BEAGLE DOGS

The Beagle is a medium-to-small sized dog breed. This breed belongs to hunting dogs, is similar to the Foxhound but dogs of this breed are smaller, with shorter legs and longer, softer ears. The original purpose of the Beagle was to scent prey, generally rabbits, in hunting parties. These dogs have a very well-developed sense of smell and a tracking instinct that makes them suitable for missions such as detecting prohibited substances. Beagles are very popular as pets due to their size, balanced temperament, and lack of genetic health problems. Specimens of this breed are also used in biological experiments in some countries. Although Beagle-type dogs have existed for over 2000 years, the modern breed appeared in Great Britain around 1830, resulting from the crossbreeding of several breeds, such as the Talbot Hound, North Country Beagle, or Harrier.

Dogs of the same size and with the same role as the modern Beagle could be found in Ancient Greece in the 5th century BC. Dogs of this type were brought to Rome and then imported to the British archipelago. In the 1700s, two breeds were bred for hunting rabbits: the Southern Hound and the North Country Beagle. With the increasing popularity of fox hunting, the two Beagle breeds were replaced by faster dogs. In 1830, Reverend Phillip Honeywood founded the first group of modern Beagles in Essex, southeast Great Britain. The British royal family's interest in Beagles ensured the revival of the breed, and in 1890, The Beagle Club was founded, and the standards of the modern breed were established. In the mid-19th century, Beagle specimens also arrived in the United States of America, where they were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1884. In 1959, a Beagle named Derawunda Vixen won the grand prize at the prestigious Crufts competition. The name "Beagle" seems to originate from the Old English word "beag," meaning "small."

A Beagle looks like a miniature Foxhound, but its head is broad and its muzzle square and straight, its facial expression is completely different, and its legs are shorter compared to its body. Its eyes are brown or light brown and have a pleading expression, its ears are large, rounded at the ends, and soft. Dogs of this breed have a massive and robust body. The chest has prominent ribs, and the back is straight. The legs are solid, and when the dog is active, the tail is held high without curving over the quadruped's back. A Beagle's coat is short and dense, and accepted colors include red and white, black and tan, etc. They have a height between 33 and 41 centimeters and weigh between 8 and 16 kilograms. Females are usually slightly smaller than males. In the middle of the last century, several tests showed that, besides the Bloodhound breed, Beagles have the most developed sense of smell among dogs.

Beagle dogs have a balanced temperament and a gentle disposition. These dogs are very rarely aggressive or timid. They enjoy company and quickly make friends with strangers. This is why they are not very good guard dogs. The Beagle is an intelligent dog, but its hunting past makes it stubborn and determined, which can be an impediment in training. Even though they respond very well to reward-based training, these dogs' attention can be easily distracted. Beagles are very friendly with children, and this is one of the reasons they are such popular pets. Being a pack animal, a Beagle can become very attached to a person and suffer from separations. They also get along very well with other dogs. Beagles tire slowly but do not need too much exercise; however, regular runs must be done to prevent them from gaining weight, to which this breed is prone.

Like any medium-to-small dog, the Beagle lives for approximately 12 years. Dogs of this breed are prone to epilepsy, but this aspect can be controlled with medication. Some Beagles may suffer from various forms of dwarfism. Two diseases are more common in this breed: "Funny Puppy" (in which puppies develop very slowly and eventually grow with weak legs and a hunched back) and "Hip Dysplasia." Beagles can also have problems with their ears (infections) or eyes (glaucoma or dystrophy). A Beagle may exhibit "reverse sneezing" when the dog tries to draw as much air into its lungs as possible, appearing to suffocate. Although the exact cause of this problem is unknown, it does not harm the dog.

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