I have very fond memories of my Beagle, Daisy, who was my birthday present when I turned 7 years old--she lived until I was 23, just shy of her 16th birthday. She was what the other posters have said: extremely gentle, good with children, scent crazy (Daisy never lifted her nose from the ground on walks, I swear!), cute as a button, and very easygoing. On the other hand, she was also prone to running away, not easily housebroken, and quite independent. She was the only dog in her class to fail obedience TWICE--even the trainer couldn't get her to do anything!

Have some patience when you get your Beagle, but keep him active and enjoy what a sweetheart he'll be!

[ December 11, 2001: Message edited by: kobieeli ]