Beagle - Everything you need to know!

68
rate or flag this page

By Michelle Adams


Your Beagle’s History

If you are looking for a new dog for your family, consider the many attributes of the Beagle. This low-maintenance hound is high on energy and is usually a friendly and playful choice for most clans. But where did the Beagle come from originally? It seems that this breed has a bit of a cloudy history, although Beagle-type dogs can be traced back as far as 400 B.C. in Greece.

The Beagle as we know it today was probably brought from France to England in the early part of the second century, where packs of this breed were often owned by royalty and used for the primary purpose of hunting hares. This is why this dog has been bred to sniff out the location of these animals and chase it back to where his hunter is lying in wait. The Beagle is a direct ancestor of the Talbot hound, as are Foxhounds and Southern Hounds, and all of these dogs were bred specifically for hunting purposes. While Beagles are still often used for hunting to this day, many more are simply enjoyed as happy, friendly family pets.

England was most definitely the country that can be credited for the development and preservation of the Beagle breed. However, this dog came to the United States in 1876, where the breed was not cared for in the same careful way that it had been in England. General Richard Rowett of Illinois changed that by importing Beagles from England and maintaining careful record keeping of the breeding that took place with these dogs. By 1885, the American Kennel Association recognized Beagles as an official breed, and in 1888 the National Beagle Club was formed. This is the year that a standard for this breed was established.

In the middle part of the last century, the Beagle actually made it to the number one spot as the most popular breed in this country. It has consistently remained in the top ten most desirable breeds, undoubtedly due to its sweet, friendly nature and abounding energy that makes it a perfect family pet.

Beagle can make the perfect pet for many families since the characteristic of this breed is usually a friendly, social nature. However, the popularity of breeds like Beagles has led to the establishment of many puppy mills where dogs are bred for profit instead of health and quality of the animals. This is why it is so important that you take the time to do plenty of research before you purchase your Beagle by reading articles like this, scanning the Internet for up to date Beagle information and talking to experts like reputable breeders and veterinarians for information and recommendations. It is also helpful to understand the history of the Beagle so that you have a good idea of what these dogs were bred for and what you should expect from your own pet. Beagles that are carefully chosen can bring their owners and families plenty of love and fun for many years to come.

Since breeding brings certain instincts and behaviors into play with different types of dogs understanding the history of your Beagle will better equip you to work with your new pet. Reading articles like this and talking to experts in the field will give you all of the Beagle information you need to know about your wonderful pet.

Print   —   Rate it:  up  down  flag this hub

Ask a Question

Comments

RSS for comments on this Hub

Just Toyia profile image

Just Toyia  says:
2 years ago

I have a beagle mix and not only is he a good family pet, he is very smart! we got him from the pound as a puppy and he was easily house trained , never went on the floor and I trained him to sit, beg, lay down, and shake easily! I have never been able to train any other dog before! I recommend this breed to everyone! and I have 5 kids!

MrMarmalade profile image

MrMarmalade  says:
2 years ago

I sure did like Beagles,

even more so now I know a lort more about them.

Thank you

Mr.Blah  says:
2 years ago

I like this website i rate this a 5!

Julie A. Johnson profile image

Julie A. Johnson  says:
17 months ago

Michelle,

Interesting beagle history. How about a hub pertaining to their snoopy nature and how they always follow their nose (sometimes they're difficult to walk!) Julie

hnjhg  says:
12 months ago

jhhgjn

Smith  says:
10 months ago

I have a wonderful beagle. I taught her how to sit and stay when she was three months old. Their great pets and walking partners. My beagle is 12 months old. We have been walking four mile daily for the past seven months. She is very protective of me. I would recommend this breed of dog to those who have lots of time. I spend most of all of my afternoons with my beagle.

bob  says:
4 months ago

this has no puppy info- it sucks

bob  says:
4 months ago

this has no puppy info- it sucks

Jenna  says:
4 months ago

i have a beagle pup its sooo cute im only 11 and i can train her easily. i tought her to sit, shake, heel, lay down,stay, come up, speek and rollover! she was a stray and she didnt go to the vet yet so i dont know how old she is but im guess it's a 2 year old pup.

simon  says:
3 months ago

Got my beagle pup of 7 weeks and when she came to our home she settled in very quickly she is very easy to train and such a loving dog

Submit a Comment

Members and Guests

Sign in or sign up and post using a hubpages account.


optional


  • No HTML is allowed in comments, but URLs will be hyperlinked
  • Comments are not for promoting your hubs or other sites

Latest Beagle Info

  • Beagle, Beagles, Beagle Puppies - Everything You Need To Know, But Haven't Been Told Yet! ...

