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The Beagle has become a popular breed of dog in the United States over the past century or so. In fact, in the 1950’s, this breed enjoyed a brief stint at the number one spot for most sought after dogs in this country. But the Beagle’s roots go back much farther than 100 years or so - and could possibly date back to around 400 B.C. in Greece. Documents show that a Beagle type of dog may have been in existence at this time.

However, the Beagle as we know it probably originated in England in the early years of the second century. Royalty in Great Britain was known to keep packs of these hounds for hunting purposes. The Beagle was originally bred to hunt hares, and is quite adept at sniffing these creatures out and luring them back to the location where the hunter is waiting. To this day, Beagles can still be used for hunting, although many are simply family pets to be enjoyed.

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.

In the middle part of the last century, the Beagle actually made it to the number one spot as the most popular breed in this country. It has consistently remained in the top ten most desirable breeds, undoubtedly due to its sweet, friendly nature and abounding energy that makes it a perfect family pet.

If you are considering beagle as a family pet you can rest assured that you will be getting a dog with a rich and colorful history. Whether you plan to use your dog as a hunting companion or simply a companion to curl up on the couch with on cold winter nights, this dog can fit the bill.

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!

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