The Beagle

The beagle is a small dog with a lot of love to give. Their sweet disposition and easy-going nature have made them one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. 

    Originally bred as scenthounds, these dogs are happiest when they're following an interesting smell. While very intelligent, their high prey drive and general wanderlust can make it difficult to keep their attention for long.Combined with the general independent and stubborn nature of the hound dog, these dogs can be challenging to train.

    Their short sleek coat requires minimal maintenance. An occasional bath and a brushing is more than enough to keep them looking their best. 

    While every individual is different, this breed has been subjected to poor breeding practices and are prone to genetic health problems, including hip dysplasia. When getting a puppy, do some research to see if the parents have any health problems. Also, these dogs have a hearty appetite and have to potential to gain weight easily. You'll definitely want to monitor how many treats you feed them.

    Beagles are an active breed and require a lot of exercise. Tracking exercises that let them use their terrific sense of smell would be an excellent outlet for this dog's abundance of energy. This breed does not do well when left alone for long periods of time. They will find their own creative outlets which could include digging, barking, and howling.

     The beagle is an extremely friendly dog who makes an excellent family pet. They thrive in an active household that can provide them with plenty of attention and an owner with a lot of patience when it comes to training. If you are looking for a great indoor and outdoor companion, this is the dog for you!

Sources: 

dogtime.com
akc.org

The Sloughi

Described as elegant and reserved, the sloughi (pronounced SLOO-ghee) is a sighthound that originated in the North African desert. They were bred to hunt a variety of prey including hare, fox, jackal, gazelle, and wild pigs. They are known for being aloof with strangers but gentle to their families. They can make good family dogs, but may not do well with very young children. 

They are a very active breed with high exercise requirements. If you lead a very active lifestyle, you just might be able to keep up with these incredibly athletic dogs. Combined with their stubbornness that makes them hard to train, they don't typically make a great dog for first-time dog owners. 

Their coats are sleek and short and requires very little maintenance. They don't shed much and don't typically drool a lot. They weigh approximately 50 lbs. on average and stand around 24-29 inches tall.

This unique breed is noble and aloof. They are true athletes with energy to burn. If you are an experienced dog handler with a lot of time to devote to exercise, you'll find a loyal companion in the sloughi.

The Poodle

Ranked as the second most intelligent dog breed, poodles are amazing dogs with a lot to offer!

They come in 3 sizes, though unlike other breeds, they are all still considered the same breed. The standard poodle is the largest and can weigh upwards of 50 lbs. The miniature poodle weighs in at about 10-15 lbs. and the toy poodle is a very tiny 4-6 lbs. 

The poodle is commonly thought of as a snobby or a sissy dog, but that is very far from the truth. These dogs are incredibly athletic and thrive in sports like agility and hunting trials. Their intelligence and eagerness to learn make these dogs incredibly easy to train, but watch out because they can learn bad behaviors just as quickly as the good ones. You might be surprised by how quickly they can work things out for themselves, especially if it involves stealing a snack or two! If you're new to dog ownership, you'll definitely want to get enrolled in obedience classes as early as possible, regardless of what size poodle you have, or you could very quickly end up with a pup who runs your house like they own it.

As the second most intelligent breed, poodles are unique in that they generally lack the tendency towards neuroticism that the other highly intelligent breeds possess. This trait makes them a better choice for first-time dog owners because they are less likely to develop unwanted behaviors that can sometimes become dangerous. 

Poodles are considered one of the hypoallergenic breeds. They tend to produce less dander and shed less than other breeds which makes them a popular choice among people with dog allergies. Their coat does require a lot of upkeep, however. Their fur grows continuously and they need to be thoroughly brushed every day with a trip to the groomers every 4-6 weeks. Some owners learn how to do their own grooming which can save you money but can be a lot of work if you are just learning. No matter which route you take, be prepared for lots of grooming at home. Even if they are trimmed short, their fur will mat if you don't brush them regularly which can cause sores and skin infections. 

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These dogs are very active breeds that require regular exercise. Playing fetch or going for a long walk are great ways to get some of that energy out. Most people are surprised to learn that they also love swimming and were originally bred for duck retrieval. 

Poodles make excellent family dogs. They are very social and thrive with a lot of attention from every member of the family, including children. Be careful with small children around toy poodles, however, because they are the most delicate and can be injured easily. 

Overall, poodles are incredible dogs with a lot to offer. They are intelligent and easy to train which is a great way to bond with them. Outgoing and social, these dogs make excellent family pets and thrive on attention. From beginners to more experienced dog owners, poodles are a great fit for everyone.

Sources: 

https://www.akc.org

https://dogtime.com