Beagles are a brilliant family companion dog breed. They have a wonderful gentle nature, a real zest for life and are happy, affectionate characters. They are the type of dog who the entire family can form a very special and close bond with.
Beagles have a lovely soft expression about them, with their big floppy ears and intelligent dark eyes. It’s hard not to fall in love with them!
Beagle puppies have boundless energy and more than their share of intelligence – although Beagle puppy training is not without its challenges.
Beagles are one of the most popular of all breeds around the world today – they are also one of the oldest of the purebred hounds.
Beagle ancestry dates back to about 200AD in various parts of Europe. The breed grew in prominence and was developed further, much later on in Great Britain. Beagles became highly sought after for their outstanding hunting abilities – they were most commonly used as scent hounds for tracking small game.
Even today, although rare it is a magnificent sight to see a field full of Beagles, noses to the ground working a scent, with their white tipped tails wagging high above them.
Beagles are considered a medium size dog breed. They have a long muscular body and possess great athleticism and loads of stamina. Beagle puppies are usually born black and white with the other colors coming through over the first few months. Tri color Beagles are the most common variety but any combination of hound colors is fine. They have an attractive shiny coat which is thick, of medium length and weatherproof – they do shed!
Beagles are typically 13-16 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh in at around 25-30 pounds. You may occasionally see Beagle breeders advertising “Miniature Beagles” or “Teacup Beagles for Sale” – this is just a smaller version of the same lovely breed.
Along with the Beagles obvious good looks it is their lovely gentle temperament that wins over dog lovers worldwide.
At their best when they have been well bred, socialized and trained Beagles have a beautiful even temperament and merry disposition. Beagle owners also know them to be cheeky, mischievous but above all, friendly. They are great with children (love to play games!) and get along well with other pets.
Beagles actually crave human company. They hate to be separated from their “human pack” for long periods. Beagles who are left alone and frustrated each day often suffer from anxiety separation which can lead to various destructive behaviors, (digging, barking and even self mutilation). If you and your family are required to be away from home for hours and hours on end then a Beagle puppy is probably not for you.
If you are planning to bring a Beagle puppy into your household be sure that you have sufficient fencing around your property. Not having a secure area for your Beagle is a recipe for disaster. They are notorious for roaming when given half a chance and unfortunately it often ends badly…
You’ll find your Beagle to be ever alert, inquisitive, and of course have an acute sense of smell. They do make good watchdogs with their distinctive deep bark enough to raise the alarm. They are not what you would call good guard dogs though – they are far too friendly!
Even though Beagles are not considered to be an aggressive breed they can be prone to food guarding. Beagle puppy training certainly helps to prevent this and many other potential behavior problems.
The Beagle dog breed is generally a hardy specimen with a healthy constitution. They typically live an active 12-15 years. Beagles respond best to positive, non violent training methods which are based on consistency, repetition and rewards (food is a great motivator to Beagles!). There is no place or reason for harsh “old school” training techniques which rely on intimidation and punishment.
Your beagle puppy will be a trusted companion for many years to come. Train him correctly right from the beginning and you will have a great, loving, trusted pet. One that will be an asset and friend for life.
