Dog Breed Highlight: Beagles
The Beagle
The Beagle (Canis Lupus) is well known for its role in hunting small game such as Rabbit, Gopher, and more. However, they also have great characteristics that make them a loving family dog. Being one of the top registered breeds in the American Kennel Club, there is no doubt that Beagles are widely popular for hunters and families alike.
Breed History
There is not much documentation of the Beagle before the 15th century. European countries such as France and England began to breed them for hunting small game. They quickly grew in popularity and became some of the chosen pets for the English royal family.
In the middle of the 18th century, Beagles began to see a decline as the increase in popularity of foxhunting grew. Foxhunting required a larger and faster dog that the Beagle could not provide so people began to choose the English Foxhound instead. By the mid 19th century, the Beagles began to make a rise again as the need for an all-around hound that looked good and performed good grew.
Exercise Requirements
Even though they may be small, Beagles require a large amount of exercise every day. If you plan to use your beagle for hunting, take time to really dial in on a few of their characteristics that make them a prized hunting dog. These characteristics include scenting, driving trails, and alerts.
If you plan on your Beagle just being a family dog, give them an opportunity to run freely for at least an hour every day. It is important to keep an eye on them when you do though. Due to the nature of them being bred to be a pack dog, you may come back to find a little bit of destruction if they are not watched closely.
Social Attributes
The Beagle is not only known as a great hunting dog but makes a great family companion as well. Since they were bred for hunting in packs, they usually enjoy company of others and are very easy going. They have a large amount of energy and in return, require a copious amount of play time. They are also very adaptable and do not necessarily need a very strict routine. While Beagles are not completely reserved, they also like to get to know the person before becoming best friends.
Working Characteristics
The Beagle’s main purpose in hunting is focused on smaller game like rabbit, gopher, and more. Their small frame and scenting ability has kept them as one of the best hunting dogs in the American Kennel Club for years.
When it comes to hunting rabbits, the main job of your hunting dog is to drive the prey towards you. Beagles are known for doing this incredibly well. They have a very keen nose for scent detection when it comes to tracking a prey. You will often find your Beagle with their nose down and following a scent.
The signature “Bay”, or bark, of a Beagle is one of its most unique characteristics of the breed. Known for being able to hear it deep into the woods, you will never have to worry about not knowing if your partner has found a scent.
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