Finding the perfect pet for a family with small children can be a daunting task, with many small breeds that may be good with kids, the Beagle is about the most well rounded breed for children. Its even temper and eagerness to please their owners, makes the Beagle an ideal animal for indoor company.

Their incessant barking and rowdy behavior when confronted by a stranger makes them appear more aggressive than their nature supports, but this action is what makes this otherwise friendly pet such a good watchdog, Usually, a word from its owner will settle the dog down while it becomes accustomed to this new person in its territory. In addition to them making excellent pets and serving as the occasional watchdog, beagles also can be trained as hunting dogs to track and capture game, due to its keen sense of smell.

Its diligence as a hunting dog can be traced back to the 18th century when hunters wanting to spend all day on the hunt used beagles to track and corner hares. Their later use as rabbit hunters allowed them to use their nose to follow the rabbits into high weeds and under brush to find the elusive quarry. Being in reasonably good health beagles also have the stamina needed to chase down as animal into its hiding place and then work on routing the rabbit into an opening.

A beagle's diet is important, especially for the ones confined to a small space. Animals that are kept indoors and allowed outdoors only to use the bathroom have more of a chance of becoming overweight than those with room to run. They may prefer the opportunity to run wild in a large yard or field, possibly tracing back to their glory days as hunters. Beagles are equally happy in the home romping and playing with children or other small animals.

Beagles have been used as hunting dogs, mostly due to their keen sense of smell. Their use in rabbit hunting in the 18th century quickly exceeded that of the harrier as the Beagles speed, stamina and determination would allow them to track down the speedier animal.

Their size also allowed them entry to many places larger hunting dogs could not fit. Heavy underbrush, while inviting to hares, proved no match for the Beagle and its sense of smell and ability track the animals into the wild.

With the beagle hot on the trail, hunters on horseback could hang back and leisurely follow the sounds of the hunting beagles as they chased the rabbits into dense thickets and brush. Eventually, the dog would emerge carrying its quarry making it desired for hunters who enjoyed the art of hunt more than the taking of the game.

The all day hunters appreciated the instincts of a well-trained beagle is they could ride leisurely behind the dog as it chased the scent of its quarry into even the thickest of undergrowth, emerging successfully with its prey.