Beagle Training The history of the Beagle can be traced all the way back to Greece in the 5th Century. Hundreds of years later, Queen Elizabeth I owned what was referred to as a “Pocket” Beagle. This variation only grew to be eight or nine inches tall and traveled on fox hunts in the pocket or saddlebag of the riders. Once the larger and more vocal Beagles chased the prey into the ground, the Pocket Beagle would then be released to follow it through the underbrush. Their reward would be to walk the table among the cups and plates during dinner that evening.
Now, knowing just a little of the history of your Beagle doesn’t mean that behavior would be accepted today, but it does show you just how prestigious owning one of these friendly little dogs was.
It was their cute and inquisitive personality that was so appealing. Then too, that typical pleading little brown-eyed Beagle face didn’t hurt their appeal either, nor does it today. Over the centuries, Beagles have developed to have a stout little build with a wider stance and legs proportionate to their body, a strong broad head, full nostrils, and longer forward hanging ears with a pointed pendant–like shape. Normally, Beagles weigh in at between 15 to 30 pounds with a range of 13 to 16 inches high.
Beagles are typically known for their astute scent-tracking ability when hunting rabbits and other small game, so consequently, they usually run with their nose to the ground and their long straight tail pointing upward, almost like a flag. Their coloring is primarily black, brown, tan, or yellow on a white background and their coat is short and soft. They have a very loving and affectionate demeanor and have a great time playing with children.
They are wonderfully happy and congenial little dogs who become excited easily. In fact, you’ve probably experienced your Beagle’s excitability if you owned him as a puppy, and after being away, you walked in just in time to be greeted with his little tail wagging while he presented you with a special gift … a little puddle he made just for you. However, they are bright and eager to please so once housetrained, they’ll reward you in other, more positive ways.
When it comes to health, Beagles are very hardy dogs with little to no serious problems at all. However, because they are high-energy dogs and burn calories quickly, they need a diet that is high in carbohydrates and has a high protein to fat ratio with foods such as rabbit, corn, potatoes, and poultry. Since they can’t store carbohydrates, giving these same foods as snacks with plenty of water during working or stressful times will help to prevent the muscle cramping many Beagles experience.
One of the most distinctive features of this sociable and loving breed is what’s known as the “Beagle Bay”. No, it’s not an inlet on some lake. It’s essentially the Beagle’s howl and uniquely unmistakable from all other dogs. Once you’ve heard it, you’ll never forget it. It’s a rather low, hoarse-sounding wail and it’s quite entertaining without being annoying.
Because these are active little fellows and they can have a mind of their own, they need to be obedience trained so they don’t develop bad habits like barking, chewing, or even worse. They do require lots of exercise so when they’re left alone they’ll be happy to relax and be trusted to behave. It is important to note that because Beagles have such a strong hunting instinct, you may want to think twice before leaving him alone with any other pets you may have like hamsters, cats, etc. You want to make certain that Busy Barney Beagle doesn’t turn into the Purple Pet Eater while you’re away.
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