The Beagle is a medium-sized dog breed of British origin. The FCI guides the Beagle in group 6 (running dogs, sweat dogs and related breeds). Thanks to its friendly and playful nature, it is generally regarded as a popular family dog. Dog owners should not forget, however, that the Beagle was originally bred as a hunting dog and can therefore sometimes be somewhat stubborn and wild.
The life expectancy of the Beagle is between 12 and 15 years. Males reach a size of 36 to 41 centimeters with a weight of 10 to 11 kilograms, while female animals with 9 to 10 kilograms and 33 to 38 centimeters are somewhat lighter and smaller.
Its square body is one of the Beagle's trademarks. It is very muscular, but does not appear coarse.
The fur of the Beagle is very short and dense and in most cases three-colored in white with black and brown spots. Sometimes also two-colored Beagle are bred, with which then the black color is missing.
Beagles have soft, dark brown eyes and large hanging ears. Their rounded muzzle should be about the same length as the skull.
A short and tight back, a domed chest and an upright, densely hairy tail with a white tip complete the Beagle's appearance.
The Beagle is usually playful, cheerful and child-friendly and is therefore considered a faithful family dog. His past as a pack dog is reflected in his harmony with the people around him.
Beagle are gentle and friendly, but nevertheless extremely vigilant. In addition, dog owners should not forget that this breed is a hunting dog. Accordingly, Beagle are sometimes quite easily irritable and sometimes appear stubborn, which is especially apparent when the dog has discovered an interesting spurt.
For this reason a Beagle requires a consistent handling, with which he gets if necessary also clear borders put.
Beagles are still used as hunting dogs. If this is not the case, it is important to offer the animal adequate activities as a substitute.
The Beagle loves long walks and likes to play with other dogs. Adult animals are also perfect for walking next to a bicycle.
Thanks to their good nose, beagles are often used by border guards in the USA to detect drugs.
In addition, Beagle tend to have disc problems due to weak cartilage and often suffer from hypothyroidism.
In view of the possible illnesses, a Beagle should be very careful to a diet tailored to the needs.
Due to the tendency to overweight (obesity), it is advisable to choose a food with a low energy density and to carry out a precise rationing.
To strengthen the cartilage, care should also be taken to provide the Beagle with the right nutrients. This can be done, for example, with the Bellfor Gelenke & Knochen (Joints & Bones) dietary supplement.
In order to prevent tissue loss in the thyroid gland, a special diet is necessary in addition to the administration of hormones, whereby the correct dosage of iodine plays an important role.
The Bellfor nutrition concept supports the health and vitality of your Beagle from an early age.