Category | Up to 50 lbs |
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Country of origin | United Kingdom |
Other names | English Beagle |
The Beagle is a breed of small to medium-sized dog. A member of the hound group, it is similar in appearance to the foxhound, but smaller with shorter legs and longer, softer ears. Beagles are scent hounds, developed primarily for tracking hare, rabbit, deer, and other small game. They have a great sense of smell and tracking instinct that sees them employed as detection dogs for prohibited agricultural imports and foodstuffs in quarantine around the world. Beagles are intelligent but single-minded, and popular pets because of their size, even temper, and lack of inherited health problems.
Dogs of similar size and purpose to the modern Beagle can be traced in Ancient Greece back to around the 5th century BC. As purebred dogs, Beagles have always been more popular in the United States and Canada than in their native country England!
The Beagle has an even temper and gentle disposition. Described in several breed standards as "merry", they are amiable and typically neither aggressive nor timid, although this depends on the individual. They enjoy company, and although they may initially be standoffish with strangers, they are easily won over. 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. 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.
The Beagle has an even temper and gentle disposition. Described in several breed standards as "merry", they are amiable and typically neither aggressive nor timid, although this depends on the individual. They enjoy company, and although they may initially be standoffish with strangers, they are easily won over. 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. 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.
Hunting dog, detection dog, Family pets