Beagles Fit Where Only Rabbits Can Go

A happy, healthy animal always makes the best pets, especially when there are young children in the house, and the happy, go-lucky nature of beagles make them ideal to have around the house. Although needing plenty of exercise to help them maintain a healthy weight to ward off the development of hypothyroidism, the overall health of beagles is one of their features that make them such lovable pets.

Their incessant barking and rowdy behavior when confronted by a stranger makes them appear more aggressive than their nature supports, but this action is what makes this otherwise friendly pet such a good watchdog, Usually, a word from its owner will settle the dog down while it becomes accustomed to this new person in its territory. In addition to them making excellent pets and serving as the occasional watchdog, beagles also can be trained as hunting dogs to track and capture game, due to its keen sense of smell.
Although relatively short in stature, standing between 13 and 16-inches tall, the Beagle is taller than the so-called toy dogs, making it an ideal pet for small children. Inherited health issues may include epilepsy, which can be controlled by medication, but Beagles lack the numerous problems that afflict other breeds. Hypothyroidism and dwarfism are possible with many beagles and their diet is especially important as they may have a tendency to gain weight. This is usual among animals that are maintained in an inactive environment.

Beagles trained for hunting and those that have adequate outdoor space in which to run seldom develop a weight problem, provided their diet is consistent with their needs. One of their physical traits, long eyelashes that contributes to their overall appearance can also cause problems, these long lashes may curl into the eyes and become embedded. But this easily fixed by minor surgery and by the owner being conscious of the possibility during grooming.

Beagles have been used as hunting dogs, mostly due to their keen sense of smell. Their use in rabbit hunting in the 18th century quickly exceeded that of the harrier as the Beagles speed, stamina and determination would allow them to track down the speedier animal. Their size also allowed them entry to many places larger hunting dogs could not fit. Heavy underbrush, while inviting to hares, proved no match for the Beagle and its sense of smell and ability track the animals into the wild.
Their keen sense of smell as well as their stamina made them attractive as hunting dogs, especially during the days when people enjoyed the all-day hunts. They can fit into heavily wooded areas or in thick brush to bring out rabbits. Even though the faster animals can outrun thebeagles, putting its nose close to the ground enabled it to track the animal into even the smallest hiding places.
The all day hunters appreciated the instincts of a well-trained beagle is they could ride leisurely behind the dog as it chased the scent of its quarry into even the thickest of undergrowth, emerging successfully with its prey.


Michelle Adams enjoys studying the history of Beagles, as well as the other types of breeds that make good family pets. Since breeding brings certain instincts and behaviors into play with different types of dogs , understanding the history of your Beagle will better equip you to work with your new pet. Reading articles like this and talking to experts in the field will give you all of the information that you need to know about the history of the Beagle standard.