Beago |
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He is not recognized by the F.C.I. |
Origin |
Great Britain | |
Translation |
Francis Vandersteen |
A brief presentation of the Beago |
A charming and unique-looking dog, the Beago looks like a shrunken version of the handsome Golden Retriever, but with a face and ears that more closely resemble the Beagle. They usually have the golden coat characteristic of the Golden Retriever, but can also have white or even black markings. They have square-shaped bodies and tend to become overweight. While the Beagle is a scent hound and the Golden Retriever a hunting dog, they were both developed for a similar type of work and therefore have very compatible personalities. They are docile, easy-going, adaptable and eager to please their master. They have moderate exercise requirements and can be comfortable if not walked daily. |
History of the Beago |
The Beago is a delightful blend of the sociable Golden Retriever and the cheerful Beagle, two breeds renowned for their friendly nature and tolerance of children. As both parent breeds originated in England, it's not surprising that the first Beago was bred in the UK, probably in the second half of the 20th century. However, as with other specific crossbred dogs, factual data on where and when they were developed is sorely lacking. |
A little of the Beagle |
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The Beagle was traditionally a hunting dog small enough to pursue rabbits and other small prey on foot. They were prized for their docile temperament, steadfast nature and ability to work well in a pack. Although they were never as fast as some long-legged dogs, they had impressive stamina and could hunt for hours at a time without tiring. Amazingly, many Beagles are still used for this purpose in Britain today. However, since live hunting has been a controversial subject in recent decades, and since the ban on hunting, many are used for trail hunting. In trail hunting, no live prey is tracked and the dog instead follows a scent that has been deposited by humans. Beagles are also popular pets, and many of them will not function at all, but rather integrate themselves into a contained member of their human pack. Some dogs will also be used as sniffer dogs in places like airports and ports, thanks to their superior sense of smell. | ||
Standard of the Beagle | ||
A little of the Golden Retriever |
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Golden Retrievers are popular worldwide and considered by many to be the ultimate family pet. Large, furry teddy bears, they are happiest when around their family and are known for their lack of aggression. Although the first Golden Retriever was developed to hunt prey both on land and water in Scotland in the mid-19th century, most are no longer used for this purpose. Like Beagles, Golden Retrievers excel as functional members of society, making them wonderful therapy dogs as well as effective sniffers. | ||
Standard of the Golden Retriever |
Appearance of the Beago |
They have the flat skull, pronounced eyebrows and large, floppy ears we usually associate with dogs such as the Beagle, although their muzzle is longer and more pronounced than that of the Golden Retriever. Their almond-shaped eyes are brown or hazel, and they have a curious, intelligent expression. Their bodies are sturdy and compact, certainly not elegant or slender. The Beago's medium-length coat is somewhat dense and tends to be straight, although it can have a slight wave. While many will inherit the golden coat of their Golden Retriever parent, it's not unusual for a dog to carry markings that are generally white or black. |
Temperament of the Beago |
Perhaps the best feature of any Beago dog is its delightful temperament. Here's a dog that's been made to live side by side with humans and integrate easily into any family. A relaxed dog who seems to take everything in stride, there's little to faze a Beago. These affectionate characters are just as eager to show warmth to others as they are to love them. Generous and patient, they are the ideal breed choice for people with young children. While it's true that both parent breeds were designed to hunt, the Beago is surprisingly accepting of other pets, and generally gets along well with any domestic animals they've been raised with. Despite this, it's always a good idea to keep a close eye on them when they're around smaller animals, in case their prey decides to make an unexpected appearance. These dogs love to spend time outdoors and are true water babies, never letting an opportunity to go swimming pass them by. Indeed, they love to stay active, and can become destructive in the home or garden if left to their own devices for too long with little interaction. |
Needs and activities of the Beago |
Your Beago loves to run, jump and play in the yard with children or other dogs for an hour or two a day. The Beago would also love to go to the dog park, take a long walk or go hiking. They need at least 45 minutes to an hour of vigorous exercise a day to keep them from getting bored or anxious. If they don't use up their excess energy, they can develop bad habits, such as tearing things apart or chewing things they're not supposed to. They also tend to become obese, so it's important that they get enough exercise. |
Maintenance of the Beago |
Grooming your Beago is not a complicated process, and brushing two or three times a week with a brush is usually sufficient. If your dog has a shorter coat, such as a Beagle, you may be content to brush him once a week with a smooth brush, but a longer coat may require special attention. Also be sure to clean your Beago's ears once a week with cotton balls soaked in warm water and look for redness, irritation, earwax deposits and mites. Be sure to trim your dog's nails with nail clippers when necessary, usually about once a month or when you can hear them clicking on the floor. |