    Is it time to bring a new pet into your family? If so, why not consider a Beagle as your next family pet? Beagles are known as friendly, social dogs that have a long history of breeding. These compact dogs make mighty hunters due to their speed, energy and tenacity. This is something to consider when bringing one of these dogs into your family. So this lens will help to give you all the info you'll need about the Beagle - 2 years ago

  • How To Raise A Beagle Pup

    It is exciting to bring home your beagle pup for the first time and watch it run around and start to interact with the different members of your family and possibly even the other pets in your house as well. Beagle puppies are great family pets and while they are a lot of fun to have around you have to remember that they are counting on your for their care. So make sure you get them to the vet regularly and never assume something is not worthy of a call to the vet either. When you are raising your beagle pup you need to look at it like a fast developing human baby. You cannot expect a one-year-old human baby to use a computer so you should not have unrealistic expectations for your beagle pup either. Do some research and find out what to expect at each stage of your beagle pup’s development so you know what your puppy’s limitations are. One of the more challenging tasks to teach your beagle pup is the process of housebreaking. This can be one of the more frustrating things you go through as the results of this bad behavior can cause problems with your home for years. Traditionally people cage their dogs at night and when they leave during to day to teach dogs when it is okay to go to the bathroom but now some experts say this is not going to always work. Try setting aside an entire weekend where you take your beagle pup outside to where it is supposed to do its thing and reinforce that this is where to go and not inside. This may work better than caging. Beagle pups love to be loud and obnoxious but this is always considered to be bad behavior and needs to be stopped immediately. One effective way of doing this is if your dog starts barking you point at it and tell it to stop with simple one word commands like “No” or “Stop.” Never hit your dog or run towards it in anger as it will cower from you or run and never learn to stop the bad behavior. It is important to patiently work with yourbeagle pup on its behavioral issues when it still is a pup. If you take the time and patience to work with them when they are young they will keep those skills when they get older. If you properly teach your beagle pup how to walk on a leash when it is young it will keep that skill for the rest of its life and make your life a lot easier. Do not wait to address beagle pup behavioral problems and do not assume that their issues will work themselves out over time, as many issues will not. If you let behavioral issues linger when they are puppies they those issues get magnified and amplified as the pup grows into a dog and by the time it reaches the adult stage it may be too late. There is a reason for that saying that you cannot teach an old dog new tricks. This article gives great information on raisingbeagle puppies. There is a lot of information aboutbeagle puppy care in this article. - 16 months ago

