If you are looking for a new dog for your family, consider the many attributes of the Beagle. This low-maintenance hound is high on energy and is usually a friendly and playful choice for most clans. But where did the Beagle come from originally? It seems that this breed has a bit of a cloudy history, although Beagle-type dogs can be traced back as far as 400 B.C. in Greece.

The Beagle as we know it today was probably brought from France to England in the early part of the second century, where packs of this breed were often owned by royalty and used for the primary purpose of hunting hares. This is why this dog has been bred to sniff out the location of these animals and chase it back to where his hunter is lying in wait. The Beagle is a direct ancestor of the Talbot hound, as are Foxhounds and Southern Hounds, and all of these dogs were bred specifically for hunting purposes. While Beagles are still often used for hunting to this day, many more are simply enjoyed as happy, friendly family pets.
England is the country that can receive the majority of credit for making the Beagle breed what it is today. It began in the middle of the nineteenth century with an Englishman by the name of Reverend Phillip Honeywood who bred these dogs as skilled hunters without much regard for the look of the animal. Another man from England, Thomas Johnson, took the breeding process to the next level by creating dogs that were beautiful as well as skilled hunters. When Beagles first came to the United States, the same care was unfortunately not taken to keep the breed intact.

The good news is that a man named General Richard Rowett decided to import English Beagles to breed, and completed the process in a deliberate and careful fashion. This resulted in Beagles making an appearance with the American Kennel Association in 1885, and standards being established for this breed by 1888, when the National Beagle Club was formed. Today, Beagles are still used as hunting dogs, although many more are simply enjoyed as family pets, due to their abundant energy and friendly natures.
Are you convinced that Beagle is the perfect choice for your next family pet? If the answer is yes then your homework and research has just begun. Unfortunately, the popularity of these dogs has led to many puppy mills cropping up across the country. These "breeders" are only interested in producing as many Beagle puppies as possible so that they can turn over a much bigger profit. Factors like health and temperament of the dogs is rarely a consideration in these situations. However, by spending time researching the Beagle breed and studying the history of these dogs you can go far in ensuring that you find a good, healthy dog. Collect plenty of Beagle information by reading articles like these and checking out other sites on the Internet, and talking to experts like reputable breeders and veterinarians about the best places to find healthy dogs. Your hard work will pay off in a family pet that will bring you years of enjoyment. Love your Beagle!

The Beagle has a rich and colorful history that can be traced back many years. By understanding this history you can gain a better understanding of your pet. There is plenty of Beagle information available including the interesting history of your pet. Articles like this and interviews with experts in the field will help you to understand where your Beagle came from and why he acts the way he does.