The standard for the Beagle breed was approved in 1988 by the English Beagle Club. It defined standards that only a purebred dog of this breed can meet: weight, height, proportions, color. What other parameters are included in the standard, as well as to what age dogs of this breed grow and how much a beagle puppy weighs in a given month, you will learn from this article.
Pros and cons of beagles
Experts include the following main advantages of the breed:
- no unpleasant odor;
- short hair that is not subject to shedding;
- friendliness (they make contact with both adults and children);
- conflict-free (they get along well with other pets);
- cheerful disposition;
- mobility and activity.
Disadvantages are also present:
- the need for proper training;
- stubbornness and self-will;
- intolerance of loneliness;
- tendency to run away;
- ringing and loud barking;
- predisposition to obesity due to poor nutrition.
Description of beagles
The Beagle is a small dog, similar in appearance to the Foxhound, but smaller in size.
Head
Fully proportional to the body. It looks powerful, even rough, thanks to its slightly square shape. In females it looks more graceful. The skin on the skull is smooth, without pronounced folds. The occipital protuberance of an adult is almost invisible. The forehead is convex and moderately voluminous.
The jaw is strong and well developed. The bite is scissor-shaped. This correct position of the jaws allows for a strong grip. This is very important for hunting dogs. There should be 42 teeth in the mouth. The incisors are set vertically. The dentition is fully formed by six months.
The muzzle is not pointed. The stop clearly divides the skull into two parts - from the nose to the back of the head. This becomes clearly visible if you look at the dog in profile.
The nose is most often black. Wide. The nostrils are open and large. A duller shade is acceptable in light-colored animals. The jowls are moderate, the lips do not fit tightly to the jaw.
Eyes
They should be brown or light brown. Large in size, planted shallowly. According to the standards, if you look at the animal from the front, the eyes and nose should form a triangle with equal sides. The eyelids are dry, with obvious pigmentation.
Ears
Usually soft, hanging (according to the breed standard, they should reach the tip of the nose). Their fur is short but quite thick. Set low and hanging down to the sides, touching the cheekbones.
Neck
This part of the dog's body should be long enough to lower its muzzle to the ground and look for a scent. It has a light suspension and good flexibility.
Frame
Well balanced. The line of the spine is straight and even.
The croup is moderately sloping. The body is muscular, smooth, of medium length, with a wide chest, tapering towards the stomach.
The loin is large but short.
The chest, according to the standard, should be lowered below the level of the elbows.
The stomach is toned, not sagging. The muscles are well defined.
Males have two well-developed testicles, completely descended into the scrotum.
Tail
Covered with dense hair, very thick, forming a tassel at the end. Its length is relatively short compared to the body. According to the standard, the tail must be raised high, but not curled over the body. Experts say about this tail: “The dog carries it “happy.” It is this feature that is considered the trademark of the breed.
Limbs
The legs are powerful, especially the hind legs. The fingers are small, crowded, with dense black pads. The claws are not long.
The front legs are straight and parallel to the body. The shoulders are oblique and muscular. Elbows always point back. The distance from the elbow to the surface of the ground should be half the length of the dog's withers.
The hind limbs are more powerful than the forelimbs, the hips are very well developed. The angle of the knees is clearly defined.
The paws are harmoniously combined with the body, the dog does not look disproportionate.
Gait
When walking, your back does not look hunchbacked or slouched. The step is very free and easy. Beagles never waddle. While running, the animal pushes off with its hind legs, while its forelimbs are directed forward.
Coat
In a healthy pet it is shiny and thick. The rigidity is moderate. The undercoat is completely absent. This cover perfectly protects the animal from rain and snow; it is not saturated with moisture for a long time. This feature is characteristic of dogs of the hunting breed.
Short hair allows you to move freely through the forest without clinging to the branches of bushes and trees.
Color
Any colors characteristic of hounds are allowed, except for liver. Tricolor coloring is acceptable. The most common option is black, white and red. This is what can be considered traditional for representatives of this breed.
