National Beagle Day is April 22nd! These cute, lovable pooches make very cheerful and happy family pets. Fido definitely deserves a day in the spot light! A veterinarian discusses this adorable pup in this article.
History
The Beagle’s origins are shrouded in mystery. The name Beagle could have originated from the word beag , which was Gaelic for ‘little.’ It also could stand for be’geule , which is a French ‘translation’ of the sound hunting dogs make. In any case, it appears that Fido has been around for quite a while. Records of hounds being used for hunting in Britain predate the arrival of the Romans, which happened in 55 BC. Things get a bit clearer after the Civil War. The AKC officially registered the first Beagle, a pup named Blunder, in 1885.
Grooming
Beagles’ coats can range from lemon yellow to red and white to tricolored. As you may know, these pups have adorable floppy ears. It’s important to keep Fido’s ears clean as, like all dogs with folded ears, these guys are prone to ear infections. Regular brushing is a must. Beagles shed continuously through the year, but they tend to shed the most heavily in spring. Dental care and nail trims are also important. Ask your vet for specific advice.
Hound Dog
The Beagle is a scenthound, so he is naturally a great tracker. He’s also a foothound, which means he can be followed on foot. This trait was highly valued back in the old days, when many people hunted their food. Not everyone could afford a horse, which made hunting difficult. People with Beagles could keep up with their quarries on foot.
The downside of Fido’s hunting ability is that beagles are notorious for following their noses, and are known for running off after scents. Don’t let your pup run around off-leash, and make sure that your fencing is secure.
Activity
Beagles may be small, but they are very active, and will need lots of exercise and playtime. They’re also extremely sociable, and can get into mischief when left alone. Make sure your canine companion has a buddy!
Snoopy
We can’t really talk about Beagles without mentioning the most famous one ever: Snoopy! Charlie Brown’s furry buddy was first drawn back in 1950. If you want to see something super cute, look up the animated video of the iconic pair meeting for the first time.
Do you have questions about Beagle care? Contact us, your veterinary clinic!
