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Getting to know your dog starts by getting to know its breed. At Kingdom of Pets, we keep a large database of detailed information on the appearance, personality, and health requirements of individual dog breeds. Here's what you need to know about the Beagle:

The Beagle is a breed that ranks as one of the top choices for families. These dogs are extremely loyal, charming, and very sweet. Although great with people, the Beagle has an amazing sense of smell, which can make leash training a bit of a challenge. However, with patience and determination, you can help your dog overcome this behavior. The Beagle falls within the Scent Hound and Hound group of dogs, which is recognized by the American Kennel Club. This particular breed is an excellent companion dog and one great with children and other pets.

Physical Appearance

The average weight for a beagle is between 15 and 28 pounds with height around 13 to 16 inches. With proper care, the Beagle can live up to 14 years of age. The body of this breed tends to be compact with floppy ears, gentle expression, and smooth, short hair. Although a strong dog, the Beagle is not an overly muscled breed. The colors recognized by the American Kennel Club include the following:

* Tri-color
* Lemon and White
* Orange and White

Temperament and Personality

Because the Beagle is such a docile breed, they work well in just about any situation. The only thing to remember is that the Beagle should be well socialized to avoid problems with timidity. However, if you want a great family dog, this breed is superior. You will find the Beagle to be highly intelligent although when it comes to training, they can be a bit on the stubborn side.

This breed is generally a pack animal, which means they can have tendency toward separation anxiety. While you could certainly own one Beagle with or without another dog, they are usually more content with a furry friend. Sadly, many people associate the Beagle with howling and although some do, not all dogs of this breed are vocal.

Funny, loving, gentle, and enjoyable are all words that describe the Beagle. Even with their stubbornness while walking, this particular breed is rarely known to become angered. The smaller size, temperament, and personality are just a few reasons more and more families are choosing a Beagle.

Health

For the most part, Beagles have few problems although there are a few things you want to be aware of before choosing this breed. As you will notice by the appearance, the Beagle has long, floppy ears. While beneficial, the ears can also stop air from getting into the ear canals, which can create minor problems. Typically, wiping the inside of the ears out a few times a week will prevent the buildup of dirt.

Another relatively common problem is with ingrown eyelashes, something known as Distichiasis, which would require a quick trip to the veterinarian. You also want to watch the weight of your Beagle in that these dogs love to eat. Unfortunately, too much weight can cause serious problems with joints, specifically Hip Dysplasia. Other potential problems although not as common include Congenital Heart Disease, Polyarthristis, which is a condition by which the immune system actually attacks the dogs joints, and epilepsy and seizures.

Daniel Stevens is the renowned dog trainer and author of SitStayFetch, a leading dog training guide having sold over 21,000 copies (and counting). See http://www.kingdomofpets.com/dogobediencetraining/dogbreeds/beagle.php for more on dog breeds.