There may be variegated, lemon-white, or plain white dogs. There are also colors that combine not three colors, but only two - black and white, white and red.
All types of colors, except pure white, can have specks - very small dark spots. At the same time, according to the standard, the tip of the animal’s tail must always remain white - this is a sign that the animal belongs to a hunting breed. This feature is present in all dogs, regardless of the primary coat color.
Photos of beagles of different colors
Size and weight
The height at the withers should be 33-40 cm. Weight ranges from 9 to 12 kg. Females are always smaller than males.
These indicators directly depend on the age of the pet. At birth, puppies weigh very little - 250-400 grams. By two months, the difference between the weight of males and females becomes more noticeable.
Beagles reach their final weight by about one year. It is during this period that the basic parameters of the animal should approach the standard ones. For proper weight gain, puppies need to be fed on a regular basis according to their age.
Deviations from the norm are considered to be defects. Only representatives of the breed who have a full set of characteristic characteristics of the breed can participate in breeding.
The level of severity of the defect is determined by specialists depending on how strongly this feature affects the development of the dog - physical and psychological.
Features of color
The colors of Beagles are quite variable. Most often, there are three-colored representatives of the breed with varying color intensities and quantitative combinations of spots, and two-colored ones. Tricolors are:
- black-backed (the entire back is black, this is the predominant color);
- shiny (basic – white);
- spotted or “broken tricolor” (spots scattered over the body, white areas can be anywhere).
In addition to the usual colors of these dogs, there are also speckled Beagles (there can be both bicolors and tricolors). They are characterized by a scattering of small spots on a white background near the main spots.
As the pet grows, starting at about 2 to 3 months of age, the specks gradually increase in size.
There are also motley Beagles. The spots of such pets are scattered throughout the body and have different sizes. Variegated representatives of the breed are somewhat similar to spotted ones.
An even rarer color is weakened. This means that owners of this color have blue spots instead of black spots. The intensity of the dog's fur can be any shade. This is due to genetics and is an uncommon occurrence.
An all-white Beagle is also rare. Moreover, this is the only monochromatic color of a representative of this breed allowed by the standard.
Beagles of liver (chocolate) color in tricolor or any solid color other than white are not allowed for breeding. The same applies to the color of the dog’s iris. According to the standard, a Beagle should have brown eyes, different shades are acceptable. However, occasionally you can meet handsome men with heavenly clear, blue eyes, but, alas, this is considered a deviation from the norm.
Beagle character
Beagles seem to be very friendly and sweet. But do not forget that initially these are hunting dogs that need serious attention from their owners. They are very stubborn and cannot be avoided without training. Without proper attention and a steady hand, the beagle gets out of control. This is fraught not only with disobedience on the street, but also with damage to everything that comes into the dog’s field of vision. The irrepressible energy of a beagle can result in destruction, the scale of which can not only surprise, but shock unprepared owners.
Beagle photo
But, if you spend enough time raising and training the dog (they are reluctant to train, so you will need a fair amount of patience on the part of the owner), you will get a friendly and loyal pet. He will get along well not only with all family members, including small children, but also with other animals in the house.
These dogs do not like to be alone. Aggression is not typical for representatives of this breed. If it is present, then it is considered a defect.
These dogs are very loyal to their owner and are always ready to protect him - cowardice is not characteristic of them.
Beagles are extremely active. In order to release its energy, your pet should go for walks regularly. In the summer, experts advise taking your dog out into the forest.
What does a Beagle dog need?
To keep any pet in the house you need to have a small set of necessary accessories and equipment. A mini beagle puppy or an adult, regardless of size and age, must have its own dishes, toilet and irreplaceable things. Here is a list of the most necessary items:
- Comb.
- Brush.
- Collar.
- Leash with carabiner (short and long).
- Pharmacy kit - pipette, cotton wool, syringe, bandages, enema, scissors, iodine, thermometer and other necessary items for treating animals.
