Mary Allen
The Beagle is one of the most well-known breeds in the world. Its history goes back centuries. In the Ardennes (western part of the Rhenish Slate Mountains), monks have been breeding the St. Hubertus dog since the 7th century. To increase strength and speed, this was crossed with greyhounds. From this mating the Northern Hounds, later called Talbot, came into being.
When the Normans conquered Britain in 1066, they brought the Northern Hounds with them to England. These in turn were crossed with the Southern Hounds, already established in England. In order to combine the positive characteristics of both breeds, the English Beagle was created around 1400.
The beagle hound was primarily used to hunt rabbits but was also used to hunt jackals and wild boar.
While few beagles are used today to hunt singly or in packs, most members of the breed make lovable pets.
He belongs to FCI group 6 (scent hounds, scent hounds, and related breeds), section 1.3 (small scent hounds. With working test.).
#1 The Beagle is a very sociable dog. After a short phase of restraint, he reacts with curiosity and friendliness to small and large conspecifics as well as to people.
He has a very keen sense of smell, which allows him to pick up even the finest traces.
The breed is also characterized by determination and perseverance. Once the Beagle has set his mind on something, he will use all means to achieve his goal. His hunting instinct can get the upper hand and commands from humans are ignored.
The Beagle's hearing is of the very highest quality and as pack dogs, the animals have great adaptability - a quality that has a positive effect when living with the dog.
#2 For the Beagle there must be clear structures within his pack in which he has his place. Otherwise there is a risk that he will try to become the leader of the pack himself.
The Beagle is a scent hound and therefore needs a lot of exercise. Long distances are very welcome to him. He also needs enough activity and enjoys it when there is always something going on.
His nature is very intelligent, which does not necessarily go hand in hand with obedience. As a hunting dog, it is shaped in such a way that it acts independently in the open field. It requires a consistent and at the same time loving upbringing in order to tame the stubbornness halfway.
#3 Beagles are very alert dogs, who will bark loudly at unfamiliar sounds, alerting the pack of danger. However, they are not watchdogs as they are far too friendly for that. A burglar could easily bribe these dogs with a treat.
Should the hunting instinct of the four-legged friend get the upper hand, so that there are large and small incidents, he is well protected with both the dog health insurance and the dog liability insurance of the DFV. The DFV animal health protection provides up to 100% reimbursement of costs in the event of illness and surgeries.