Beagle

The Beagle is a breed of companion dogs, which was originally bred for scent hunting. This dog belongs to the hound group along with the Foxhound, Basset Hound, Harrier and so forth. The breed is believed to have descended from the Foxhound, but has also been influenced by other hound dogs. Beagles show great resemblance to Foxhounds and come in all possible hound colors. However, Beagles are relatively small, but early Beagles, which were known as “Pocket” or “Glove” Beagles, were much smaller.

Beagles are but the liveliest and most energetic dogs on earth. Being naturally communicative (they were supposed to hunt in groups), they cannot stay alone or without action for a long time and bore easily. Therefore, there always must be someone around to keep a dog busy. Beagles are known to get on well with other hound dogs, and they can be well off in a company of their own like if there are no humans around. Breeders often recommend ever-busy owners to keep two Beagles so that they can interact in their natural way.

Beagles are very intelligent, and they show great learning abilities. However, it is not always easy to make a Beagle do certain things, because they are a little stubborn. These dogs tend to pick up every scent they may be interested in, so they should not be allowed to roam places without a leash. For this reason, they require a well-fenced yard, which should be spacious enough for this little lively creature to exercise well every day.

Beagles measure 13-16 inches high at the withers. Smaller dogs usually show more action. Beagles may retain their stamina well into adulthood. They enjoy playing ball, hide-and-seek, and they are also good at retrieving toys. Beagles are very fond of playing with children. These dogs regard all members of their families as members of their “packs”, so they are equally eager to play with everyone in the house. They do not tend to be one-person dogs, and are no great guardians. They take to strangers easily, but can be somewhat alert with them for a short while.

There are two types of Beagles recognized by the AKC: those standing under 13 inches high at the withers and dogs measuring up to 15 inches high at the shoulder. The AKC does not recognize dogs with wither height either less than 10 inches or more than 15 inches. European clubs recognize dogs measuring up to 16 inches tall at the shoulder. All Beagle breeders, in following their breeding projects aimed at further improvement of the breed, are supposed to strictly abide by the requirements of the breed standard.