As a soon to be pet parent exploring different breeds you might wonder “Are Beagles good for beginners?” Perhaps you are smitten by the gorgeous good looks of the breed. I won’t blame you. Beagles are simply adorable, and it is almost impossible to resist their cute, good looks, especially when those sweet puppy eyes are staring at you.
However, it is a good idea to be aware of the pros and cons of getting a Beagle as a permanent member of your home. You should proceed only if you are convinced that they are suitable for your family and lifestyle.
So are Beagles good for beginners?
Yes, the good news is that they are beginner friendly. They are also considered to be very good family dogs. However, before you rush and get yourself a Beagle read on to understand what is required to keep this amazing dog happy and healthy.
Breed information
| Build | Small to medium |
| Coat | Short and smooth |
| Life span | Up to 15 years |
| Temperament | Bold, intelligent, friendly, energetic, loyal |
| Beginner friendly | Yes |
| Kid friendly | Yes |
| Exercise | Two hours or more daily |
Beagle personality
They love to track down a scent and can go to any extent including scaling walls or digging under the fence when on a scent trail. They are also vocal when scent tracking.
They are calm, inquisitive and love to be part of whatever is happening in the family.
Beagles love company and can get along with other pets and people. However, you need to keep an eye on them around small children as they can sometimes get overexcited.
Beagle training
Beagles are bold, energetic and do well with early training.
As energetic and intelligent dogs, Beagles require a good amount of physical exercise and mental stimulation to be happy.
When to start training
Its best to kick start training when your Beagle is between 3 to 6 months of age.
Try to socialize your Beagle from a young age by exposing them to other pets, animals, people, sounds and experiences.
Walks should be of short duration to avoid injuries to the developing bones and joints of the puppy.
Beagle exercise
Adult Beagles require a minimum of 2 hours of exercise daily. However, avoid over-exercising and stop immediately if you notice that your dog is tired, panting too much or thirsty.
Beagle ownership: The pros
1. Cheerful and social
Beagles love companionship and make excellent family dogs. They get along well with children and other pets. They like meeting people and due to their friendliness, they can also be successful as therapy dogs.
2. Minimal maintenance
They have short coats which do not require frequent and costly trips to the groomer. However, you still need to make sure that your dog gets regular baths, ears are cleaned, and nails are trimmed. You need to make sure that their teeth are good condition through regular brushing.
3. Adapts to different conditions
Beagles can do well in different environments – villages to cities. While having a big backyard is a definite plus, they will also be happy to run around in a dog park.
4. Small breed
As they are a small breed, they are perfect for those who are not keen on dealing with the requirements of a large dog – nutrition, exercise, grooming, space etc. Their small size means that even children and the elderly can take them out for walks.
5. Great exercise buddy
Since Beagles need a minimum of two hours of exercise daily, they can be a great exercise buddy. You can take them out for walks as long as they are on a leash.
6. Likes to cuddle
Despite their independent nature and inquisitiveness, they are very affectionate and enjoy cuddling with their pet parent or family members. They will happily curl up in bed with their pet parent.
7. Enjoys playing
Beagles enjoy being outdoors and engaging in activities such as fetch, tag or simply going for a long walk. As an energetic breed they will do very well with a physically active family.
Beagle ownership: The cons
1. Can be noisy
Beagles tend to bark more often than other dog breeds. They can also be loud as they bark. If you live in an apartment or have neighbors who are particular about their peace and quiet, the Beagle may not be the right dog for you.
2. Enjoys digging
Originally bred as hunting dogs, Beagles enjoy digging. When your Beagle is on a scent trail, he may end up ripping up your backyard.
3. Stubbornness
Beagles have a stubborn streak, so training needs to start very early. As scent hounds, they tend to follow their nose. If not leashed, they may follow a scent and stray into the traffic or even end up being lost.
4. More effort to house train
You may need to put in a bit more effort to housetrain your Beagle. Potty training will require commitment and patience and though this is the case with all breeds, you may need to put in a bit more effort with the Beagle.
5. Scent tracking
Bred as scent hounds, the Beagle is easily drawn by tempting scents. As a result they tend to get drawn to the garbage bin, can wander off from your property and end up eating literally anything.
6. Needs plenty of exercise
Beagles need a minimum of two hours of exercise daily to be happy. They were bred as hunting dogs and without adequate exercise they can end up being obese. You need to take them on long and regular walks. Ideally, they should not be kept in apartments; they do well in homes with a fenced backyard that allows them to run around.
7. Tendency to wander
Beagles are hunters and explorers who will follow any interesting sight or scents. Additionally, when tracking a scent, Beagles rarely return when called.
Do not leave your Beagle unattended outside since they have a tendency to wander and are also skilled at digging and climbing when they want to explore. Additionally, beagles left outside get bored and start digging holes and howling.
Another thing to remember is that Beagles are typically voracious eaters, so keep garbage cans and food out of their reach.
8. Prone to separation anxiety
If you need to leave your Beagle home all day for 8 to 12 hours, this breed may not be the right one for you. Beagles were bred to be active members of packs and they do well when they have company around. If left alone they can develop negative behaviors including barking too much, digging holes in your couch, chewing shoes and furniture etc.
Conclusion
Well there is very little to dislike about Beagles. They are bold, smart, and social dogs that get along with children and love humans. They also do well indoors as long as your provide the right level of exercise. They can be stubborn and due to their strong hunting instincts can take off on the trail of a scent. The good far outweighs the negative and they make for excellent companions. Whether you are experienced with dogs or a beginner, the Beagle has all the right qualities that make them an amazing pet.