Beagle Dog
The Beagle is well-known for being a bundle of fun and laughter. This stunning wee breed is not only super-cute but also extremely loving and will quickly make friends with everybody they encounter. However, be warned, with such a powerful nose their desire to give chase to a scent can cause headaches for some owners.
Beagle At A Glance
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
| Temperament | A friendly and intelligent breed who is highly curious and alert. |
| Suitable | For active families who adore training. |
| Health | A healthy breed however like all dog breeds they can suffer from common health complaints. |
| COMMON CLAIMS | MAXIMUM CLAIM |
|---|---|
| Ear Conditions | $3,650.94 |
| Gastrointestinal Conditions | $2,916.25 |
| Heart Conditions | $1,931.52 |
| Toxin or Foreign Body Ingestion | $5,369.65 |
| Muscle/Skeletal Condition | $1,786.35 |
| Cruciate Ligament | $7,688.32 |
| Neoplasia or Mass Lesion | $7,203.46 |
| Neurological Condition | $6,261.16 |
| Allergy & Skin Infection | $1,401.17 |
| Skin Conditions/Lumps | $4,160.00 |
*Pet Insurance Australia Data 2022/2023
Trainability
It’s not that the Beagle is hard to train – well to be brutally honest they can be a huge challenge for some owners – it’s mainly due to the fact the breed can be a little stubborn. Creativity and variety is the key. You’ll need patience and some expert help to ensure your bundle of fur is kept well-trained and happy. But it’s also a good idea to ensure your trainer is familiar with the training of this breed. First and foremost, the Beagle is a hound. So, if you do not have a solid recall (AKA “COME”) you may discover that running after your pup while he chases a scent is rather irritating and incredibly scary (think traffic). It’s important that regardless of how difficult some Beagles can be to train, keep at it. They are a breed that will ask (with their loving eyes) “What’s in it for me?”. They are also very food driven so always arm yourself with a barrage of tasty morsels and keep it entertaining. Some owners do note that toilet training can be challenging, crate training can help immensely with this problem.
Grooming
A rubber mitt is a must with this breed. They do not require much grooming however, they will benefit from a weekly rub down that will help with the minimal shedding, mainly during seasonal changes. Plus; your Beagle will love the attention and it’s a good way to check on coat and skin health. You will notice that your Beagle’s coat will slightly thicken during the cooler months, and when it warms this thicker coat will then shed. They are a very clean and non-smelling breed, but being a scent hound if they find something incredibly smelly chances are they will not be able to resist having a good roll and proudly parading their pungent aroma around the home.
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Common Health Issues - Beagle
Beagles are friendly and curious dogs, making them a popular choice as family pets in Australia. However, like all dog breeds, they do have some specific health issues that prospect owners need to be aware of.
- Epilepsy: Some common breeds are more at risk of suffering from epilepsy including the Beagle. This neurological disorder can cause seizures, however, with good veterinary advice and medication the condition can be easily treated.
- Hip Dysplasia: A typically hereditary condition that can affect Beagles. Caused from a misalignment of the hip joint and thigh bone this condition leads to lameness and pain. Treatment is typically surgery alongside weight management, medication and physiotherapy.
- Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD): A disease affecting breeds with long backs, IVDD can also affect Beagles. This spinal condition is caused by the disk of the spine ruptures or herniates, leading to excruciating pain, nerve damage and in some cases paralysis. Surgery is normally recommended to correct the affected disk. Other treatments include physiotherapy, pain medication and care.
- Hypothyroidism: A condition that affects the thyroid gland that can cause weight gain, loss of hair (typically on the flanks) and scaly skin. Lethargy is another common symptom of hypothyroidism. The good news is that with good veterinary advice and life-long medication, this condition can be managed.
- Cherry Eye: Beagles can develop a condition where the gland beneath the third eyelid prolapses, creating a red mass that resembles a cherry. Some breeds like the Beagle are known to be at higher risk of developing this condition. It may require surgical correction to replace the third eyelid gland. Veterinary treatment is paramount to ensure no permanent damage to the eye.
- Glaucoma: An inherited eye disease that can increase pressure within the eye and can lead to blindness if not treated. Treatment commonly involves eye drops in extreme cases surgery may be recommended.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): Another inherited degenerative eye disorder that can eventually lead to blindness. Night blindness can be an early indication of PRA. Treatment normally involves owners understanding the parameters of limited sight; the good news is that most dogs adapt well to vision loss.
- Factor VII Deficiency: A mild to moderate blood clotting genetic disorder found in Beagles. It's usually identified through routine blood work typically before desexing. There is a range of treatments depending on the dog’s specific diagnosis. Your local Veterinarian can tailor the treatment that best suits your dog.
- Beagle Pain Syndrome (Steroid Responsive Meningitis): An inflammatory disorder that affects Beagles between the ages of five and 10 months old. Leading to severe neck pain, fever, and depression. The exact cause of Beagle Pain Syndrome is unknown, but the condition does respond well to steroid treatment.
- Ear Infections: Those adorable long floppy ears make the Beagle much more prone to ear infections. Regular cleaning and check-ups can help minimise the issue. Treatment typically involves medication and will depend if the infection is bacterial or fungal.
Exercise Requirements
Beagles need to be regularly exercised. The breed is very energetic and simply loves to run and explore. They excel in dog sports and any training that requires thinking and variety. Beagles that are not adequately exercised and trained can become very naughty. A bored Beagle will dig, howl and escape. Good fences are also a must with this breed, and they need to be Beagle-proof…it is not uncommon to hear of Beagles climbing fences to find entertainment. Older Beagles will become lazy and will prefer a good sleep and a slow walk over a running escapade across the park.
Intelligence
The Beagles is a very intelligent breed, that can lead to stubbornness when training. Their sheer sniffing talents see many becoming proud (and rather adorable) sniffer dogs at airports and security checkpoints around the world. They are a loyal and loving breed. Being a scent hound this can get them into trouble as once they catch a good whiff of something interesting, the rest of the world vanishes. For this reason; training is paramount for safety and control.
Family Friendly
Beagles make wonderful family pets and are a welcome addition to many dog-loving homes across the world. However, care must be taken around food as the breed is very food-focused. Training your dog is also important as too early socialisation. Ensuring children are taught how to behave when your dog is eating is a must. Beagles are very friendly dogs and will make friends with anyone they encounter. They also do not like spending long hours alone and will thrive in busy playful households.
Indoor/outdoor?
The Beagle is an adaptable dog and will happily spend time outdoors. However, this breed loves to be around people so expect your precious shadow to be alongside you during your time at home. They are very food driven so ensure your cupboards are correctly closed and dog food kept out of reach. You’ll be surprised what a Beagle can and will do to get some tasty food.
Responsible Breeding
Like with many purebred dogs, ensuring you are purchasing from a reliable source is paramount to avoid hereditary issues with Beagles. Ask all the important questions about hereditary conditions and ask to see Mum and Dad. Also, consider contacting your local breed club and doing some basic research on your chosen breeder. Your breeder should have paperwork to prove they regularly test their bloodlines for genetic diseases. It may take a little more work, however, you could be saving yourself and your family the heartache a sick puppy and dog can bring.
Contact PIA for Beagle Pet Insurance
PIA is a family owned pet insurance company for Australia, and we have a long and successful history of helping owners care for their Beagles. Contact us today to learn more about our range of simple, flexible and affordable cover options.
