What makes dog breeds special?

So here are my qualifications for critiquing a study of canine behavior. Some years ago, my wife and I kept eight beagles in our backyard. Too many, she decided. Something needed to be done.

I agreed.

"Tell me which ones to give away," I said.

And that was that.

Raising beagle field trial dogs was my hobby. Some won ribbons and trophies. Most took up space under the porch. But they were all beloved pe…