- Chew toys (bones, rawhide), fetch toys (flying saucers, balls), power toys (fur or rubber ropes), dispenser toys (with treats).
Beagle dog clothes
Even healthy pets need protection from the weather, so caring owners try to provide their pets with a warm wardrobe on the eve of the cold winter. It is better to accustom dogs to shoes, capes or jackets from 3 months of age
At first, let your hound run around in his new clothes for a couple of hours to get used to it, until he stops paying attention to the new accessories. The Beagle breed is extremely active and enjoys going on walks; to protect it from dirt, the following items of clothing will not hurt:
- blanket
. - Raincoat with durable fleece lining
. - Socks
.
Education and training
It is worth remembering that this breed was originally bred to hunt rabbits and hares. That is why the animal needs quality training, otherwise it can become disobedient and stubborn. Raising a beagle must be done in a timely manner, otherwise it will get out of control. Only a professional can help with re-education.
In the absence of proper attention, the pet will not only run away on the street, but also spoil things in the house - chew shoes, furniture, flooring, etc. To prevent this from happening, you need to walk the dog at least three times a day. Walks should be active, the dog should be let off the leash, and play outdoor games with him.
Since representatives of this breed are not very willing to train, the owner needs to be patient. Before getting a hunting dog in a city apartment, you should realistically assess your capabilities. Consider whether the animal can receive proper attention and care.
Beagles often simply ignore their owner's commands. This is because hunting dogs tend to make independent decisions.
Representatives of this breed love to bark for a long time. Their voice is clear. You need to be prepared for this; it is not always possible to wean your dog off of this.
You need to find the right approach to your pet, and he will quickly begin to follow the necessary commands. Professional trainers manage to teach beagles the most difficult tricks.
You need to pay attention to the animal constantly; breaks are unacceptable. The dog very quickly begins to feel free and becomes uncontrollable. Only with regular attention from the owner can a representative of this breed become a good friend and companion.
Beagles should not be purchased by people who have never owned dogs. A teenage child is also unlikely to be able to cope with such a pet. The Beagle is the type of dog that needs to be given a sufficient amount of time.
The training process begins from the first days the puppy appears in the house and includes:
- toilet training;
- mastering various commands.
The main principle that should underlie training is consistency. It is unacceptable to start mastering a new command until the previous one has been fully mastered. The owner's main task is to achieve obedience from the dog. Such a dog, having disobeyed once and accepting this as the norm, will continue to ignore the owner’s commands in the future.
You need to start training only when the beagle is ready to accept commands. During a walk, pets love to carefully explore the territory, sniff and examine the ground. Given this behavior, mastering new commands makes no sense. The owner must wait until the beagle is ready for training.
You shouldn't train for very long. Training should last exactly as long as it takes to keep the dog’s attention. According to experts, this process should not exceed 30 minutes. The recommended amount is no more than twice a day. You should exercise with the puppy for 10-15 minutes.
During the training process, it is necessary to use both rewards and punishments. Rewards are usually a treat or a toy, and the best punishment for a beagle is complete neglect by the owner. You need to scold the dog confidently and loudly. Punishment must follow immediately after the offense.
The dog needs to be weaned from the following things:
- sleep with the owner;
- damage furniture and other things;
- bite and bark;
- jump on people;
- eat not from your own bowl.
Characteristic
Modern Beagles are very playful, cheerful dogs with fairly high intelligence. These dogs are self-sufficient and independent, but extremely loyal to their owner. Representatives of the breed are extremely inquisitive and energetic, adore company, be it people or animals.
Beagles are extremely affectionate and gentle dogs that require constant companionship. They behave well with children and only in the rarest cases can some become aggressive towards strangers and animals. Another good quality of the Beagle is cleanliness. These dogs easily tolerate the necessary hygienic manipulations and do not themselves tend to get dirty. However, during outdoor activities, like all energetic pets, they can become dirty.
