How to Select a Beagle

The beagle is a popular small hound that was bred to hunt rabbits and hares in England. Elizabeth I kept pocket beagles, standing just 9 inches at the shoulder. Henry VII and Edward II raised packs of glove beagles, which were even smaller (beagles this small do not exist anymore). Beagles are happy dogs, but they have the not-so-happy honor of being frequent participants in medical experiments.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Dog Beds
• Dog Blankets
• Dog Bones
• Dog Carriers
• Dog Collars
• Dog Dishes
• Dog Flea/tick Control Medication
• Dog Food
• Dog Leashes
• Dog Shampoo
• Dog Treats
• Doghouses And Doors
• Nail Clippers For Dogs

1. Choose a beagle if you want an intelligent, friendly, loyal and outgoing companion. They are good watchdogs.

2. Select a beagle if you're looking for a good family dog. They are affectionate and gentle with children.

3. Adopt a beagle with confidence if you have other pets. They get along well with a variety of animals and usually get along with cats. However, adopting a beagle is not a good idea if you have rabbits.

4. Expect to pay between $500 and $1,000 for a good-quality dog from a breeder.

5. Consider adopting from a rescue group. Many rescued dogs are already housebroken and finished with the chewing stage. There is usually nothing wrong with the dogs; owners sometimes give up dogs because of a move, because of time constraints or because of incompatibility with the breed. Many dogs at rescue groups have come from shelters.

6. Expect your dog to reach a height of 13 to 15 inches at the shoulder and to weigh about 18 to 30 lbs. when full grown.

7. Remember that beagles tend to be somewhat stubborn, which means they can be challenging to train. You must be consistent, patient and positive while working with them, providing praise when they do something right. The No. 1 reason people give up beagles is because they couldn't train them.

8. Be prepared to enjoy 12 to 15 years with your beagle, as this is the beagle's average life expectancy.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you or someone in your home is willing to spend 30 to 60 minutes a day playing with and exercising the dog. Beagles are very people-oriented and like to be around humans.

• Your beagle should be an inside-outside dog, sleeping indoors at night.

• Provide your beagle with a secure yard with locked gates, plenty of fresh water and safe toys (avoid stuffed animals - beagles can tear these apart and swallow the stuffing or choke on small parts).

• Be aware that if left alone for extended periods, beagles will either bark or howl. A young beagle should not be given the run of the house when no one is home.