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The Beagle makes a great pet and she can be kept in an apartment if she is exercised regularly. She is very good with children. Of course, never leave a young child alone with any dog for any length of time unsupervised. She is also good with other dogs and people. She is not watch dog material and definitely not guard dog material. She will do better if she has access to a properly fenced in yard. She should not be left alone for too long a time as she will bay and make lots of noise, plus she is a digger. Anytime you walk her she must be on a leash. If loose to run, she will probably catch a scent and run off and do not expect her to listen to you when you call her. She is in grave danger of getting hit by a car when on a scent as she has a singular focus.

Please keep in mind that she may have a bit of hunting dog odor about her and she may be difficult to housebreak.

*Approximate Adult Size. There are two varieties of beagles. The Thirteen Inch variety or smaller variety shall not exceed 13 inches in height at the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and the larger Fifteen Inch variety for Beagles over 13 inches at the withers but not exceeding 15 at the withers.

*Special Health Considerations. Health">All dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed. With the Beagle you need to be concerned about hypothyroidism (sluggish thyroid gland which can result in weight gain), back problems, cherry eye, epilepsy (common in many dogs), glaucoma, cancer, heart disease, progressive retinal atrophy (inherited disease of the retina that can cause vision loss and blindness), and kidney failure.

*Grooming. The Beagle has a close coat of medium length. She needs to be brushed at least weekly. She is a medium shedder and brushing will help keep your house free of shed hair. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat and also help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with your pet. Her ears will need attention. They will benefit from cleaning with cotton balls and a solution that your veterinarian approves. Her long ears tend to keep moisture trapped underneath and this can be a source of ear infection.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

*Life Span. The can live between 12 and 15 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Beagle was developed in England, possibly as a cross between various English hounds and the Harrier. She may have existed as early as the Roman times. She was used for hunting fowl and other small game. The American Kennel Association approved the Beagle as a breed on September 10, 1957.

Category:

*Some Registries:

National Beagle Club of America

UKC United Kennel Club

NKC National Kennel Club

CKC Continental Kennel Club

APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.

AKC American Kennel Club

FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale

NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club

KCGB Kennel Club of Great Britain

ANKC Australian National Kennel Club

ACR American Canine Registry

Category: Hound family, Scent hound.

Terms To Describe. Sweet, energetic, pack oriented, gregarious, playful, outgoing, stubborn

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

Love to be around people.

Good disposition.

Loves people.

Great with older kids.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS

Can be stubborn.

Must be leased or controlled. They will run off after a scent.

They love to eat.

Like to roll in yucky stuff.

Will bay and howl, especially when left alone.

Not a guard dog unless licking a prowler to death works for you.

Like to dig, especially left alone.

Will not beware of cars when on a scent.

May not come when called.

A little hard to housebreak.

May have a hunting dog odor.