Beagle Pictures

Beagle pictures available on numerous websites of breeders and owners feature cute and intelligent dogs that seem to be ideal pets. Actually, owning a Beagle is not an easy task, because these creatures with strong hunting instincts require much time, patience, and knowledge. Irresponsible owners who know nothing on the breed and cannot devote much time to training the puppy and communicating with the dog complain that Beagles are difficult to live with. Only a knowledgeable and experienced dog owner will benefit from obtaining a Beagle.

Numerous Beagle pictures of the Middle Ages prove that this breed was used for pursuing small game, like fox and rabbit. Beagles were useless in deer hunting. The name of the breed probably refers to the Celtic word "beag" meaning "small" or “of no value.” A pack of Beagles was an attribute of the rich. The royalty and nobility of England and France enjoyed hunting with Beagles. Since these dogs can be followed on foot, ladies started to participate in hunting. Old time Beagles were much smaller that the modern variety of the breed. Glove and Pocket Beagles were very popular both as scent hounds and lap dogs.

Beagle pictures of the 14th century feature hunting dogs about 9 inches at the withers. They were unable to cross rough terrain and hunters had to carry them over difficult places. Today, very small Beagles are bred by irresponsible backyard breeders. Serious breed fanciers never use unethical methods of breeding to produce smaller puppies. Nowadays, Beagles are no longer used for hunting, but their popularity keeps growing every year because of unusual looks and friendly personality of these creatures.

Working abilities of the Beagle are rarely taken into consideration by people who want to purchase a family pet. Hunting instincts and independent personality often make Beagles difficult to train and live with. A unique sense of smell makes Beagles very useful in detecting dangerous agents, drugs, and plants. Show quality Beagles are used in field trials, agility, and conformation. Obedience is not the best sport for this breed. Though we see clever and quiet dogs in Beagle pictures, this breed is not enthusiastic with obeying commands.