Did you know that April 22nd is National Beagle Day? The Beagle is a very cute and lovable pooch. These guys make very cheerful and happy family pets, and they definitely deserve a day in the spotlight! A veterinarian discusses this charming pup below.
History
The Beagle’s origins are shrouded in history. The name might have originated from the word beag, which was Gaelic for ‘little.’ Or, it might stand for be’geule, which is a French ‘translation’ of the sound hunting dogs make. In any case, it seems that Fido has been around for quite a while. Records of small hounds being used for hunting in Britain predate the arrival of the Romans, which happened way back in 55 BC. Things get somewhat clearer after the Civil War. A pup named Blunder was the first Beagle officially registered by the AKC. This happened in 1885.
Grooming
Beagle coats can range from lemon yellow to red and white to tricolored. As you may know, these pups have adorable floppy ears. You’ll need to keep your canine pal’s ears clean. Like all dogs with folded ears, these guys can be prone to ear infections. Regular brushing is also a must. Beagles shed continuously through the year, but they shed the most heavily in spring. Dental care and nail trims are also crucial. Ask your vet for specific care tips.
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. It used to be common for people to hunt their food. However, not everyone could afford a horse, which made it more difficult to track game. People with Beagles could keep up with their quarries on foot. This, of course, made Fido pretty popular.
It’s worth mentioning that Beagles are notorious for following their noses, and are prone to running off after scents. Don’t let Fido run around off-leash, and make sure that your fencing is secure.
Activity
Beagles are small, but they are very active. These guys need lots of exercise and playtime. They’re also extremely sociable, and can get into trouble when left alone. Make sure that 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 really cute, look up the animated video of the iconic pair meeting for the first time. Needless to say, it’s adorable.
Do you have questions about Beagle care? Contact us, your veterinary clinic!
