Beagle dogs are considered the best for hunting. These breeds include some groups of dogs, which are characterized by a unique opportunity to quickly and correctly search for prey. Many species and subspecies of the hound dogs have an external resemblance to each other.
Features
The hound dog is a born hunter with an excellent scent and hunting instinct.. This breed was considered widespread since medieval times. The animal deserved the demand due to the speed of reactions and assistance to humans in tracking prey.
In Russia, this pet was called "vyzhlets", "vyzhlovka." "Tyavkushka" always led the owner on the trail with a loud bark, and only when she reached her goal she fell silent.
Beagle dogs have the following distinctive appearance characteristics:
- Ears of different lengths that hang freely. The ends of the shells are directed to the bottom.
- The bridge of the direct type.
- The nose is colored black.
- Lips tightly adjacent to the jaws.
- A large skull has a joint at the junction with the neck.
- The back is flat.
- Chest volume.
- Paws are characterized by muscularity, strength.
- The coat is flat, not long. Fur color can be piebald, black-haired, wolfish, marbled or red-yellow.
Animals of this breed are not high. Height is slightly above average, their body length can reach 0.65 m. The body has clear outlines, some dogs may have ribs sticking out.
Both males and bitches have long, powerful paws. The tail of the animal is not short.
The muzzle of the “vyzhlovka” is extended, the neck is beautiful. Dogs eyes set straight, their eyes are characterized by clarity and vividness. Other signs that are characteristic of all beagle dogs are high speed of movement, endurance, perseverance, loud voice.
Character
Hunting dogs are characterized by balance, goodwill, affection, devotion to people, as well as obedience. With strangers pet does not show aggression and behaves with restraint. This dog is a great helper for hunters. Thanks to the developed instinct, “vyzhlovka” is used by the police during the rescue of people.
According to dog breeders, representatives of this breed at home and in the hunt behave differently.
At home - it is a friendly, calm pet, and on the hunt it is an exciting and independent one. Also, an adult hound, like a puppy, is quite intelligent, smart, and sometimes sly.
The characteristics of the hounds of dogs include the following:
- fidelity;
- the ability to look long game;
- perseverance;
- endurance;
- volume;
- schooling;
- staying;
- politeness.
Lifespan
The life of a four-legged pet is affected by conditions of detention, genetic predisposition, nutrition, intensity of physical exertion. Every owner of a hound can affect the duration of its existence. Representatives of this breed live about 12 years.
Purebred hounds dogs are characterized by good health and the almost complete absence of hereditary diseases. Many animals of this species have hip dysplasia.
The development of this disease is impossible to predict, as well as cure, for this reason it is recommended to reduce the physical stress on these joints to hound puppies.
Dangerous for the pet are parasites and worms, from which the owner must necessarily process the animal. In order for the life expectancy of the dog is not reduced, it is required to carry out vaccination in a timely manner.
Kinds
About 80 names of breeds belong to the family of hounds, which were bred by hard work of breeders. Purebreds are rare and expensive.
Estonian
An Estonian hound dog can be called an excellent hunter with developed mental abilities, the ability to react quickly, with excitement. At home with the family this pet is different kindness and poise. Outwardly, this animal looks like a beagle, but exceeds its size. The weight of the Estonian hound can be from 15 to 20 kilograms, while the growth of a dog is 0.53 meters and the bitch is 0.5 meters.
A fit and muscular dog has a long head and a long muzzle. The pet has a big nose with a brown or black lobe.
Long ears set low and rounded at the ends. The eyes of the dog are almond-shaped, medium in size with a brown iris. The body, like the neck of the animal, is strong and muscular.
The color characteristic of the Estonian breed is considered to be black-piebald and brown-piebald. There are individuals with black and scarlet fur. This animal is betrayed to its owner, gets along well with children. The pinto dog is not suitable for the role of a guard and watchman, because of friendliness, he will let a stranger into the house.
English
The Raccoon Hound has been classified as a Coonhound. Unlike other similar breeds, this dog can be with the most different coat color. In the color of fur may be red spots, as well as bluish, tricolor. Like other beagles, English has a good-natured disposition and sociability.
Young dogs are usually active and playful, they are characterized by strength of will and patience to learn. The representative of this breed is a great pet that loves human attention. Cunhound is considered not only an excellent hunter, but also an adequate watchman and an excellent companion.
