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Beagles are happy loving dogs that have a long relationship with man as a hunting companion. Although no one knows for sure where these dogs descended from, there are records of small hunting dogs that go back to the 13th century and it is no secret these dogs are quite successful for hunting fox and rabbit.

Their great nose not withstanding, beagles are also fun companions that can adapt easily to family life. However, you will have to keep in mind that the Beagle does have strong instincts for the chase and you must never let him loose or walk him without his lead.

Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1884, this popular breed is muscular with long droopy ears, dark eyes, a short coat and a keen sense of smell. The breed comes in two sizes – one under 13 inches and one between 13 and 15 inches. He can be any color but typical beagles show tan and black on white.

Along with his propensity for chasing small animals, the Beagles voice can be another one of his less lovable traits. The beagle has a rather loud howl which is great for helping hunters find them when they are on the trail of prey, but not so good when they are waking you up with it in the middle of the night. Beagles do tend to bark when they hear strange noises and can bay loudly when left alone for long periods of time so if you are considering a Beagle for apartment life then you might want to think twice.

Beagles are very active dogs and need to be exercises regularly. You shouldn’t leave them out unattended though so be prepared to walk them daily and take them to the park on weekends. Beagles are very social and will not like being left alone for long periods of time or they can become destructive.

Although Beagles are fairly easy to groom with their short coat, you should plan to brush them once a week to remove dead hair. They can take to rolling in icky stuff so you be prepared to bathe him at times as well. The long droopy ears can become infected easily and must be examined frequently to be sure no infection is brewing.

One thing to watch for in your pet Beagle is overeating. Beagles like to eat and are not finicky at all about what they put in their mouths. In fact, you might find your Beagle rummaging in the trash for a snack shortly after dinner. Since Beagles are small dogs, you do need to be sure your pet does not overeat as this can cause him to become overweight which will bring on health problems.

Beagles can live to be around 15 years of age if cared for properly. Some diseases to be watched for in this breed in particular include epilepsy, glaucoma, cataracts, invertebral disk disease, hypothyroidism and retinal apathy. Getting your beagle from a good breeder with healthy lineage is key to avoiding these kinds of disease.

Border Collies are one of the top breeds of working dogs out there. They have been bred for generations to work in roles assisting humans. This includes herding livestock of all types. Because of this experience being bred into them, they are a top choice of farmers and sheep herders. However, collie training can also make them excellent family pets.

Border Collies might not be the most impressive dog to look at, but in this case, brains before beauty is a key factor.

The Border Collie is not at all short on brains. They are extremely intelligent, and when trained from a young age, they will be readily obedient for their entire life. Since they are quite the workhorse, they will look for your constant stimulation, and regular exercise. Border Collies are extremely active and love to play. This does mean, however, that Border Collies can become frustrated when not given a purpose of sorts. They should have a daily routine of activity, play, and even work, to avoid them from becoming frustrated or bored. Their intelligence leads to them requiring mental stimulation and regularly high levels of exercise. These characteristics have been bred into them over generations, so don’t try to change them. Avoid this breed if you don’t think you will be able to keep up.

Collies will typically bond with their owner very easily, and if they aren’t kept busy, they can become almost possessive of their owner. They are not a naturally aggressive breed, but can seem hyperactive when not looked after properly. This demand for stimulation is definitely a consideration in families with young children, so do your research before committing to a Border Collie.

Collie training takes time, and a good effort from a dedicated owner. They require guidance and stimulation regularly, in addition to lots of exercise. You will need to show your Collie what is right and wrong, and what is acceptable behavior. Without proper Collie training, your Border Collie could become a handful. They are an excellent breed, however, for the owner dedicated to training them properly.