Beagles

Beagles are superb home companions. Although they are not intended for guarding property, they are very watchful and loyal to their families. Beagles bond with every member of their families, not being one-person dogs. They are very friendly with children, and are quick to make friends with newcomers. Their meek and vivacious temperament is mirrored on their face.

Beagles are not very large dogs, and they belong to the hound group of hunting dogs. The breed is believed to have descended from the Old Foxhound. Although Beagles are not the largest hound dogs, they are not dogs bred down in size, and they have even contributed their gene to some other hound dogs. The breed received an official recognition in the 19th century, but its actual history is rooted in pre-Christian times.

Beagles became popular among royal authorities during the Elizabethan times, and they were smaller than the Beagle of today. They were taken to hunting trips, and proved excellent scent-hunters. Their exceptional sense of smell and excellent hearing permitted them to trace game in areas, where many other dogs could not hunt well. Beagles have long been referred to as “pack hunters”, as they show stunning cooperative abilities when working in groups. Beagles of today have retained their unbelievable tracking aptitudes, and their cooperative inclination is observable through their love of communication. Beagles prefer to play with same-breed or closely related dogs. They like it when there is someone around them to play with, and they do not tolerate loneliness or boredom.

Beagles measure 11-16 inches high at the shoulder, and they come in various color combinations, bi-colors and tri-colors being most common. These dogs have medium-length coat, which is quite easy to care for. Beagles have elongated heads, long pendulous ears and round brown or hazel eyes. Healthy and vivacious, these dogs retain their stamina with age. Their life span averages 12-14 years. Beagles are usually free of genetic diseases, but some lines can be prone to dwarfism, hip dysplasia and epilepsy.

Although beagles are friendly and communicative, it can be hard for young owners to get them to perform as required. These dogs have a stubborn streak, so they are not usually recommended for novice dog owners. They tend to pick up every smell they can sense, and this can be hard to overcome for inexperienced owners. Beagles should not be released outside of yard without a leash, because they may follow a smell and never come back.