A beagle is an intelligent dog that loves to use its keen sense of smell. It is happiest when it can use it to explore. It is also a friendly family dog, neither aggressive nor shy. It loves children and other dogs, but demands your full attention. If it doesn't get attention immediately, it might well get up to mischief to entertain itself. It's not uncommon for it to howl or dig a hole in the ground. In other words, it can be quite stubborn.

The dog needs daily stimulation, where it can sniff freely and explore. Sports or tracking work are ideal activities to include your beagle in. If it isn't stimulated, it becomes destructive. Because it is energetic and affectionate, you must set aside enough time for playing with your beagle. Feel free to take it on hikes or jogs, and of course hunting if you can.

A Beagle is cooperative and malleable, which means it can be well-trained – but it requires effort. For example, it can take time to house-train it. In some cases, it can take up to a year before you can safely leave it alone. To have the best conditions for a quick process, you should socialize it early. In training, your Beagle needs positive reinforcement (treats are invaluable!), and you should be creative when planning the training. One suggestion for creative dog training is to practice obedience with music and rhythms.

Weight and size

It is a robust and compact dog, measuring approximately 33 to 40 cm in height. The Beagle weighs about 10 kg.

Lifespan

The average lifespan is 12 to 15 years.

Hereditary diseases

The Beagle is a healthy dog, but diseases can naturally occur. In the list below, you will find the most common diseases that can affect a Beagle:

• Hip dysplasia.
• Steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA).
• Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD).
• Chinese Beagle Syndrome.
• Beagle dwarfism.
• Epilepsy.
• Hypothyroidism.
• Patellar luxation (dislocated kneecap).
• Eye diseases: Glaucoma, PRA.

It is important that you talk to the breeder about what examinations have been done on your dog. Feel free to contact A-Vet's small animal clinic in Larvik if you want to speak with a veterinarian and get more information about the diseases.

The coat of a beagle is tricolor, short and dense. It is very resistant to weather and wind, and therefore does not require much grooming. However, you should brush it at least once a week. This is a dog that sheds, but because the coat is short, you do not notice it very much. The beagle sheds more in the spring, because the coat is thicker in the winter, which means it has more to shed in the next season.

Beagles are very fond of food. Because their sense of smell is excellent, they also enjoy their meals. Some would even say they are obsessed with food. Therefore, make sure that trash cans are properly closed and that there is no food in sight. That being said, a balanced diet is important. You must not let your dog become overweight, which is why it is important to choose the right dog food.