Houston Vet Clinic
The Beagle
As of 2006, the American Kennel Club rated the Beagle as the most popular dog in America, with nearly 125,000 registered beagles across the United States. The breed has been immortalized in popular culture, from comic character Snoopy to the image of the happy Beagle romping through the front yard with children in tow. Inquisitive and social, the Beagle has earned its popularity through its even temper and gentleness.
Behavior
Beagles are very social dogs, and are friendly and easy-going. Although they can be a bit aloof towards strangers, they award their affection easily and make friends quickly. As such, they make poor guard dogs.
Bred for the hunt, Beagles are loud and single-minded. Like other members of the hound family, they have excellent senses of smell and good stamina, as they were expected to track and corner foxes. Beagles have been known to “yell” to other nearby Beagles, as if they were talking to each other. Because of the single-mindedness that is instilled in them from their breeding, Beagles do not take to training well and are not considered particularly intelligent in that regard. That being said, they are inquisitive and goal-oriented.
Health
Beagles usually live between 10 and 14 years. They can be prone to epilepsy, which can be controlled with medication. One of the most common health problems in Beagles is obesity, which can occur when they do not receive regular exercise. Because of their breeding as long-distance runners, they should be exercised frequently.
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For more information about veterinary care, contact the animal experts at your Houston Vet Clinic.