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Q: How long do Beagles live?
A: The average beagle lives anywhere from 12 to 15 years. Some have even been known to live until age 20!

Q: How big do beagles get? Do they need a lot of exercise?
A. There are two standard beagle sizes recognized by the American Kennel Club, the 13" and the 15". So-called 'mini' beagles are not typical and are not recognized as part of the breed. Beagles can vary in weight from 20 to 35 pounds. Beagles LOVE food and are prone to chubbiness. Frequent walks or running play are necessary to keep beagles fit and at the right weight. Exercise can also keep the mischievous beagle out of trouble – after all, a tired beagle is a well-behaved beagle!

Q. Where did the beagle breed come from?
A. Beagles were imported from England. They were originally bred to hunt and track small game such as rabbits and hares by scent.

Q. What is a 'scent hound'?
A. Any hound that uses its nose to track. Beagles are scent hounds – they will literally follow their nose anywhere! Into the trash, out a hole in the fence, into the laundry hamper.

Q: What colors do beagles come in?
A. The American Kennel Club and National Beagle Club of America recognize "any hound colors" as acceptable in a beagle. These include the familiar 'tri' coloring of brown, black and white as well as yellow and white (also known as 'Lemon'), black and tan, blue and grey and so on. Black 'saddles' on the back and blue ticking on the throat are common also.

Q. Do beagles need to be groomed a lot? Do they have a 'hound' smell?
A. Beagles have a short coat so hair trimming is not necessary. They do, however, shed a lot, particularly in the spring and autumn months. Brushing a couple times a week is a good idea as are occasional baths. Beagles' ears, like all dogs with hanging ears, can be a problem area as they are prone to infection. It's important to make sure their ears stay clean and dry to prevent infection.
Beagles do not have any kind of unique odor. Like any other dog, they can smell if they've been in something smelly or if they have tooth decay. Normal grooming and dental care can prevent these problems.

Q. Are beagles noisy? How do I keep my beagle from barking so much?!
A. Like all hounds, beagles have a distinctive 'baying' howl rather than a traditional bark. Some beagles like to bark a lot, others not so much – just like any other dog.
If you find your beagle has become a nuisance barker, there are many steps you can take to correct the problem. First and foremost, make sure your beagle receives enough attention and stimulation throughout the day to prevent boredom. Second, citronella collars, which squirt citronella in the dog's nose if the dog barks for an extended period of time, are a humane option should barking become a serious problem.

Q. Are beagles good with kids? Other animals?
A. Beagles are very much social pack animals and are happier when they have a pack to call their own. That means your family becomes the dog's 'pack.' If left alone a lot, beagles pine for attention, either canine or human. Beagles, if properly socialized, can be wonderful with children. However, like all dogs, children and dogs should be supervised when in each other's company.

Q. Are beagles hard to house train? Are they stubborn?
A. Beagles are no more difficult to house train or more stubborn than other breeds. The key is gentle, consistent training and patience. Crate training is an excellent way to housetrain your beagle. The idea behind crate training is that the crate provides a safe, warm 'den' for your dog that he will not soil. Keeping your dog in his crate when you are away, then letting him out immediately when you return so he can do his 'business,' teaches your dog that the outdoors are the place for him to relieve himself. Bear in mind, however, that you should never leave your dog in his crate for longer than four hours. When you bring your dog home for the first time, expect some accidents. Even older dogs need time to adjust to new surroundings, people and routines. And don't forget to praise your dog profusely when he 'goes' outside! This positive reinforcement will help him remember this good behavior! If you have general training questions about your beagle, please email us at info@soazbeaglerescue.com and we'll try to assist you.

Q. Should I take my beagle to obedience class? When should I start?
A. Absolutely! All dogs can benefit from obedience training. First, it gives you the opportunity to work with your dog and get to know him. Second, it teaches your dog that you are the 'alpha' – the Boss – of the family, making training and obedience easier. You don't need to take your dog to a formal class to teach him. There are a number of great books on the market designed to help you train your dog at home. And you should start as soon as possible, even if your pup is just a few months old. He might not have a long attention span yet, but he can still learn basic commands like sit, come and stay.