It’s hard to resist the appeal of a Beagle’s dark brown or hazel eyes, accompanied by their soft, pleading expression. They exude happiness, outgoingness, and love, traits balanced by their hound nature, which makes them inquisitive, determined, and highly food-focused. While not yappy, they possess three distinct vocalizations—a bark/growl, a baying howl, and a half-baying howl, often used when they spot prey or decide it’s time to wake the neighborhood at 6 a.m. As pack dogs, Beagles generally get along well with other animals and eagerly embrace new human friends. The most significant characteristic of the Beagle is their scenthound nature. Their nose takes precedence, always close to the ground, in constant search of intriguing trails to follow. With approximately 220 million scent receptors compared to our paltry 5 million or so, Beagles possess an exceptional ability to detect scents. Dave Barry humorously referred to his in-laws’ Beagle as “a nose with feet.” This incredible sense of smell has even led to their use at airports, where Beagles patrol baggage-claim areas to sniff out contraband food. Their small, friendly, and cute demeanor puts people at ease, allowing them to focus on specific food articles while disregarding non-contraband items. Despite their versatility, Beagles remain exceptional hunters of small game. AKC-sanctioned field trials at the National Beagle Club’s Institute Farm and similar activities in many other countries put breeders with packs to the test. These trials showcase the Beagle’s superb hunting skills. The Beagle’s adaptability makes them suitable for apartment living, provided they receive regular on-leash walks several times a day, regardless of the weather. They thrive with about an hour of exercise daily, and without adequate exercise and attention, they can exhibit destructive behaviors if left alone for extended periods.