The friendly, affectionate, and industrious beagle is a mainstay in homes across the country. These smart and nose-driven pups bring plenty to the table. They’re Renaissance dogs, with a variety of interests and skills. Read on to learn more about them!

They’re Good at Sniffing Out Trouble

Beagles have a history as scent dogs used for the hunt, so their sniffers are top notch. Their dedication to following their noses can sometimes get them into trouble, or lead to an escape. It does help them sniff out trouble among others, too, though. The USDA’s Beagle Brigade patrols airports on the lookout for contraband food and plants that can pose a danger to our environment. Beagles are often used to root out other items, as well, because they can be trained to recognize dozens of smells.

They’re a Little Smelly

Speaking of smells, beagles are often said to have their own distinct scent that sets them apart from other breeds. The jury’s still out on how smelly this scent may be, but they are known to enjoy rolling in stinky materials, which may help promote the idea of a “beagle smell.”

They Love to Run But They Love to Snack

Beagles love the active life, but, much like many human runners, they may run to eat. The breed is prone to obesity because of their passion for food. Their strong noses also help them locate and indulge in foods that aren’t properly stowed away, beagle-proof style. So, beagle owners should know that one, their dogs love a good romp outside, and two, they may also romp through the treat cabinet if it’s unsecured.

Their Tails Are Ready for Takeoff

In addition to their active lives and appetites, beagles’ tails are hyperactive, too. This breed is known for exceptionally waggy tails. In fact, sometimes this even leads to a temporary straining condition, known as limber tail syndrome. Symptoms include a limp and sore tail. Another interesting tidbit about their tails is that they have white tips, a feature that was likely bred into the dogs so they’d be easier to spot during the hunt.

They Can Be Your Cat’s BFF

Beagles are widely regarded as good family dogs because of their friendly and agreeable nature. This even extends to the family cat. Though training is necessary to ensure a good relationship, beagles are among the breeds that tend to get along well with cats. However, if you have more than one beagle, you may need to watch out for them teaming up against kitty.

They Can Prepare a Good Monologue

Though individual dogs will differ, beagles tend to have a lot to tell you. In addition to a good and solid bark, they also howl. Another interesting vocalization is their bay, which some have described as sounding a bit like doggie yodeling. It’s linked to their hunting past, when they would have made a similar noise to alert their humans about prey.

They Once Had the Run of the White House

Over the years, many pets have made their home in the White House, and beagles are no exception. President Lyndon B. Johnson had three beagles during his time in office: Him, Her, and Edgar. Edgar was named after J. Edgar Hoover, who had gifted Johnson the dog. Him also sired puppies, two of which were kept by. Johnson’s daughter Luci, who named them Kim and Freckles.

They Dominate the Newspaper Comic Section

If you still pick up a newspaper these days, or you used to do so in the past, you were greeted with more than one beagle in the comics section. Snoopy, Charlie Brown and Woodstock’s story writing buddy, is a beagle. It’s also believed that Odie from the Garfield comics is meant to be a beagle, or part beagle.

They Provided Counsel to Royalty

The beagle as we know it today is a somewhat more recent development, but past versions of the dog were counselors to royalty. Their counsel may have been “you should give me treats”, but their role was important regardless. Edward II and Henry VII were known to have packs of what were called glove beagles due to their miniature size, while another miniature pup known as a pocket beagle was popular with Elizabeth I. 

They’re the Stars of Classic Literature

More forbears of today’s beagle were found in the literature of that time, as well. Famed and somewhat naughty author Geoffrey Chaucer mentioned them in The Canterbury Tales as “smale houndes”, while a line from Sir Toby Belch in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night goes, “She’s a beagle true bred, and one that adores me. What o’ that?”