The Beagle is originally from England and was bred to be a hunting dog. They were most frequently used for hunting small game such as rabbits and quail, and would work either in a group, in pairs or individually. Because of their history and background in hunting and working well in both a group or individually, they make fabulous companions but can often be independent and distracted. 

Sweet and compliant in nature, Beagles need much more physical and mental exercise than they are often given. Their background in hunting requires that they have a high prey drive and sprints of focus and energy, though their mental and physical stamina lasts longer than many other breeds. This is why I highly recommend that you seriously consider your own exercise regimen before taking on a Beagle dog, as you may or may not be a good fit for the exercise they need. 

Most frequently used as scent dogs for police sectors, Beagles truly are a dog who needs a job. A great activity to practice with your Beagle on a daily basis (after your daily walk or run) would be a fun scent tracking game in the back yard or nearby park where you can reward your beagle for finding something specific. This utilizes their truly incredible sense of smell and gives them a job at the same time. 

Beagles make wonderful friends, though they can often be distracted in any environment and they have a hard time sticking to task to please their master, since they are accustomed to hunting at a distance from their owner. Keep in mind that this breed needs a great amount of incentive to positively reinforce the good and best behaviors, and a clear consequence to discourage bad behaviors. Once they have clarity on which is which, I find that they can listen much easier and grow in their desire to please their owner.