| Beagles are a lovable breed of dog that are | | | | great dogs for children. It is a very rare occasion |
| usually characterized by their large, floppy ears, | | | | to find an aggressive or timid beagle. |
| broad head, short muzzle, and small stature. They | | | | As was stated earlier, beagles are adventurous |
| were bred as scent hounds for tracking and as | | | | and energetic. Training must begin very early with |
| such have developed quite a reputation as | | | | this breed so that you and your pup enjoy each |
| "detective dogs."... Unfortunately, they are popular | | | | other everyday. Within the first few days of |
| in animal testing because they are inherently | | | | bringing your beagle puppy home, it is |
| healthy and moderately tempered. | | | | recommended that lead training begin. This could |
| Beagle History | | | | start simple by putting a collar (not too tight or |
| In the 1700s, beagles were used strictly for | | | | too loose) on the pup. After he is comfortable, |
| hunting and tracking. Generally, beagles were | | | | slowly move towards walking him on a leash. |
| classified as a bit of a slow learner over other | | | | Remember, their nose is very powerful and very |
| breeds, but made up for it with their keen sense | | | | curious! It will take time and patience for your |
| of smell and excellent stamina. They were used | | | | beagle puppy to know how the leash works, i.e., |
| for rabbit hunting but as fox hunting gained | | | | they can no longer go wherever they please |
| popularity, so did the Foxhound type of beagle. | | | | whenever they please. |
| In the 1950s, John Scott and John Fuller tested | | | | Physical Features |
| the sense of smell among various breeds of dogs. | | | | Beagles are shorthaired and typically a tricolor mix. |
| This test was conducted by placing a mouse in an | | | | They can actually be any hound color, but most |
| acre of land and timing how long it took the dogs | | | | commonly they appear a mix of tan, white, and |
| to find it. The Beagle found the mouse less than | | | | brown or black. Grooming is easy as they are |
| one minute, where other breeds took in excess | | | | average to below average shedders. Of course, |
| of ten minutes or did not find it at all. | | | | they need their nails filed occasionally and their |
| Personality & Training | | | | ears should be cleaned regularly, as with any dog. |
| Beagles, regardless of their age, are a very | | | | A simple brush along their coat once per day can |
| friendly dog. They are happy and amicable, with a | | | | severely reduce shedding. However, few dog |
| desire to please everyone. They tend to be | | | | owners will find the shedding to be a problem, due |
| intelligent but get distracted easily, making training | | | | to their very short hair. |
| a little bit difficult without a great deal patience | | | | The only warning one might want to keep in mind |
| and understanding. It is a good idea to leash-train | | | | when purchasing a beagle is that they love to dig |
| a beagle, as their nose can quickly lead them in all | | | | and can be quite vocal. Both of these traits can |
| directions, especially in the outside world which is | | | | be reduced or defeated all together with |
| full of mysterious scents. | | | | adequate training, particularly if you start when |
| Because beagles are so happy, energetic, and | | | | the beagle is a puppy. But, if you do not train and |
| playful, they can be a bit bold and even | | | | let them run in your garden on day one, expect |
| mischievous. This can be helped by a patient and | | | | some ruined roses. Despite these minor issues, |
| dedicated trainer. If they are trained properly, | | | | this breed has so many pluses it is hard not to |
| beagles socialize with other pets and tend to be | | | | want one! |