Ancestors and History of the Beagle Dog

The origins of the Beagle are unclear, but it's thought that the ancient Greyhound from Egypt is its ancestor. Greek documents from around 400 BC mention dogs adept at rabbit hunting, considered to be ancestors of the Beagle.

The Beagle's ancestors spread throughout Europe, eventually reaching Britain, where the breed was refined during the reigns of Henry VII to Elizabeth I. During Elizabeth I's time, there were two sizes of this type of hound; the smaller ones, referred to as Beagles (from the French word meaning 'small'), were used for rabbit hunting. The Beagle was officially registered as a breed in Britain in 1890.

In America, Beagles began to be imported around 1860 and were recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1885. Originally bred for rabbit hunting, Beagles are now popular as show dogs and pets. They are also employed as 'quarantine detection dogs' at airports due to their excellent sense of smell and serve as companion dogs.

What Kind of Temperament Does a Beagle Have?

Beagles are cheerful and friendly. They are affectionate with their owners and families, and can get along well with other people and dogs due to their calm temperament. As hunting dogs, they are spirited, bold, have plenty of stamina, and are decisive.

Characteristics of Beagles

As scent hounds, Beagles have a keen sense of smell and love sniffing around. Beagle hunting involves packs, signaling each other's location by barking and cornering prey together, hence their resonant bark, which has earned them the nickname 'the voice of the forest.' Additionally, because Beagles are 'prolific, easy to breed, genetically stable with little variation, have a gentle nature, and are voracious eaters,' they have also been used as medical research animals.

Beagle Coat Colors

The Beagle's coat is a double coat with a short, fluffy undercoat and a glossy overcoat. The JKC allows Beagle coat colors 'hound colors, except liver, with a white tail tip,' mainly divided into the following three: Most common in Beagles, composed of black, white, and brown - a combination typical of hounds.

Red & White Comprises reddish-brown and white.

Lemon & White (Lemon Color) The brown parts are lighter and brighter than in Red & White. The noses of hound-colored Beagles are black, but those of Lemon & White Beagles can be liver-colored to pink.

Q. What is the Origin of the Beagle's Name?

The name 'Beagle' is thought to derive from the old French 'begueule,' meaning 'open throat' or 'loudmouth,' or from the Gaelic 'beag,' meaning 'small.' Gaelic is part of the Indo-European language family, belonging to the Celtic group.

Q. Why Does the Beagle Have a White Tail?

The Beagle's tail is usually upright, with a slightly curved tip that is white. This is a result of selective breeding to make them easily identifiable in tall grass during rabbit hunts.

Q. Common Behavioral Problems in Beagles and Tips for Management

What may be normal behavior for a dog, due to its instincts or breed characteristics, can sometimes pose challenges when keeping them as pets. Common behavioral issues in Beagles include pulling on the leash and unnecessary barking due to their 'sniffing adventures.' For 'pulling,' effective management involves fulfilling their instinct to sniff through scent games like 'Nosework,' which also helps with stress relief, concentration improvement, combating lack of exercise, and preventing cognitive decline.

For 'unnecessary barking,' Beagles, being hunting dogs, are naturally inclined to bark. Training during the puppy stage, particularly between 3 and 12 weeks during the 'socialization period,' to establish a pack hierarchy is crucial. Ignoring unwanted behaviors and rewarding desired actions consistently among all family members is important.

Reducing the stimuli that trigger barking is also a strategy. For instance, if lack of exercise and resulting stress is the cause, more physical activity is needed. If barking is for attention or food, it's essential not to give in to their demands. Otherwise, they learn that barking yields rewards, and the behavior continues.

Beagles often react and bark at stimuli such as birds or moving trees seen from windows. In such cases, applying window films to reduce these visual stimuli can be effective.

Q. How to Care for a Beagle

Due to their high sebum production, Beagles can have a noticeable odor. Regular shampooing and a balanced diet can help mitigate this.

If the odor isn't a concern, shampooing once or twice a month is sufficient. It's also important to moisturize their skin to prevent dryness. Daily teeth cleaning is necessary to prevent tartar build-up.

Though Beagles have short hair, their double coat requires daily brushing. Leftover fur can cause skin diseases, so use a soft rubber brush for gentle brushing.

Care for droopy ears is crucial in breeds like Beagles, as their ear shape can trap moisture inside, leading to ear problems. Cleaning the outer part of the ears with a soft cotton wrapped around a finger once or twice a week is recommended. Avoid deep ear cleaning and consult a vet if necessary.

Q. Diseases to Be Aware of in Beagles

Beagles love to eat, which can lead to obesity and associated risks like diabetes and intervertebral disc disease.

Cataracts are a concern in older dogs, causing cloudiness and visibility issues.

Regular checks for mammary tumors in female dogs are also important. Be cautious of lumps in the breast area and consult a vet promptly.

During summer, be wary of heatstroke. Avoid walking on hot asphalt during the day. Hot surfaces can burn their paws, and the risk of heatstroke increases. Opt for early morning or evening walks during hot weather.

Q. Foods to Avoid Feeding a Beagle

Avoid giving Beagles onions, leeks, garlic, avocados, octopus, squid, bamboo shoots, konnyaku, grapes, raisins, and nuts. Also, refrain from feeding them processed human food and sweets.

Q. What is the Lifespan of a Beagle?

The average lifespan of a Beagle is 12-15 years, which is relatively long for dog breeds. The average lifespan for domestic dogs in Japan is 14 years. To ensure a long life for Beagles, prevent obesity, ensure daily exercise, and do not skip annual health check-ups.