BEAGLE FAQS

There are many people in the world who have questions about beagles. Here we will try to try to answer some of the most common questions. Click on a question below to show the answer (and click again to hide it).

Feel free to e-mail us with any questions or comments you might have. We really do appreciate your questions and comments, so keep them coming. Also, it is important to note that we do not have all the answers. If you have something to add, please feel free to let us know.

I have been told to crate train my new puppy. While I will try it, it seems like punishment to me. The dogs from my childhood were just put in the kitchen. What can you tell me about crate training?

It is a wonderful idea! It is not cruel - actually just the opposite. It gives your beagle a very secure place to call his/her own where he/she can rest quietly. It also helps with housetraining issues. The older methods of just leaving beagles in the kitchen make them a target for everyone passing by - they never get any rest.

Here is an article on crate training by the Humane Society of the United States that seems to put it all in perspective. As a caution, please read the section on separation anxiety also. Do not confuse wanting out of the crate with separation anxiety

We are considering a beagle due to their temperament and nice size. Are they at all "hypoallergenic"?

Beagles are not considered to be "hypoallergenic". All dogs produce dander (skin cells), saliva and other stuff that cause allergic reactions in people. It is not the short hair or the long hair, it is the combination of stuff. Allergic reactions can be mild with a little runny nose or red eyes all the way to the serious stuff of serious asthma attacks.

Some dogs "supposedly" produce less dander than others, and many people who are allergic to dogs can tolerate some of these breeds with proper care. There are no guarantees! Unless your pet allergy is mild, it is probably impossible to find a dog breed that would not bother your allergies at all. However, with proper precautions the reaction might be mild enough to live with.

There is lots of information throughout the Internet on this very subject. Some breeds like the Chinese Crested and Mexican Hairless are said to be safe for people with allergies but again, there are no guarantees. Check out these sites for some more information:
    DogBiz
    AllergyBeGone

Are there any places in New England you would recommend for a vacation?

There is a book that might be of interest to some folks looking to make summer plans. "The Dog Lovers Companion to New England" has numerous pet friendly locations. Check it out.

It seems all we read about are overweight humans. Is this an issue for animals? How can I tell if my new adopted beagle is overweight? What do I do if he is?

This is an excellent question. Yes, obesity is a major problem for animals. Beagles are particularly prone to weight issues; their naturally sad faces have people giving them treats all day long. And those calories add up. Dr. Dawn Ruben has recently published an article on guidelines to determine if your dog is overweight. That was combined with an article by Ed Kane on diet guidelines for some good reading.

I have two beagles (about 2 years old), but lately they seem to be doing something new. They both do it at different times, but one will be sitting on the couch or lying on the floor and all of a sudden he will stand up and almost seem like they are choking on something. By the time I get off the couch and go over to him, he's back lying down like nothing has happened. Is this normal?

A pretty good description of this scary sound is a cross between coughing and gasping for breath. It can last seconds or several minutes. The good news is that this is a common occurence in beagles and is not dangerous. The bad news is that the cause is unclear - the soft palate is often implicated but that is an idea. Some vets think the larynx is an issue. Getting your beagle to swallow seems to help stop it. To do this you can gently stroke his throat while you briefly cover his nostrils. You should certainly discuss this with your vet to make sure there were no real physical issues.

NEW ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Some more information on "reverse sneezing"