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Beagle:

The medium-sized dog breed of the beagle is particularly in tune to scents.  With a keen sense of smell, it’s no surprise that the beagle is used by the US Department of Agriculture to detect food in luggage being taken into the US.

While this breed possesses this valuable “skill set”, they’re also popular as pets due to their calm temperament and medium size.  Apparently this breed has evolved throughout the centuries; although dogs similar to this breed have existed for over 2,000 years apparently the breed as we know it today was developed in the early to mid 1830s.

Whether it’s known as Snoopy, the world’s most famous beagle, or simply a lovable housepet, this breed may at first be mistaken by a smaller foxhound, however the expression of the face is different.  Its coat may range from white with areas of black or light brown, they can also appear with a jet black coat with brown highlights.  Of late there have been cross-breeds called a puggle which is the cross between a pug and a beagle.  This hybrid is known as a designer dog which is more suitable for city life than a beagle; it requires less exercise and has a calmer temperament even though the beagle itself is known for having a mild-manner temper with a calm disposition.

Not overly aggressive or intimidating, the beagle enjoys its family and other domestic animals. So much so they may experience separation anxiety.  Since they’re friendly towards family and warm up to strangers, they’re not known for being good guard dogs. While they will bark at unfamiliar people or sites they tend to warm up too quickly to things and strangers.  They’re actually hard to train; since they have such a keen sense of smell they may be distracted during training sessions.  Although they’re alert, intelligent, and eager to please, they’re known to be easily distracted and somewhat bored during training.

Dogs in this breed rather easy going; while they enjoy their exercise and being mobile they don’t get tired easily.  As a result of their strong stamina they also don’t need to exercise at length in order to rest.   Since this breed is susceptible to weight gain, exercise is an important part of its daily routine.  With a normal health span of ten to fifteen years, weight gain may lead to difficult with the heart and with joints.  Beagles may also be prone to epilepsy, problems with the thyroid, and a condition known as “funny puppy”. In this case, the puppy does not develop at a proper rate and eventually has weak legs.  It may appear to be somewhat normal but may be prone to a variety of illnesses.

As with other breeds with long ears, they may have ear infections frequently so proper grooming is required.  Long ears may equate to air becoming trapped and the inner ear may not receive enough air.  Plus, beagles may have a variety of problems with their eyes such as an inflammation of the eye or they may suffer from problems such as glaucoma.  Since they love to smell and explore, they may try to eat whatever food is available. In turn, during their outdoor explorations they may pick up ticks, mites, tapeworms, and fleas.