  • Beagle Puppies

    Have you ever looked into the beseeching eyes of a Beagle puppy? With those eyes full of expression and ears that never seem to stop, it is hard to resist a litter of these adorable creatures. But if you want to be the responsible owner of a Beagle puppy, you will need to do your homework before you ever bring one of these furry critters home to meet the rest of your clan. While there are plenty of good reasons to make a Beagle puppy your next family pet, there are a few challenges that you should be prepared for as well. Like any new pet, Beagle puppies will bring their share of fun to the mix; there is work involved with raising any young animal. While Beagle puppies tend to be friendly and intelligent, the breed can also be stubborn and energetic – a potentially dangerous combination in a 15-30 pound dog. You will need to be ready to invest time and energy into training as well as caring for your new pet. But when that time is taken, the result can be a family pet that everyone will enjoy. Beagle puppies are bright and inquisitive creatures, which one would assume would make them a delight to train, right? Not so much, actually. Beagles are actually quite stubborn and their curiosity can get them into trouble on a regular basis. Because of this, your Beagle puppy will need to begin training about the same second that you set him down in your home for the first time. Establish the house rules early, because if you give a Beagle an inch, he will most certainly head for that mile. In many cases, you can begin the process even earlier by learning how to choose the right Beagle puppy for you. If you are getting your Beagle from a breeder (and those looking for a Beagle puppy should!), you will probably be facing a litter of pups from which you must pick one. There are some guidelines to follow to ensure that you do not end up with the most aggressive or the shyest dog of the bunch. By selecting a dog with a moderate temperament, you will find that your training process will go a bit smoother. Choosing your Beagle puppy from the litter is not an easy process. Some folks might suggest that you let the puppy pick the owner, but this rarely works as an effective means of choosing your pet. The problem with this theory is that the firstBeagle puppies that will approach you are probably going to be the boldest dogs of the bunch, which may not be the easiest dogs to train. You also want to be careful of the shyer dogs of the litter, since these Beagle puppies may grow into adult dogs with a skittish personality and a tendency to snap. Your best bet in selecting from a litter of Beagle puppies is to find one that is curious and friendly, but doesn’t feel the need to be first to new visitors or the food bowl. A healthy, happy puppy is one that will romp at your feet and chew on your shoelaces. He may climb into your lap for some bonding time and then bound away to wrestle with one of his littermates. These are generally the best dogs to select as family pets in a bustling household. Helping others to learn more about the breed so that they are better equipped to raiseBeagle puppies is a passion of this author. Articles that educate prospective Beagle owners about how to train, care for andhow to choose the right Beagle puppy are invaluable to the preparation for adding one of these dogs to your family. - 16 months ago

  • Beagle Puppies Share Family Values

    Fans of cartoons already know that Snoopy, from the "Peanuts" cartoons is the most well known beagle in the world. Due to its popularity, many families have decided to have a beagle puppy for a pet and are rewarded by a fun loving, loyal animal that ingratiates itself into the family. Often considered to be a happy dog, the beagle has an even temper and docile temperament, and can easily be integrated into a family, even where young children are present. While some may consider the beagle to be mischievous, they are looking to have fun and their breed is well known for liking to play with others in the household. When a puppy is born and has the opportunity to learn how to act around other puppies, they can quickly adapt to a new home with a new human family. As highly intelligent dogs, a beagle puppy can learn new behaviors and be ready and willing to demonstrate their new abilities. Very few beagles will be kept outdoors, despite their heritage of being a hunting dog. Their small size and genuine appeal make them a great indoor pet, yet they will require room to run and jump to work off some of their natural energy. The highly developed sense of smell possessed by the breed makes them eager for a hunt, but if they cannot get outside to find a new scent, they can be equally happy to sniff out fun with other family members. However, this penchant for hunting can also be hindrance for their training as their short attention span can quickly allow the distraction of a strange scent to take over as they head out in search of its source. A beagle puppy may be willing to learn but a new smell will divert their learning into a game of hide and seek. If the puppy is allowed to roam free in a yard, they may disappear on the trail of a different scent. In addition to being great family pets, thebeagle puppy can be trained to work for a living, happily wandering through tight surroundings sniffing suitcases and baggage in airports where larger dogs cannot fit. Their use by customs officials to find contraband in shipments is growing every year and their uncanny ability to separate scent and zero in on one specific odor is helpful to many government agencies. In their earlier days of hunting, they were known for their stamina, enabling them to chase down a rabbit through all types of terrain while their handlers rode on horseback, often extending the hunt for several hours. It is this stamina that make them ideal for use in many situations where they refuse to give up until they have found what they have been instructed to locate. When a beagle puppy is not working for the government or out in the field hunting, they can be found playing games with the children of the family. A healthy environment for the beagle provides a lot of love and adequate running room. Most folks agree that there is something special about the temperament ofbeagle puppies and their ability to learn. Their desire to please their owners show in their willingness to learn new behaviors and then show them off. Choosing a name for a new pet can be difficult and many owners wait a few days for the personality to show through before trying outbeagle puppy names. When the right names is chosen, it can - 16 months ago

