Beagle puppies are one of the most adorable puppies to be seen, but beagles are not for everyone. Beagles have a strong sense of smell (as most hound breeds do) and this quality get them in trouble very often. The first and (in my humble opinoin) most important rule for a beagle owner is to have a SECURE fenced yard. Beagles require lots of activity and they are not a dog that you can send out on a potty break without an enclosure to contain them. When a beagle's nose hits the ground there seems to be a disconnect button between the brain and ears. I often tell new beagle owners that a beagle goes deaf , dumb, and blind when the nose starts working. All joking aside, a beagle must be contained or on leash or its life span will probably be shorten by a car very quickly. Just notice the number of beagle type dogs dead on the side of the road to bring home this fact! Beagles are great pets, but they are also very curious dogs. If a few scratches on the coffee table, dining room table, or frequent emptying of the bathroom trash can would bother you-THEN A BEAGLE IS NOT FOR YOU. Beagles totally involve them selves in their home and will inspect every inch on a routine basis. If an energetic, intelligent, stubborn, manipulative dog is to be-then the beagle is the one. Those pleading eyes will melt many hearts.

PROS AND CONS OF OWNING A BEAGLE

Beagles are fun animals to own, but they do have a few bad habits. Stool eating is one of the major drawbacks to owning a beagle. Not all beagles do this and there are products on the market to help break a beagle of this habit. I believe it is due to their strong nose and the rich food we feed them. I have had puppies start this habit as soon as they were started on commercial dog food. If you have a beagle that has this habit, check with your veterinarian for his/her suggestions. I have found that a small amount of dry pellet type rabbit food (about a tablespoon) mixed with your beagles food will almost eliminate this habit. Also Brewer's yeast added in small amounts to the food daily may help curb this problem. Digging also seems to be a part of life with a beagle. I am constantly amazed how carefully constructive some of my gang's holes are to be exactly in the place where I walk. A few twisted ankles and I have learned to watch for the holes. Beagles are also known to be energetic barkers. Again, some beagles will bark at the slightest movement or noise, while others seem to care less.

Beagles are excellent pets for many reasons. They are generally very good with children and require only weekly brushing. Did I mention that Beagles do shed? Beagles are very loving and will charm many a visitor to your house with their antics. Beagles live 10-15 years and are very proned to obesity!!! Watching their diet will help to keep them fit and trim; for more information read Feeding Your Beagle. Food in is MAJOR motivator for most beagles. A common joke of my husband's is that if you don't know a beagle's name call "cookie" and you will get their attention. For more tips on caring for your beagle please read Caring for Your Beagle. Still want a beagle?-Well How Much Will A Beagle Puppy Cost?

To learn more about beagles hop on over to All ABout Beagles Part II.