Is a beagle right for me?
Beagles are very unique little characters. Do not even consider adding a beagle to your family based on looks alone. Behind that sweet face is a very stubborn and single-minded scent-hound! Do your research – talk to vets, talk to beagle owners, read books, talk to us.
Beagles are one of the most popular breeds because of their personalities and skills. However, there are a growing number of homeless beagles in pounds and shelters because people don’t bother to research the breed before they go out and buy a puppy. Hopefully, once you read over the following information, you will become better acquainted with the Beagle and decide whether or not it is the breed for you and your family.
The following is a checklist you should ask yourself if you are considering adopting a beagle into your family:
Do you have a JUMP proof, DIG proof, CHEW proof fence which completely encloses your backyard and is at least six feet high?
Will your new dog have company for most of the day? This can be either human or another dog (preferably a beagle of course!)
Are you prepared to walk your dog on a lead AT ALL TIMES?
Are you happy to live with a back lawn which may at times resemble a lunar landscape, covered in craters and pot holes?
Are you prepared to make sure all your shoes, toys and anything else you don’t want chewed are not left within beagle range?
Are you able to resist pleading brown eyes that try to convince you they are perpetually hungry?
Are you prepared to put some time and effort in training your new dog, setting boundaries and maintaining consistency?
The average lifespan of a beagle is 10 to 15 years. Are you sure that any long term plans you might have will not effect your beagle?
If you answered “No” to any of the above questions, then BRV strongly suggests that you think twice about getting a beagle. Chances are that a beagle is NOT FOR YOU!
Personality
Beagles make great family pets – but like with all dogs, Children should always be supervised around them, they have a tendency to pull on their ears, which are very sensitive and thin.
They Wonderful with other dogs – beagles are pack animals and just love to play with each other. We always recommend that beagles go to a home where there is already at least one other dog. Ideally, two beagles should be adopted together because they will enjoy each other’s sniffing and snoozing capabilities! There are of course exceptions.
Very social – if you are gone all day and your beagle will be home by himself, he will most likely have behaviour problems due to boredom and depression.
People lovers – you will find that your beagle is your biggest fan! He will want to be with you when you’re home and get very upset when you leave. Beagles are one of the top breeds that suffer from anxiety, and there are many things you can do to help your beagle become accustomed to being home alone for short periods of time.
They have a short coat – easily managed with weekly brushing. As with most dogs, beagles do shed, but if you brush them regularly, shedding will be kept to a minimum. Beagles do not need a lot of bathing, a bath every 6-8 weeks is sufficient – unless of course they roll in something unpleasant, which is not uncommon! A healthy diet, and lots of pats will keep their coat soft and healthy.
They’re the class clown – they are funny and goofy and will keep you entertained and in fits of laughter every day!
Why a beagle isn't for everyone
Beagles have been bred for hundreds and hundreds of years to follow their noses, so now… they do! And it can get them into lots of trouble.
Beagles absolutely need to live in a house with a securely fenced yard. When a beagle catches a scent, their nose will hit the ground and they will go off to follow it. All other senses will be turned off, and no matter how loud you yell “COME”, a beagle will not listen and will not come back. It’s not that they don’t love you and want to run away, or that they are being purposefully disobedient… they are just following their nose. That’s the job of a beagle. We humans, as their guardians, need to make sure that they are safely contained so that their noses don’t get them into a dangerous situation.
Beagles can’t go on walks or hikes off-leash. For the same reasons as above, they always need to be attached to their human when they are outside of their fenced yard. They are not the type of dog that can go hiking or camping with you and just ‘hang out’ by the campsite. You need to have them on a leash at all times.
“Beagles are difficult to train” This is often said, but not entirely true. They can learn to understand what you’re telling them, they just don’t always decide to listen – especially when there is food involved! “Leave it” is not a well-loved command with beagles! They can be quite stubborn.
Beagles will scavenge for food. If you leave food on a table, or a garbage can within reach… expect to have it inspected (and torn up/eaten) by your beagle. It’s that nose again!
Beagles can be howlers. They have a very distinctive singing voice and use it when they are excited. If there is a knock at the door or a bird in the yard… you will hear ARROOOOOOO! Although they will bark if there is something to bark at, they are not a ‘yappy’ breed.
Beagles are not good outside dogs. They are very social and people-oriented. They are not happy in the yard by themselves. Beagles need to be part of the family and allowed to live with you in the house. They like to be on your lap when you watch tv and in your room (in your bed if they had their way!) when you sleep. They aren’t happy if they are to live alone without human or other animal company (preferably another beagle).
So after reading all of that, why would anyone want a beagle?
Beagles are wonderful family dogs. They are loving and affectionate, they are great with kids, and they are real cuddlers. There is nothing better than having a beagle jump up on your lap, give you a kiss, and curl up for a nap under your arm.
Beagles are very people-oriented. They are the type of dog that wants to be with you and will follow you around from room to room. They want to be part of your family and will give you lots of love.
In our experience, people either love beagles or hate them. You have to understand their distinct characteristics and accept them… not try to change them. Any one who gets a beagle expecting to be able to train them to not wander away from an unfenced yard, or not to follow their nose, is going to be very disappointed and frustrated. And chances are, that beagle will be looking for another home within 6 months.
If you can live with the points listed above, you have a house with a fenced yard and lots of love and time to dedicate to a dog, then a beagle can be the perfect family member for you.
Top reasons for surrendering a beagle
Here are just a few of the most common reasons we hear for surrendering a beagle:
1. “The beagle keeps running away”. You need to have a securely fenced yard.
2. “The neighbours in the next apartment have complained that he howls during the day”. Beagles don’t do well in apartments or condos for just this reason.
3. “The beagle isn’t happy in the yard and the garage.” Don’t get a beagle unless you want an indoor dog. They want to be with you.
4. “Wow, i didn’t think it would be this much work”. Treat this decision as seriously as deciding to have a child. You will need to change your family’s schedule, ‘dog-proof’ the house, and provide lots of love and attention. It’s a big decision that should not be made on a whim.
5. “The kids aren’t taking care of it, and i don’t have time.” Don’t adopt a dog unless YOU want one and are willing to take on the responsibility. Beagles live to be about 15 years old, and that’s a long time to commit to! You’ll be taking care of the dog even after your kids are off to college.
6. “This dog is not trainable – it never comes when i call.” That’s a beagle!
7. “The dog is demanding and mischievous and ruins everything. This usually happens when a Beagle is left alone all day with no human or other dog company, he then becomes bored, depressed and lonely.
Adding a new animal to your family and home is a serious decision. They are, after all, living, breathing creatures that can live anywhere between 12 to 18 years. During this time, they require your love, attention and care for all aspects of their life.
Each breed has their own individual needs and aspects of care. BRV encourages you to take the time to research the breed and their needs to ensure they will fit into your lifestyle and that you, in return, can meet their needs.
To help you with this task, you will need the advice of registered breeders who are breeding for the betterment (in terms of health and temperament) of the animal as opposed to those who are doing it purely for the money. To find the contact details of registered breeders, please visit www.dogsvictoria.org