  • Beagle Puppies Good With Kids

    When families are looking for the ideal pet, they may want to consider the beagle for its size, disposition and ability to get along with others, including people. Provided they are appropriately socialized as puppies, the beagle is considered an excellent pet for families with small children. They make friends easily and once they feel as though they fit into the human family, they are exceptionally loyal. Their seemingly unlimited energy does require sufficient exercise and for that, they will need room to run. Having a large area for the beagle to run free is important for those looking for a beagle puppy for sale, although having access to an exercise area for the puppy will be sufficient. They do however, need to get out and run, otherwise without proper diet and exercise they may tend to gain too much weight. A healthy diet should be controlled, especially if they will be stuck in an apartment for most of the day. Children are especially fond of the beagle breed due to its calm demeanor and ability to treat children as part of its family. This small dog, usually between 13 and 16-inches tall will grow to weigh between 18 and 35 pounds, making it an ideal size for small children. Beagles are also highly intelligent animals, willing and able to quickly be trained and their willingness to please their owners make them easy to train new behaviors. However, they do have a short attention span and can quickly lose interest if they discover a new scent they want to follow. There are numerous sources for finding a beagle puppy for sale and although some owners may have provided an ideal environment for their pets, breeders are possible one of the better sources for a healthy animal. A qualified breeder has probably recognized some of the health issues the puppy may have and will be able to advise the new owners on any medical care the dog may require. There are some health issues that can be obvious in a very young dog and when looking for abeagle puppy for sale it pays to know the relevant symptoms. A beagle suffering from what is called funny puppy may have a crooked back or weak legs. Their overall health may be good but they are usually more susceptible to other illnesses. Epilepsy is another common problems among beagles but when found at an early cage can be treated with medication. Another common problem with this breed known as Chinese Beagle Syndrome make the eyes appear to be slanted and the outer toes may not be fully developed. Other than these two characteristics, the animal’s general health and development will be normal. A beagle can be expected to live about 12 years and with the proper nutrition and exercise should be a loving addition to any family, especially those with children. They have experience training beagles as well as helping potential new owners find healthy animals. Most families eager to purchasebeagle puppies may not have the skills needed to identify many of the health issues of beagles. If they are caught early enough, most problems associated with the breed can be controlled or eliminated to help the new family pet fit into its new home. When interested individuals look to adopt a beagle, a little research can offer insight as to the type ofbeagle puppy supplies they should also take home. Having everything the animal needs as soon as it gets to its new home will make it feel welcome and part of the family. - 17 months ago

  • Affordable Beagle Puppies For Sale

    So you have decided that you want to start looking for Beagle puppies for sale. The first thing to do before you even begin taking off towards your nearest pet shop is the read and study as much about Beagle puppies as possible. It is important to know everything there is to know before bringing one home as every different breed of dog varies with personality and medical needs. Understand everything there is to know about Beagle puppy care before buying one so you will have a better feel as to whether that type of dog would be a good fit in your home. Some families do better with different types of breeds because of personal lifestyles and schedules so read up and have as much knowledge as possible before you begin your search. This will make the entire process a much more successful one and you will be able to find the right puppy for you. The best place to find emotionally and physically healthy puppies is through small time breeders who raise fewer puppies at once and are more often willing to share information with you. Finding Beagle puppies for sale is an easy task as there are many puppy mills around but it is best to steer clear from those. Those types of places, along with pet stores often do not have the love or knowledge needed to help you make your purchase decision. Both places are looking out for how much money they can make versus finding the right home for the puppy and sharing the love for the breed. Smaller breeders, unlike puppy mills, will often allow you to view the puppy’s home and see where they come from. It is important to ask questions, even if you already have the answer. This is an important test to see if the breeder even knows what they are doing. If they fail the test then it is best to look elsewhere. Smaller breeders can be found by searching online ads or even your newspapers classifieds. While it is a business for some, it is important that when you are trying to find a Beagle puppy to purchase, that you are dealing only with those who love the breed and have a wealth of knowledge to share with others. This is a good indication that the puppies have been treated properly and that you will have a better chance at a long and happy life with your new puppy. Start talking with other Beagle owners and through word of mouth advertising, you can often learn a lot about where to go and where not to go when looking forBeagle puppies for sale. And if the environment doesn’t feel right, it is best to keep looking. There are many breeders around if you look hard enough. The last thing you want is to bring home a puppy you know nothing about and they end up having problems because of abuse from the breeder. Educate yourself about the Beagle breed before setting out to look atBeagle puppies for sale so you will know better what to look for. Those with Beagle puppies for sale should have a lot of knowledge to share with you regardingBeagle puppy care. - 17 months ago

