It’s not mere coincidence that the universally beloved canine star of the Peanuts series happened to be a Beagle. In fact, it’s because he was a Beagle that Snoopy, the long-eared Red Baron of the animal kingdom, became one of the most infamous and adored of all cartoon characters.
Beagles do that to you. One minute this endearing pooch is driving you batty after chewing up yet another pair of new shoes, the next you’re head over heels in love again with your little friend, knowing that nothing could ever, ever take his special place in your life.
Speak to any Beagle breeder about this dog and you’ll be inundated with stories on this intriguing hound, which is ruled by an incredibly strong sense of smell and which, in keeping with true hound characteristics, will bay the day away if left too long on its own. You’ll also be told that as tempting as it is to rush out and buy yourself an almost-impossible-to-resist Beagle puppy, this breed is certainly not for everyone.
Diesel the Beagle joined the Bird household a year ago and Nicola and husband Dave have never quite recovered. ”What I love most about Diesel is his cheeky, mischievous side,” says Nicola. “But he’s not a bad Beagle — they have wonderful natures and are gentle and patient with kids. They are also very intelligent.”
In Nicola’s opinion, Beagles are best suited to people who have lots of time for their dog and who will not leave it on its own in the backyard. “You also cannot be house/clothes/garden-proud, because more than likely, your Beagle will have a go at all three at some point!” she adds with a smile.
Although the Beagle is said to have existed more than 2000 years ago in Ancient Greece, it is known this dog was used as a hunter of hare and rabbit in Britain since the 14th century. While some serious Beagle owners still use their dogs for hunting purposes, today this pooch is kept mostly as an adored family pet around the world and carries out this role with great zest and zeal.
The Beagle is a happy-go-lucky dog which brings a breath of fresh air to any household. However, the Beagle can be a handful and breeders warn that prospective owners should rethink their decision if they work long hours and are unable to give the dog enough time and stimulation to keep it happy. The consequences of an unhappy Beagle can be disastrous: baying for long periods of time (sure to send your neighbours demented), destruction both in and out the house, serious attempts at escape, and a sad and doleful pooch.
Being a hound, the Beagle has one of the strongest noses in dogdom and this can leave Beagle guardians pulling their hair out. If there’s food to be had in the kitchen, the Beagle will get it. More importantly, however, if there’s the smallest hole near your fence, the Beagle will scratch its way out and follow a scent to the netherworld, never to be seen again. Breeders emphasise that Beagle backyards need to be 100 per cent escape proof and that Beagles should always be walked on-leash or be allowed to play only in securely fenced off-leash areas. This is the only way to keep control of that powerful Beagle nose.
And as for those new shoes you recently bought ... keep all belongings safely out of reach because this pooch is a master at finding and destroying anything it can fit between its lips.
The Beagle was bred as a pack dog and has one of the strongest needs of all dogs to be part of a family, with constant human or canine company. This is certainly not an outside dog and will become a problem if left on its own in the yard. And what a waste this would be, considering the Beagle is one of the most loyal, fun, patient and adorable dogs to be part of any family. The beagle is also recognised as one of the most child-friendly breeds available. |
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