Beagles in General

Question
Hello,

I'm looking in to a few different breeds, I'm planning to get my brother a show quality puppy for his birthday, and would like to get another for myself of the same for breeding.

Beagles are one of the few breeds I'm interested in because of thier size and such.

I'd like to know about their personalities in general.  Are they high strung?  Good with kids?  Good as indoor dogs?  Do they commonly face any health problems?

Also, I know they don't get very big, but, about what height and weight do they reach at maturity?

Can you tell me what characteristics to look for in a show quality pup?

Any other tips on care, grooming and breeding would be very helpful as well.

Thank you very, very much for your help and time!  I look forward to your response.

Iana =)  

Answer
Hi Lana, thanks for writing to me!

The scoop on beagles, huh.....

Well, they are wonderful dogs with kids, very friendly and although they are active they are also considered docile. They are easy to keep clean, they do shed somewhat and brushing once a week will help but they don't need constant upkeep. A bath once a month is sufficient. Beagles LOVE to eat (ok they are DRIVEN to eat) and they need to be kept on a strict diet (NO HUMAN FOOD) and minimal treats. They have a propensity to become obese if you do not do this and obesity will greatly shorten their lives. They are pack animals and as such want the companionship of others. They will readily adapt to a human pack. These are not good dogs if no one is ever going to be home and if they will just get stuck in the back yard. They will bay (howl) incessantly if left alone too much. Two beagles may or may  solve this situation. It could and then it could also end up that they both bay!! They are indoor/outdoor dogs unless they are hunting beagles and then they would be housed outside. I don't personally believe that ANY dog should sleep outside. Beagles should be walked daily if possible or at least a couple times a week, EVEN if they have a big back yard. They crave new sights and smells and require some activity to stimulate them. Since they are hounds their brain just about resides on the end of their snout. They will follow their nose anywhere so you need to be sure you have an escape proof back yard and never leave a front door open without holding onto them. You may hear from people that beagles are hard to train or stupid. THIS IS ABSOLUTELY NOT TRUE!!! They are VERY smart but because their noses guide them they can be easily sidetracked by a scent. Therefore, they require consistent and firm training. The good thing is that they are highly motivated by food so they will respond to positive reinforcement training well.

I have had numerous breeds of dogs and beagles have become my love. They are sweet, loving, funny, mischievous, cuddly, smart, cleaner than most dogs, extremely friendly yet loyal at the time. They will act as a good "alert dog" when someone comes around but that is about the extent of it, they are too friendly to do much of anything to anyone who is friendly back. We always joke that if a robber comes in and talks nice or gives them a treat they would SHOW him where all the valuables were! I do think that my one female though WOULD bite if one of us were being hurt.

As far as what to look for I suggest you go to the AKC website and they will have all the conformation standards to look for. Temperment is important also and you will just have to use your gut instincts. You don't want a "aggressive" pup but you also don't want one that is too "submissive".

I hope this helps and I wish you the best of luck in finding the perfect little ball of fur!
Have4Paws