Can someone please tell me all you know about beagles?

Question

Please don't copy and paste the info from other sites. I've already read them. I need people to tell me from pure experiences from owning a beagle. I want to know how they are when they are left alone...are they destructive? Are they good with children, other pets, and strangers? Do they bark too much?? Are they very affectionate? Are they hyper. Please tell me from experience only....not from other web sites. Thanks. I'm thinking about getting one in the future if I can.

Answer 1

Well...it's refreshing to see someone actually wanting to hear from beagle owners....They are a VERY interesting breed....
We have had 2. One has passed away and the other is still very much with us.
As background, we have 4 dogs. 1 Beagle, 1 Black Lab and 2 Border Collies.
If I had to rate them for "apparent" intelligence....read the "apparent" part... they would rank
1) Border Collie
2) Lab
3) Beagle
BUT.....and this is the kicker...."apparent" intelligence is normally perceived as "ease of training". Border Collies learn fastest, then the Lab and the poor little Beagle is slowest.
Having said that, it is not because the beagle is stupid...the beagle has smarts in the way that IT chooses. They can be stubborn, bullheaded and hard to train. BUT they are loveable, affectionate and get along with other dogs. They are pack animals, breed not withstanding. Our beagle is the oldest dog in the household and she rules the roost.
Neither of our beagles is/was overly vocal. They tend to be most vocal if following a scent. At home, the are couch potatos but don't let that fool you. They need LOTS of exercise or they become obese quickly (NEVER free feed a Beagle!!!). Be sure to have the dog leashed on walks because they follow all scents they smell. Mine have always gotten along well with children and strangers. They are not hyper unless on a "scent". Then you can ealisy lose them. They will follow and follow and follw the scent and MAY not find their way home.
My dogs (including the beagle) are on the Invisible Fence system with an electronic collar. It is a fraction of the price of a regular fence and, properly trained, they NEVER get "zapped".
Lady (the Beagle) loves car rides, going anywhere with us and sleeps in our bed. (Not recommended but that's life...LOL!)
Since you do not mention where you live (city or countryside) I can only recommend lots of room and exercise. also TONS and TONS of patience. This is not a dog that will "breeze" through obedience classes, etc. They have to be worked consistenly or they will ignore you.
Hope this was of some help. Good luck.
Ann

Answer 2

When I first got my beagle I felt frustrated. She chewed holes in the couch and the pillows and a few clothes. I learned to crate train her and give her a lot of attention and exercise when I got home from work each day. I would not recommend leaving any dog loose in the house until they are about a year old or well past the chewing stage. This keeps you sane and them safe.
She is a year old now and she calmed down a lot. She only chews her toys. Sometimes she does not come when I call her, but this is apparently a beagle trait. She gets very lonely when left alone and is a very sociable dog. She likes to follow people around and watch what they are doing. She is very loud or (vocal) as the vet puts it, not too hyper, good with my cat and jumps on everybody. I'm still working on that one. Everyone is drawn to her and can't get enough of her, she has a really fun personality. The neighbor kids come over just to play with her.
Hope this helps.

Answer 3

I have a beagle and she is the sweetest dog! She used to tear things up when she was a puppy, but she is great now. She is great with kids and kinda scared of other animals. She barks at strangers sometimes when she is in the yard, but not often. She is very affectionate!! She was hyper when she was a puppy, but she is getting older and lazier now!! She still likes to play in the evening when we get home from work. Beagles are the perfect size, not too big and not too small. She sheds a little, but the dander is not an issue. I think a beagle is a great choice!! Good luck!