Beagles are loyal and attentive, however, like all hound breeds, they are capable of getting carried away during a walk and chasing small animals, not paying attention to the owner’s commands. Therefore, you should be careful with such a dog and not allow it to take liberties.
Training a Beagle is quite difficult and it's not about his mental abilities. On the contrary, Beagles are quite smart and intelligent pets, but they find it difficult to concentrate on certain things. Dogs of this breed easily lose interest in training and switch their attention to things that are more attractive to them, and are also quite stubborn, so the owner needs to be patient and acquire the necessary knowledge on dog training.
An important feature of Beagles is their high adaptability. These dogs get along well in any environment and tolerate change easily as long as they maintain a high level of physical activity. However, ideal for representatives of the breed would be to live in a private sector, where they have the opportunity to run around and frolic to their heart's content.
Keeping and caring for beagles
Beagles are very clean and do not require special care. Short hair should be brushed no more than once a week. During the shedding period, brushing with a soft brush can be done every day. Frequent bathing is also useless. The only thing worth paying attention to is the claws on the paws. They should be trimmed regularly. It is recommended to carry out this procedure once every two weeks. An active beagle living in a city apartment grinds its claws on the asphalt during walks. But this will not happen if the surrounding area is covered predominantly with soft soil.
Washing the dog is as follows:
- You need to pour warm water into the bath;
- Immerse the dog in it and wet all the fur evenly;
- add a small amount of water to a special shampoo;
- distribute this mixture evenly over the dog’s body;
- Rinse well with warm water.
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If necessary, the procedure can be repeated. At the end of bathing, the fur is thoroughly dried with a terry towel. It is strictly forbidden to dry it with a hairdryer. To combat dog smell, it is recommended to buy special types of detergents.
Ears also require special care. They need to be inspected daily (after each trip outside) and cleaned with a swab soaked in antiseptic. Excess fluid must be removed to avoid inflammation. Using the same principle, it is recommended to remove discharge from the corners of the eyes every day, only instead of an antiseptic, you can use a strong tea or chamomile decoction.
To care for your teeth, purchase a medium-hard brush, dog paste or tooth powder. You need to brush your teeth several times a week, and ideally every day.
Dogs of this breed need space. Ideally, they would be kept in a country house with a large fenced area in which to frolic. But he will also feel comfortable in the apartment if he has the opportunity to walk and run outside enough.
Dogs of this breed will have to be walked a lot. They need somewhere to splash out their energy, so frequent and long walks are not only desirable, but mandatory. Beagles love to run and happily explore the world around them, giving in to their hunting instincts. For this reason, owners should not let their pet out of sight, as it may get carried away by some trace and get lost. Once in nature, he often forgets all the learned commands, begins to chase cats, birds, and collects all kinds of objects.
The more time a beagle spends outside, the better it feels. Its hunting qualities must be realized at least partially. You need to walk with him at least 2-3 times a day. It is advised to periodically arrange forays into nature for your pet so that he can throw out all the accumulated energy. If it is not possible to take your dog on a real hunt, you can stage it yourself with artificial prey.
Beagle weight chart by month
Age (weeks) | Weight |
0-2 weeks | 450 grams |
3 weeks | 700-900 grams |
4 weeks | 1-1.3 kg |
6-7 weeks | 1.5-1.8 kg |
8 weeks | 1.5-2.7 kg |
16 weeks | 3.6-5.4 kg |
6 months | 5-7 kg |
1.5 years | 9-11 kg |
weight chart
The weight chart of beagles by age shows their average weight.
Nutrition
Beagles are unpretentious in their choice of food, but despite this, the owner must strictly control the pet’s diet.
Experts advise choosing one type of food for your dog - either specialized food or natural food. Mixing both types of nutrition is not recommended.
Dry food is the best option because its composition is completely balanced. In this case, there is no need for additional purchase of vitamin and mineral supplements. This type of nutrition will completely cover the animal’s body’s needs for nutrients. In addition, the cost of dry food is much lower than natural products.
