Susan McCullough

Article / Updated 09-15-2023

Many beagles are waiting patiently for new homes in breed rescue programs. Adopting a beagle from a rescue organization is a great way to find a lovable companion if you don't mind getting an adult dog. Many of these dogs are wonderful, devoted, well-trained family members who just got the short end of the bone for one reason or another and no longer have a place to go. Beagle breed rescue is a multifaceted enterprise that aims to place homeless beagles into permanent adoptive homes. Beagle rescuers — all of whom are volunteers — look for beagles who need help at shelters and from individuals who can no longer keep them. And all too often, Beagle rescuers take in dogs that have been cruelly treated or otherwise neglected. After the beagle enters rescue, the group assigns the dog to a temporary home, or what rescuers call a foster home. While there, the dog receives any necessary medical care and is observed, so that any deficiencies or behavioral problems can be identified. The rescue group then takes steps to deal with those issues. As the beagle's rehabilitation progresses, the foster-care provider — with the help of other volunteers — begins to look for a permanent home for the dog. The group's aim is to find a happy ending for each rescued Beagle: placement in a loving forever home. If you're interested in adopting an older beagle, consider contacting one of the following organizations: National Beagle Club of America: The club's Web site includes a page of links to beagle rescue groups from all over the United States. American Beagle Relief Network: This organization raises funds to help other nonprofit organizations that are engaged in rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming beagles. Petfinder: This national online database of pets that need homes lists beagle and other breed rescue groups from coast to coast. The Petfinder site also allows you to search directly for a beagle by zip code — although most of the hits you'll get will be beagle mixes. Like adopting through a shelter, expect to fill out a detailed application and answer a lot of personal questions. Remember rescue workers want to ensure that the dogs are going to be going to a great home. They may even want to come to your home to make sure that is suitable for a beagle. No rescue beagles nearby? Not to worry. Some rescue groups can help you find a dog that lives outside your local area and arrange to have the animal transported to you. If you're interested in this possibility, ask the rescue coordinator about whether the group operates a "Canine Underground Railroad," or whether she can help you find out more about rescue dogs who live beyond your local area.

Cheat Sheet / Updated 04-27-2022

Potty-training your puppy or adult dog doesn’t just prevent canine bathroom accidents in your house; housetraining also helps you make sure your dog stays healthy. With the right tools and some potty-training tips and tricks, you and your pup can set the stage for a long and happy life together.

Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-09-2022

When you decide to buy a beagle puppy from a breeder, do your research to make sure the breeder is established and reputable. Look for signs of a healthy puppy when you choose your beagle. Ease your dog into a new home by having the right supplies on hand, including pet care contact numbers.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

Your Beagle needs clear, consistent boundaries not only to stay in your good graces, but also just to stay safe. Those boundaries start with the outdoors: specifically, with enclosing part or your entire yard so it's escape-proof. Fencing comes in a wide variety of materials and price ranges, but the most important consideration for the fence-building Beagle owner is that whatever you build be impermeable. Ask your local hardware store or fencing professional what materials best keep Beagles on their own turf. After you or the contractor start to install the fence, make very sure that no openings or crevices exist above or below ground that may allow your Beagle to make a bid for freedom. And check at least weekly after installation is complete: Beagles are masters at fashioning creative escape routes by digging under or chewing holes in fences. Going for an electronic fence For many Beagle owners, the prospect of installing conventional fencing either offends their visual tastes or wreaks havoc on their household budgets. Either way, electronic fencing appears to provide an attractive, cost-saving alternative. After installing underground wiring around the perimeter of your property, you buckle a special collar around your dog's neck. If he crosses your property line, he receives a mild electrical shock. Unfortunately, all too many Beagles and other breeds venture beyond their property lines despite getting shocked — but then refuse to come back to their domiciles because they don't want another mini-jolt. And that's not the only potential problem with electronic fencing; another is that other dogs, animals, or people can cross freely into your yard, but your Beagle can't get away from them unless she's willing to risk getting shocked. In other words, electronic fencing can make your dog more vulnerable to being attacked or stolen. The bottom line: Don't rely on electronic fencing to contain your little hound. The Beagle who gets lost could be your own. Deciding against an electric fence If you choose not to install a fence, don't let your Beagle out in your yard without your holding the other end of a leash. No matter how much your little hound loves you, she'll love the great outdoors more. If she gets the chance to explore the world beyond the backyard without being tethered to you, she will jump at it — and the results could be tragic. Some dog owners install an electronic fence thinking it will protect their Beagle just as well as a traditional fence. Even though you've provided an outdoor play area for your Beagle, don't leave him outdoors unattended. The great outdoors, even within the confines of your yard, offers too many hazards for your little hound — hazards that range from dangerous plants to kids' toys to uncovered swimming pools. When your Beagle's outside, be there with him — or at least be watching him from a reasonable distance (that is, close enough to get to him quickly if necessary).

