Dogs are by far one of the most popular pets to have, not only in America, but around the world. They are very lovable and have an unconditional affection that fits well with many families. However, not all dog breeds are the same. Every breed is inherently different, and will react different depending on the living conditions in which they live. You obviously don’t want to buy a big dog, if you live in a small space.

Below is a list of the top 10 most popular dog breeds in America, according to the American Kennel Club.

1. Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog in America, not only because it’s a beautiful dog available in a variety of colors, but also because it’s a great family pet. Labs also make great hunting dogs, as well as a bird dog. Parents love that they are easy to train, have a calm temperament and are very friendly with kids. It should be no surprise to anyone why labs are one of the most popular dog breeds.

2. German Shepherd

The German Shepherd breed has a very strong following. They make great service dogs for the police, but are also family-friendly watch dogs. They are a bigger breed, but very intelligent and easy to train. A well-trained German Shepherd will be one of the best dogs you will ever own.

3. Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier is a stylish smaller breed, that is a popular one at competitive dog shows. Many people like th Yorkshire terriers because they have a style that separates them from other popular breeds. They are smaller, and make great house pets for the elderly.

4. Golden Retriever

The Labrador Retriever may be the most popular dog breed, but it’s not the only retriever people like. The Golden Retriever is also a very popular breed. Its main distinction is the beautiful golden coat that appeals to many people. Golden retrievers are also very smart and easy to train, which make them a great choice for a pet.

5. Beagle

The Beagle is another popular dog breed. They’re small, lovable dogs that make great hunters of small game. While the history of beagles is complex, they are more recently becoming a perfect addition to families that have a little less active lifestyle. Training a beagle is also very easy to do and they make great family pets, especially lemon beagles!

6. Boxer

Boxers are a strong, stocky breed that originates in Germany. Like many German dogs, Boxers have numerous qualities that appeal to many families.

7. Bulldog

The Bulldog, sometimes referred to as a British Bulldog or English Bulldog, is another popular breed in the United States. This affectionate dog has a low-key demeanor that hides what can sometimes be an aggressive streak. Many people find this dog a great choice because of its look and personality, however, they often have health problems that may contribute to a shorter lifespan.

8. Dachshund

The Dachshund is another popular breed with families and the elderly. Sometimes called wiener dogs because of their long body and short logs. For a family looking for something a little out of the ordinary, dachshunds can be a great choice.

9. Poodle

Poodles are another popular dog breed that is commonly associated with older, rich women, but in reality, they can make great family pets. Its most popular form is a miniature poodle, which has been “bred down” over years and years of breeding. They are small and cute, but their intelligence is debatable amongst dog lovers.

10. Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is another show dog. This breed originates from China, and is one of the oldest dog breeds on Earth. Their small size and hypoallergenic coats make it a very good choice for families or anyone that suffers from allergies.

It is our responsibility as a pet owner to make sure our dogs maintain proper oral hygiene. While bad breath in dogs isn’t a serious health concern, it could be a symptom of a much larger, more serious health issue.

3 Causes of Bad Breath in Dogs

Plaque & Tartar Build up

Bad breath in dogs can be caused by a variety of reasons. The most common cause of bad breath in dogs is the build up of plaque and tartar. Dogs don’t brush their teeth everyday like we do. Over time, that plaque will build up in their mouth, hardening on their teeth. This will undoubtedly cause a very unpleasant stench.

Eventually, this plaque will start to affect your dogs’ gums, leading to inflammation and bleeding. Once this happens, it can make bad breath worse, as well as lead to liver and kidney problems. Try brushing their teeth at least once every week. I personally brush my beagle’s teeth every time I give her a bath. This way, I can make a mess and it all goes right down the drain.

Broken or Decaying Tooth

Just like humans, dogs can break their teeth. Keep an eye on what your dog chews on. If they spent a lot of time outside, be sure to clear any sticks or other hard objects that they may chew on. Poor oral hygiene in your dog may eventually lead to weaker, and more susceptible teeth.

Diet & Poor Digestion

The food your dog eats is another determining factor of them having bad breath. Feeding your dog table scraps or other fatty-foods can lead to poor digestion and constipation. If you over-feed them or they don’t get enough water, they may also have problems digesting the food they ate.

Keep your dogs on a regular feeding routine, with high-fiber dog food. Make sure they have at least one or two bowel movements everyday. Avoid giving them table scraps, especially fatty meats and other constipation causing foods. Feeding them the same amount everyday, will help keep their digestive system moving and them at a healthy weight.