  • Boycotting Pet Stores To Put Dishonest Beagle Breeders Out Of Business

    The growing popularity of beagles has opened a vast market to fill that leaves honest beagle breeders struggling to keep up. This unanswered demand for these sweet little dogs has opened the doors for dishonest beagle breeders who produce puppies en masse for pet stores around the country. Even pet storeowners who take the initiative to attempt to investigate the breeders, from whom they get their pups, are often duped into buying animals that are less than exceptional. The majority of quality beagle breeders would not even consider supplying pups to a pet store. Beagles who live in pet stores generally live in cramped conditions, with no hope of getting proper exercise; and although not necessarily mistreated, are often only one in a sea of pups all clamoring for attention. These pups have typically not received the proper medical treatment that beagle's need, which makes them even more prone to illness than normal. When an honest beagle breeder sets about to have a new litter, the female used must first undergo a series of medical tests and examinations to ensure that she is healthy enough to produce a live litter of pups. This is especially true for any female that has already been bred. Puppy mills will often breed their females every time they are in season, simply to continue to meet the growing demand for new pups. As a female beagle’s system is weakened each time she has a litter, this often results in unhealthy - or even dying - pups being delivered to the pet stores. Also, the beagle breed is quite prone to certain genetic health defects that have been caused by the previous interbreeding policies of so many unscrupulous beagle breeders. The pups that result from a puppy mill are often the offspring of several generations that have been bred together to create more pups quickly. Very rarely is new blood brought into a puppy mill. This interbreeding accounts for a great many of the health problems faced by even honest breeders. In order to ensure that you are not helping to put money into the pocket of a dishonestbeagle breeder, it is important that you stay away from buying a beagle at your local pet store. Even if the pet storeowner has the best of intentions as far as not trying to buy pups from these breeders, most of them are still only concerned for the supply and demand that has arisen from the growing popularity of this little dog. An honest beagle breeder will never sell their pups to a pet store, preferring to keep them in a warm and comfortable kennel where they will receive only the very best in care and medical treatment. And an honest beagle breeder will be very picky as to whom they will sell a pup. If you know that you are ready to give one of these wonderful little dogs the love and care they deserve, talk to your vet about some of the respected beagle breeders in your area. Doing the research necessary to ensure that pups are only bought from honestbeagle breeders is one of the most important things anyone who wants one of these sweet little dogs can do. This article is for anyone looking forbeagle information about how pet stores are supplied by puppy mills and dishonest breeders. - 18 months ago

  • Beagle Breeders

    The Beagle dog breed dates back historically to 19th century England. The breed is thought to have descended from the “Harrier,” a medium sized English hound used for hunting. Beagles were officially registered as a breed with the American Kennel Club in 1885. Though Beagles derived from inter-breeding of the Harrier and other hunting dogs, they are viewed as a pure breed today. Beagle breeders' make a profit from the breeding and sale of purebred Beagle puppies. Unfortunately, the breed’s popularity attracts many disreputable breeders who cage and over-breed Beagles in puppy mills. Conditions are poor and resulting Beagle puppies may suffer more frequent health problems while also being mistreated and neglected. Good Beagle breeders ensure the well being of their Beagles. Though making a profit is the motive for many breeders, the best also care for the breed they produce. The subject of this article is finding good Beagle breeders and learning how to avoid bad breeders. There are many ways to determine whether a breeder has a good or bad reputation. Word of mouth is one way. Another is to use common sense. Many Beagle breeders have entered the computer age and use the Web to advertise. If their website claims “next day puppies” or other similar nonsense, it is probably best to pass them by. Good Beagle breeders know their breed’s potential genetic defects and have dogs screened for medical conditions and behavioral. They do not breed unhealthy or maladjusted Beagles. Reputable breeders have their own kennels and do not sell puppies to pet stores. A breeder should be involved with breed. They should be experts on Beagles and supportive of Beagle rescue, adoption and fostering. The best Beagle breeders have good references such as AKC, American Kennel Club. They will also refer buyers to other reputable breeders. To help you have a long, happy relationship with your Beagle, make sure he is healthy and well documented. ResearchBeagle breeders thoroughly. A good place to start your research is the American Kennel Club’s website. This website lists breeders specific to each breed and supplies pertinent contact information. Though the AKC does not officially endorse these breeders, their subsidiary AKC Parent Clubs can help you find a local breeder in your state. You want to buy your Beagle from a responsible breeder who has cared for your Beagle in adequate conditions. It is important to contact the Beagle breeder and ask specific questions before buying. Does the breeder offer a warranty and/or return policy? Is medical documentation available? What other Beagle information can the breeder provide? You may also want to ask about rescued Beagles. These are usually adult Beagles who have suffered trauma such as abandonment and neglect. If possible, visit the kennel to make sure your potential Beagle has been raised appropriately. Beagle breeders sell purebred Beagles. This article containsBeagle information and gives tips on how to find good Beagle breeders. - 18 months ago

