Waccamaw April 22nd is National Beagle Day! These sweet, lovable pups may be small in size, but they have big personalities and even bigger hearts. A local Carolina Forest, SC vet discusses the Beagle in this article.
Basics
Beagles are scent hounds, which means their cute noses are extremely astute. They were traditionally used for hunting hares, which was actually referred to as beagling. These days, Fido is often used to sniff out specific things. This could be anything from bedbugs to drugs to prohibited food products.
History
The Beagle first bounded his way into our hearts in the 1830’s in Great Britain. Fido’s ancestry includes several different breeds, such as the Talbot Hound, the North Country Beagle, Southern Hound, and possibly the Harrier. That family tree goes back pretty far. William the Conqueror brought two Beagle ancestors, the St. Hubert Hound and the Talbot Hound, to Britain in the 11th century. By medieval times, nobles had grown particularly fond of smaller Beagles. For instance, Henry VII had Glove Beagles, who got their name because they were small enough to fit onto gloves. Queen Elizabeth I kept Pocket Beagles, who often entertained her guests with their singing. (It’s worth noting that in those days, the term ‘beagle’ was often used as an umbrella term for small hounds.)
Physiology
Beagles are fairly small dogs. They typically stay under 15 inches high, and usually weigh between 20 and 30 pounds. They do have fairly long life expectancies, which range between 10 to 15 years. Like any other breed, Beagles are prone to specific health problems. Hip dysplasia—which is common among dogs in general—is at the top of the list. Other common issues include eye problems, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, and dislocated kneecaps. There are recommended tests, such as hip and thyroid evaluations. You’ll also need to be diligent about caring for Fido’s cute ears.
Famous Beagles
We can’t really mention Beagles without mentioning the most famous one of all: Snoopy! Charlie Brown’s furry best bud has been charming us since 1950. 80 years later, Snoopy is still making the news. Peanuts fans may want to look up Bayley the Mini Sheepadoodle, an adorable pup that looks just like Snoopy. (No word yet on Bayley’s skills as an author, professor, football player, or pilot.)
Do you have questions about Beagle care? Contact us, your local Carolina Forest, SC pet hospital, anytime!
