 Beagles are in our opinion, the classic dog. They are well known for their soft, gentle look and their pleading eyes that just melt most people's hearts. They generally retain t heir puppy-like look even as they get older. They are a pack hound , and whether that pack is one dog and their human family, or other animals (dogs, cats, even rabbits) , they love nothing better than to spend time with their pack. Many people think of Snoopy when they think of beagles. For the most part, real live beagles are cuter, and none that we have met know how to fly a Sopwith Camel, wear fighting ace goggles and scarves or shoot down the Red Baron ! They are , however a great long term companion.
Beagles are known as the merry hound, for good reason. Their attitude and temperament is one of a happy, frolicking, fun loving yet dedicated family dog. The beagle is the ultimate scent hound. A Beagle loves nothing more than to find an intriguing scent and to go chasing after it until it finds the source and satisfies its curiosity, with its tail wagging and the occasional beagle howl mixed in. The beagle was bred to follow its nose and to do so faithfully and without surrender! They are true pack animals and get along well with the entire family, including children, and with other animals (other dogs especially, but also with cats and under the right circumstances, even rabbits!)
Some say that beagles are not for everyone and that they are hard to train. We do not agree, because we think that they are for everyone that has the correct mindset, is willing to work with their beagle and is prepared to do what it takes to be the owner of a successful beagle (and the success of the relationship is primarily the responsibility of you, the owner!).
A beagle is for you if:
- you are looking for a dog that you want to be a real participating member of the family.
- you are prepared to spend time training your new family member so that it will understand your basic wants and rules.
- you are prepared to spend time with your beagle to keep them challenged, engaged and excited.
- you have a fenced yard that your beagle can run freely.
- you want a dog th at will be a fast friend and a long-time companion that will l ove you and your entire family.
A beagle is not the dog for you if:
- you are looking for a dog that will lie in the corner lazily soaking up the sun or occupying floor or couch space
- you don't have the time or inclination to permit the dog to be a full member of your family
- you are not prepared to spend time, preferably d aily , especially with the young beagle, teaching them commands and rules so that your expectations as to good behavior become part of your beagle's nature (this can best be done by taking a few obedience classes at your local kennel club);
- you do not want to have a stocky little friend that while small in stature is large in heart and spirit and can very definitely develop a mischievous and playful manner.
If you have not owned a beagle before or if you have not owned any other dog of the hound group before , we strongly suggest that you spend some time researching the breed. Talk to reputable and experienced beagle breeders and to beagle owners if you can. Before buying any puppy, you should spend some time with the breeders where possible and observe the puppy with the parent(s) and the other litter mates. You will learn a lot about the puppy that you may take home by observing it in the home environment. Take your time and do your research, both into the breed and the breeders. You are making a decision (for the lifetime of your new dog!). It can be a very rewarding and enriching decision if done properly. |