From their friendly demeanor and expressive faces to their exceptional hunting abilities and loyal companionship, Beagles have captured the hearts of dog lovers everywhere, making them one of the top 10 most popular Dog breeds worldwide. Being bred to hunt in packs, they enjoy the company of other dogs and tend to be generally easygoing. However, this also comes with unique challenges, including their strong hunting instinct and tendency to follow scents, whether it's an appropriate situation or not. In addition to their popularity as family pets, Beagles excel in various roles, from search and rescue missions to therapy work and competitive dog sports.

Average lifespann: 10-15 years

Height: 33-40cm or 13-16 inches

Weight: 10-15kg or 20-30 pounds

Looks and characteristics:
Beagles have a charming and appealing exterior, with their friendly demeanor, expressive face, and signature floppy ears making them instantly recognizable and beloved by dog enthusiasts worldwide.

They are of medium size and have sturdy and compact bodies with a well-balanced build and proportionate frame. Their highly sensitive nose is of great Help in scent tracking and hunting; it features a moderately long and broad snout that tapers slightly towards the nose. Beagles' muzzle is well-defined but not overly narrow or pointed. What stands out most with Beagles are their long, floppy ears and adorable faces! Their ears are set low on the sides of their head and frame their face with their big brown/hazel eyes.

Colors:
Beagles typically come in a variety of colors, including:

Tri-color: This is the most common coloration for Beagles, characterized by a combination of black, white, and tan markings. The black markings are usually on the back, ears, and tail, while the tan markings appear on the face, chest, legs, and sometimes the body.

Lemon and white: These Beagles have a lighter coat coloration, ranging from pale yellow or cream to a deeper golden hue, combined with white markings.

Red and white: This coloration features a reddish-brown coat with white markings, similar to the tri-color pattern but with red replacing the black markings.

While these are the most common colors seen in Beagles, variations in shade and pattern can occur within each color category. Additionally, some Beagles may exhibit other color variations, but they are less common and may not conform to the traditional breed standard.

History and origins:
The origins of this breed is ancient and shrouded in mystery, even its name. It is speculated that the name comes from the Celtic word 'Beag' meaning 'little', or the Middle English word 'begle,' which is in turn based on the french term for the sound hounds make while hunting: be'geule. The first written documented mention of the breed is estimated to be around the year 1400, though there were accounts of using small pack-hounds for hunting rabbit and hare in England before the Roman legions arrived in 55 B.C.

It is likely that our modern dogs, Beagles, are descendants of packs of hounds that were used by Englishmen to track deer and hares by the 1500.

The advantage of Beagles, in comparison to other hunting hounds, was that Beagles were used to hunt on foot. Most other pack hunters, like foxhounds or carriers, hunted from horseback. People who were too poor to afford horses or could not ride a horse/did not have access to a horse for various reasons could easily keep up with a Beagle pack during hunts. The term for hunting on foot with a pack of dogs is therefore called beagling. It is still practiced to this day, though in countries like Sweden, Beagles are used as lone driving hunting dogs

Temperament:
The Beagle is a friendly and lively hunting dog known for its courageous nature, high activity level, great stamina, and determination. This alert and intelligent breed possesses a stable temperament, making it an excellent companion for active families. Beagles are sociable and enjoy the company of both humans and other dogs. They are often described as curious and outgoing, with a playful demeanor that endears them to people of all ages. While they have a strong hunting instinct and may follow scents with great enthusiasm, proper training and socialization can Help channel their energy into positive behaviors. Overall, Beagles are beloved for their affectionate nature, adaptable personality, and unwavering loyalty to their families.

Health:
Responsible breeders will screen their breeding stock for health conditions such as hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, luxating patella (a dislocated kneecap), and eye disorders. As with all breeds, a Beagle's ears should be checked weekly, and the teeth should be brushed regularly.

Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club:

• Hip Evaluation
• Thyroid Evaluation
• Musladin-Lueke Syndrome (MLS) - DNA Test
• Cardiac Exam
• Ophthalmologist Evaluation