You can buy such food with a large supply. It does not spoil as quickly as regular food. The packages can be stored outside the refrigerator. In addition, such food is easier to take with you on the road - it is ideal for owners who are fond of frequent trips and travel. This method of eating will help not only save money, but also the owner’s time - there is no need to stand at the stove for hours and prepare a personal meal for the pet.
The diet must be compiled very carefully. It is not recommended to overfeed dogs of this breed - they gain weight rapidly.
A dog's daily diet of dry food should be divided into several parts. In addition, there should always be clean water in the bowl in case the pet becomes thirsty. It is recommended to soak dry food in broth or boiled water before eating. This will promote easy digestion.
Experts advise training your beagle to eat at the same time every day - this will allow the digestive system to work better. You should not give your dog more than the prescribed amount. Most often, the dog asks for more not because he is hungry, but because he wants to attract attention. After 15-20 minutes after the start of the meal, the bowl can be removed - the dog has received its quota.
If an animal regularly overeats, its weight will begin to increase rapidly. A beefy beagle is completely deprived of its natural qualities - it becomes clumsy and overweight.
Under no circumstances should you feed your dog outside of the prescribed diet. One piece received by a pet outside the main meal will be regarded by him as normal. It will be difficult to wean your dog off this habit.
You should not choose dry food with a low price tag. Such food does not contain high-quality meat, but meat waste. Sooner or later this will lead to bad consequences - the dog will have health problems. It is better to purchase food for your pet in a specialized store. Food should be chosen premium or super premium. When purchasing, be sure to take into account the age and lifestyle of the dog.
High-quality dry food contains:
- a large percentage of natural meat and vegetables;
- vitamins and minerals;
- natural spices.
Such products should not contain dyes, preservatives, flavor enhancers, or starch.
Particular attention is paid to the nutrition of the pregnant female. The calorie content of her diet should be sufficient for her to bear healthy puppies. For pregnant and lactating dogs, you can purchase a special type of dry food.
Mating, pregnancy, childbirth
If the owner has decided to get offspring from his pet, it is important to properly prepare for this serious step. It is necessary to ensure that the dogs (male and female) receive all routine vaccinations and are treated against external and internal parasites. If the dog is a club dog or participates in exhibitions, mating should be supervised by dog handlers. If the pet is just a pet, responsibility for choosing a partner falls on the owner.
Healthy Beagles usually do not have problems with pregnancy and childbirth. However, it is necessary to have contact with a veterinarian just in case. If dogs have any diseases, be sure to consult a doctor before mating.
The optimal age for mating in females is from about one and a half to two years old; in males, you can start breeding from about 15 to 18 months, but not earlier. It is highly not recommended to breed your pet before the third heat. It takes place on average 2 times a year, lasting 18 – 25 days. A dog's first heat usually begins at 6 to 10 months.
Dogs should be calved on the 10th – 15th day of estrus. The process can be repeated the next day if there are doubts about the quality of the knitting. Under no circumstances should you interfere with dogs or separate them until the end of sexual intercourse. It is advisable to carry out mating in the male dog's territory.
The Beagle's puppyhood lasts, like all other dogs, 58–65 days, but can rarely last up to 72 days. In the first weeks, there are no signs of pregnancy, but starting from the fourth week, the dog’s belly noticeably rounds and increases in size.
After control mating, from the very beginning of pregnancy, it is important to transfer the dog to a nutritious diet with special vitamin complexes for pregnant bitches and protect it from overwork.
About a day before giving birth, the belly drops, the expectant mother changes her behavior - she looks for a secluded place, she can carry and put things in order to build a “nest”. It is important to monitor your pet during this period and its body temperature, but you should not interfere without reason.
Beagles usually give birth to 5 – 9 puppies. During physiological childbirth, you should not interfere - the dog will cope well on its own, however, if the bitch cannot give birth within a few hours, if the discharge is too abundant, has an unpleasant odor - it is important to contact the veterinary clinic without delay.