4 Remedies for Bad Breath in Dogs

Getting rid of bad dog breath is pretty easy to do. Chances are, brushing your dog’s teeth on a frequent basis will solve the problem. So, implement that into your routine, and your dog will have fresher breath. But, of course, you need to get rid of the stink right now. Below are a few remedies for bad breath in dogs that are simple and effective.

Water & Baking Soda

Mixing warm water, with a little baking soda can help get rid of bad breath. You’ll want to make it into a paste, so don’t use too much water. Simply take a gauze pad or soft rag, and rub the baking soda mix directly onto your dog’s teeth. This will help remove plaque and tartar, as well as instantly improve their breath.

Minty Treats

Most pet stores will sell minty, dental treats that will help with your dog’s bad breath problem. There are many different kinds of dental dog treats, so read the labels carefully. This is probably the most low-maintenance way to get rid of bad breath in dogs. But, understand that these dog treats will only mask the problem, not solve it.

Dental Dog Toys

There are plenty of different dog toys that help with oral hygiene. Search online or at your local pet store for these toys. They are designed to help scrub away plaque as they chew on them.

Baby Carrots

Another way to get rid of your dog’s bad breath is to give them baby carrots. They are a healthy treat, which will assist in the removal of plaque.

Talk to your Veterinarian

Please remember that the bad breath remedies above are merely tips at solving the problem. If your dog consistently has bad breath, it is very likely that is a symptom of a more serious health issue. Go to your veterinarian, and have your dog looked at. They will be able to give you a well educated guess at what’s going on with your dog.

Related Articles:

• 4 Training Tips for Beagles
• The History of the Beagle Breed
• 3 Basic Skills for Training a Dog [VIDEO]
• Lemon Beagle Picking on a Pit Bull [VIDEO]

If you do discover your pup has fleas, then you need to not only get them off of your dog, but also need to sterilize the areas around your house that your dog spends alot of time in.

For example, if your dog has a bed they often sleep in, you should make sure there are no more fleas, eggs or larvae living in the bed. The same goes for your carpets, furniture and anywhere else your dog may visit on a daily basis.

The good news, is that there are many treatment options for fleas on dogs. There are, in fact, many things you can do to sterilize your dogs living environment and body. Below is a list of ten home remedies for fleas on dogs.

1. Use a Good Flea Treatment Shampoo

Make sure to give your dog a bath using a good flea treatment shampoo. Make sure to lather it in and allow it to stay for at least five minutes, or whatever is recommended on the shampoo label. Use warm water and throughly rinse your dogs coat. Make sure all of the shampoo is out of its fur, or it may cause your dog to itch.

2. Use Flea Control Ointments & Liquids

Talk to your veternarian about what flea and tick control products they would recommend. There are many products that you can put on your dogs coat to help deter fleas and ticks from making a home. Ask him what he would recommend for your dog, before you just simply buy the first one you see at the grocery store. Frontline is currently the one that I use on my dogs. It works great!

3. Add Eucalyptus or Neem Oil to Shampoo

Adding a small amount of neem or eucalyptus oil to your dogs shampoo, is another natural remedy for fleas. Mix a very small amount into the shampoo, and use as you normally would. This will help create an environment that deters fleas from living.

4. Vacuum Your House Regularly

Vacuum your house frequently and on a regular basis. This will help pick up any eggs or larve that may have fallen off your dogs coat. Go over every area of the house that your dog spends time in, such as the furniture, carpets and rugs.

If you let your dog sleep in the bed with you, be sure to wash your sheets and pillow cases, as well as vacuum your mattress and pillows.

5. Clean the Doggie Bed

If your pup has a bed they spend a lot of time in, be sure to give this a deep wash in hot, soapy water to kill off all eggs or fleas living in the fabric. Maybe give it a second wash, if you observe a heavy infestation. Once it has been cleaned in water, put it in the dryer and turn up the heat. This will ensure that you kill off all organisms living in the bed. You can also get a flea spray, and spray down the bed, but this method isn’t as effective as washing the whole bed.

6. Keep Your Yard Maintained

If your beagle spends alot of time outside, be sure to keep an eye on your yard. Keep the grass short. Clean up any piles of sticks, leaves or other debris that your dog may get into. Try to prevent them from digging or rolling around in the grass, if possible. I can personally attest that this is hard to do with beagles, or at least my beagle.

7. Groom Your Dog Regularly

If your dog has long fur, it is recommended that you groom your dog on a regular basis. By keeping the fur short, you will help create an environment that is not favorable to fleas.Of course, every breed will need regular grooming, because they have short fur. Beagles, for example, generally have short, straight hair that doesn’t need regular grooming.

