A Win for Uno at the Westminster Dog Show is a Win for All Beagles

"He's exactly what a beagle is supposed to be, a merry little hound," is what handler Aaron Wilkerson told reporters after his beagle won Best in Show at the Westminster Dog Show, which says so much about this breed of dog that is much loved throughout the United States. Beagles are merry little hounds and Uno definitely gave credit to his breed by giving the typical beagle bark to reporters, probably very excited to be the first beagle ever to win Best in Show and the only beagle to have won the hound group since 1939, as reported by the Associated Press at MSNBC.com.

Many American families understand the lure of the beagle and it is great to see this breed get the recognition it deserves. Our family became one bigger when we received a beagle from someone who couldn't care for him anymore. It was easy to see why this breed is one of the most popular dogs for Americans when our beagle came home to live. During all of his interviews, Uno shows himself as a social and friendly dog, which is typical of the beagle breed. Our beagle loves everyone who comes to our house and gives the beagle bray to welcome all those he comes in contact with. The bark of a beagle is very distinctive and almost everyone can pick it out. This bark, that was so cute when Uno was giving it at the Westminster show, is not so fun when your beloved beagle barks incessantly outside and disturbs the neighbors or becomes so excited when he meets someone new that you cannot speak for his braying.

Another beagle trait is their strong desire to let their nose lead them around life. We found this to be an amusing trait as our beagle spent his first couple days with us and his nose found every corner of our home and backyard. The amusement stopped when he ran out the front door and we spent an hour chasing him through the woods because his nose had found the track of some animal. Beagles that have not been trained as hunting dogs or given strict training should be kept on a leash at all times because when their nose finds something instinct takes over and it can be very difficult to control them.

It is discussed on websites like dogbreedinfo.com that beagles are not always good with cats unless they are raised with them from when they are young. We quickly found this out when our new one year old beagle saw our cat for the first time and chased her under the porch; the cat doesn't go near the dogs now.

One of the most common traits of the beagle breed is their sociability, not only with humans but with other dogs as well. This is not a breed that should be left alone but rather is a breed that would be best with at least one other dog or a human who is always home. Our beagle has extreme anxiety and will destroy a house if he is left alone but as long as at least one other dog is left with him he will sleep the whole time you are gone.

These traits may not seem like the best dog for you but as you can see from looking at Uno the beagle, they are one of the cutest and sweetest dogs you can get. Beagles are very good with children and with meeting new people and other dogs. They are very good tempered and loving and will be a very loyal dog.

Uno won the Westminster Dog Show because he has the look and temperament that is looked for. The adoration of the audience just goes to show how well loved the beagle is and how wonderful that it was recognized as such by one of the most prestigious dog shows in the world.

MSNBC, "Uno makes Westminster History", Associated Press
dogbreedinfo.com, "Beagle"