Beagle Dogs as Pets

There are plenty of dogs you can choose as family pets but if you are currently in the market for a new addition to your family why not consider a Beagle dog? Beagles generally tend to make good family pets because of their friendly, playful nature that works well with adults and children alike. Beagles are intelligent creatures, but like most dogs from the hound family, they also tend to run on the stubborn side. This can make training and housebreaking a Beagle a bit more challenging than training other breeds of dogs. But once your pup has successfully learned the rules of the house, he is not likely to forget them easily. Beagles have an incredibly keen sense of smell as well, which can contribute to the training challenge, since scents can be an easy distraction for this dog. It is also why Beagles should never be allowed off leash, unless in their own, fenced backyard. One interesting smell can send him running, and it may be close to impossible for you to round him up again. However, Beagles are also social animals that enjoy spending time with their families, and can bring you many years of fun and enjoyment.

Beagles are not like Golden Retrievers. They do not live their lives to please their masters. A Beagle dog tends to be stubborn and independent by nature, which means that training will require plenty of patience and persistence. Keep in mind that the hard work that you put into training your dog will pay off in great dividends when you end up with a family pet that is a joy for every member of your clan.

If you like to take long, brisk walks daily, then the Beagle will make the perfect companion for you. These dogs tend to be active and enjoy lots of exercise. They also have an instinct to run, particularly if an interesting scent catches their attention. Because of this, it is always best to keep your Beagle dog on his leash or in his fenced backyard. Unless of course the Beagle is found curled up inside the house amid his family. This will become a Beagle’s most favorite spot of all. The social aspect of your Beagle’s personality will make him crave the companionship of his family, so train him well and he will make a friendly addition to your home.

There are plenty of good choices in dog breeds for your family pet, including the Beagle dog . If you are considering one of these dogs as the next addition to your family, the next logical step is to collect as much Beagle information as you can to ensure that you will be properly prepared to care for and train your Beagle puppy. Beagles may be intelligent, but they can also be stubborn like many other hounds can. This means that training your Beagle will require time, patience and consistency before your pup learns the rules of the house sufficiently. The best advice is to start early and stay consistent until your Beagle is housebroken and completely trained. And plan to spend plenty of time enjoying your new dog. Beagles are highly social creatures that love being with their families as often as possible for as long as possible. This is not a dog that can live outdoors alone most of the time. Your pet will be happiest when he is with you and the rest of the family.

Beagles are fun and social, but proper training needs to start the day your puppy comes home with you. The personality of the Beagle makes them a great family pet, but arm yourself with plenty of good information before bringing one of these dogs home.

The Personality of the Beagle Dog

The Beagle dog can be traced all the way back to the early part of the second century, when this breed came to England from the neighboring country of France It is thought that the Beagle originated from the Talbot Hound, which was a dog that was bred for hunting and is now extinct. Beagles were and still are used for hunting expeditions, since they have a keen sense of smell and the tenacity to stick with their prey until it is properly caught. Today, the federal government uses that remarkable nose to sniff out contraband that is brought into airports illegally. Keep in mind that when you are bringing a Beagle home as a family pet, those hunting instincts will still be very much present in your dog. This knowledge will help you to understand some of the habits and tendencies of your pet.

It is also important to note that these dogs were bred to travel the countryside on their hunting expeditions. The dog that you bring home will require lots of exercise as well. You can help to keep your Beagle active by playing with him in a large, fenced area or by taking him on long walks with you every day.

