The Beagle is a personable and sociable dog. They are perhaps best known for their unique baying bark, but are nonetheless loyal companions. These dogs are medium-sized members of the hound group and they are similar in appearance to Foxhounds. These dogs were bread for tracking hare, rabbit and small game. The Beagle is known for his keen sense of smell. They are excellent trackers and many have been trained as detection dogs for prohibited agricultural imports. These dogs are often used in quarantine areas to detect prohibited imports. These dogs also make excellent family pets because of their medium size and excellent temperament. The breed has very few inherited health problems.

The Beagle is an old breed, having existed for over 2,000 years and with its beginnings in the United Kingdom. This breed was refined in the 1830s along with several other hounds, although its existence dates back to the early 1700s. These dogs have also been used in many works of art and literature, especially in the Elizabethan times. Additionally, the dog breed has also been depicted in pop culture such as the "the world's most famous beagle," Snoopy from the Peanuts comic strip.

In medieval times, the term "beagle" was used as the generic name for small hounds. Even miniature versions of these dogs were bred and many were so small that they stood only 8 to 9 inches at the shoulder and were termed "Pocket Beagles," as they literally could fit in a pocket or saddlebag. In 1890, the first standard for the Beagle as we know it were developed and The Beagle Club was formed. These dogs were exported to the United States in the 1840s.

The Beagle is well known for its even temperament. They tend to be quite happy dogs and they enjoy being with the family. Because they are so amiable, they tend to make poor guard dogs, but their baying bark is enough to alert you when someone new has come around. These dogs are incredibly intelligent, but also very determined. Once they are on the chase, they are on the chase and it can be difficult to deter them. They were bred to have this single-minded, one-track mindset so that they would be successful in the fields and on the hunt. These dogs are generally obedient and good for dog obedience training, but also easily distracted, especially by smell. They do not generally tend to be featured in obedience trials, as they become bored and distracted quite easily. These dogs do respond well to food-reward training and are eager to please.

These dogs can live reasonably well in an apartment, but do best with a home that has a yard to play in. They can make either indoor or outdoor pets.

Beagles are popular family dogs, but are prone to separation anxiety. They tend to get along with other dog breeds well, but when they are excited they tend to bay excitedly. These dogs do not need much in terms of exercise and with a good, healthy diet they will remain in good shape. These dogs may become overweight as they age and if they are fed table scraps, so it is important to ensure a proper diet.

The Beagle is a versatile dog and their friendly nature and gentleness makes them popular pets and great for dog obedience training. Provide your Beagle with a healthy diet, moderate and regular exercise and lots of love and they will be happy family members for years to come.