Beagles were born to hunt rabbits and although this dog breed can only be traced back to the mid 1900's, this little rascal of a dog has made a big impact on many dog lovers' hearts. 
The Beagle breed was developed in the British Isles. Along with being favored as a rabbit hunter, it also has the distinction of being favored by Queen Elizabeth. It belongs to a group of scent hounds that use scent to hunt down prey. You can just see one running by with its nose to the ground saying "Where's the wabbit?"
Beagles are short haired hounds that are small in size and big on scent. They have long ears that lay against their heads. They come in black and white and tan color combinations. They have soft and pleading eyes that would melt any heart. These friendly and adorable little love bundles have a tail that never quits. It helps them to converse with the people they meet. They make wonderful family pets and get along well with children and other animals, all except rabbits. The hunting instinct within them is strong. They are not aggressive, but will alert an owner when company arrives.
Beagles do very well in obedience classes and there are many good classes available on the market today. Just be sure that the one you choose uses positive reinforcement in their training. Classes combined with extra training at home will soon make this puppy the dog you've always dreamed of. Using some good dog treats will also score big with your dog, as they love food. You will also be pleased that there is an added bonus with this little package. They don't need very much grooming. Just a bath with a good shampoo every now and that should do the trick. There are many dog shampoos on the market to choose from to keep your Beagle dog in good order.
There is a little drawback when you get a Beagle. They love digging, and this stems from the need to hunt. If you have a garden, a good idea is to just give the dog a section where he will be allowed to dig. 
Some people make a sand box for their dog, which seems to take care of their need to dig, and this seems to work very well. They can be trained to dig just in one place. Continuous training will take care of all the problems that may come with these dogs. You will be left with the happiest and healthiest dog on the block, that you will be proud to take anywhere.
There may not be too much in your home for your Beagles to hunt, but they love games. Maybe with a bit of imagination, you can invent a game where they have to find what you've hidden. They will love this and they certainly won't mind the treats and praise that they receive after they've found it. Positive reinforcement is crucial with this breed of dog, as they can be a little stubborn. Keep a pocket full of treats handy at all times to encourage your Beagles to do the right thing.
