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BACKYARD BEAGLE?
We at HBHR feel that NO dog should
be a "back-yard" dog, but this is especially true for Beagles.
The Beagle was developed as a pack animal. When brought into a
family, that family becomes the Beagle's pack. Companionship for
the Beagle must be present, or the dog will become a neighborhood
nuisance with its barking, howling and "singing". Another reason
not to try to keep a Beagle in the backyard is its propensity to
follow interesting scents. A Beagle will follow a scent for hours,
perhaps days. A Beagle can get lost, and then we come to a host of
other problems. Yet another reason is the elements.
Would you want to be outside all day and night in 90-degree
weather - in a FUR COAT???
BEAGLES UNLEASHED?
It is very important that a future owner of a Beagle consider
that a fenced yard is necessary to keep the Beagle from roaming.
It is also VERY IMPORTANT to keep your Beagle on a leash at all
times when in an unfenced area. The Beagle is a "scent
hound" and will follow a scent, ignoring your calls.
Allowing your dog to wander on its own is dangerous to its health.
Not only are there other animals that could fight and/or injure
your Beagle, the biggest danger is being hit by a car. Do you
really want to consider the thought of your beloved dog, laying on
the side of the road with no one to help him, perhaps already
dead?
WATCHDOG?
Some people think that with a voice like a Beagle possesses, it
would make a good watchdog. Well, it will bark at things and
people it cannot identify right away, but a Beagle is also a
friendly personality, and makes friends with almost everyone that
is willing to pat it, scratch its ears or give it a treat.
GROOMING YOUR BEAGLE
The Beagle has a medium length coat, and it has a soft
undercoat. A Beagle needs minimal grooming efforts: combing and
brushing of the coat as needed, checking the length of its nails,
and weekly checking and/or cleaning of the ears. Bathing is an
as-needed option.
BEAGLE SIZES
Beagles usually fall into one of two size categories. The first
is a Beagle that measures ten to thirteen inches at the withers.
These Beagles average eighteen to twenty pounds. The second is for
Beagles that measure more than thirteen inches and not more than
fifteen inches. These dogs weigh between twenty and thirty pounds.
These sizes are important only if you are going to show your
Beagle in conformation, or enter it into a field trial. If all you
want is a family pet, the size does not really matter. It is
possible for a Beagle to get larger than fifteen inches at the
withers.
THE BEAGLE LIFE-SPAN
The average life expectancy of a Beagle is fifteen to eighteen
years. Some have lived beyond eighteen years.
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BEAGLE INTELLIGENCE & TRAINING
Training a Beagle can certainly be classified as one of life's
challenges. As with any hound, training them requires a great deal
of patience. Part of it is individual, some Beagles are easier to
train than others. A Beagle can be stubborn about some things, and
if training is not interesting, the Beagle will find a way to
convince you the training session is ended. Early obedience
training is very necessary, and will save you many gray hairs.
Beagles are by no means "stupid". In fact they can be quite clever in figuring out
ways to trick YOU. They can be EXTREMELY stubborn. However, they can learn basic commands
such as "come", "sit", "stay", etc.
THE AMAZING BEAGLE APPETITE
The Beagle possesses a ravenous appetite. It loves to eat.
Therefore, it is apt to put on a bit of weight. The owner needs to
keep it eating healthy and wisely. Free-feeding is usually
not an option for a Beagle. When it comes to food, the
Beagle's cleverness can come into play. They can be
relentless when it comes to food - stealing from the table, the
trash, the counters, pantries, children, etc.
WHERE SHOULD I GET MY BEAGLE?
Obviously we prefer RESCUE as a first choice. There are
so many unwanted Beagles who need good homes. Rescue dogs
are NOT "problem" dogs. Most are loving, friendly, loyal
dogs. Plus with a rescue dog you know what you are getting:
housetrained? crate-trained? child-friendly? Good with
cats?
But, if you are heartset on a puppy, please find a RESPONSIBLE
BREEDER. The Beagle has always been a popular breed of dog,
and due to this popularity, these dogs have been exploited by
puppymills and back yard breeders. This has unfortunately
introduced genetic and medical problems into the breed. You need
to get a puppy from a responsible, reliable breeder - one
who cares about the breed, seeks to improve the breed, and treats
the puppies like they were their own children. Ask to see the
parents, if the father is not present, the mother will do. Are
there health guarantees? What tests have been performed? Worming?
Shots? What condition is the kennel area in? Is it reasonably
clean? Is it organized and free of hazards to the dogs? Are the
puppies being kept separate from the rest of the population of
dogs, or are they all thrown in together in the same area? Will
the breeder take the dog back if you are not happy with it?
To get the best possible temperament of dog, and the healthiest,
it is best to get your dog from people who truly care about their
dogs.
SO YOU WANT A BEAGLE PUPPY
There is nothing more adorable than a Beagle puppy. But
are you ready for it? Puppies are a LOT of work.
There's the crying every few hours, the house-training, the
crate-training, the chewing, the series of puppy shots and
checkups, etc. etc.
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