The Beagle is a medium-sized breed with a slender, sturdy body and a compact appearance. He is easily recognizable by his broad forehead, rectangular muzzle, floppy ears and two large oval and dark eyes (hazel to black in color), tricolor coat and medium length tail.

— Poil : short and tricolor (black, white, brown).

— Size : 33 to 40 cm high at the withers.

— Weight : from 9 to 11 kg.

— Colors : white, black, brown.

— Classification FCI : Standard-FCI N ° 161

The Beagle would be the dog with the most efficient sense of smell in the world to sniff and track odors on the ground. This is no coincidence since this breed was developed as early as 1800 in Great Britain, from many breeds (including that of the Talbot, now extinct) to hunt rabbits, birds, foxes and other small animals. The general public has known this breed well since the 1950s thanks to the famous fictional character Snoopy, the whimsical dog, sometimes an astronaut, airplane pilot and tennis player.

The Beagle has been selected over the years for its qualities as a pack hunter. It follows from this that he is curious, cooperative with other dogs and does not tolerate loneliness. He is described as gentle, affectionate and happy, he is neither fearful nor aggressive. His constant temperament makes him a very popular dog in the family environment. He is also an intelligent dog who is eager to learn, although he can be determined, stubborn and distracted by his surroundings, starting with the surrounding smells.

The Beagle is considered a very healthy breed, by the eyes of many others, and its individuals are generally in good health. Its average life expectancy ranges from 12 to 14 years. Naturally, this dog can be subject to pathologies, the most frequent of which are hip dysplasia, seizure disorders, allergies, and herniated disc.

— Hypothyroidism : the Beagle is also subject to hypothyroidism, the most common hormonal disorder in dogs, all breeds included. This pathology is characterized by a deficit of thyroid hormones often linked to the destruction of the thyroid gland and leads in the affected dog to a loss of dynamism, fatigue, behavioral disorders (anxiety, aggressiveness, depression, etc.), a grip or on the contrary, weight loss and rheumatic pain. The diagnosis is made by observing the clinical signs, a blood test and an ultrasound. Treatment consists of administering thyroid hormones to the sick dog on a daily basis until the end of his life.

— Pulmonary stenosis Like the Fox Terrier, the English Bulldog, the Chihuahua and other small breeds, the Beagle is particularly prone to pulmonary stenosis. It is a heart defect whose hereditary nature is proven in the Beagle. It leads to heart failure which can remain asymptomatic, cause syncope and, in rare cases, sudden death. The diagnosis is made by means of several examinations: an angiogram, an electrocardiogram and an echocardiography. Since treatment with surgery is expensive and risky, drug therapy is usually given to alleviate heart failure.

— Beagle Pain Syndrome : it is a rare chronic disease which results in the appearance, often during the first year of life, of a multitude of symptoms: fever, tremors, loss of appetite, cervical pain and stiffness, weakness and spasms muscle … We do not know the cause of this syndrome, but its treatment with corticosteroids allows the dog to lead a normal life. Note that this syndrome scientifically designated “Steroid Responsive Meningitis” can affect other breeds of dogs. (1)

The Beagle is able to smell and track an animal at any time. It should therefore be kept in a fenced garden to prevent it from getting lost, but not on a leash, so that it can give free rein to its need to scent and follow leads. When going out into nature, however, it is preferable to keep it on a leash, especially in the forest or in any other habitat where it could easily disappear, too busy following the smells. It is an excellent companion for children and the elderly. However, his hunting instincts never quite extinguish, so he could prey on other pets in the family. Living in an apartment requires taking it out several times a day.