National Beag le Day is April 22nd! These adorable, lovable pooches make very cheerful and happy family pets. Fido definitely deserves a day in the spot light! Below, a Rapid City veterinarian discusses this adorable pup in greater detail.
H istory
The name Beagle may 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 some hunting dogs make. In any case, it appears that this breed has been around for quite a while. Records of hounds being used for hunting in Britain predate the arrival of the Romans, which occurred in 55 BC. Things get a bit clearer after the Civil War. In 1885, the AKC officially registered the first Beagle, a pup named Blunder.
Grooming
Beagles’ coats can range from the color of lemon yellow to red and white to tricolored. As you may know, these pups have adorable floppy ears. Because of this, you’ll need to take extra steps to keep Fido’s ears clean. Like all dogs with folded ears, Beagles are prone to ear infections. Regular brushing is also a must. Beagles shed continuously through the year, but they shed particularly heavily in spring. Dental care and nail trims are also important. Ask your Rapid City 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 once valued quite highly. Back in the old days, people often hunted their food. Not everyone could afford a horse, which made the activity challenging. People with Beagles could keep up with their quarries on foot.
It’s worth mentioning that Beagles are notorious for following their noses, and are prone to wandering off when they catch a scent. To avoid this, don’t let Fido explore off-leash, and make sure that your fencing is secure.
Activity
Beagles may be small, but they’re extremely active, and require lots of exercise and playtime. They’re also very sociable, and tend to get into trouble when left alone. To prevent this, 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 friend 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 very first time.
Do you have questions about Beagle care? Contact us, your Rapid City veterinary clinic!
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