Beagles are no more inherently likely to have skin problems than most other breeds. Unfortunately, due to poor breeding practices, many beagles do develop them. Treatment is straightforward but does require diligence. Proper diagnosis helps to curtail problems and provide the best long-term management of your dog’s skin problems. However, it can be tricky. Beagles…
Locking your dog in a cage might seem like cruelty. It can be. But dog owners often find to their surprise that, even with the door open, Beagles like to stay in their crates. The key to the dog’s comfort and to getting full value out of a dog crate is to select the right…
Most Beagles are born healthy and develop normally. But, in part because of high popularity which can encourage poor breeding practices, their odds of developing genetic disorders is slightly higher than some other breeds. One of those disorders goes by the long, scientific name of osteochondrodysplasia or chondrodystrophy. Though these are not exactly the same…
The question posed by the title is a tough one, and it may not have a good answer. Beagles are a bit like both, and a lot like neither. Like Golden Retrievers, Beagles are fun-loving, friendly dogs. They like nothing better than to run, jump, and play. Unlike Goldens, though, they’re not nearly as eager…
The history of one of our favorite domestic pets is still awhirl in controversy. Some points are generally agreed on, but much is still shrouded in mystery. References to ferrets, or at least very similar animals, goes back many centuries. Though not identified exactly, something very like ferrets is mentioned in a play by Aristophanes…
Named after the Latin word for thief, furonem, Ferrets are among the most popular of household pets today. Like cats, they can be both curious and friendly, and with some effort can be trained. They’re very social animals and prefer to be in groups. Often, humans are a part of that social group. Ferrets have…
The first tip anyone new to ferret breeding should hear is “Don’t”. It sounds rude, but breeding ferrets is much more difficult than breeding dogs. At first blush one might think the ferrets are doing all the ‘work’. But throughout the process, the breeder will be involved in some way. It’s a lot of effort…
Training puppies requires patience, proper technique and tons of time. Ferrets are harder. They’re not unintelligent, but they’re less eager to please and not as socialized as dogs. Though domestic, they’re simply a different kind of animal. But they can be trained. They may not do tricks (though some do), but they can be litter…
Ferrets are sometimes mistakenly put into the rodent family. But ferrets are mustelids – a member of the weasel family and cousins of otters, minks, badgers and others. The reason the difference is important to know is diet. Rodents eat vegetable and plant matter. Rabbits will happily munch on grass and certain flowers. But ferrets…
For the sake of your ferret’s safety and your sanity, it pays many times over to take a careful look at your home. Ferrets are active and highly exploratory animals. They’re also extremely slender and agile. They can get into the most unlikely places. Examining your home inside and out for all the ways a…