The history of the Beagle dog is a long and somewhat fuzzy one. No one seems to know for sure the exact origin of this breed, but information seems to lead to the fact that Beagles came from the Talbot Hound, a breed that is now extinct. By the early part of the second century, Beagles were brought from France to England, and the primary purpose of this dog was for hunting rabbits.
Beagles were bred with distinct instincts that allowed them to chase these critters across the countryside and coax them out of their hiding spots for the benefit of the hunters. Understanding these basic hunting instincts will help a Beagle owner to better comprehend some of the habits and tendencies of their Beagle dog.
For example, Beagles required a high amount of energy to keep up with their hunts, and the dogs of this breed today will also need the opportunity to exercise regularly. Because these dogs were also bred in packs, your Beagle will need the socialization of his new pack, which will consist of you and the rest of your family members.
Beagles were originally bred in packs, so this dog is used to the noise and activity of others. He will love spending the majority of his time indoors with his new family, and will not particularly want to be left alone for long periods of time. This means that if you are going to leave your Beagle while at work during the day, it is best to keep him in a confined space, like a crate, indoors. This will help to prevent the destruction that a bored Beagle can cause, as well as the “complaining” that this dog might do through barking and howling.
When you are home, your dog will want to spend plenty of time playing with you, and will love all of the members of your family in the same affectionate manner. Keep your Beagle active by taking him out to a fenced yard for playtime or indulging him in a long walk – on his leash of course. Beagles are easily distracted by scents when they are outdoors, and will think nothing of taking off on an adventure of their own if they are not properly confined.
Beagles have become such a popular family pet because of their friendly, social nature. If you are considering one of these adorable Beagle dogs as a new addition to your family make sure that you take the time to educate yourself about the proper ways to care for and train these animals. Preparation and education will help to ensure that your relationship with your new family pet will be a positive one.
Beagles will make a great addition to many families because they get along well with adults, children and other pets alike. Just make sure that you socialize your new dog carefully to his surroundings and never leave your Beagle alone with other pets or small children. No matter how sweet-tempered a dog is accidents can still happen! However, if you proceed with care your Beagle puppy will be a fun and welcome addition to your family for many years to come.
