Meet Bertie
Bertie is described as a lovely boy with a great temperament. He enjoys his home comforts, likes to have a good sniff on his walks and is happy to potter about before settling down for a snooze. He enjoys a little playtime but is equally content to relax on his bed or the sofa.
Training and Behaviour
Bertie is housetrained and has the run of the house when left alone. He is well behaved in the home and generally settles down to sleep while his family are out. He is comfortable walking on either a collar or harness, although he likes to take his time and stop frequently to sniff.
Bertie has no reliable recall and must therefore remain on a lead or in a secure area. Although he has never escaped from his garden, he has dashed out through the front door on a couple of occasions and will not readily return when called. Care will be needed around open doors and gates.
He can react to large vehicles, such as lorries and cars towing trailers. His family manages this by anticipating when vehicles are approaching and distracting him.
Bertie is not generally destructive, although he can become overexcited when visitors arrive and may hump. On these occasions, he can also become carried away with his bed or cushions if he is not distracted. He benefits from calm management when visitors come to the house.
He can tolerate longer car journeys, although they are not his favourite activity.
Other Dogs
Bertie loves other dogs, particularly friendly dogs and larger breeds such as Labradors. He may sometimes bark at dogs on the lead to gain their attention, but his family has not seen aggression towards other dogs.
He can be a little sensitive around boisterous dogs and may retreat or hide if they invade his personal space. He can also enjoy a livelier play session himself at times. His family has taken him to Beagle meets, where he has been comfortable wandering around and sniffing independently.
Bertie could potentially live with another friendly dog, provided introductions are handled carefully and the other dog respects his boundaries. He can be upset if other dogs bully him.
He prefers to eat separately from other animals and does not like them approaching his food while he is eating. His feeding arrangements would need to be managed to give him a quiet space and prevent competition over food.
Cats
Bertie currently lives happily with a cat, and they get along very well. They sometimes run about and play together, although Bertie does not appreciate the cat playing with his tail. His family reports that the cat can approach his food bowl while he eats, unlike other animals.
Food and Feeding
Bertie is fed Step Up grain-free, low-fat dry food at approximately 7am, 1pm and 4pm. His digestive system is sensitive to changes in diet, and significant deviations from his usual food can cause an upset stomach.
He can tolerate some additional foods, including chicken, rice, egg and certain meats. His family also reports that he can have Good Boy treats, Bonios and biscuits, but cheaper treats may upset his stomach. Keeping his diet consistent will be important in his new home.
Bertie knows that he receives a treat after his evening walk and will make sure his family remembers!
Home Life and Things He Enjoys
Bertie sleeps downstairs in his own bed or on the sofa. He enjoys tug-of-war and ball games, although he can lose interest quickly and decide it is time to relax.
He is a typical Beagle who enjoys following his nose and exploring at his own pace. He is happy with a balance of walks, sniffing opportunities, short play sessions and plenty of time to rest.
Bertie can become overwhelmed when visitors arrive, so a calm household and a little help settling when people come to the door would suit him well.
Health
No ongoing health issues have been reported, although Bertie occasionally experiences anal gland problems, which his owner feels may be more likely when he is stressed. His diet can also upset his stomach if changed too much, so care will be needed when introducing new food.
Bertie was castrated in August 2022. His last recorded vaccination was 1 July 2026, and he was last wormed in August 2026.
Bertie’s Ideal Home
Bertie would suit a loving home that appreciates a gentle, sometimes timid Beagle who enjoys his walks but is equally happy relaxing at home. His new family should be able to offer regular exercise, opportunities to sniff and explore, and a calm environment where he can feel secure.
He may be able to live with another friendly, considerate dog and could be suitable for a home with a cat. Older, dog-aware children would be preferable, as Bertie can become stressed if things get too busy or overwhelming.
His new owners will need to keep him on a lead unless in a secure area, take care around front doors and gates, manage his reactions to large vehicles and give him space when he is resting or eating.
Bertie is a much-loved family dog whose owners are facing a difficult change in circumstances. He has many lovely qualities and would make a wonderful companion for someone who can offer him the security, understanding and affection he deserves.
