Beagles Eager to Learn New Behaviors

By Michelle Adams

One of the most even-tempered pets a family can hope to have can also pull double duty as a hunting dog. Beagles are known for their easy tempers and eagerness to please their owners so much that they are willing to learn new tricks and behaviors, making them ideal as family pets. Although not necessarily shy, they may be a little reluctant to make friends as first, but will usually warm up quickly to strangers. They are also very rarely aggressive and genuinely happy to be around recognized people.

This trait works well to make them serve as watchdogs as they will generally only bark and carry on around people with whom they are unfamiliar. Often times their skittishness around strangers has been confused with aggression but most often a simple word of reassurance from their owners will quiet and settle them down almost immediately.

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.

With the beagle hot on the trail, hunters on horseback could hang back and leisurely follow the sounds of the hunting beagles as they chased the rabbits into dense thickets and brush. Eventually, the dog would emerge carrying its quarry making it desired for hunters who enjoyed the art of hunt more than the taking of the game. As hunters began to shift their focus onto faster hunts, the beagles' use waned in place of faster hunting dogs.

Michelle Adams is someone who has researched many breeds of dogs, including the Beagle. 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. There is plenty of Beagle information available including the interesting history of your pet. Articles like this and interviews with experts in the field will help you to understand where your Beagle came from and why he acts the way he does.