Information, Facts & Origins of the Beagle The Beagle originates from England and is a dog of medium size - it has short legs which affords it the title of the smallest of the Scent Hound Dogs. It is also referred to as the English Beagle. It was bred originally to hunt small game such as rabbits and hares. It's origins can be dated back to the 1400's and it is classified as one of the Hound Dog Group which we go on to describe in the section at the bottom of this page. Name Facts and Dog Names: This dog's name is sometimes mis-spelt as Beagel. Beagle Dog NamesThe Beagle - A Scent Hound The Beagle belongs to the collection of dogs referred to as Scent Hounds, which specialise in following the scent or the smell of its quarry. It wasn’t until the mid 1500's that hounds began to be classified according to their purpose, i.e. sight hounds, scent hounds, etc. Scent Hounds have distinctive characteristics, features and traits which are perfect for their purpose. They have large noses which have deep, open nostrils and their lips are loose and moist, designed to pick up scent particles and follow the trail of an animal. Their ears are long which concentrates the scent on the nose. Their bodies are designed for endurance, an essential asset when following any scent trail. Hunting takes different forms and as man opts for hunting their quarry either on foot or on horseback the scent hounds have been selectively bred to produce small legs, to enable a man to easily follow on foot, or longer legs suited to keep up with a man on horseback. Most scent hounds were used in packs - making a loud, deep baying noise alerting hunters to their location. As a pet the Beagle is cheerful, alert, energetic, and loves to be part of the family. This dog has a special place in our affections as the character Snoopy is a Beagle in the famous Peanuts comic strip. Information, Facts & History of the Beagle Dog The Beagle's ancestors date back as far as the Greeks who were known to hunt with packs of dogs. The Romans were no doubt responsible for the spread of this type of breed throughout the realms of the Roman Empire. The history of England is long and colourful and is highly influenced by the French, and the French language. This occurred during events such as the Norman Invasion of 1066 and it will come as a revelation to many that the only spoken language of the famed English King, Richard the Lionheart, was in fact French. It is therefore no surprise that many French words have found their way into the basis of the English language - beagle being a prime example. Beagle is derived from “Begle” a French term meaning ‘gape throat’ referred to the animals tendency to bay making what has been described as the the bloodcurdling "beagle music". The Beagles are a scent hunting dog, used by hunters on foot, and they are the perfect size for trailing and back trailing their normal quarry of rabbits and hares. Although famed for hunting in packs, of between 12 and 24 dogs, the Beagle's size made it popular with commoners and poachers. The size of the Beagle varied through different strains which were dependent on the hunting terrain - the smaller Beagle Hound was suited to the open fields whereas the larger Beagle was better suited to the hills. The smallest strain of Beagle measured standing at just 10 inches high and could be carried in a saddle bag or even about the hunter's person as the nickname “Pocket Beagle” implies. Their prowess as scent hounds have found the Beagle new employment in the modern day - they are used as 'sniffer' dogs for drug and contraband detection. One of the most popular breeds of dog famous as the character Snoopy in the Peanuts comic strip.
Description of the Beagle Dog and Puppies - Coat and Colours info The Beagle's coat comes in a range of the following colours: Tri-colour (white with large black and light brown spots) or Lemon & White. The coat is short, dense & weatherproof. Dog Health information - potential health problems of the Beagles All owners of dogs and puppies are concerned about the health care of their pets and just as with humans dog health issues arise from time to time. Resolving dog health problems, including those of the Beagle, can prove to be costly and it would be wise to consider the benefits of obtaining dog health insurance. Diseases in dogs may occur because of trauma, infection, immune system abnormalities, genetic factors, or degenerative conditions. Common health problems and questions occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears, Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune & Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems. Potential health problems of the Beagle may be checked via the Dog Symptoms Sorter, but can include:- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia (abnormal development of joints referred to as CHD - Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia)
- Glaucoma
Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems Please click the following link for additional information which we have provided via our: Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems This describes the most common canine health problems concisely but simply without using medical jargon. A section on Dog and Puppy Vaccinations is also included offering information on each of the diseases, symptoms and effects for which immunization vaccines are available. Not sure of the name of the dog or puppy illness? A Dog Symptom Sorter is also featured. The Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems should only be used as an informational guide and when and if any dog or puppies health problems occur it is essential to raise any questions you may have with a Dog Health care professional. |