Is the Beagle the right dog for you? Many people look at Beagle with its large gentle eyes, droopy ears, it is often very brown and white coat and think that the dog is perfect. It is in fact the third most popular dog in the United States and has been popular since it was introduced into the U.S. in 1640. However, as with all parties and the Beagle in particular, you must ask yourself if you and your family are ready for the dog. Here are the top seven questions that you must ask yourself before buying a Beagle.

1.Have you enough time to look after the Beagle?

The Beagle is a sociable dog, so he is miserable if left alone all day. If the entire family works full-time the dog will not only be miserable but will be inclined to get into mischief. The best home for a Beagle is one further is someone home all day, or at least part of every day. If you're going to leave your Beagle alone for more than four hours you should arrange for someone to walk the dog while you are absent. In my family, where we have dog owners that work full-time, the dog is taken to another family member who is home all day and is willing to dog sit.

2. Can you afford a Beagle? Owning any dog can be expensive

On top of the initial cost of purebred puppy, there is all the equipment that any puppy needs such as dog crates, collars and leads, toys and trainig equipment. In addition, throughout its life the dog will need food, vet care which can be expensive if the dog develops health problems, and kennel fees for when the family goes on vacation to places where these dogs are not accepted and when other family members are not available. In England, my family solved the problem by having only caravan or chalet holidays. In Canada, the problem can be solved by all me having camping holidays. However, you may want to go abroad one day and then kennel fees may be necessary.

3. Are you prepared to own the dog for its entire life?

The lifespan of a Beagle is approximately 14 years. You may have time for a Beagle right now but are you prepared to make the Beagle part of your family over the long-term. Don't forget, that owning a dog means walking the dog at least twice a day, every day and in all weathers.

4. Does everyone in the family wanted dog and do they want a Beagle?

Are all family members is keen to get a dog as you are? Does anyone in the family have allergies to animals, if they do they should be tested for Beagle's. I know from personal experience just how heartbroken a child will be if you get a dog and then have to find him a new home because of someone's allergies. A child in particular will feel a tremendous amount of guilt if you have to find a dog a new home because the dog gives him asthma. Another consideration is whether your children are old enough to have a dog.

5. Are you a doggie person?

Would you rather have a spotless house with everything in its place, would you rather have the dog. The dog means muddy paw prints, dark hair and drool. A puppy means accidents while training, the occasional chewed shoe and may mean dog vomit in the car as he becomes accustomed to driving with you.

6. Is your home suitable for a Dog?

It is possible for a Beagle to live in in an apartment, but a house with the yard makes house training much easier. If you do live in an apartment you may want to consider a rescue dog that is already trained. House training a dog on the 24th floor of an apartment building is not really feasible.

7. What if you get a Beagle that barks?

Beagles are not usually barkers but no matter what the breed, sometimes you end up with the barking dog much to your consternation and the annoyance of your neighbours. It is possible to train any dog out of barking habit, but frequently this takes time. You must ask yourself if you are prepared for the noise, the neighbour complaints and the time necessary to train the dog.