There are few pets as irresistibly adorable as a beagle puppy. For dog lovers, just passing by a pet shop window with a few wiggly mounds of fluff is an effort to pull away from. But if those wiggly puffs are beagle puppies, it's something else.

Before being overwhelmed by the eyes, friendliness and charm of these little yappers, take a moment and be cool. A beagle is not your average dog, if there is any such thing as your average dog, and they have very distinct personalities hidden between those floppy ears.

Following are some key points to consider before taking on the serious responsibility of taking a beagle into your home:

They Only Look Small

Beagles are small dogs and therefore are easier to feed, wash and carry than a larger dog, but don't think for a second that a beagle will act his size. For their size beagles are full of energy and friendly curiosity. They make excellent companions for children of all ages, providing a perpetual supply of energetic antics and entertainment.

The antics are truly limitless and a beagle pup will follow his inquisitive nose into your rubbish bins, drawers, shoes, flower beds and then back into your bed. But this is only because he understands the need to be fully aware of his surroundings to better serve you the alpha of the pack. So be sure he has plenty of room for antics and you will save on repairs.

Tougher to Train

Beagles are highly intelligent and multi-talented dogs; they are fully capable of participating in competitions of skill, obedience, flyball and agility. It is probably this superior intellect that can make the beagle such a tough pal to train.

House-training is not impossible not by a long shot, but conventional methods of simply walking the dog at regular times may not be enough for the beagle. Patience and consistency are key in house training a beagle: many beagle owners say they have had much success with crate training their pups.

Noisy Little Guys

For apparently no reason or for no reason apparent to you, your beagle friend may begin to bay loudly and yap at the wall, couch or refrigerator. This is a common occurrence for a beagle, whose superior sense of smell is constantly being bombarded with new and interesting sensations.

Beagles are a very social animal companion, they enjoy and require a lot of time socializing with their pack mates. Do consider that twice the beagles is more like four times the trouble but also four times the excitement and good companionship.

Be sure you are ready for it.