Lithuanian
This variety of hounds brought out for hunting foxes, wild boars and hares. Dogs are characterized by high speed, vigor, loudness of voice. This persistent animal always exactly pursues the game. The dog has a kind, friendly disposition with some independence. A moving creature is rarely seen sitting in the same place. Such a pet is amenable to learning and does not need special care.
The Lithuanian Hound has strong immunity and rarely gets sick. The height of the dog is average, can reach about 48-60 centimeters.
Such a pet weighs 20 kilograms. The animal's coat is colored black, and there are burn marks with a sharp limitation. The coat is shiny, smooth and hard.
Swiss
The large hunting dog of this breed has attractive features of appearance, as well as excellent performance. The animal is valued for its good instinct, viscosity, activity during the hunt for a boar, fox, roe, hare. The basic qualities of a pet also include obedience, mobility, affection and devotion to man. The Swiss Hound is divided into 4 types, with 3 of them identical in fur color.
This is a strong dog with medium body size, expressive muzzle and long ears that hang down. A strong and hardy dog has a pronounced sexual demorphism. Male in withers can reach 59, and a bitch - 57 centimeters.
On the dry and elongated skull there are no folds. Narrow muzzle is characterized by straightness and bulge of the nose. On the black lobe of the nose are wide open nostrils.
The hound's small eyes are oval-shaped and have a dark iris color. A strong body is characterized by the presence of a flexible waist, long croup and a straight back. Belly tucked up with moderation. The tail has a medium length, saber-like shape and tapers towards the end. On the muscular limbs of dogs there are rounded legs with hard pads and arched toes.
Laufkhund has a continuous brown, yellow, red color coat. In some representatives of the breed, the presence of a black saddle or with light patches is observed. In nature, there are dogs with white spots on the breast. A Swiss hound can be considered a real member of the family, as it becomes attached to each of its members and needs constant communication with people. The dog responds to a stranger in a friendly, but wary, way. With proper training, he finds a common language with children.
American
Foxhound is common in the United States and regions of the country. This dog is poorly trained, but during the hunt it shows good skills. The animal is temperamental, fun, brave and affectionate. Unlike at home, during the hunt the dog is quite belligerent. The breed was bred to hunt foxes and boars. The search for game she has with a special speed and excitement. Light and swift animal has a height of 53 to 64 centimeters.
The head of the American hound is long, the tail has the shape of a saber, long ears hang down to the bottom and can reach to the nose. Straight short dog hair can have very different colors.
Representatives of this breed are animals that are characterized by an elegant body, grace, and a developed scent.
Gascon
The little blue Gascon hound has blood bloodhounds in its veins. The height of the animal can reach no more than 0.5 m, while weighing 20 kg. The small size of the pet allows him to be as mobile as possible. On the long head is a black nose with open nostrils. The skull is characterized by a plane, it is narrow.
Brown eyes of a dog have black eyelids. Ears are cone-shaped and thin. The tail is characterized by a large length and thinness, and wool - stiffness and shortness.
Fur color appears blue, as it has frequent dark patches on the white hair base.
This proud, brave pet always shows perseverance in the hunt. With the family, he behaves kindly and devotedly. The Gascon Hound is the perfect hare hunter. Using it during the hunt, you can be sure that the return home will be accompanied by the presence of loot.
Italian
This short-haired dog is an ardent hunter, who is able to drive the victim both in a pack and alone. The hound is able to overtake the fox and the wild boar. An Italian hunting dog is ideal for a sociable and positive person who has enough time and patience for her.
The pet has a proportional build and body of medium size. The elongated head has a narrowing towards the nose. The eyes are small, brown. Dog's ears hang down and tightly pressed to the neck.
A thin tail is characterized by a narrowing in the area of the hock. The coat of the Italian breed of hounds is short, shiny, looks like satin.
The color of fur may be different, some individuals have spots. Representatives of this breed need attention and communication with a person. The attitude of the pet to the children is calm, non-aggressive. The dog is always ready to stand up for his master and his family. This emotional pet requires education and training from an early age.
