El beagle It is a medium breed characterized by its long column, its drooping ears and its powerful sense of smell, among many other characteristics that make this animal an excellent hunter. Affectionate, agile and protective of his people, he can be somewhat stubborn, but his high intelligence allows him to quickly learn training orders. We tell you some curiosities about this dog.
1. A prodigious sense of smell. The beagle is one of the breeds with the most developed sense of smell, which is why for centuries it has been widely used for hunting and tracking. It can identify up to 50 different smells, as the inside of your nose includes some 225 million olfactory receptors and its flexible lips (upper lips) help it to carry the scent particles to the nostrils.
2. Snoopy is a beagle. The famous cartoon dog created in 1950 by the cartoonist Charles Schulz, is actually a beagle, although its white color and minimalist shapes do not allow it to be seen clearly.
3. Good health. This breed usually enjoys excellent health and an average life expectancy of 10 to 15 years.
4. Their coat color changes. When they are born, beagles are black and white, similar to Dalmatians. However, during the following months, their spots gradually acquire a brownish tone. This process can take one or two years.
5. Its exact origin is unknown. In his "Treatise on the Hunting", Xenophon (431 BC - 354 BC) made mention of a hound that helped men in hunting tasks. It is believed that it may be the ancestors of the beagle.
6. His ears. They require special care, since this dog is prone to infection in that area. Frequent cleaning is essential to avoid it.
7. High intelligence. Its powerful sense of smell, together with its high intelligence, make the beagle the ideal companion for police and rescue work.