Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Stamina Makes Beagles Good Hunters

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.
Often confused with toy dogs, the breed ranges between 13 and 16-inches tall, standing well above the 12-inch standard for many breeds of toys. With a life span of about 14 years, Beagles have few inherited predisposition for illness or other medical problems although they do sometimes suffer from bone degeneration in the joints, steroid injections can usually help them deal adequately with the associated pain. One problem inherited by Beagles is hypothyroidism, giving them the penchant for excessive weight gain. They may also suffer from dwarfism, but this is a rare occurrence.

A beagle’s diet is important, especially for the ones confined to a small space. Animals that are kept indoors and allowed outdoors only to use the bathroom have more of a chance of becoming overweight than those with room to run. They may prefer the opportunity to run wild in a large yard or field, possibly tracing back to their glory days as hunters. Beagles are equally happy in the home romping and playing with children or other small animals.

Their lack of aggression and small stature make them ideal playmates for other small animals and they seem to get along well with felines with similar personalities.
With the beagle hot on the trail, hunters on horseback could hang back and leisurely follow the sounds of the hunting beagles as they chased the rabbits into dense thickets and brush. Eventually, the dog would emerge carrying its quarry making it desired for hunters who enjoyed the art of hunt more than the taking of the game. As hunters began to shift their focus onto faster hunts, the beagles’ use waned in place of faster hunting dogs.

Since breeding brings certain instincts and behaviors into play with different types of dogs , understanding the history of your Beagle will better equip you to work with your new pet. There is plenty of information available about the history of the Beagle standard. Articles like this and interviews with experts in the field will help you to understand where your Beagle came from and why the standards have been established.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Raising a Happy Beagle Dog

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.
Socialization is an important element for the health and happiness of your Beagle dog. This is not a pet that will enjoy being left alone outdoors for long periods of time. Because this dog was bred in packs, he will want to spend the majority of his time with his new pack – you and your family. This makes training your dog very important, so that he can be a welcome addition to your family in the comfort of your home. Crate training is a good option for the Beagle, rather than leaving him outdoors to his own devices when you are not home.

Beagles that do not have someone to play with can get bored, and boredom can translate to destruction very quickly! Exercise is another important element for the health of your dog, and can be done in the safety of a fenced yard or on walks with you. Because Beagles have a tendency to wander, you should never allow your pet to be off leash when he is outdoors.
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.

Many families decide to get a Beagle as a family pet because this dog has a friendly nature with kids and adults alike. This article will give you plenty of good information about what to expect with the Beagle as a puppy.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Things to Know Before Bringing a Beagle Dog Home

If you are considering adding a new pet to your family, why not think about a Beagle dog? Beagles often make the ideal family pet because they tend to be playful and friendly with nearly everyone they come in contact with. Of course, just like any creature, Beagles can vary in personality and temperament. The differences can come from breeding, care or the dog itself. Because of this, it is important to exercise care and sound judgment when shopping for your Beagle puppy to ensure that you find the best dog for your family. It is also important to note that most Beagles make good family pets, even if your family includes small children.

As with any new pet however, it is important to teach your children how to properly care for your dog to ensure a happy, successful relationship. Beagles are generally intelligent, but run a bit on the stubborn side. It is essential therefore, to stick with your Beagle’s training program, to ensure that your new dog learns the rules of the home. Your hard work will pay off in a family pet that is obedient and a joy to have in your house.
Beagles are not like Golden Retrievers. They do not live their lives to please their masters. A Beagle dog tends to be stubborn and independent by nature, which means that training will require plenty of patience and persistence. Keep in mind that the hard work that you put into training your dog will pay off in great dividends when you end up with a family pet that is a joy for every member of your clan.

If you like to take long, brisk walks daily, then the Beagle will make the perfect companion for you. These dogs tend to be active and enjoy lots of exercise. They also have an instinct to run, particularly if an interesting scent catches their attention. Because of this, it is always best to keep your Beagle dog on his leash or in his fenced backyard. Unless of course the Beagle is found curled up inside the house amid his family. This will become a Beagle’s most favorite spot of all. The social aspect of your Beagle’s personality will make him crave the companionship of his family, so train him well and he will make a friendly addition to your home.
There are plenty of good choices in dog breeds for your family pet, including the Beagle dog . If you are considering one of these dogs as the next addition to your family, the next logical step is to collect as much Beagle information as you can to ensure that you will be properly prepared to care for and train your Beagle puppy. Beagles may be intelligent, but they can also be stubborn like many other hounds can. This means that training your Beagle will require time, patience and consistency before your pup learns the rules of the house sufficiently. The best advice is to start early and stay consistent until your Beagle is housebroken and completely trained. And plan to spend plenty of time enjoying your new dog. Beagles are highly social creatures that love being with their families as often as possible for as long as possible. This is not a dog that can live outdoors alone most of the time. Your pet will be happiest when he is with you and the rest of the family.

It is important to prepare properly before bringing any type of pet home, and Beagles are no exception to the rule. This article will give you information you need regarding the personality of the Beagle if you are considering adding this wonderful pet to your family.

Beagle Information