The Beagle was originally bred as a scent hound (as opposed to a sight hound) that was run in packs to chase down small game such as hares and rabbits.  It is the breeding that makes the Beagle what he is today and it directly influences his pluses and minuses in a domestic situation.

Beagles are small dogs, measuring around 40 cm at the shoulder, and weighing around 14 Kg.  They have short hair, and because of their correct dog shape, they are free of genetic faults that plague many other breeds.  Most Beagles live a long and healthy life, the average age being around 12-14 years.  Beagles have been bred with a mild, even temperament, and being hounds, they have a high level of intelligence, which means that given good care and attention, they make wonderful companions.

A Beagle must be able to roam free in a securely fenced backyard and or in the house.  Chaining a Beagle to a kennel for long periods is cruel.  They are not adapted to this form of living.  The yard must also be escape proof.  If you can’t provide an escape proof backyard without having to chain your dog up, DON’T BUY A BEAGLE.

Because the Beagle was bred as a pack animal, it is important that he receives plenty of company.  This can be from his human family or from other dogs.  If your family and lifestyle is one where nobody is home for long periods during the day, or if you want the dog outside and you inside, then the Beagle is not for you.  If you are regularly away from home for long periods and must have a Beagle, then we highly recommend you get two.  This is not meant to be a sales pitch to sell another dog – if he has company of a friend while you are away, he will be much more settled, dig far fewer holes, bark a lot less and won’t get as fat.

Before rushing out and buying an irresistibly cute beagle pup, answer the following questions.  Answer them honestly, as they could save you from making a BIG mistake!

If you answered NO to any of the above questions, then I strongly suggest that you think carefully about purchasing a beagle, chances are, a Beagle IS NOT FOR YOU!

Why a Beagle

Beagles are compact small hounds, which range in height from 13 inches to 16 inches at the shoulder.  They have short easily maintained coats, which come in a variety of bright hound colours, ranging from lemon and white to a black-blanketed tri colour.

One of their greatest attributes is their extremely good temperament.  They are bold, with an even temperament, and a merry disposition.  For this reason they make an excellent family pet, and are one of the breeds that can be recommended for children.

As beagles were bred to live in a pack with up to 40 or more other beagles, they live happily with other dogs, (especially beagles).  It is for this reason also that a beagle enjoys company, as a lonely beagle can be naughty.  It is very unusual to find a beagle that is timid or aggressive, and these temperament disorders are highly undesirable.

Beagles are robust little dogs free from any significant hereditary faults.  A good beagle is sound in body and temperament.  They make wonderful family pets, adjusting happily to suburban life.  They are an all rounder of the dog world, in the way that they are just as eager to accompany their family on a hike in the country, or curl up quietly in front of the fire.

 A beagle is a scent hound, and once on a scent, he focuses only on this.  It is almost as though his ears and eyes are closed to the world, as he diligently works the scent line before him.  For this reason, for his own safety, walks on lead are a necessity, as is a well-enclosed back yard.  Even a well-trained beagle will always have his nose to the ground when out on a walk.

 There is something magical about owning a beagle.  Their antics never cease to amuse you.  They are loving, happy little hounds with personality plus.

Be warned, if you find that you fall in love with a beagle, you will never want to own another breed of dog!