used for hare, fox, and, in some cases, wild boar hunting. However, they are primarily beloved as companion and family dogs. With over 100,000 registrations in the L.O.F. (French Kennel Club) per year, Americans also have a genuine love for this affectionate dog.
The name “Beagle” means “little stammering dog” (due to the harmonious nature of its bark) or it is also called the “Singing Beagle,” as it has a melodious tone. It’s a completely different register from a Rottweiler or Pitbull, and sometimes it’s quite amusing to hear.
Beagles and Hunting
Even though many people choose this breed as a companion dog because of its adorable face, it should not be forgotten that it is primarily a hunting dog. And it never forgets its hunting instincts. As soon as it is outside, it always has its nose to the ground, searching for even the slightest scent. Hunting dogs are classified into different categories, and the Beagle is listed in Group 6 of the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) dog breeds, namely “scent hounds and related breeds.”
Unlike pointing dogs, for example, which indicate the location of game, the Beagle sniffs out a trail and follows it until the game is flushed out. It is not a retrieving dog either, but it is highly effective as a blood dog, meaning it can track and locate wounded animals.
Beagles are often used for hunting hares, deer, and even wild boars.
During wild boar hunting, Beagles are sometimes injured. The animals do not hesitate to charge and strike with their tusks. If you want to avoid or reduce the risk of injuries, you can equip your Beagle with a hunting dog protection vest, such as the ones available on Chasseur.com. These vests are often made of highly resistant materials like Cordura 1100 DTEX. They are lined with a soft fabric on the inside for your dog’s comfort. Some vests not only protect the belly and sides but also the hips and thighs. This ensures your companion’s safe return home.
Other Breeds of Dogs
Although this website is specifically dedicated to Beagles, we wanted to introduce you to other dog breeds. You can find numerous breed profiles on our dog breed page, such as:
- Russell Terrier
- Basset Griffon
- Belgian Shepherd
- Cavalier King Charles
- Labrador Retriever
- Irish Setter / English Setter
- Wire-haired German Pointer
- Artesian Basset
- Maltese Bichon
- Argentine Dogo / Bordeaux Mastiff
- Petit Basset Griffon
- Golden Retriever
- And many more…
This list is not exhaustive, but we regularly add new breeds. Enjoy reading!
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