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

The ideal Beagle, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC), can look cute but he shouldn't look frail or delicate. He should resemble a miniature Foxhound that is solid and big for his inches, with the wear-and-tear look of a hound that can last in the chase and follow his quarry until the quarry gives up, wears out, and/or gets caught. The AKC breed standard also notes that Beagles come in two sizes: the 13-inch Beagle and the 15-inch Beagle. The 13-incher is supposed to be no taller than 13 inches at the front shoulder. Similarly, the 15-inch Beagle should not exceed 15 inches in height at the front shoulder. The breed standard is like a blueprint that outlines what reputable breeders should try to produce in their Beagle puppies and what judges should look for when they assess Beagles in the show ring. Head A Beagle's skull should be fairly long, with a slight dome at the back part of the head. The skull as a whole should be relatively broad and full, not elongated. Those long, silky ears should reach almost to the end of the nose if drawn out straight, and they should be rounded at the tips. The eyes should be hazel or brown in color and should be large, set far apart, and have a gentle, pleading expression. The muzzle should have a square shape, and the profile should show a clear distinction between the bottom of the face and top of the face. Body Wrinkles are okay for Chinese Shar-pei but not for Beagles! The standard stipulates that the neck and throat should not exhibit any skin folds. The shoulders should not be upright; rather, they should slope downward. The dog's chest should be deep and broad but not out of proportion to the rest of the body. The Beagle's back should be relatively short (no channeling of Dachshunds here!). Legs, feet, and tail The wiener dog takes another hit when the Beagle breed standard addresses legs, feet, and tails. The standard stipulates that a Beagle's front legs should be straight, not crooked or — yes, the standard gets this specific — resembling the front legs of a Dachshund. The hips and thighs should be strong and muscular. The tail needs to be fairly high on the rump and carried in a jaunty fashion, but it should not curve over the back. Coat and color The Beagle should have a medium-length, easy-to-groom coat that lies close to the body and is hard to the touch. Silky tresses are a definite no-no. As for coat color, the standard is vague, saying only that any recognized hound color is acceptable. The most common color is the black, white, and tan tri-color, but other colors common to hounds such as red and white, chocolate tri-color (solid chocolate brown instead of black), and shaded tri-color (varied shades of brown instead of black) are okay, too. So, too, is ticking: tiny spots of brown or black in white fur.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

Keeping your Beagle happy, healthy, and comfortable in all seasons isn't hard to do. The Snoopy-dog is a hardy soul, and a few adjustments are all that's needed to keep her in tip-top condition all year round, especially during the winter. Caring for dry skin and paws The winter-time Beagle may experience the same cold-weather phenomenon as the winter-time human: dry, flaky skin. But while human beings can slather on moisturizers and lotions to combat the dryness, your Beagle's dry skin may need treatment from within. Make sure your dog gets plenty of water, and talk with your veterinarian about adding fatty acid supplements to her diet. We humans have lots of shoes and boots with which to cover our feet during the winter, but dogs generally have the dubious pleasure of walking barefoot over snow and ice. Be considerate of your Beagle. If she's running outside in the snow, make sure you remove any snow or ice that's accumulated between her toes after she gets inside. Leaving those little ice balls intact can spread your Beagle's toes in a most uncomfortable fashion. During the winter, your considerate neighbors may sprinkle rock salt on their sidewalks to make them less slippery. But while that salt helps keep you upright, it causes your Beagle's sensitive paw pads to dry out and burn. When you and your pooch walk outside during snow season, try to avoid walking her over salted surfaces. If you can't avoid those surfaces, thoroughly rinse your Beagle's feet with warm water when you come back inside. Bundling up Beagle Does your Beagle need a sweater to keep her toasty warm during the winter? Probably not, but that doesn't mean she wouldn't appreciate a little help staying warm during those cold winter walks. Pet stores and upscale pet clothing catalogs abound with sweaters and coats to protect Beagles and other canine snow-bunnies (how's that for a contradiction in terms?) from the ravages of harsh winter weather. How do you know which size is right for your Beagle? First, stretch a tape measure from the base of her neck to the base of her tail. This is her top line measurement. Then, measure her chest by wrapping the tape measure around her trunk at the widest point, just behind her front legs. Those two measurements can help you determine your Beagle's clothing size. Generally, Beagles wear a medium — but as with so many other issues, your mileage may vary.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

Your Beagle needs a house and yard that’s safe and comfortable. Take the following steps to Beagle-proof your home before your new dog joins your family: Install an escape-proof fence around your yard. Put away all loose and hazardous items inside and outside. Fasten electrical cords to the floor or wall with duct tape. Block staircases with baby gates. Install door guards for kitchen cabinets. Move houseplants out of reach. Move wastebaskets out of reach. Put the toilet seat down!

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

When choosing a Beagle puppy, use these tips to help you select a happy, healthy new pet to welcome into your family and your household. A clean, healthy, friendly mother Easy movement without limping or apparent pain Bright, clear eyes Dry, odor-free ears Clean skin and full coat with no bald spots Healthy stools A friendly but not hyperactive personality

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

As you research options for finding a healthy Beagle to bring into your home as a new pet, consider well-respected, dependable breeders. These guidelines can help you determine whether a breeder has a dog's — and your — best interests in mind: Belongs to the National Beagle Club of America and exhibits her dogs in conformation, obedience, or other events Screens the dogs she breeds for hip problems and eye diseases, and can show you the results of such screenings Owns the mother dog (the dam) but not the father dog (the sire) Doesn’t breed any female dog under 2 years of age and never breeds any female more than once a year Raises the puppies inside her home Begins socializing the puppies as soon as possible after birth Takes the puppies to her veterinarian for checkups and their initial shots Refuses to sell a puppy who’s less than 7 weeks of age Investigates prospective buyers Guarantees the puppy’s health and temperament in writing Stays in touch after the sale

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

Equip your home for your Beagle’s arrival by picking up the right puppy gear. These pet supplies will help the homecoming go more smoothly for both you and your dog. Dog crate Baby gates and/or exercise pen Dog dishes Dog food Collar and leash Grooming gear including a brush, nail clippers, doggy toothbrush and toothpaste, doggy shampoo Plastic bags to pick up poop Pet stain cleaner A doggy first aid kit