Is The Beagle The Right Pet?
Families having different number of members of different ages consider the dogs of the Beagle breed to be perfect pets, due to their friendly and loving nature. Because of their high energy level and need for regular exercise, they work best with active families or those that have a yard where they can have plenty of time to roam and run.
It must be said though, that when you think of Beagles, you probably picture a pack of these little guys baying at the top of their lungs as they race after a fox or rabbit. While it is true that these dogs are popular hunting dogs and have been used to hunt for several centuries, they also make wonderful family pets.
The sense of smell of the Beagle dogs is keen and they have inherited a strong hunting instinct. The dogs of this breed are grouped by the American Kennel Club's regulation into two varieties by their size, under thirteen inches and between thirteen to fifteen inches. The two varieties of Beagle dogs are almost identical, exception making their size. You can recognize a beagle dog by its droopy years, dark eyes and the long tail. They have short coats, most commonly colored in a combination of tan, black and white. There are also dogs with orange, black, or tan coats having white markings.
They are friendly, loving and playful dogs, loyal to their owning families. They get along well with other dogs or company animals and also with the children from the family. You almost do not need to socialize them as they enjoy the company of people as well as of the other pets in the family. These are energetic dogs and they require plenty of play time, exercise and regular walks from their owners. You also must insure a fenced yard where they play and a leash when you are walking, as they have a tendency to explore and follow scents. Due to their hunting training, they signal any strange presence through lots of barkings, making good watch dogs, but are not as good at guarding, as it is in their nature to act friendly with strangers.
The history and origin of the beagle originates in England, where this scent hound was bred for hunting rabbits and quails. They were bred to hunt on packs or in pairs, but they can also hunt well alone, especially when it comes to a small pray. Due to their excellent sense of smell they are used by the police forces from different countries around the world for tracking or as narcotic dogs. Today they are mainly seen as companion dogs in the United States, but they are also used as hunting dogs.
The dogs of the Beagle breed are the perfect companions for those who are looking for an affectionate breed that enjoys family companionship and loves to play.
