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