8. Make Your Own Herbal Flea Dip

Here is a recipe for making your own all-natural, herbal flea dip that you can use after giving your dog a bath. Simply get at least 3 cups of rosemary, and soak in three pints of boiling water for at least 30-40 minutes. Then, strain the leaves from the water, and mix with one gallon of warm water. After giving your dog a bath, then pour the rosemary water on your dogs coat. Do not rinse it off of your dog, just let it dry.

9. Make Your Own All-Natural Flea Control Spray

Here are a couple of ways to making your all-natural, homemade spray that will help give you a little more control over flea infestations.

• Lavender – Buy a small spray bottle, and fill with warm water. Add two drops of lavender oil and shake well. Simply spray a small amount on your dogs coat to help deter fleas from living there. You can spray this mixture on them a couple times a day if needed. Be sure to avoid spraying it in their eyes.
• Lemon – Cut two small lemons into eight pieces each, and add to a small jug of boiling water. Let the lemons steep for at least 24 hours. When it is ready, strain the water and add to a spray bottle. Spray liberally on your dogs coat, especially around their head, ears and tail. Try to avoid getting it in their eyes.

10. Give Your Dog Small Amounts of Garlic

Not Recommended: If you feed your dog a small amount of garlic on a daily basis, this will help treat fleas. The garlic aroma will come from the dogs skin, and will help create an environment that is not favorable to fleas. Of course, this should be one of the last remedies you try, because like the fleas, you may not find your dog smell to be that pleasing. Large quantities of garlic can be poisonous to a dog, so use this home flea remedy with caution.

Flea Products That Work:

Properly potty training your beagle is essential for a happy home and obedient puppy. Needless to say, the process should start the moment you bring your new beagle puppy home.

Most estimates say that potty training your beagle shouldn’t take more than a couple of weeks, but in reality, the length of time all depends on the training technique you use, as well as the intelligence and determination of the dog. The important thing to remember is to pack some patience and not get angry when your pup does go inside the house.

Remain calm and continue to enforce the rules of your home. If your puppy is taking a long time to learn the ropes, take a step back and think about what you may be doing wrong. It could be something as simple as giving the wrong command or just not enforcing the rules enough.

Keep a Close Eye on Them

To really maximize your potty training efforts, it is best to keep a very close eye on your beagle pup while they are trying to go potty.

If you live at an apartment complex, try carrying some treats with you when you take them for a walk. Reward them for going potty. If you live at a house with a backyard, give your beagle pup some space, but still be sure to reward them for going potty.

Limit the Amount of Food & Water

It may also be wise to limit how much food and water is available to your puppy. Obviously, the more they eat, the more they have to go. Like most puppies, beagles can have a hard time “holding it in” after consuming a big meal. If you create set times for them to eat, this will help put them on a potty routine.

After they do eat, be ready to take them out. It’s not unusual for a puppy to need to go a few minutes after eating a big meal. With Lola, she would finish eating and then immediately have the urge to go potty. So, it really just depends on the dog, which is why it is important for you to learn about your pup’s elimination process.

Rewards and Praise

Praising your beagle puppy for going potty outside is the key to a successful potty training program. It is very important to reward your pup for getting the job done. Give them a treat, get them excited about going potty and don’t forget to scratch them behind the ears.

They will quickly learn that they will be rewarded for going potty outside, instead of inside. In turn, your puppy will try hard to get rewarded again, and will strive to please you. This is the moment that your potty training program has succeeded. This is the moment you work hard to achieve.

Try Not to Scold or Get Angry

The number one mistake owners make, is they get angry and yell at their dog whenever they go inside. We’ve all probably done it a few times, but the truth of the matter is that it doesn’t help with potty training.

Sure, scolding your puppy may make you feel better for having to clean up poop, again. But, most likely, your pup doesn’t know why they are being yelled at. If this is the case, it is possible for them to start to fear you and/or completely shut you out. Not only will this make it hard to potty train your beagle, but will most likely lead to more accidents in the house, and ultimately, more poop for you to clean up.

Just remember to be positive at all times, even when you don’t want to. Accidents happen. We all make mistakes, but with proper training from the start, you can limit the amount of mistakes your beagle puppy makes.

Potty Training my Lemon Beagle Puppy

Beagle potty training is certainly not an easy task. Trust me, when I was potty training Lola, I did all sorts of things wrong. In retrospect, I know I could’ve done a better job at keeping my patience and setting up a more organized feeding/walking routine.

I write this article, because I don’t want other beagle owners to go down the same path I did. Beagles can be a very stubborn breed, but with proper dedication, you can teach your beagle anything.

