The objective of the club is to promote responsible dog ownership.
Older dog / rescue enquiries please contact Faith Brawley Ph: 5470 6998 or faithtev@castlemain.net
Puppy enquiries - check on the Beagle Club of Victorias website for information on available puppies. Further information about Beagles can be discussed with either Faith or Elaine Soane through the contact details on the Beagle Club website or phone 5995 1613. Calls after 7pm PLEASE except in an emergency.
About Beagle
Background
The Beagle is a small hound that was originally developed for hunting hare and rabbit by scent, and was followed on foot by huntsmen. Beagles were hunted in packs of twelve or twenty-four hounds (or in hunting terminology, six to twelve couples). The need for Beagles to track wily hares that twisted and turned, even backtracking over fields, is what dictated a Beagles size. Different sized Beagles worked over different terain - from open fields for the smaller hound to the high and mountainous English Border country for the larger hounds, with various sized dogs for in-between terrain. If hounds outpaced the huntsmen and got too far ahead, the thrill of the chase was lost to the followers, so smaller slower hounds worked open country while large faster hounds worked the rougher and steeper ground.
Average Lifespan
When considering a dog, please realise that you are taking it on for its lifetime. Beagles live from between 12 to 16 years of age.
Breed Personality/Characteristics/Temperament
It is in a Beagles nature to be a loyal companion, usually gentle but as robust and tough as you care to make him. A great playmate for children, it will quite happily join the family at the table and sleep in your bed.......if you are foolish enough to encourage it! In fact, the Beagle will become very "human" if you forget to remind it that it is in fact a dog. Affectionate and obedient with its owners, a Beagle should never be nervous or aggressive under any circumstances.
This is a merry, versatile and adaptable hound that can be used to hunt in the morning, be your childrens devoted companion in the afternoon, then curl up and play the part of the lap-dog in the evening. The breed is ideal as a housedog as its tight feet leave dirt where it belongs - outside in the garden. Not only does its short coat repel dirt, but it leaves little hair on carpets, furnishings or clothes. So, to sum up, the Beagle makes a great little all rounder.
A FEW “DON’Ts”
1. Don’t buy a Beagle ONLY for their looks and temperament. 2. Don’t buy a Beagle unless you will walk him for at least 45 minutes EVERY day. 3. Don’t buy a Beagle if you want your dog to run off lead. Beagles must be walked on lead at all times. 4. Don’t buy a Beagle if you do not have a secure back yard. 5. Don’t buy a Beagle unless you are prepared to allow your Beagle to become part of the “family pack”. They dislike being alone. 6. Don’t buy a Beagle unless you are willing to train him. 7. Don’t buy a Beagle if you want to keep your garden immaculately landscaped. 8. Most Important – Don’t buy a Beagle unless you have a sense of humour and fun. Just when you think that you have your Beagle trained he will change the rules!!
DO THINK ABOUT BUYING A BEAGLE IF NONE OF THE ABOVE APPLY. AND YOUR LIFE WILL NEVER BE DULL AGAIN!
Compatibility with other pets
Beagles are pack hounds and as such are definitley better off with some company during the day. If this cannot be the "human pack", then another dog is ideal.
Care Requirements
Beagles require minimum maintenance, but do watch their weight, as left to their own devices they tend to become obese! As they love their food - and their pleading eyes are so hard to resist at meal times - their weight will need to be regularly monitored.
Obedience and socialisation is highly recommended for all Beagles. They generally need some type of control if they are to fit happily into the family lifestyle, however be warned - they tend not to excel at obedience training and will almost invariably become the class "clown".
Beagles are scenthounds and therefore should not be walked off lead, for if they catch an enticing smell they will do what nature intended - and hunt. It is said that when a Beagles nose switches on, its ears switch off! Investment in an "extender lead" is a far better option than letting your Beagle "roam free"! These dogs need the security of a secure yard, with escape proof fences, as they have little or no traffic sense and tend to have the attitiude that cars will stop for them if they are on the road.
Please Take Note
Beagles do not cope well with being on their own for long periods of time. They can be very naughty if they become bored, and dig holes, escape, or pull the washing off the line.
Ideal Owner/s
Anyone who can do justice to the needs of this attractive little breed.
In Conclusion
Now you know a little about the Beagle and have decided this is the dog for you or you want more information, make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the breed and its needs.
