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Beagles are wonderful family companions. Their medium size (generally under 15" and usually under 30 pounds), their low
maintenance coat and their affectionate, yet independent, temperament make them an ideal pet for many families. Like any breed, though, beagles are better suited for some situations than others.
The "Beagle"
AKC Standards
AKC Official Standard for the Beagle states:
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There shall be two varieties:
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Thirteen Inch - which shall be for hounds not exceeding 13 inches in height.
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Fifteen Inch - which shall be for hounds over 13, but not exceeding 15 inches in height.
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Any hound measuring more than 15 inches shall be disqualified.
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Pocket beagles, bred in the 1300's and 1400's, were said to be about 9" at the withers (shoulder). However, there is no modern-day pocket beagle and in fact, the term is sometimes used as a selling tactic by unscrupulous breeders to make you believe you are buying a smaller breed of beagle. "Pocket beagle" has now become synonymous with poor quality puppies bred for the pet market, and often sold to pet shops. Reputable (U.S.) breeders align with the standard defined by the American Kennel Club, which includes two height varieties: Not exceeding 13" or 15" at the withers. The light bones, high ear sets, and toyish heads characteristics associated with smaller sized beagles are listed as faults.
In addition to not breeding according to AKC standard, the majority of "pocket beagle" breeders allow many of the common genetic defects (e.g., hip dysplasia and epilepsy) to be passed along. The result is often an unhealthy dog.
If you still want a small beagle, then consider the option of adopting a fully grown adult from a rescue or the pound. Most beagles are fully grown by about 1-1/2 years, and breeders can usually tell by about 8 months if a beagle will remain under 13".
General Information
Beagles are great with children but, if you have very young children, a beagle puppy may not be the right dog for you. Raising any puppy properly is a lot of work. It can be overwhelming to meet the needs and demands of young children and a new puppy at the same time. For most families with very young children, perhaps adopting a young adult beagle is worth considering and is often the better choice.
Beagles are scent hounds, bred for many, many generations to follow a scent. It is their instinct. Ideally, they require a fully fenced yard with at least a 5 foot fence and chicken wire or cement buried at the fence line. Invisible fencing alone is not suitable for beagles, in most cases. They must also be walked "on leash" at all times. Young beagles are quite active and will be happiest in a home that can provide a safe and secure yard in which to play.
Whilst a very securely fenced yard is highly recommended, and it sure makes life easier, in many instances it is impossible. Without a fence, people must do the work. Many owners live in deed-restricted communities, others are in gated communities where fences are not allowed and some residential areas restrict the fence heights to 4 feet (if you can have a fence at all). Many people do quite well walking their beagle. It just takes more diligence to ensure that they get the proper exercise.
Invisible fences have a role in emergency containment. To secure the perimeter of your yard can be a safeguard if you have no fence and your beagle accidentally gets out of the house. However, invisible fences do NOT keep other animals and people out of your yard and can easily put your beagle at risk for harm. Not only could trouble find him to hurt him, but he would have no way to escape the harm. Also, invisible fences provide a "painful" perimeter, which means that if your beagle learns that he can bust through the "moment of pain" to reach freedom; he will. At times, the collar battery goes dead and the barrier disappears. You only know this when your beagle gets loose from the yard. The invisible fence provides you with a false security, so beware of the dangers.
Are you bothered by barking, chewing, digging? Not all puppies will develop behavior issues but you will play a big role in the development of your puppy. Do you have the time and patience to raise the puppy properly and be consistent with house training? Will you attend puppy kindergarten or obedience classes? Your breeder will do everything they can to provide you with a well socialized, well-bred puppy but once it goes home, it's up to you to raise it properly. Do you have what it takes to give your new puppy the best possible start in life? Are you up for the challenge?!
Finding a beagle breeder:
A responsible breeder is someone who is passionate about their breed. They're actively involved in their breed, through conformation, obedience, agility, field trial or other events. They're a member of a breed club and they're knowledgeable about their breed, their sport and about the breeding and raising of puppies. A good breeder does not breed dogs as a source of income or let puppies go to their new homes before they're 8 weeks of age.
Grooming
Beagles are known shedders and keeping them brushed regularly will help keep hair at bay. A good grooming with a hound glove or a shedding tool will do the trick to keep their coats in good condition. Their nails should be trimmed regularly to avoid overgrowth and cracking. Their long hanging ears can harbor moisture and should be checked regularly to avoid a buildup of wax and debris which can result in an infection. Teeth should be brushed regularly.