Both breeds are hunting dogs - do you plan to work them or are you just looking for a pet? In either case, you'll need to do something to keep their minds busy or they'll drive you nuts. Both are good with kids, and both need regular exercise (as do all dogs).
Beagles are scent hounds, meaning they follow their nose after every interesting thing they find. You should never let a Beagle out of the house off lead unless you have a fenced in yard that is "Beagle-proofed" - unable to be climbed, chewed through, or dug under. If you don't have a yard, and are prepared to walk your dog twice a day, Beagles are good apartment pets.
Beagle ears will need special attention, as they are prone to mites and infections. You need to clean and inspect the ears weekly for any problems. Other than that, they're pretty healthy dogs, not a lot to worry about. They are barkers - that's what they're bred to do. Their job is to let you know when they find something interesting, through barking or howling. Be aware that you'll have to stay on top of this behavior through training. Beagles are good family dogs. They don't eat a lot (although they will if you let them, and are prone to getting fat, as all dogs are).
Labradors are sporting dogs, bred to accompany a hunter while searching for birds. They are retrievers, and like to carry things around in their mouths. They have a very sweet temperament, and are good family dogs. They are extremely loyal, and love to be with their people. Leave them alone too long and don't be surprised if your home is destroyed because they got lonely and bored.
Labs need to be groomed regularly. Although they have short fur, they have a double coat and the undercoat is prone to matting without regular grooming. They don't shed any more than normal. Because they are a larger dog, they need training early and respond best to reward based training. They do not respond to harsh methods. They are very intelligent and are often used as service dogs and in police work.
Labs need a lot of exercise - walking, romping, playing. Yards are best, but they are okay in an apartment if you're able to take them on frequent long walks.
Bottom line - make sure you have the time to care for a dog. They need a lot of people time and attention. If you aren't able to give this right now then you might want to wait a while. If you can give them the attention they need, then either breed would be good. If you have a smaller space, the Beagle is probably a better option. If you have the room and are looking for a best friend, go for the Lab.
2006-12-16 00:11:35
·
answer #1
·
answered by swbiblio 6
·
0⤊
0⤋
I currently have a beagle abd based on past experience owing a lab...go with the lab. Both are very loyal....but the beagle (mine as well as a friend of mine's) is much more needy. She even gets anxious when you leave to the point of destroying things. The lab was needy too...but she was well behave when we would leave the house. They can be a bit clumsy...especially with their tail knocking things off of coffee tables. Size does not matter in this case...I feel that a lab is the better choice...especially if you are looking for a pet that can spend the day alone at the house. This is all based on personal experience however, but I figured first-hand experience will help you out. Hope it works out for you!
2006-12-16 00:25:40
·
answer #2
·
answered by Kim 5
·
1⤊
0⤋
Sure, they're excellent pets, but this can be twisted round a little. Beagles are very intellegent dogs with essentially the most first-class noses out of all the breeds. They have a excessive instinct to track, so allow them to off their leash and they're long past! They may be good with children but don't seem to be so just right with noncanine animals except they were socialized with them at a younger age. Beagles even have a intellect of their possess and are very willfull. They need sufferer and firm training for them to be trained some thing. They want a number of mental and bodily pastime for them to not improve separation anxiety. They even have a loud baying cry which used to be used once they were hunting, but are determined very demanding to families. If you aren't acting as the "p.C. Leader" to your house then your canine could develop some horrible features corresponding to guarding, obsessive barking, snapping, biting, and fitting damaging when you're no longer home. The nice section about beagles is that if you are the dominate one within the "percent" you'll have a exceptional beagle. They will be loving and will probably be your perpetually buddy. Although they severely do need quite a lot of activity. Commonly 2-3 good walks everyday together with toys that stimulate their mind and enjoyable games to maintain them pondering. In addition they do not get that huge, being simplest 20-25lbs at the most. Please don't overfeed your canine! That's one of the vital worst types of abuse there may be and makes the beagle a real drag to have when obese. I mean severely, a fat dog that desires quite a few exercise? No. Do not do it. Wellness problems include coronary heart disease, epilepsy, eye and again problems. Additionally they can have chondroplasia, which is more commanly referred to as "dwarfism", which is when the beagle's front legs are shorter like a basset hound's. Also, in the event you buy one, you're making a significant dedication. They live from 12-15 years, many longer! So make sure you may have about 15 years to devote to this canine. But whats up, at the least they do not require a number of grooming! You only ought to brush their coat with a bristle brush, and dry shampoo with occassional baths. Be sure to hold their toenails trimmed, although, and make certain to check it's ears by and large to be sure there is no such thing as a infection. Overall, they are a just right dog, but when you should not have time to commit to giving it the entire mental stimulation it wishes, do not buy one. Due to the fact that that's guaranteed to be a teach ruin!
2016-08-10 01:45:57
·
answer #3
·
answered by thieme 4
·
0⤊
0⤋
In my very biased answer I would say the Beagle. The labrador retriever is a very hyper dog that I would never want to be stuck with..anywhere. I work with them constantly and have convinced myself to never buy the breed (unless it was Daisy..black lab at work that is calm and actually listens). Labs can be very airheaded animals and though they can love you with whole soul and heart, they need an outlet, which most labrador owners are not willing to provide. Research your breeds and options, this is a choice that will be by your side for quite a few years.
2006-12-19 16:23:45
·
answer #4
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋
Better for what?
Labs are easier to manage. They eat more food. Good with family. Placid, reasonably friendly.
I think beagles are cute; I'm a lifelong fan. But, they are intelligent dogs and need some exercise. They're pack dogs, decent with family but they easily go astray. They're so friendly, you have to make sure they don't go wandering off with strangers.
I thought I had bookmarks to some decent web sites on choosing a dog, but can't find them. Do a search for something like that and see what you come up with.
My best dog was a beagle-German Shepherd mix; the best of both breeds, and handsome too, like a small shepherd, but with a friendlier face and floppy hound hears.
Good luck - remember, you'll have him/her for a good long while.
PS - Google "Best Dog" - see link below.
2006-12-16 00:01:36
·
answer #5
·
answered by mattzcoz 5
·
1⤊
0⤋
Personally, I would suggest a beagle. Labs are slightly more expensive to care for because they are larger...they require more food, and more expensive vet care. I have also documented aggression issues in many labs. Beagles, on the other hand, tend to have good personalities. They are great family dogs, and a good size.
good luck
2006-12-16 00:45:42
·
answer #6
·
answered by iloveeeyore 5
·
1⤊
0⤋
We have a 10 yr old lab and they are the best dog. They are great with kids and other animals. Beagles bark/howl way to much.
2006-12-16 02:22:49
·
answer #7
·
answered by shannon o 1
·
0⤊
1⤋
I am a labrador lover, however, I like beagles too. I would strongly recommend that you research each breed thoroughly before making any purchase. Good Luck.
2006-12-16 10:27:58
·
answer #8
·
answered by Anonymous
·
1⤊
0⤋
The lab. all round good dog. smart, good with kids. My lab is 80 pounds and lives in side and we work it out just fine.
2006-12-16 00:18:54
·
answer #9
·
answered by FLYFISH1444 1
·
0⤊
1⤋
It's always a matter of, when you look at them who begs the most!!!
If you think they don't know what they are doing I guarantee they know exactly.
They are far smarter than humans, after all, we
took them in NOT the other way around.
You will make the right choice the minute you look at one of them.
The bond will be there forever, never to be broken.
2006-12-15 23:48:15
·
answer #10
·
answered by LucySD 7
·
0⤊
1⤋