New Mexico Beagle Rescue

The boys!

The beagle is a small scent hound, bred to track rabbit and hare while the hunter follows on foot.  They are short coated and usually a sturdy little hound.  They come in two varieties: 13" and 15".  There is a great distinction in their hair color, although the most common is black, tan and white (tricolor).

Because beagles are scent hounds, they can be roamers, if not confined to an escape-proof  yard.  Fences should be high enough (4 feet or higher) to prevent climbing and secured at the base to prevent digging out.  Gates should have good latches and be child-proof, preferably locked.  However, not all beagles are climbers or diggers.  This usually happens if they are just left outside without any kind of attention from the family or other dogs.

Beagle puppies (up to 2 years old) are very inquisitive and active.  Because of their scenting ability, they tend to be into everything, especially waste baskets, food left anywhere, or cat litter boxes.

Beagle puppies need a great deal of time for training, so they are better placed where some adult in the family is home all or at least 3/4 of the day.  They also require a family that has the patience to work with them and not become angry or abuse them because they don't learn something fast enough for the owners!  Beagles are very intelligent, and they don't take long to learn if they're taught the correct way (motivational training consisting of food, fun, praise, and a good time.)

Even though they have a mind of their own, they can make very good obedience dogs if the motivational training method is used.  They do not respond to rough methods of training since they do have a sensitive nature.  They really want to work and please you and if they don't do well in obedience, it is usually because the owner is the one not paying attention or not doing the home training in the proper manner.

Beagles are not constant barkers as many people think.  If they have plenty of activity, both work and play, they generally are fairly quiet.  They are territorial and protective of their family.  They are very good with children which is why they are called a family pet.

Like any other dog, they like their family around and usually get along well with other dogs (sometimes cats also) since they were bred to hunt in packs.  A beagle does best in a home where the people are patient and loving, willing to work with the dog, and have the time to work with the dog.

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 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. 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!