Beagles Make the Best Family Pets

Beagles are not only wonderful hunting dogs, but also a great family pets. Beagles are friendly, gentle, and very loyal. The medium size of the beagle makes it ideal for families with small children. The beagle is a sturdy, even tempered dog, weighing from twenty to forty pounds. Beagles are white, brown and black in color. From the shoulder, under fifteen inches high.

I have owned many dogs. Dalmatians, a German Shepard, a husky, a red bone coon hound, a few mixed breeds, and three beagles. Of all my dogs, none have touched my heart like my beagles. My first beagle came into my life when I was 15 years old. Sunny destroyed shoes and books with a passion when he was a puppy. As he grew, he calmed down and grew to be my most trusted friend. We had two great years together, before he was stolen from our yard. My heart still aches for my dear friend, after 11 years apart.

Several years ago, a stray beagle wandered into my life. He captured my boyfriends heart. While actively pursuing his family, we fell head over heels for the sweet little beagle. As we grew too attached to the dog, his owners finally came to claim him. This sent us in search of a beagle of our own.
We got Enos in November of 2005. A dog with more personality can not be found. Our little beagle is sweet, feisty, funny and the best friend you could ask for. One look at his pretty hound dog face and I melt.

Caring for a beagle is not always easy. Beagles are a little rascally. A beagle is a hunting dog, therefor he thinks with his nose. A scent can carry your beagle far from home. As this is common in beagles, it is never a good idea to let your beagle off his leash to explore, unless the area is fenced in. Allowing a beagle to roam will result in loss of the dog. Beagles are very trusting and friendly. If you lose track of your beagle, chances are someone else will quickly become friends with your beagle. The other issue with your beagles fantastic scent of smell is he won't be able to resist pulling food off of counter tops and helping himself.
Beagles are in general, a healthy and hearty breed of dog. Some common issues with beagles include dry skin and hot spots. Beagles should only be bathed once a month, and never bathe your beagle in hot water,( use warm water) to avoid dry skin. It has been said it is very difficult to train beagles. I don't agree with this. If you use a calm and assertive tone of voice, along with proper technique, you will train a beagle easily. Add proper techniques to the fact that beagles are food motivated and training will be simple.

Beagles are an ideal breed of dog to have around small children. The even tempered beagle will be gentle with children. Beagles also love to play. This makes them an ideal addition to most any family.