Health
Beagle dogs often suffer from:
- Allergies. The immune system is designed to protect the body from infections, but an allergic reaction will negatively affect it. Such reactions are difficult for animals to tolerate. Allergens can be a huge number of seemingly harmless substances, even molecules or proteins of animal and plant origin. Allergies are caused by pollen, mold spores, microscopic mites, and flea saliva. Sometimes they become components included in medications.
- Ear problems. They are determined by physiology. Beagles have floppy, closed ears that are poorly ventilated and trap bacteria and dirt. Water can also get into your ears and parasites can crawl in. All these factors contribute to the development of otitis media, which in turn leads to destruction of the membranes of the brain. Therefore, it is important to regularly examine your pet’s ears and maintain their hygiene.
- Hip dysplasia is a disease that is inherited. With this diagnosis, the hip bone does not fit tightly into the hip joint. Sometimes dysplasia does not bother the dog at all, in other cases it causes pain and lameness.
- Cherry eye syndrome. This is the name of a reddish formation on the eyeball that appears in the inner corner of the eye.
- Glaucoma. Another eye disease characterized by increased eye pressure. Glaucoma causes pain and, in the worst case, vision loss.
- Progressive retinal atrophy. With this pathology, dogs stop seeing in the dark, and over time they lose their vision during daylight hours.
- Epilepsy. It is often transmitted hereditarily. The attacks are accompanied by unusual behavior (for example, uncontrolled running), convulsions.
- Infectious diseases. These include: plague, enteritis, ringworm, leptospirosis. They are transmitted through contact with other animals.
Beagle owners should closely monitor the condition of their pet. If something unhealthy is noticed in his behavior, it is better not to postpone a visit to the doctor.
How old do they grow and how long do they live?
Newcomers to dog breeding are interested in how long beagles live and what determines the length of their stay in the family. The difference in the number of years is associated with the body structure and characteristics of the breed. Large individuals stop growing after nine months, small ones - a little earlier.
In the Beagle breed, the weight doubles at the age of six months, and the development of tubular bones stops. This indicator indicates that the increase in length is complete, the body proceeds to development in width and weight gain.
Important! The growth of females ends with the arrival of the first estrus. Males take longer to develop and stop during puberty.
Origin of the breed
There is no clear opinion on where beagles came from. According to the ancient Greek historian Xenophon, even in Ancient Greece there were hounds that worked on the scent. The ancestors of beagles came to the British Isles thanks to the Romans. And already in Foggy Albion, these “ancient” hounds crossed with local dogs. True, there are versions about hounds that existed in England even before the arrival of the Romans, since the time of King Arthur. For example, Pwyll, Prince of Wales, had a special breed of white hounds.
As a result, by the middle of the 18th century, two separate breeds were formed - the southern hound and the northern beagle. Moreover, until the 70s of the 19th century, beagles were called dogs that were not at all similar to today’s dogs. Those beagles looked more like straight-legged basset dogs, with a head like a dachshund, black, red and white. These dogs had excellent hunting skills, but were not very attractive in appearance. But this did not bother their owners at all.
It is believed that the ancestors of all modern beagles are a pack collected by Parson Honeywood already in the mid-19th century. It was shown to the general public in Essex. Today, in every known kennel there are descendants of breeds from that particular pack. It was then that the dog acquired its modern, familiar appearance.
Varieties
In addition to the well-known British type of the breed, there are several more varieties of such dogs.
American
The famous American Beagle implies the same proportions and characteristics, however, such dogs are larger: height reaches 37 - 46 cm at the withers, weight - up to 18 kg. Such pets began to be bred in the United States in parallel with the British in the 1880s, and they took root well in society.
French
The French Beagle is also a desirable pet for many families. This is the largest representative of the breed: height is 45–50 cm at the withers, weight reaches 18–21 kg. Otherwise, the dogs retain all the traits inherent in the breed, being just as strong, balanced and flexible.
