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.

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 gets them into lots of trouble.

Beagles simply cannot be trusted to be off-leash, or to consistently obey their owners when they are outside.  A house with a securely fenced yard is very important, unless provisions are made for consistent daily walks with the opportunity to exercise in a securely fenced area.  When a Beagle catches a scent, his nose will hit the ground and he 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.  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!

Beagles are not good outside-only 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 (preferably in your bed!) when you sleep. They aren't happy in the background.

Top reasons for surrendering a Beagle:

1. "My Beagle keeps running away." 

Is it in a securely fenced yard.  If not, you need one, or don't let them outside unattended!

 

2. "The neighbors in the next apartment have complained that he howls during the day". 

Beagles often do not do well in apartments or condos for just this reason, but more importantly, WHY is he howling?  Separation anxiety? Boredom?  There are tricks and hints that behaviorists can give to help.

 

3. "My 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! You need to enroll in obedience classes and follow through with training with the entire family.

 

7 - 10! ”This dog eats EVERYTHING in sight!”

That is DEFINITELY a Beagle! You need to keep things out of reach! Beagles need proper exercise to tire them out, and to help keep them from getting into trouble.  Proper exercise and proper diet are a must to prevent obesity.

 

So after reading all of that...why would anyone want a Beagle?