Socialization is an important element for the health and happiness of your Beagle dog. This is not a pet that will enjoy being left alone outdoors for long periods of time. Because this dog was bred in packs, he will want to spend the majority of his time with his new pack – you and your family. This makes training your dog very important, so that he can be a welcome addition to your family in the comfort of your home. Crate training is a good option for the Beagle, rather than leaving him outdoors to his own devices when you are not home.

Beagles that do not have someone to play with can get bored, and boredom can translate to destruction very quickly! Exercise is another important element for the health of your dog, and can be done in the safety of a fenced yard or on walks with you. Because Beagles have a tendency to wander, you should never allow your pet to be off leash when he is outdoors.

With the proper attention, care and training a Beagle dog can make a welcome addition to most family units. They usually love children and other pets, as long as they are properly socialized and trained. It is important never to leave small pets or young children with your dog unsupervised however, since accidents can happen with this exuberant pup. Beagles will enjoy plenty of activity and exercise, and will always be happy to see visitors on walks or coming into their homes. These dogs tend to be friendly, social and very playful.

If you are considering a Beagle as a family pet it is a good idea to collect as much Beagle information as possible to ensure that you are prepared to give your new pet all of the proper care and training that he will require. With the appropriate research and preparation you will undoubtedly have a successful and happy relationship with your new Beagle.

Beagles are a popular family pet for a number of reasons, including a friendly personality, happy temperament and good social skill. By reading articles like this one, you will get the information about what to expect with the Beagle.

Beagles May Be Shy Among Strangers

Finding the perfect pet for a family with small children can be a daunting task, with many small breeds that may be good with kids, the Beagle is about the most well rounded breed for children. Its even temper and eagerness to please their owners, makes the Beagle an ideal animal for indoor company.

Its use as a hunting dog dates back to the 18th century but its aggression with people it recognizes is rare. Strangers entering the home may be greeted by barking or jumping, making it a good watchdog, but typically a simple word from the owner will settle the animal down and quiet the barking. It may still want to sniff the stranger, but that is its way of forming recognition so they will be welcome on subsequent visits. This action should not be confused with aggression, as it will rarely attempt to harm a person.

Although relatively short in stature, standing between 13 and 16-inches tall, the Beagle is taller than the so-called toy dogs, making it an ideal pet for small children. Inherited health issues may include epilepsy, which can be controlled by medication, but Beagles lack the numerous problems that afflict other breeds. Hypothyroidism and dwarfism are possible with many beagles and their diet is especially important as they may have a tendency to gain weight. This is usual among animals that are maintained in an inactive environment.

Beagles trained for hunting and those that have adequate outdoor space in which to run seldom develop a weight problem, provided their diet is consistent with their needs. One of their physical traits, long eyelashes that contributes to their overall appearance can also cause problems, these long lashes may curl into the eyes and become embedded. But this easily fixed by minor surgery and by the owner being conscious of the possibility during grooming.

Beagles have been used as hunting dogs, mostly due to their keen sense of smell. Their use in rabbit hunting in the 18th century quickly exceeded that of the harrier as the Beagles speed, stamina and determination would allow them to track down the speedier animal. Their size also allowed them entry to many places larger hunting dogs could not fit. Heavy underbrush, while inviting to hares, proved no match for the Beagle and its sense of smell and ability track the animals into the wild.

Learning to follow simple commands seems to come easy for this even-tempered animal, allowing even children to offer behavioral commands to the animal. Their easy learning, coupled with their eagerness to please their owners makes beagles an excellent breed for those in small living environments. Although always welcoming the opportunity to into the open and run, beagles can understand their confines and adjust to their current environment.

One of the smartest of the dog breeds, they not only remember and recognize previous friends of the family they have met, but can also quickly master some of the most complex commands. A professional, experienced trainer usually trains beagles to work as hunting dogs, but owners with patience have also had success with their training.

Because of the specific breeding that Beagles have undergone, understanding the history of the Beagle can help you to better work with your own pet. There is plenty of information available about the history of the Beagle standard. Articles like this and interviews with experts in the field will help you to understand where your Beagle came from and why the standards have been established.

working