Breeds - Beagles / Breeds - Rottweilers

In the 1500's, most English gentlemen had packs of hounds. Larger hounds tracked deer, while smaller ones went after rabbits. These were the first Beagles. The origin of the name "Beagle" may have been derived from the French term "be' geule", referring to the baying voice of the hounds when in pursuit of game, or possibly the diminutive size of the hound.

Beagles are happy-go-lucky and friendly, making them a wonderful family pet. They are also favored for their compact size and short, easy to care for coat. Since they lived in packs for hundreds of years, they naturally enjoy the company of other dogs and humans. Curious and comedic, they often follow their noses which can lead to some mischief if they are not provided with daily activity.

The popular Beagle is a small, pack oriented hunting hound. Although its natural instinct is to hunt, it is highly adaptable and adjusts happily to a suburban back yard, as long as it has regular exercise to keep it fit while providing it with a change of scene and scent, and company; either human or another Beagle.

Friendly, playful and eager to please, the Beagle can be will-ful. Possessed of great stamina, determination and a definite mind of its own, this picturesque and personality-plus little hound has a tendency to roam. Beagles require a well fenced yard and firm, patient handling.

The Beagle is lively, active and extemely intelligent, making a devoted friend and companion. Hardy and resilient, it can be happily kept as either a house or a kennel dog. Beagles have a short, dense, weatherproof coat which comes in many attractive colorings, and requires very little grooming. Beagles tend to keep themselves extremely clean.

Good-natured and steady in temperament, the Beagle has an engaging demeanor which endears it to children and adults alike. A handy size for almost all households, with a handsome appearance and musical voice, the Beagle has something to offer just about everyone!

The Beagle has an even temper and gentle disposition. Described in several breed standards as "merry", they are amiable and generally neither aggressive nor timid. They enjoy company, and although they may initially be standoffish with strangers, they are easily won over. They make poor guard dogs, for this reason, although their tendency to bark or howl when confronted with the unfamiliar makes them good watch dogs.

In a 1985 study conducted by Ben and Lynette Hart, the Beagle was given the highest excitability rating. Beagles are intelligent, but as a result of being bred for the long chase, are single-minded and determined, which can make them hard to train. They are generally obedient, but can be difficult to recall once they have picked up a scent and are easily distracted by smells around them. They do not generally feature in obedience trials; while they are alert, respond well to food-reward training, and are eager to please, they are easily bored or distracted.

Beagles are excellent with children and this is one of the reasons they have become popular family pets, but they are pack animals, and can be prone to separation anxiety. Not all Beagles will howl, but most will bark when confronted with strange situations, and some will bay (also referred to as "speaking", "giving tongue", or "opening") when they catch the scent of potential quarry. They also generally get along well with other dogs. They are not demanding with regard to exercise; their inbred stamina means they do not easily tire when exercised, but they also do not need to be worked to exhaustion before they will rest, though regular exercise helps ward off the weight gain to which the breed is prone. There are two varieties:

• Thirteen Inch (Otherwise known as Pocket Beagles) - which shall be for hounds not exceeding 13 inches in height.
• Fifteen Inch - which shall be for hounds over 13 but not exceeding 15 inches in height.