Beagle

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN France

MOST SUITED AS Hound and family pet.

SIZE
The shoulder-height is 33 - 41cm (13 - 16 1/2in) and the dog weighs about 15kg (33lb).

COAT
The coat is short and weather-protective. The three-coloured Beagle is the most usual - that is a white ground, a brown head and back, with a black saddle but any recognized hound colou­rings are permissible. Liver-coloured Beagles are not acceptable.

CARE REQUIRED
Brush the coat daily to remove dead and loose hairs. In common with other breeds with hanging ears, ears should be regularly checked to ensure they are clean.

CHARACTER
This is a lively, cheerful, sociable, brave, and intelligent dog with a mind of its own, that is resolute, and vigilant. They have the tendency to follow their nose.

TRAINING
The Beagle is not the most obedient of dog breeds. It is both an independent hunting dog and will make a highly suitable pet for your home. It is sensible to take your Beagle to an obedience class.

SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
Beagles normally tend to get on well with other dogs and children but even strangers will get a friendly greeting. Get them used to cats and other household ani­mals when they are young.

EXERCISE
This breed needs quite a bit of exercise. A well-fenced garden will prevent your Beagle taking itself for a walk. Take it yourself for long walks regularly but do not allow it to trot around freely off the lead until you are certain that you have the dog well under control or you run the risk of disappear­ing it in search of wild game.

GENERAL
For sportive people this is an ideal family pet but it is less suitable for life in a flat. They like to be out of doors and can happily live in an outdoor kennel with other dogs.