Breed All About It!
Spotlight on:
The Beagle
Description: Beagles are a breed of small hound. They sport a short coat that ' s mostly a combination of black, white, and brown. More unusual coats include Lemon & White, Tri-color, Chocolate Tri, White & Chocolate, Red & White, Orange & White, and White & Tan.
Temperament: Beagles are smart, affectionate, determined, curious, and playful. They are ideal family pets because of their size, groomability, and gentle, easy-going nature with children. They are a high energy breed, friendly, happy, and fun-loving. They can also be stubborn and require patient, creative training techniques. Beagles love to eat, though, so their love of food comes in handy for training purposes, as they will do anything for a treat! The breed was developed in England to hunt rabbits, and they are still happiest when following their noses. The most important thing to know about scenthounds is that they are ruled by that nose. A Beagle will follow an interesting scent wherever it leads him, across busy streets and miles from home, so a fenced yard is essential to keep him safe. They are also commonly used as scent detection dogs at U. S. airports, where their friendliness allows them to search for weapons, drugs, and illegal food items without making passengers nervous the way a larger“ police dog” might. Beagles are pack animals, becoming very attached to their human " pack." Separation anxiety, barking, and destructiveness are common behavioral problems in this breed. Fortunately, nearly all these problems can be prevented by keeping them well exercised. Barking or howling are often the result of boredom. The best thing about a Beagle is that he will always make you laugh- even when he’ s being naughty!
Average Height / Weight: 13- 16 inches in height; 18- 35 pounds.
Health Issues: The most common health problems associated with Beagles are invertebral disk disease, obesity, epilepsy, allergies, cherry eye, glaucoma, patellar luxation, and hypothyroidism.
Life Expectancy: 12- 15 years.
Exercise: Beagles need daily exercise and mental stimulation in the form of sniffing. Provide them with the attention, training, and activity they need or they can become bored and destructive. A fenced backyard is a necessity with a scenthound such as a Beagle, and it ' s important to keep him on a lead in unconfined areas, as he will employ " selective deafness " if he catches a scent. Be sure he ' s microchipped and wearing identification tags on his collar in case he gets away from you. Several walks, plus a run or two a day, are recommended to alleviate boredom and maintain a healthy weight.
Grooming: Beagles have a smooth, dense, double coat. Brush with a medium-bristle brush at least once a week to loosen and remove dead hair and encourage new hair growth. Beagles shed a moderate amount.
Effective, Affordable Advertising That Works!
" Good News " / Pawsitively Pets is available at over 200 locations throughout Bear Country & online at: www. bearcountrygoodnews. com and www. bear999. com.
Ask about our Radio / Print / Social Media Combination Packages! 103 West Highland Street, Avis • 570-769-2327 • www. bear999. com
6
Pawsitively Pets-- May