Related Articles:

• 4 Training Tips for Beagles
• The History of the Beagle Breed
• 3 Basic Skills for Training a Dog [VIDEO]
• Lemon Beagle Picking on a Pit Bull [VIDEO]

1. Snoopy

Coming in number one on our list, Snoopy, is arguably the worlds most famous beagle. Created by Charles Schulz, Snoopy made his comic strip debut in 1950 as Charlie Brown’s pet dog.

According to Wikipedia, his original name was supposed to be ‘Sniffy’, but there was another comic strip already using that name, so Schulz went with the name ‘Snoopy’ because his mother said thats the name she would give to the next dog they got.

After sixty years of the limelight, Snoopy still makes appearances in comic strips and numerous televisions specials.

2. Odie

Coming in at number two for famous beagles, is Odie from the Garfield comic strip. Created by Jim Davis, Odie made his comic strip debut in 1978 as the pet of Jon Arbuckle’s roommate.

Originally named ‘Spot’, Davis changed his name to Odie because a fellow cartoonist already had a character by that name. Instead, Odie got his name from a commercial Davis wrote about a car dealership, which featured “Odie the Village Idiot”. With his unusually large tongue and pools of slobber, Odie is portrayed as the goofy best friend of Garfield.

Oddly, in the live-action movies, Odie is not portrayed as a beagle, but is actually a dachshund.

3. Underdog

Underdog is another famous beagle that got his animated start in a TV series that debuted in 1964 on NBC. The series ran for 124 episodes before going to syndication in 1973.

The series was basically a parody of Superman, with the premise being that Underdog was an undercover superhero living as ‘Shoeshine Boy’. Like superman, when needed, Underdog quickly changes in a phone booth and has the ability to fly, possesses super strength and is not affected by normal weapons.

4. Gromit

Gromit gets his fame from the animated series ‘Wallace and Gromit’. Filmed entirely in stop motion clay animation, Gromit is a silent beagle that only communicates through body language and facial expressions.

For a dog, Gromit is quite intelligent. He has a degree for Engineering for Dogs, he likes to knit, cook and read the newspaper. Interestingly enough, the folks at NASA were inspired enough to named one of their Mars explorer prototype robots Gromit.

5. Mr. Peabody, from Rocky & Bullwinkle

First appearing in the 1950’s, Mr. Peabody was a regular character on Rocky & Bullwinkle. Always appearing with ‘Sherman’, a naive young boy who was also his owner, Mr. Peabody was a genius dog that built a time machine that they used to travel through time to witness famous historical events.

Sherman and Mr. Peabody would discover that these historical events never went down as they were described in modern day, so they would try to change the course of history, in order to have the events happen as we all know it.

6. Poochie, from ‘The Simpsons’

Our next famous beagle is Poochie, from the Simpsons. He had a short-run career in “The Itchy & Scratchy & Poochie Show“.

Poochie made his first appearance on ‘The Simpsons’ in 1997. In the episode, Krusty the Clown wants to boost his ratings, so to they decide to shake things up with a new character on ‘The Itchy & Scratchy Show’. Homer ends up voicing the character, but nobody likes the new addition, so Poochie is killed off shortly afterwards, despite Homers attempts to keep the character alive.

Honorable Mention – The Beagle Boys

You may know ‘The Beagle Boys’ from DuckTales. We have them listed as honorable mention, because, frankly, we’re not really sure if they are beagles. They are referred to as beagles, but they don’t really resemble the characteristics of the breed.

Referred to by their prison numbers, there were seven ‘Beagle Boys’ that made appearances in many Walt Disney productions, even though they are most commonly known from DuckTales. Ma Beagle was the head honcho and matriarch of the group, who would do anything she could to help her sons escaped from jail.

Odd fact: There is an Italian punk band that is named after the Beagle Boys. They go by Banda Bassotti.

Related Articles:

• The History of Beagles
• 4 Important Training Tips for Beagles
• 3 Basic Skills for Training a Dog [VIDEO]
• Lemon Beagle Picking on a Pit Bull [VIDEO]

Despite the early origins tied to ancient Greece, the Beagle breed as we are familiar with, is said to have originated in England during the 11th century, after William the Conqueror brought the Talbot hound to Britain. The English Talbots were then bred with Greyhounds, which gave way to a new breed called the Southern Hound. This new breed is believed to be the early ancestors of the Beagle breed as we know.

In fact, it was known that royalty in Great Britain kept packs of these hounds for hunting purposes. Due to the strong scenting ability, Beagle’s were originally bred to hunt rabbits and hares. Even today, beagles are commonly used for hunting, but are mostly just family pets.

