Beagles are amazing.

They're so cute and smart and adorable, and did we say cute?

Anyway, if you love beagles too, but maybe have a dog allergy, we're sorry. That must be a horrible way to live life. There is some hope for your sad existence, however: robot dogs. Yes. They are available, and there's even a beagle lookalike bot dog you can buy, thanks to Sony.

The company has announced a new version of its robotic dog, Aibo. This one features a tricolour design with two shades of brown. It’s considered a chocolate Aibo, but let's be real, it’s clearly inspired by the traditional colouring of a beagle. At 198,000 yen ($1,800) the robotic dog isn't exactly cheap. It does cost the same as the original Aibo, though, as it won't function any differently from that version.

However, both Aibo dogs will also get some new tricks soon, with the addition of a 1,480 yen-a-month security plan, according to Engadget Japanese. This subscription plan will give Aibo the ability to recognise faces, meaning it can patrol the home and smartly detect when someone it isn't familiar with enters your house. So, it's basically a cute guard dog now. The plan also gives Aibo the ability to create indoor maps. 

Sony further announced it will begin to open up the API to its robot, which will allow owners and third-party developers to begin developing new tricks for the original Aibo and the chocolate version of Aibo, the latter of which will be shipped out starting on 1 February 2019.

Unfortunately, it looks like it will only be available in Japan at launch, though we suspect it will slowly expand globally, just like its predecessor. It will be sold on Sony’s Japanese online store and at a few retailers across Japan for now.

If you absolutely cannot wait for it, maybe go visit your local shelter and adopt a real-life beagle of your very own. You won't be disappointed.