Beagles are among the most popular family small/medium sized pooches that are extremely friendly, adaptable with a great sense of smell and tracking instinct.
Origin
Beagle can be traced all the way back to Ancient Greece, around the 5th century BC, when Xenophon in his Treatise on Hunting or Cynegeticus refers to a “hound that hunted hares by scent and was followed on foot.“
However, the modern day Beagle is established in Essex in the 1830s. Today, there is even a club called “The Association of Masters of Harriers and Beagles” formed in 1891.
Description
They are generally between 13 – 16 inches (33 and 41 cm) high at the withers and weigh between 18 – 35 lb (8.2 and 15.9 kg), with females being slightly smaller than males on average.
Beagles have a muscular body and a medium-length, smooth, hard coat, and they come in a range of colors, although the most common tricolour combination is white with large black areas and light brown shading.
A for their temperament, Beagles are even tempered and have a gentle disposition. Though always lively and “merry”, they are almost never aggressive or timid. These balls of fur will enjoy company and are easily won over, making the breed poor watchdogs.
Pros
- extremely sensitive sense of smell
- good with kids
- friendly
- intelligent
- adaptable
Cons
- poor watchdog
- prone to epilepsy
- tend to wander off following scents
Should I adopt/buy a Beagle?
If you are looking for a lively, small, cute and friendly family pooch, look no further as the Beagle is the breed for you.