Lulu is a Border Collie and Beagle mix from Delaware, Ohio and a graduate of Homestead Dogs 2-week Overnight Basic Puppy Training Camp. Lovely, Lulu!

Beagle

The Beagle could have probably phoned it in for a career. Happy-go-lucky attitude, big droopy ears, big brown eyes and stylish coat. They don’t drool and maintain minimal odor and shedding.

But they have a pretty good career going, too.

Beagles were bred to hunt hares. Some believe they were doing so in England as long as 2000 years ago.

A pack of Beagles were a status symbol for 16th century English hunters. Many prominent English hunters would maintain a pack of larger hounds for tracking deer and the smaller Beagles for hares. As the Beagle spread across the planet, they became the smaller version we’re familiar with today.

This smaller version became popular with foot hunters and the average citizenery as they could easily keep pace with these smaller Beagles. And still do. “Beaglers” in more remote areas of the United States still prefer the nasal capabilities, enthusiasm and musical voice of the Beagle to other hunting dogs.

Trainability: C

Beagles are at their best in an engaged group setting, whether human or animal. They are great family dogs and wonderful with children…if your family has more 17th century traits, like hunting your own dinner. Beagles are high-energy dogs that were bred to work in groups. So they’re comfortable in a family setting, however, they require group exercise and environment.

A lonely Beagle has a nose for trouble. Left alone at home for extended periods can lead to undesirable behaviors. Left alone in the back yard is a recipe for disaster, these little dogs are master escape artists. Invisible fencing is useless unless used as a backup. Fencing must be over 5 feet tall to prevent jumping and climbing with accommodations also needed to prevent tunneling.

Beagles must be leashed when walking. They have amazing nasal senses and an equally amazing desire to track that scent.

You can read more about Beagles at the American Kennel Club and the National Beagle Club.