Beagle
Group: Hound
Lifespan: 12-15 Years
Pups per Litter: 2-14
Average Weight: 20-35 lbs.
Average Height: 13-15 inches
Exercise/Actvity Level: High
Temperment with:
Children 
Other Dogs Other Animals 
History
The Beagle originated in the United Kingdom. The name itself is thought to be derived from the French word “Begueule” which means open throat … or in other words loud mouth. They were bred to hunt small game such as rabbits, wild game, quail, pheasant and rodents. The are medium sized dogs and hunt like all hounds do, with their nose. It is one of the most popular of the hound group because they are such sociable and jolly dogs. It is thought that the Beagle is a cross between different English Hounds and a Harrier.
Traits
The Beagle is a sweet, people loving dog. They are very curious and have been known to follow their nose wherever that may be! They make great family dogs as they love children, but should be monitored around other pets that are not dogs, as this breed was bred to hunt down small animals. The Beagle is known to be a pack animal and does not like being left alone, it is recommended that if you are looking to buy a beagle that you have someone who will be able to spend that time with the dog, or to get two. The Beagle has a certain bark, called a bay that is very distinctive of hounds…it is a long hard howl, which originally was intended to alert hunters of the location of the prey.
Appearance
Weighing in at anywhere between 20-35 lbs ( 9-16 kgs) and averaging 13-15 inches high, the Beagle is a small yet solid hound. They have a square face with big floppy ears and round eyes. The body is small and short yet sturdy. The have short legs and small round paws. Their tail tapers to a point and usually has a white tip so when in tall grass and on the hunt, the hunter can spot the Beagle without having to say a word. The Beagle has a short soft coat that comes in many colours such as lemon, black and tan, tri-colour, red and white, white or orange and white. There are two types of variety of Beagle which are: those under 13 inches and those between 13-15 inches high.
Health
The Beagle is prone to Epilepsy, Eye or Back problems and also heart problems. Some suffer from dwarfism in which case their legs are significantly shorter and resemble that of a Basset Hounds legs.
Training
Beagles can be very stubborn dogs so they need firm consistent training. Most Beagles enjoy food rewards when training. They would excel in tracking or agility exercises. Since they are hounds, they tend to be in their own little world more so then in training so short training sessions and a positive outlook is a good plan!
Care
The Beagle is a low maintenance dog as they only need to be brushed weekly and bathed according to the owners discretion. Their ears should be monitored for infection as this is not uncommon in the breed. Their nails should be clipped often to ensure that they will not get too long.
Breed
This breed is categorized in the Hound Group. They make great apartment dogs if they are exercised regularly or if they have a yard. Beagles should be monitored when out without a leash as they are known to just go off in any direction if their noses catch a whiff of something! They are also great escape artists and will find any hole to any fenced in yard. The Beagles life span is between 12-15 years . They have on average 2-14 pups per litter. When obtaining a puppy Beagle, keep in mind that every puppy is different and to research your breed before bringing the baby home!
Reference pages for Information:
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/beagle.htm Beagle Breed Information
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beagle Beagle Information
http://clubs.akc.org/NBC/ Beagle Club of America
http://www.brewbeagles.org/ Beagle Rescue
http://www.akc.org/breeds/beagle/index.cfm Beagle AKC Standards
