One of the most even-tempered pets a family can hope to have can also pull double duty as a hunting dog. Beagles are known for their easy tempers and eagerness to please their owners so much that they are willing to learn new tricks and behaviors, making them ideal as family pets. Although not necessarily shy, they may be a little reluctant to make friends as first, but will usually warm up quickly to strangers. They are also very rarely aggressive and genuinely happy to be around recognized people.
This trait works well to make them serve as watchdogs as they will generally only bark and carry on around people with whom they are unfamiliar. Often times their skittishness around strangers has been confused with aggression but most often a simple word of reassurance from their owners will quiet and settle them down almost immediately.
Although relatively short in stature, standing between 13 and 16-inches tall, the Beagle is taller than the so-called toy dogs, making it an ideal pet for small children. Inherited health issues may include epilepsy, which can be controlled by medication, but Beagles lack the numerous problems that afflict other breeds. Hypothyroidism and dwarfism are possible with many beagles and their diet is especially important as they may have a tendency to gain weight. This is usual among animals that are maintained in an inactive environment.
This dedication to its purpose allowed hunters to follow on horseback and wait until the beagle brought the captured prey to them. When the days of the all-day hunt drew to a close and hunters wanted animals more for the quick hunt, the use of beagles waned. However, hunters today still train their beagles to hunt quarry and many are still used for their noses' ability to track wild game. They are used in hunting not only rabbits, but also for pheasants and other birds. Some deer hunters use them to track wounded animals that may otherwise become lost in the woods.
In addition to hunting, their sense of smell allows them to also be trained to find contraband hidden away in suitcases and packages. Used frequently by detection services, the small size of the animal rarely intimidates travelers while a border beagle is sniffing their bags.
Their size also allowed them entry to many places larger hunting dogs could not fit. Heavy underbrush, while inviting to hares, proved no match for the Beagle and its sense of smell and ability track the animals into the wild.
Even though the faster animals can outrun the beagles, putting its nose close to the ground enabled it to track the animal into even the smallest hiding places.
The all day hunters appreciated the instincts of a well-trained beagle is they could ride leisurely behind the dog as it chased the scent of its quarry into even the thickest of undergrowth, emerging successfully with its prey.
This trait works well to make them serve as watchdogs as they will generally only bark and carry on around people with whom they are unfamiliar. Often times their skittishness around strangers has been confused with aggression but most often a simple word of reassurance from their owners will quiet and settle them down almost immediately.
Although relatively short in stature, standing between 13 and 16-inches tall, the Beagle is taller than the so-called toy dogs, making it an ideal pet for small children. Inherited health issues may include epilepsy, which can be controlled by medication, but Beagles lack the numerous problems that afflict other breeds. Hypothyroidism and dwarfism are possible with many beagles and their diet is especially important as they may have a tendency to gain weight. This is usual among animals that are maintained in an inactive environment.
This dedication to its purpose allowed hunters to follow on horseback and wait until the beagle brought the captured prey to them. When the days of the all-day hunt drew to a close and hunters wanted animals more for the quick hunt, the use of beagles waned. However, hunters today still train their beagles to hunt quarry and many are still used for their noses' ability to track wild game. They are used in hunting not only rabbits, but also for pheasants and other birds. Some deer hunters use them to track wounded animals that may otherwise become lost in the woods.
In addition to hunting, their sense of smell allows them to also be trained to find contraband hidden away in suitcases and packages. Used frequently by detection services, the small size of the animal rarely intimidates travelers while a border beagle is sniffing their bags.
Their size also allowed them entry to many places larger hunting dogs could not fit. Heavy underbrush, while inviting to hares, proved no match for the Beagle and its sense of smell and ability track the animals into the wild.
Even though the faster animals can outrun the beagles, putting its nose close to the ground enabled it to track the animal into even the smallest hiding places.
The all day hunters appreciated the instincts of a well-trained beagle is they could ride leisurely behind the dog as it chased the scent of its quarry into even the thickest of undergrowth, emerging successfully with its prey.
About the Author:
About the author: Michelle Adams is a passionate lover of the Beagle and has a popular website that can teach you how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved Beagle. Among other topics there, you can also learn all about Beagle Standard Breeds plus a whole lot more.
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