Pet Breeds: Beagle Dogs

Of all the popular dog breeds, the beagle is one of the favorite dog companions in the United States over the past 50 years and shows no signs of slowing down.  To understand more about the beagle dog information, we will need to look at the beagle's history. The origin of the Beagle dog remains a mystery.

They can only be traced back to the mid 1800s, however a hound breed that bears a striking resemblance to the beagle we know today can be traced back to the 14th century.  Even the derivation of the name comes from centuries old words such as the Old English word “begele” or the Celtic word “beag” that both mean small; quite suiting at that.  Although it is not historically recorded and probably never will be, the beagle is considered one of the oldest dog breeds.

Beagle’s are a small, robust, shorthaired hound breed. Their coats come in any combination of black, tan and white. Adults stand between 13 to 15 inches at the shoulder and weight anywhere from 18 to 30 pounds. They are well loved because of their small size, friendly nature and soft, pleading eyes.  They are also known for their canine smile and endless tail wagging.  Beagle’s are an excellent choice for families with children of all ages.  Their docile nature makes them very tolerant.  However, if they are left alone or do not get the proper attention they become bored and frustrated which will ultimately lead to behavioral problems.

Owners must remember that this dog breed loves to hunt. They will dig and can be very vocal.  Owners should provide beagles exercise regularly and teach them not to dig or to dig in a confined spot made just for them. This breed of mysterious origins has stood the test of time and will continue to be well loved for centuries more due to their happy, compliant nature.