Miniature
There are also miniature Beagles, however, this is not a separate breed, but rather a manifestation of the ancient qualities of the dog. During the reign of Elizabeth I (from 1558), these dogs gained great popularity and were indispensable participants in hunting. But the then representatives of the breed had very modest sizes: 20 - 28 cm at the withers, although many did not exceed 23 cm. Modern Beagles, whose height is below normal, are more susceptible to various diseases and often have congenital pathologies.
Photos of beagles
Who are beagles suitable for?
This breed is great for hunters, as well as people who enjoy outdoor activities.
Beagles are active and friendly dogs. They need constant contact with people. For people who are often away, they are not suitable. Left alone at home, animals begin to play mischief - chewing furniture and shoes.
In the modern world, this dog is used not only as a hunting companion, but also as a search engine; they can keep a trail for a long time.
Interesting Facts
Beagles are the favorites of cinema because they have a pleasant appearance and optimal size. Representatives of the breed became stars in such films as “Cats and Dogs”, “Inspector Gadget”, “Superdog”, “Beauty and the Beast”, “I Am Number Four” and many others.
Unfortunately, these dogs are also a favorite breed for many inhumane organizations testing household chemicals, medicines, cosmetics, etc.
After the ban on hunting many wild animals to preserve their species in various countries, Beagles remained no less popular than in the days of chasing prey. Now their excellent sense of smell is used to detect drugs, explosives and other contraband. Their gentle and friendly nature makes these dogs a wonderful pet for the whole family and a favorite of children in particular. Beagles also often help various sick people in zootherapy.
Due to their belonging to hound dogs, Beagles are tireless pursuers and passionate runners, but completely unsuitable watchmen and security guards. They simply cannot help but trust people and never see them as an enemy.
Famous owners
Beagles were very loved by aristocrats and crowned heads. Elizabeth I and William III chose representatives of this breed for hunting, and George IV is even depicted on many canvases with his lop-eared pets.
It is known that American President Lyndon Johnson had two beagles. A very famous photograph is where the politician holds one of his favorites by the ears in a suspended state. After the publication of this photo, a terrible scandal erupted - the president was accused of disliking animals.
What influences development?
The correct development of any puppy is evidenced by the presence of forty-two permanent teeth by seven months.
If the enamel is fragile, teeth grow slowly - this is a sign of a lack of vitamins A and D, mineral salts, especially phosphorus and calcium in the diet. The presence of helminths also does not contribute to gaining sufficient weight.
NOTE!
A puppy, and even an adult dog, will stop gaining weight, growing and existing if they are pampered with chocolate, smoked meats, sweets, fatty and sweet foods.
An apple, carrot, and a small piece of hard cheese are allowed as treats.
Good living conditions for dogs, sufficient room temperature, access to fresh air, affectionate treatment are the conditions for the proper development of puppies .
How to choose a puppy
When choosing a puppy, you need to clearly define what it is being purchased for - hunting, exhibitions, or simply as a house dog.
The gender of the puppy is also important. You should purchase females only if you have the opportunity to raise puppies. Experts advise taking a small beagle from its mother at 1.5-2 months.
All representatives of this breed are usually divided into three classes:
- pet;
- breed;
- show.
For owners who plan to regularly attend exhibitions and competitions, it is necessary to purchase a show-class puppy. But you should understand that such a beagle costs several times more than others. To purchase such puppies, you should contact only an elite nursery.
A dog bred for real hunting is not suitable for exhibitions. This fact should be taken into account. Real hunters are very active and are unable to sit still for even a minute.
You can buy any puppy as a pet. The most important thing is that he is physically and mentally healthy and not aggressive.
After examining the dog, you need to make sure that he does not have any diseases. Puppies always look quite well-fed.
The behavior of one-month-old dogs can also tell a lot. Already at this age, characteristic qualities are visible - some are active and play with other puppies, while others hide behind their mother.
