The Beagle is a hunting dog, a scent hound and has served for this purpose for many years. This dog has a sweet and loving temperament, a fact that has also made it popular as a pet and family dog.

The exact origins of the Beagle are unknown. Theories run that they may have originated in Greece or France. The Beagle became popular under the rule of Henry VII, who would often have a Beagle run beside his horse when he went hunting. Their strong sense of smell and unending energy makes them one of the best breeds of hunting dog.

Originally, the Beagle was used for hunting rabbits. These days they are popular for use in England and America for hunting of all sorts of small game.

Appearance

A small sized dog, an adult Beagle is usually between 14 and 16 inches tall and weighs in at between 10 and 13 kilograms. Their body build is sturdy and muscular. They have a good level of endurance as is needed on hunting trips. The coat can be any colour, but common variations include orange and white and black and tan. The coat is short and coarse and only requires a small amount of grooming, although there is a fair amount of shedding. The Beagle has long ears which fall, the have a tendency to ear infections and owners should always keep an eye on this. The eyes are either brown or hazel. They have a long life expectancy for a purebred dog of up to 15 years.

Temperament

The Beagle has a very happy demeanor. They love to play, get outside and more than anything, hunt. If you are not at home during the day it is recommended by breeders that you get two dogs. They very much need the company of another human or pet and are true pack animals. You can have a Beagle in a small backyard, but will need to be prepared to spend time playing with it and taking it on daily walks.

When they meet new people or animals, Beagles will not have any problems. They are great with kids or any existing pets. They are very excitable dogs and can also have a strong stubborn streak. Obedience training is recommended but expect a difficult process as this is not their forte. Their nature as scent dogs means they can have a short attention span and are often interrupted by catching a trail.

Beagles will bark at strangers, but if they are bored or lonely have a tendency to howl.

Working and Tasks

The true skill of the Beagle is as a scent hound, they have been used for this purpose for many years. Their alert nature and loud bark makes them an apt watch dog. Many people who are looking for a family pet choose the Beagle for this reason.

Beagles have high amounts of energy and will need regular walks to stop them from being destructive. They are prone to digging and are very talented escape artists, so secure fencing is a must.

Health

Common problems in the breed include eye disease, epilepsy and back problems. Regular visits to the vet for check ups are recommended.