Beagles are a gentle breed and are generally good with children. They love to hunt, especially rabbits but will eagerly chase squirrels, and other animals such as deer.
They are intelligent but can be stubborn because of their need to be hunting. It can be very difficult to get a beagle to "come" when he's on a scent!
Teaching a beagle basic commands and tricks is not too difficult but they may not want to perform when "on a trail". Beagles LOVE food; be careful not to overfeed or to give much "people food".
They are generally very affectionate, loving dogs with big brown eyes that seem to beg for attention. They really do love to be petted, praised, and respond well to human attention.
A key to obedience training is to teach a beagle to "watch me" from a young age if possible. It is also very important to praise and reward the "come" command. NEVER display anger toward a dog after he obeys a "come" even if it is on the tenth try!
I am the proud owner of two Beagles:
1. Chips, who now has her CDX (Companion Dog Excellent title) and RN (Rally Novice) and was the number 8 beagle in the US in Novice obedience in 2001 and has her CGC and is a retired Therapy Dog. She did therapy visits at our local hospital and continues to occasionally compete in obedience.
She was the number one beagle in the U.S. in Open A obedience in 2006 according to the "First and Foremost" rating system.
She was the number 4 beagle in the U.S. in 2006 for Open and Utility Obedience Combined "First and Foremost" ranking.
She is one leg short of an agility title (Two first places for her first two legs) but is retired from agility due to surgery for a herniated disc. She has competed well for my daughter in 4H events as well, including Grand Champion in showmanship in the Clare County fair in 2005 and 2006 and 4th in the state of Michigan at the Michigan State dog show in 2005.
2. Rudy, born 8-22-03. Rudy is a feisty guy who plays hard and has lots of fun. He has lots of "drive" and is turning into a a good agility dog.
Rudy has earned 11 agility titles and now has both his AKC "Masters" standard and Jumpers with Weaves agility titles having just earned his Master Agility Standard title on 1-12-08. His registered name with titles is:
Echo Run Flying Ace MX,MXJ,OF,NAP,RN
He has started the new AKC "FAST" trials and is the very first beagle to have earned the AKC Novice FAST title and one of the first to earn an Open FAST title.
Rudy has also earned his Novice Rally obedience title and we hope to do "regular" obedience at some point.
See pictures of my dogs by clicking the green buttons on the left.
This Ring
of Scenthounds site is owned by
Glenn Laffy.
