Is a beagle right for us?

Hello

My partner and myself are finally in a position where we can consider getting a dog. We have taken a while to decide what to get as I grew up with cocker spaniels and love them and he Irish setters (but he also wants a pug!) We have been trying to come to a compromise, nothing to large but also nothing too small, when we came across the Beagle. They seem like the perfect dog for us, however a few people have told us they are hard work. I was wondering if there are any Beagle owners out there who could give me some advise. I understand they need exercise which we are more than able to give s we are a young couple. It would generally be 2 walks a day, occasionally more. Would this be enough? or would a Beagle get frustrated if it is not enough. Any information or advise would be welcome.

Thanks

Hayley

Hi Hayley, and welcome to DogForum

Beagles are lovely, but yes, they are also a serious challenge. They're furry escapologists, they are way more tenacious than their cute looks suggest, they're inveterate food thieves, they have lots of energy but if they're let off lead they are hugely single minded about following interesting scents and as a result they get lost so often that there's a protocol for how to get them back again (it involves taking off some of your clothing and leaving it where your car was parked and coming back in the morning).

Beagles run at a very energy efficient trot, which they can keep up all day every day, which means that tiring them out is REALLY hard work. It can be done, however, and one of my friends who has a beagle, worked out that if you went fell running all day on a Sunday, then the dog was calm in the house until Thursday.

If you still think that they're sweet little doggies with soft ears, I'd watch these


and then look up 'beagle proofing your home'

I do know some absolutely fabulous little beagles, but they have owners who have the patience of Job. I hope you come to the right decision for your family

Hiya Hayley,

I got my first beagle 12 years ago she was 6 and an ex breeding bitch, the most stubborn awkward little dog I have ever met, but the most amazing wee girl who taught me so much about being owned by a beagle! I now have 2 beagle boys aged 3 and 10 and my house is filled with naughty beagleness every day. They are hard work but totally worth it, I walk them for 1-1.5hrs round the woods every morning then a quick pee break at lunchtime then another 1-1.5hr walk at night and they are happy with this, and they are in a good routine. Weekends we can be out for hours or the same as week days. they play fight with each other most evenings too. They spend a lot of time sleeping as long as they have had a decent run in the morning, I am lucky as neither of mine have been destructive but I know a lot of people with beagles whos belongings/house has been trashed when their dogs are left at home, they are brilliant with my nieces and nephews, friendly with other dogs, love running around after things (one does not get off lead except in enclosed spaces as he just takes off!) with ALOT of training and hard work beagles do make amazing pets and I personally would not have any other breed

Good luck

Carolyne

I love Beagles dog breed, I think it's a good option to have at home :flowers:

nasty little critters lol the ones near me are andall they want to do is fight, there about five near me.

I have been part of the scottish beagle racing club and various other beagle groups for 10 years now and have only come across 1 aggressive beagle in all the hounds I have met so I do feel sorry for you lurcherman that you haven't been able to see them for the cracking wee dogs they are :thumbsup:

Being a Beagle myself I would always recommend having one however my owners may say otherwise. I have been with my family since puppy days, I am now five. My human parents previously had a Labrador and a Border Collie, I was the first Beagle. Ha Ha Ha They certainly had a shock.

As I am a hound my life is lead by my nose, not by human command however I do listen sometimes but only when I want to. on the occasions I do it is usually when it involves me getting some food...I love food !!!.

As for being aggressive, Ha Ha us Beagles are renowned for our extremely mild temperament and placid nature which is why they unfortunately use a lot of us for medical experimentation. Like all dogs we require training and we do learn !! just not on the first showing and maybe not the second or third.

We are probably the most loveable dogs you could ever come across, extremely soft and loving, we love our cuddles especially when cuddled up with humans. I live in a house with kids, I love kids, they play with me.

I am always loving my ball especially when running around on the park however many of my friends are not allowed off their leads as us Beagles do have a tendency to run of after scents where and whenever the scents take us. Talking about scents, I also love rolling around in fox poo, Oooo the odour is fantastic.

One thing to seriously consider is time, you're time and how much of it you can spend with us beagles. I don't like being left alone. If I am left alone I like to be left in my crate, I like it there, it's my little bit of sanctuary.

If you have now decided to get a beagle check out Beagle Welfare first they have lots of free advice and beagles that requiring home.

If you need to know anything else just bark out loud..