Beagles: More than just a dog on a red dog house.

Beagles are one of the most popular breeds in the U.S. because they are sweet, friendly, and loyal to their family. They are always happy to play, go for a hike, or even an early morning hunt. There are a few things you may not know about the breed, however. Here are a few to consider before you adopt so you are sure you have chosen the right pet for you and your family.

All Purebred Beagles Have White-tipped Tails

When beagles were originally bred to hunt they were also bred to have white tipped tails so the hunters could find and follow them while they searched for their prey. Now they are only used as a marker for purebred litters. This tail has inspired a malady called cold tail or beagle tail, which is when tails in working dogs become limp and sometimes painful at the base. The best treatment will be to give your dog anti-inflammatories and go to the vet to make sure it is not an intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) that may harm your pet or even paralyze them.

Homeland Security’s Beagle Brigade

As many know beagles have been bred to hunt small game and retrieve prey and are able to do so because of their superior sniffers. Now beagles are still often raised to hunt but they have been used in U.S. homeland security to search through cargo, luggage, and other packages that are coming into our country. Beagles have fantastic noses for searching for specific smells and their wonderful temperament for working with others in high stake situations beagles make the perfect partners for those who have to search for hazardous materials.

Bit of a Loudmouth

The name beagle may actually come from the French words bee gueule, which means wide throat and is often referred to in French poetry as being boisterous and bothersome. Beagles are known to be a bit barky and may be annoying to quiet neighbors. If you adopt a beagle there are a few ways you can train your new pet to be quiet when needed. Positive reinforcement through treats or reward training can help them understand when it is ok to let their opinion be known and when they must be quiet. Before training be sure to research possible training and consider working with a professional.

Sources:

http://mom.me/pets/dogs/19489-cool-facts-about-beagles/item/beagles3/

http://www.yourdictionary.com/beagle

http://www.lifewithbeagle.com/2013/09/you-know-your-dogs-beagle-if-tail.html