When I left my full-time job and went part-time, we decided to get a dog. We'd always wanted one. At the time we had a small house and garden and no idea about dog breeds. We knew it had to be quite a small dog, easy to look after and with a sound temperament. We bought the books, researched as much as we could and finally decided on a Beagle. Two quotes stuck in my mind: 'The Beagle is a merry little hound who likes to snack, snooze and sniff!' and 'Life with a Beagle is never dull'. These sayings have proved to be very, very accurate.
The Beagle is a true scenthound through and through. Many of the scenthound breeds descend from the earliest bloodhounds. With several crosses to smaller breeds, the Beagle came into being.
Beagle Facts
Group
Work
Height
Coat
Colour
Temperament
We contacted the Devon and South West Beagle Society for more information about breeders etc. They put us on to our breeder, Georgina Kemp in Devon. We first saw our puppy at three days old - he looked like a slug and fitted in the palm of my hand. Seven weeks later we collected him, brought him home and I can honestly say my life has not been the same since. Having never owned a dog before, I couldn't believe how much love I felt for this cheeky, mischievous and affectionate bundle of fun.
Owning a Beagle is not 'a walk in the park', quite literally if you haven't got an extending lead. It is hard work. They are absolute scavengers and thieves. Friends remark how tidy our house is. I always say it never was until we got the Beagle and then it had to be. Nothing is safe unless it is out of reach. Talking to other Beagle owners, they are all the same. At the beginning we thought we had taken on just an exceptionally naughty puppy - but we now know he wasn't going to change and his behaviour was completely normal for a Beagle.
They are full of mischief but full of character. They are extremely intelligent but can be stubborn and wilful. It is generally thought that Beagles are virtually untrainable but with perseverance, patience and food, food, food it can be done. They are a great challenge to train but it's all the more rewarding when they get things right.
The saying 'Life is never dull with a Beagle' came back to haunt us one night when we were emptying our waterbed. We'd put the hose out of the upstairs window and all was well until I realised that the 'Beegs' was quiet (always an ominous sign with this breed). I came downstairs to find the kitchen flooded and a very proud Beagle splashing around with the running hose still in his mouth - he had brought it in through the dog flap! This behaviour is typical of a Beagle. You can't help but laugh. I'm sure they don't mean to be naughty but trouble never seems to be far behind their jaunty gait and flagpole tail. My boy goes through life without a care in the world, completely obvious to the devastation he leaves in his wake.
Beagles are beautiful, loving and very clever. They keep themselves very clean like a cat and shed little hair. With their waterproof coat, they shake off mud and dirt very easily. A quick rub down with a hound glove keeps them looking lovely.
They suffer few health problems apart from being prone to obesity. They are very greedy and will eat constantly if allowed to. They are not fussy eaters, quite the opposite. They are a hardy breed with loads of stamina and need regular exercise. This is best done on an extending lead as off lead exercise for Beagles can be a recipe for disaster. This reminds me of another quote, 'The man with a lead and no dog on the common probably owns a Beagle'. Beagles will follow scents and mooch around for literally hours without a thought for their home or owner. My husband does exercise our dog off lead, but I don't (my husband can run faster that I can).
Beagles definitely need a secure garden. Don't rely on wooden fences - they can dig under them. Concrete walls and paving slabs are needed for Beagles. Electric fencing, barbed wire and armed guards are also a good idea (only joking!) Oh, and if you wish to own a Beagle, make sure he can't get to your washing line - shredded clean washing makes a lovely bed for them to sunbathe on!
My Beagle has destroyed a friend's designer sunglasses, my husband's expensive trainers, many bits of important post, including a pedigree certificate from The Kennel Club, a lottery ticket and much more. He has pee'd against people's legs and anything else that stands still for too long. All this as an adult - he was much worse as a puppy! Despite it all I wouldn't change one part of his personality.
Hound
Hunting hare
Min 13 in Max 16in
Short, dense, waterproof
Hound colours (not liver)
Friendly and alert
Being used to life in a pack, Beagles do not take well to being on their own for long periods. They need companionship, whether human or another dog. They get on well with other dogs - mine is a worthy opponent for a rough and tumble with a huge Goldie. They are excellent family dogs. However, they are not a breed for the part-time owner. You need to be fully committed (perhaps to the lunatic asylum) when you take on a Beagle.
After all is said and done, BEAGLES ARE WONDERFUL. They are funny, loving, naughty, compact, clean and full of character. They can be frustrating, infuriating and a real challenge, but the rewards are amazing and I wouldn't want mine any other way. He is my cheeky, chunky monkey and I adore him.
