Beagles: The Small Hunting Dog

Beagles are medium-sized dogs that are within thewith children and other dogs.If not properly watched,
hound family. They are usually used for their strongBeagles can become stray as they will try follow
sense of smell in hunting. They look similar toscents to their destination, often ignoring cars and
Foxhounds, but have longer, softer ears and arestrangers.Beagles may suffer from separation anxiety
smaller.It is believed that Beagles are the ancestor ofif they are alone for a while and are not around
the Talbot Hound, which William the Conquerorother dogs much.Fortunately, Beagles are usually
brought to Great Britain in the eleventh century.Thehealthy dogs who live from 12 to 15 years. Some
origin of the name "Beagle" is not known for certain,health problems, such as air not reaching past their
but it is believed to come from the French wordears, can be treated with daily cleaning or medication.
"beguele", which means "loudmouth". AnotherBeagles can stay healthier with a diet of lamb and
possibility is the Old English term "beag", which meansrice and by staying away from water which can
"small".Beagles were primarily used for hunting in thecause ear infections. Their eyelashes can also grow
past and they often emit a noise when in pursuit,too long, which is a condition known as distichiasis, so
known as "Beagle music" or tonguing. They are stillthey must be cut.Beagles can suffer from obesity
used for hunting in some areas, but it is not asbecause of careless owners who want to reward
common as in the past.Beagles are of medium lengththem too frequently. Beagles are prone to epilepsy
and have an oval skull and square muzzle. They haveand seizures as well, but it can be treated.Beagles
long, big ears and big brown eyes. Their tail is shorthave been used to detect drugs and food passing
and slightly curved and they have a smooth coat.through the United States. Unfortunately, due to their
The practical color of Beagles is white with somepassiveness, Beagles are the dog breed most used in
black and tan spots, but they come in a variety ofanimal testing.Popular Beagles include Snoopy from
colors along with white such as lemon, red and liver.Peanuts, The Beagle Boys in Disney's DuckTales, Lou
At their birth, however, Beagles are usually bornin Cats and Dogs and Buckley in The Royal
white and black and then other colors developTenenbaums. One Beagle is known for being a hero
later.Beagles are gentle and usually have goodas it saved its owner's life by dialing an emergency
tempers. They are intelligent and strong willed, butnumber. Beagles make great pets because they are
that can lead them to be stubborn. Friendly and loyal,highly intelligent, easy to care for and are very
Beagles usually do not show aggression towards theirlovable and playful dogs.
owners. If socialized properly, they get along well