Porcelain
A rare breed, bred in France, is considered to be the porcelain hound. The animal is used for hunting hares, roe deer, wild boars. The height of the dog reaches from 53 to 58 cm and weighs up to 30 kg. The second name of the breed is considered porselin, this pet has a proportional build, long legs. The skull is elongated.
The hound has long, pointed ears and a thick whip-like tail. The dog's coat is white with red spots or patches. At home, the dog is calm, friendly, but on the hunt - passion and impulsiveness.
How to choose a puppy?
Hounds dogs are hunters, so they always need attention, walking with jogging and training. If you want to have such a pet, all these points should be taken into account.Already at the age of 1.5 months, the puppy of this breed is able to show its hunting qualities. The best option for the acquisition of such a dog will be the representative of 3 or 4 litters of a bitch.
The future owner should pay attention to the color of baby's coat. According to the rules, it should be similar to an adult animal. It is not necessary to take a puppy with the wrong bulldog bite, as well as a duck bite.
At the age of one month, rejected dogs may have a tail that has been felled, which is lower than the hock.
A good sign of a purebred hound is brown eye color, but do not forget that at the age of the month their iris is bluish. Both organs of vision must be identical in color. The color of the dog's nose should not be even pink or marble. In order to acquire active healthy animals, you should choose a strong, bony puppy with thick legs.
How to choose a nickname?
Representatives of beagle dogs are characterized by tirelessness, swiftness, vociferousness, loyalty, sensitivity and responsibility. The name of the animal must be unusual, sonorous, and most importantly, the dog must respond to it. When choosing a name, one should take into account the characteristic features of a dog, for example, the Thunder can be called a hound with a loud voice, but the Wind is one that is difficult to keep up with.
Do not give your pet a ridiculous nickname or call him the name of a family member.
It is strongly not recommended to give the names of dead animals, as this may affect the fate of the dog. If the hound already had a name, then you should not call it new. If the dog responds to his nickname, then it should be encouraged. Representative of this breed can be called Agat, Ayra, Astik, Bayra, Storm, Vast, Glan, Gell, Drag, Dune.
Maintenance and care
Beagle dogs can be kept in apartment conditions, however, they will need active walking and nature excursions. The best option would be to have a dog in a private house with an adjacent territory. This animal is required constant physical exertion, otherwise it may get bored, start spoiling interior items. If the pet is well walked, then he is calm and balanced.
Representatives of hunting breeds should not be let off the leash, the dog should always be near the owner. Since the runaway dog is not easy to catch.
A pet who lives in an apartment can bring discomfort to neighbors due to loud barking. Caring for a hound dog requires a minimum, the owner should not forget about the following procedures:
- combing wool during shedding;
- daily inspection of the eyes and ears, as well as their cleaning;
- trimming claws as necessary;
- timely treatment of fleas and worms;
- regular grafting.
Feeding
For the health, development and well-being of beagle dogs a balanced and high-quality diet is required. Adult food is given twice a day. A full-fledged diet should be among those representatives who lead an active lifestyle and participate in the hunt. So dogs need a lot of protein. Alternatively, you can use dry food, which contains everything you need for your pet.
When choosing a natural way of eating it is worth remembering that meat and meat products should form the basis.
Fish should be served boiled or stewed. Dairy products are given in the form of cottage cheese, milk, kefir, cheese. Also do not forget about cereals and raw bones. Useful for hunting breed is the blood of the animal.
Products that are prohibited to hound dogs include additives, spices, sugar, cocoa, mustard, vinegar, fatty meats, as well as food from a human table.
Upbringing and training
Since the hound puppies are mischievous and funny creatures, it’s worth raising them from an early age. First of all, the dog should be taught to his name, and then proceed to develop basic obedience skills.This dog must obey his master, otherwise he may escape.
Also, the hound should be tied to itself, but in such a way that she sees in a person not only a hunter, but also a comrade. When raising a puppy, the use of physical force is strictly prohibited; in extreme cases, you can shout at it.
As soon as the puppy appears in the house, it is worth weaning it from poultry, cattle and pets, since it will be problematic in the future.
The hound dog is a working pet, which is wound up for its immediate purpose. It can not be kept locked up, as the animal will become uncontrollable. Before you decide to acquire an active hunting pet, you should evaluate your strengths and capabilities.
On the features of the breed of Russian hounds, see below.