Do Beagles Smell More Than Other Dogs? Breed Facts & FAQ
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Beagles are fun-loving and adventurous dogs that are a joy to go on outdoor adventures with. They happen to love kids and other animals, so they can get along well in a variety of different household environments. One problem some owners have, however, is that their Beagle gets smelly. It’s true that the Beagle can be smellier than some other breeds. However, this doesn’t mean your Beagle should emit an overpowering or extremely offensive odor. A Beagle’s scent just happens to be more noticeable than that of the average dog breed. Let’s learn more about it here.
Why a Beagle Might Smell More Than Many Other Dog Breeds
Beagles were bred to hunt for rabbits and other small prey. To do so, they must work closely in packs to track and hunt the rabbits down. Therefore, these dogs developed the natural ability to produce an above-average number of chemical odors that are emitted to let others in the pack know such things as their location, mood, and excitement level.
Beagles are not the only breed that emits this type of chemical odor. Most hound dogs, including the Coonhound and Foxhound, also do so. This is likely why the scent is referred to as the “hound smell” by many owners. A Beagle’s extra scent isn’t necessarily offensive, however. It’s a slight musky smell that just happens to be more noticeable than that of the average dog. The scent may become stronger when your Beagle gets excited and when their hunting instincts kick in.
Factors That Could Exacerbate Your Beagle’s Smelly Problem
There are a few factors that could result in a smellier Beagle. First, this breed is prone to developing anal gland problems. The anal glands are what excrete the scent that gives other dogs important information. Sometimes, when the anal glands malfunction, they will not emit the chemical scents that they should.
Eventually, the anal glands will leak secretion that is extremely unpleasant to smell. Obesity, which is common in Beagles, and changes in stool can cause the anal glands to clog. If you notice excretion from your Beagle’s backside and a bad odor is being emitted, it’s time to see the veterinarian.
- Dental disease
- A lack of grooming
- A damp coat
- Skin problems
- A poor diet
All these problems can be corrected so your Beagle won’t be any smellier than they should naturally be. If none of the problems listed seem to be present and your dog’s anal glands seem in good shape, your veterinarian may be able to run blood tests and other diagnostic tests to determine what the problem is.
Conclusion
Beagles might be a little smellier than the average dog breed, but their scent shouldn’t be such a problem that you or your friends can’t stand spending time near them. In fact, their smell isn’t bothersome to most people at all. If you think that your Beagle is stinker than they should be, make sure their anal glands are healthy and their needs are being well taken care of. If that doesn’t fix the problem, it might be time to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.
Featured Image Credit: Masarik, Shutterstock
