What is the appearance of the beagle?

The beagle is a short, 'stocky' hound breed, originally used for hunting. The coat is short, and can be either tricolour or tan and white. The dog's muzzle is an medium in length, and straight. The ear's are slightly longer then the frame of the dog's face, and droop slightly. The beagle's skull is round and broad, and the feet are round. Beagles have brown or hazel eyes, the tan and white usually have slightly lighter eye colour than the tricolour and the tail is carried almost upright. When hunting, the dog carries it's head upright and raises it's tail slightly to show awareness, and beagles have a distinct baying bark. The average beagle is between 12 and 17 inches, and weighs 10-12kg. The beagle is an average shedder. The average life expectancy of the breed is about 12.5 years, and they need plenty of exercise as beagles are prone to becoming overweight. Because of this, regular health problems include Arthritis and hip and back problems, as well as epilepsy and chrondroplasia (deformities in the front legs, like a basset hound). The beagle is a well tempered dog, and can live with both other dogs and children, but is best to not live with other pets such as cats or rabbits.