Grooming & Exercise of Beagle puppy

Before you buy a Beagle puppy, ensure that the breeder is a responsible person who gives a lot of importance to the health and temperament of the puppy. Bhimsingh also tells that the colours of newly-whelped Beagle puppies can change. “For example, the head, ears and shoulders of tri-colour hounds are often black but gradually turn to tan a few weeks after they are born. Similarly, shades of cream or brown on the back usually disappear fairly soon. Also, little white spots all over the black and tan usually disappear by the time the puppy is 3 months old. Hounds not possessing a strong deep shade of black often lose it in old age and can appear almost all white. In tan and white puppies, the tan colour will be very light when the puppies are born. They will become darker in a couple of months,” he further explains.

Grooming

Beagles have a double coat: a fine undercoat and a coarse topcoat to protect it from the weather. But they shed hair, especially in warmer weather, and need a good brushing. The Beagle coat is easy to maintain. However, care should be taken to keep the Beagles ears clean. Long ears have a tendency to attract yeast infection. The first sign is usually an offensive smell. Take the advice of a vet.
“In most parts of India, ticks can be a big problem. With regular brushing, the owner can find ticks and remove them. In some parts of India, fleas are a bigger problem. Take the advice of your vet while using anti-tick and anti-flea medicines and shampoo,” Bhimsingh gives a word of caution.

Exercise

The Beagle is not a toy breed and they need their quota of exercise. According to Bhimsingh, “They do not need intense or long exercise, just playful activity, preferably outdoors. If they are locked up day after day in an apartment and never allowed to play or never get the companionship they need, they could become noisy and boisterous.”
They love to play fetch and are crazy about balls or toys. “I know a Beagle who loves to play hide and seek. Only it is the people who have to hide and not the dog!” adds Bhimsingh lovingly.