Beagle Puppies

One of the most popular breeds in the Hound group, Beagles are good-natured, sociable, and active. They make excellent pets with their friendly, outgoing dispositions, and they love to be in the company of people due to their history of working in packs. When left alone for too long, Beagles may become bored and destructive, so it's important that they spend lots of time with people and other dogs. In spite of its remarkable personality, the Beagle still needs a consistent, firm hand in training due to its stubbornness and distractibility. A rewards-based type of training is best for Beagles, who have a hard time turning down food or treats. Additionally, this breed loves to "talk," so it is not ideal for apartment-dwellers.

Beagles are a sturdy breed, and responsible breeders will test for hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and luxating patella. Their floppy ears should be checked and cleaned weekly to prevent infection.

The Beagle is an active dog that requires lots of daily exercise to keep its energy level at bay. Because of their history as scent hounds, it is strongly recommended that Beagles live in a home with a securely fenced-in yard, as they could wander for miles following a scent otherwise.

The Beagle's dense coat requires regular maintenance to stay healthy and to remove loose hair. Weekly brushing helps remove loose hair and promote new hair growth. Regular baths aren't necessary unless they get especially messy.

Beagles shed moderately every day of the year, and their coat gets heavier in the winter. That means that spring is shedding season, so regular brushing is necessary to remove loose hair.

One of the smaller dogs in the Hound group, Beagles are known for their large brown eyes and square, floppy ears. While their coats can be a variety of colors, they are most likely a tricolor coat of brown, black, and white. The Beagle sheds a moderate to heavy amount, so frequent brushings are a must.

Although no one is entirely sure of the Beagle's origin, it is widely believed that the breed originated in England from various Beagle-like scent hounds. In fact, the earliest records of the Beagle date all the way back to the 1400s. By the 1800s, Beagles could be found in several sizes, all of which were used by hunters to sniff out small game, especially rabbits. The first mention of the breed in America was in 1642, but the Beagle we know and recognize today didn't develop until after the Civil War. Today, Beagles remain popular family dogs, hunting dogs, and are even used in law enforcement to sniff explosives or narcotics.