Appearance of the Kerry Beagle
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| Kerry Beagles are medium-sized hunting dogs, provided they are tall and have a supple yet muscular physique, giving them an overall square shape. They also have a strong, slightly arched neck and short, strong legs with close, rounded feet. The Kerry Beagle's head is long and broad, with a low forehead, long, slightly arched muzzle and loose, hanging upper lips. They have large, oval-shaped eyes that can range from yellow or amber to dark, almost black brown, as well as long, hanging ears set low on the sides of the head, and a long, full tail, which they generally carry with an upward curve. Their short, single-layered coat is most often seen in a black and beige configuration, but brown and white, blue and beige and tricolored dogs are also often seen. |
Temperament of the Kerry Beagle
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| These dogs are aggressive hunters with a strong prey drive that becomes even stronger when they hunt in packs, but they reserve their aggression for their quarry and tend to be affectionate and playful towards other dogs and people of all ages. They may be able to socialize with cats and other animals if socialization begins when they are young, but some of these dogs may succumb to the urge to hunt even with proper socialization, especially if several dogs are present. Although interactions between these dogs and young children should always be supervised, this breed tends to be gentler towards younger children. They are generally alert, and although they are not overly vocal, they are not afraid to speak up if a threat is detected, making them excellent natural watchdogs. |
Needs and activities of the Kerry Beagle
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| The Kerry Beagle is a very active and athletic dog that requires a lot of exercise; an hour of vigorous activity a day will often be satisfactory, but many of these dogs will happily continue for much longer if the opportunity arises. Although walks and jogs are always appreciated, this dog is highly intelligent and will happily take part in activities that also work in his mind. These dogs can enjoy and excel at brain-stimulating activities such as tracking and chasing exercises, agility training and rally sports. They are also likely to enjoy puzzles, especially those involving food-related rewards. |
Maintenance of the Kerry Beagle
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| Grooming the Kerry Beagle is generally an extremely easy task. Bathing should only take place a few times a year to avoid stripping them of the short, hard layers of their natural protective oils and doesn't tend to shed much, brushing is only necessary a few times a month if they're indoors, although frequent brushing, once or twice a week, is recommended for dogs that are frequently active outdoors to remove dirt, dust and pollen from their coats. It's important to check their ears regularly to make sure they're clean, dry and free from wax build-up or infection. Check feet often, as this busy dog's nails can be prone to breaking and snagging. Brush teeth several times a week. |
English (United Kingdom)