Beagles

I have a 6 year old beagle.
 
They are incredibly friendly. No one is a stranger.
 
Ours was very easy to house train but I have heard that others are not.
 
They can be food hounds. Ours has been known to jump into a repairman's truck who was working in our house and eat his lunch.
 
They are noisy. Our girl howls (bays) sometimes at other dogs, sometimes at the moon.
 
They do shed but they are low upkeep. They have a dry, gentle mouth.
 
They are absolutely not to be trusted off lead. Once they get on a scent , their brain shuts down to anything else.
 
Their size is such that I think they could be happy in an apartment as long as you were willing to walk them daily.
 
Ous does not like cold weather and absolutely loves nothing better than to soak up the sun in the summer. A hot driveway is her favorite place in July.
 
Ours has had very few health problems.
 
Some can have problems with ear infections but once again, ours has not had any and she is 6 years old.
 
They like to roll in anything stinky....rabbit poop, dead fish, etc.
 
Is this enough???[]

Positives:
Adorable
Small, convenient size
Easy care coat
Non threatening to others
Love children if properly raised (kids AND Beagle)
Sturdy, build well for life with kids...not easily broken, lol.
Plays well with others (dogs cats and other)
Very food motivated, can hasten training
Energetic yet also willing to snuggle
If purchased from reputable sources, decent health is to be expected.
Good lifespan...usually 12-16 years and beyond
Agile, quick dog suitable for agility, tracking, or obedience if you have a sense of humor!
Good hunting companion if that's your thing.
 
Negatives:
Barking or howling can become problematic if so allowed
May dig or seek to escape yards to follow their noses
Stubborn
Ears may be prone to infections if not regularly attended to
Inveterate food stealers...will literally eat themselves to DEATH.
Many many Beagles find poop, their own and others...a delicacy!
They shed like many other dogs do.
Require a good amount of exercise, more than one might think a small dog needs.
Like many scenthounds they do have a doggy smell.
Not likely to ever be 100% off lead!
Snoring is common...as is a small amount of flatulence []
Watch for Beagle Pain Syndrome, Thyroid issues, Cherry eye, Epliepsy, dwarfism
Overbreeding has led to some mean, aggressive, or unpredictable specimens. Mind who you get one from!
 
 
 

Thank you for sharing. That was very helpful!

both good descriptions of the Beagle...
they are a dog's dog...they are small but not a foo-foo dog.
a quote from our web page...
 With a temperament approaching New York bravado and possessing a strong "mid western" work ethic, this tough and resilient little hound is more suited to life with your local Ironworker than the socialite.
 
you can read this as well...
[linkhttp://www.houndsong.com/php/beagle.php]http://www.houndsong.com/php/beagle.php[/link]