Mentally healthy beagles immediately react to a new guest - they run up to him and begin to sniff him.
The puppy's coat should be even and smooth, without bald spots. Eyes must be clean, without discharge. The nose is cold and wet.
Teeth also need to be examined. They should be clean and even, and the bite should be correct.
The puppy's belly is always soft, and existing lumps may indicate the presence of an umbilical hernia.
How much does an adult male beagle weigh?
Beagle sizes
What a dog will look like in adulthood is of interest to every person who decides to buy a puppy. If for those who live in large country houses, the living space allows them to have a tall and large pet, then for residents of small-sized two or three-room apartments, medium-sized dogs, such as a beagle, are more suitable. These hounds feel great in small city apartments if they are provided with constant physical activity, eat properly and are not deprived of the attention of the owner.
Puppy weight and size by month from 1 to 12 months
After birth, babies initially differ in appearance: girls weigh about 250 g, boys - up to 350 g. The difference in size persists during the subsequent development of the young.
- From birth to the end of the first month, they grow up to 20 cm, weighing from 1.5 to 3 kg. Babies are breastfed until the third week and manage to increase their weight 5 times. In the fourth week, their diet is enriched with liquid supplementation; from this point on, the owner needs to track portions and accustom the cubs to a clear schedule, without additional snacking.
- The second month allows you to grow up to 25 cm and weigh from 3 to 5 kg. The daily menu is divided into five meals; young animals are active during this period. He explores the world around him, expends energy - immediately after he begins to clearly hear, see and walk.
- The third is characterized by the ability to feed independently, communicate with people and knowledge of the basics of canine hygiene. The diet gradually changes to specialized food for this breed. Dogs weigh up to 6 kg and grow up to 25 cm.
- Fourth, activity and rapid development require special attention in relation to food. To replenish energy losses and properly form the musculoskeletal system, multivitamin complexes are introduced into the diet. With the right approach, height is 33 cm, weight - up to 8 kg.
- Fifth, slow inhibition of development leads to small changes. The body grows by 2 cm, the rate of weight gain remains the same and reaches 10 kg.
- Half a year - six-month-old dogs are transferred to three meals a day. The young grow up to 35 cm and weigh about 12 kg. Individuals with accelerated formation by this period grow to 40 cm. This mark is the maximum, and it is impossible for a dog to overcome it.
- From the seventh to the ninth - there is a gain of 3 kg, an increase in height - no more than a few centimeters (up to 38 cm). The feeding schedule is being rearranged in an adult way - two meals a day, in the morning and evening.
- From the tenth to the twelfth - closer to a year, pets are considered full-fledged sexually mature animals. The height at the withers of a beagle is up to 40 cm, and its weight is up to 18 kg.
Important!
After six months of age, veterinarians recommend monitoring your pet’s diet. Overfeeding threatens obesity with associated problems: difficulty running, moving quickly over rough terrain. A sedentary home lifestyle and low activity negatively affect the health of the animal and can cause cardiovascular diseases.
What influences development
The correct formation of young individuals is determined by the presence of permanent teeth that have grown by the seven-month period. There should be exactly 42 molars. With slow development of teeth with fragile enamel, the question arises about insufficient supply of vitamins D, A, and certain minerals (phosphorus, calcium). In some representatives, delayed maturation is associated with helminth damage.
Important! Stopping weight gain and health problems are caused by the owner himself. Attempts to feed sweets, baked goods, smoked, and fatty foods lead to gastrointestinal dysfunction.
Good living conditions for dogs include standard room temperature, walks in the fresh air, and sufficient attention to the puppy’s needs. Instead of the above junk food, it is better to offer your pet a small piece of hard cheese, apples or carrots as treats.
Feeding table
Possible defects
The most common disqualifying faults found in beagles are:
- aggressive behavior;
- cowardly behavior;
- obvious physical abnormalities;
- obvious mental disorders.
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