Do you have a Beagle? These cute, lovable pooches make very cheerful and happy family pets, and they definitely deserve a day in the spot light! A vet discusses this beloved breed in this article.

 History

Beagles have been around for quite some time. The name Beagle may have originated from the word beag , which was Gaelic for ‘little.’ Or, it could stand for be’geule , which is the French ‘translation’ of the sound hunting dogs make. Records of small hounds being used for hunting in Britain predate the arrival of the Romans, which happened way back in 55 BC. The AKC officially registered the first Beagle, a pup named Blunder, in 1885.

Grooming

Beagles’ coat colors can range from lemon yellow to red and white to tricolored. As you may know, these pups have cute floppy ears. You’ll need to keep Fido’s ears clean. Like all dogs with folded ears, they are a bit prone to ear infections. Regular brushing is also a must with these guys. Beagles shed continuously through the year, but they shed most heavily in spring. As with any other pup, Beagles also need dental care and nail trims. Ask your vet for specific advice.

Hound Dog

Beagles are scenthounds, and are naturally great trackers. Fido is also a foothound, which means he can be followed on foot. This trait was highly valued back in the old days. Before the industrial age, many people hunted their food. Not everyone could afford a horse, which made hunting difficult. People with Beagles could keep up with their quarries on foot. 

Beagles are notorious for following their noses, and have a habit of running off after scents. This can get them into trouble. Don’t let Fido run around off-leash, and make sure that your fencing is secure. ID tags and microchips are also musts.

Activity

Beagles are very active, and need lots of exercise and playtime. They’re also extremely sociable, and tend to get into mischief when left alone. Make sure your canine companion has a buddy!

Snoopy

We can’t really discuss Beagles without mentioning the most famous one ever: Snoopy! Charlie Brown’s furry best buddy was first drawn back in 1950. If you want to see something super cute, look up the animated video of the iconic pair meeting for the first time. It’s short, but adorable.

Do you have questions about Beagle care? Contact us, your veterinary clinic!