Beagles & The United States

In the early 1800’s, the breed started to make its way over to the United States, specifically for hunting purposes. However, Beagles were not cared for in the same manner as they were in England. This all changed in the 1870’s, when General Richard Rowett from Illinois made attempts to improve the bloodline of the breed. He imported dogs from England, started breeding them and kept careful records of each dog. The dogs he bred came to be known as “Rowett’s Beagles” and by 1885, the American Kennel Association recognized Beagles as an official breed. Three years later, the National Beagle Club was formed, and the high-standard for this breed was officially established.

As mentioned above, for a six-year period during the 1950’s, Beagles were the most popular and desired breed in the United States. While Beagles are no longer the most popular dog breed, they are still ranked in the top ten most popular, according to the American Kennel Club. Ironically enough, in the UK Beagles are no longer a popular breed, barely ranking in the top 30.

The Story Behind the Name

While the origin of the word “beagle” isn’t known, the Oxford English Dictionary reports that the word was first used in a book called Esquire of Low Degree in 1475. It has been suggested that the word stems from the French word “begueule” which means “open throat”. Others have suggested I comes from an Old English word “baeg” which means “little”. Other less likely possibilities include the German word “begele” which means “to scold”.

Why Beagles Make Great Pets

Because of their sweet, friendly nature, Beagles make a great pet for families. They are usually great with kids, and will spend hours entertaining your children, so you don’t have to. However, due to the overwhelming popularity of Beagles, there has been an explosion of puppy mills that care more about making money, than breeding healthy dogs. It is because of greedy individuals like this, that you must do plenty of research on not only the breed, but who is breeding them.

Keep a close eye on internet reviews, go into dog forums and discuss breeders in your area that take care of their dogs, or even talk to your veterinarian about respectable breeders they may know of. Ask for information and recommendations, because the more you know, the better off you will be. Beagles that come from a good bloodline, will bring their families plenty of love, and tons of fun for many years to come.

Training your beagle is not only important, but essential for running a happy home.

Obviously you don’t want a dog that is so out of control that they go to the bathroom everywhere or is destroying your home and valuables. Here we will discuss some of the most important training tips that will help you raise your beagle to be the perfect pet and roommate for your family!

1. Be Patient & Fair

It is important that your Beagle has an understanding of what you are asking, before you correct or punish him (or her) for not following your command correctly. With that said, it is also important that the punishment fits the crime. You should never correct or punish your dog just to release anger or clearing out the built-up emotions by unloading them on your beagle.

Instead, keep the lines of communication open, send them the message that they did wrong, in a stern, strong voice, but still let him know what role he plays in your family. Remember, the way you punish and/or correct your beagle, is another way to strengthen (or weaken) the bond you have. Think of it this way, ask yourself if you’re being fair BEFORE you react in the wrong way.

2. Be Positive, No Matter What Happens

It is very important to have the right attitude while training your beagle. While this shouldn’t even be said, there are many pet owners that give up or punish their dog for not catching on right away. It is essential for beagle training, that you praise your pup at the right time and in an appropriate manner.

Praise is free, so use it to your advantage! Praise your beagle when you can see that they are TRYING to get it right. Use praise when you can see that they are focusing on the task and giving you their attention, because that is the first step. When they succeed, shower them with your love and affection. No matter what, it is important for you to communicate the message that you’re proud of your pup. If they can understand that you’re proud, you will have no problems training your beagle.

3. Play on the same team

When training your beagle, another essential tip, is to remember to play on the same team. Training your beagle is not a “You vs Your Dog” effort. It is more like you both are playing on the same time, but in different positions.

More accurately, think of yourself as the quarterback that makes all the play calls. Your dog is more like your running back or your wide receiver, that finishes the play you started. If they don’t finish the play, you can’t win. Like playing football, training your beagle is a team effort. Of course, before you can “play the game” your pup must learn the plays first.

4. Spend Time With Your Beagle

In order for your beagle and you to be on the same team, you must spend an adequate amount of time with him. Teaching your beagle the tricks and commands you want, will not be an overnight endeavor. It will take a little bit of time and dedication. Try bring him into more aspects of your life. Let him sleep in a crate or doggy bed next to your bed. Practice the simple commands on a daily basis. Going at a slow pace is a good thing. It will provide you with more opportunities for interaction and practice, which will ultimately improve the reliability of your Beagle.

Beagles are a very intelligent breed. If you show your pup the things he needs to learn and teach him how to complete your commands, but most importantly, stay positive and loving, your dog will be the most obedient on the block.