The Beagle is a cheerful, curious and sociable dog, usually 9 to 11 kg. Beagles are scent hounds, so their noses lead the way, and they can be hard to call back. They bay and howl more than most small dogs, which matters if you share thin walls. They love company and food, and they like puzzle toys and long sniff walks.

The short coat needs only a weekly brush. In the UAE, walk early in the morning or after sunset, keep the dog in air conditioning during the day and never leave it in a car. A secure garden or balcony is vital, since Beagles escape to follow a smell. They overeat if you let them, so measure meals and keep treats small. Floppy ears collect dirt, so for ear care, weight and joints, ask your vet.

See the puppy in person (and its mother, if you buy from a breeder) and check the vaccination card and microchip number. Your dog should be microchipped, have its rabies and core vaccinations and be registered with your municipality or emirate. On AnimalMarket24, asking prices have mostly been between AED 4,500 and AED 8,000, based on only a handful of priced ads. Adoption is also an option, and adoption fees should be modest.