Our energetic beagle puppy, Chappie, went on his first hike up Kinkazan today. He was born in January, so he’s still a young and lively little guy.

Chappie took to the mountain paths with gusto, but we were mindful of his capabilities. Beagles, while spirited, have physical limitations when it comes to mountainous terrain. Unlike breeds like Huskies or Mountain Dogs bred for endurance, Beagles’ bodies are crafted for hunting rather than climbing. Their sturdy legs lack the muscle mass and joint strength needed for sustained ascent and descent.

Given Chappie’s petite frame, we assisted him over the steeper, rockier sections of the trail. We believe in keeping him active but within limits to prevent overexertion and potential injury.

Today, the weather blessed us with a comfortable 21 degrees on our hike, but we’ll be extra vigilant as higher temperatures and humidity approach in the summer and rainy seasons, ensuring Chappie’s safety remains our top priority.

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