Is a Beagle the flop-eared rascal for you?

The popular image that comes to mind when most people think “Beagle” probably involves a pack of them, baying wildly as they chase foxes hither and yon across the countryside. True enough, these dogs are commonly put to work as hunting dogs, but they’ll also make a super family pet.

The Beagle can smell with the best of them, and this adds to their honed hunting instincts. The American Kennel Club’s throws the Beagle in with the hound group, which actually is separated again into two size groups: less than 13 inches and between 13 to 15 inches. Other than the size difference, both Beagle groups are the same. Their dark eyes shine out between a pair of droopy ears as they untiringly wag their long tails. The Beagle is a short-haired breed and comes in any mix of tan, black, or orange, almost always with white markings.

A Beagle will adapt to apartment life, but can annoy the neighbors if he’s always howling at strange noises. Being the inexhaustible hunters they are, they’ll to burn energy, so you’ll need to take your Beagle for a long walk or a romp in the park. Also, you’ll have to always think twice before turning him loose. A Beagle hot on a rabbit trail forgets all obedience training while he’s tracking down his prey. He won’t even hear your calls.

Stereotypically, Beagles simply adore children and other dogs, but will take every chance they get to harass a cat. They’re a playful bunch, but they’ll sulk if they don’t get their way. A Beagle is so sensitive, something as little as someone laughing at him after a blunder can make him brood for days. To avoid hurting your dog’s feelings, warn your kids to always encourage and be kind to the dog.

Granted, in the heat of the chase Beagles occasionally won’t obey commands, but they still should learn the behavior basics. It’ll take patience and hard work. Or consider enlisting professional help, and get your little guy in some obedience classes.

Beagles love to eat and they’re not at all picky. If you diet your dog, he’ll happily eat garbage. Heck, even if he’s not on a diet, he could still hit the trash for dessert.

You’ll want to groom your pet once a week to manage shedding. You probably won’t have to trim their nails, as the get enough exercise to wear them down, but check at least once a month to see if they do need trimming.

Beagles are, in general, a healthy breed. Still, some of them can develop heart disease or epilepsy. Also, with their eating habits, Beagles can also become overweight.

A happy, well behaved, and loveable pooch, the Beagle just might be for you!