Answer 4

I don't own a Beagle myself but I do know someone who owns 2 Beagles and a Bulldog. I've looked after her dogs a few times so I could give you a bit of information about them =)
Only her male Beagle is destructive when left alone for long periods of time. They do OK when they're alone together for SHORT periods of time but like all dogs, they can get very bored.
They are great with children and love the attention.
They are good with other dogs but I'm not sure with cats.
They can be wary of strangers and if not properly socialized, can be aggressive/possessive.
They don't bark; they howl. A lot. Make sure that they aren't left alone for long periods of time with nothing to do because if they're bored, they will howl.
Affectionate, just like any other dog. They are pretty active and need to be exercised a lot as they can become fat and lazy. Remember not to give in to those beautiful brown eyes when it comes to food!!
They are prone to a fair few health issues but you can check up on those on www.dogbreedinfo.com ;a fantastic site to check up on dog breeds, temperament, health conditions, pictures etc.

EDIT: Forgot to mention: they love to wonder off and they have a very keen sence of smell. Don't let them off the lead in public places (parks, house etc.) as if they pick up a fresh scent, they will go for it. My friend has lost her male Beagle twice and her female Beagle once!

Answer 5

They're incredibly hyper puppies. Mine literally bounced off of walls. But they settle down into big couch potatoes after a year or so.

They like to chew, but are pretty good at keeping it limited to toys. They're friendly, outgoing little dogs who love kids, strangers, and other dogs.

They can be very picky eaters.

They can be a training challenge. Beagles are very food motivated, and very stubborn, so you pretty much have to have treats to train. Be aware that they have a bit of what I like to call selective hearing. They will ignore you. :) Never let a beagle off leash outside of a fence, because if they catch a scent, they'll follow it, whether you're calling them or not.

They're not much for barking, but will howl all night.

Anyway, that's the experience I've had with mine. They're a challenge, but they're worth it, because they're such sweeties. :)

Answer 6

i currently have a beagle, very intelligent, it knows when u r really sad or angry and will approach to cheer u up, it is not really destructive after abt 4 to 6 months old, as it is still teething as a puppy,they are great socializers, they care abt the children, but as long as u intro them ur children using a positive attitude, as long as the pets are not too small they are good with pets, affectonate? they are of course, hyper yes but only for a rather short while as they have very little staina, well what can u say, they are hunting dogs, loya to their owners and get rids of your household pests efficiently
beagles rarely bark, they whine normally, but would be okay after awhile and it loves to sleep after a hard day playing!!! it's good as a companion but it's best to be leashed when small and slowly let him/her adjust to the surroundings, if u let it roam straight away be prepared to have to pay money for ur back aches, they are curious, so bear in mind and u will be okay
faithful dogs, character may vary, it loves anyone that treats it best


note beagles are food lovers, they will do anything for food

Answer 7

OMG i have a beagle puppy and he has been BAD. In the 5 weeks ive had him, he STILL doesnt understand to poop and pee outside. Ive told him a million times to stay off my bed and he gets on it every chance he can. And yes, beagles are like all puppies, they like to chew on stuff. But its even worse cause beagles are hound dogs, so they sniff around a lot. Mine has caused at least $500 in property damage. They are sweet dogs, theyre never ever agressive. They just need a big yard to explore and all that good stuff. Sorry, not trying to turn you off to beagles, you said you wanted real life answers, so... My conclusion is that beagles are just a little dumb.... and ive read that they are not the smartest breed, so... good luck. Oh also, they dont bark much, and i cant trust mine off the leash and you shouldnt either because they will run away to follow a smell. I almost lost mine on the first day because i didnt know i couldnt trust him.

Answer 8

i have owned a organic-bred beagle for a at the same time as now. Her call is Powder, and she or he's definitely insane. in the course of the summer season she sleeps on excellent of her dogs abode, by technique of hiking the fence next to it. it truly is the funniest element you have ever considered. She has a perfect temperment, and in effortless words barks once you're strolling faraway from her. I take her for walks time-honored, and she or he runs for the first mile, then "flumps" for some thing of the walk. by technique of flump I propose randomly mendacity down. She has large eyes, and significant ears that get moist at the same time as her water dish is finished. Oh, and she or he's totally grown, yet rather larger than a housecat. large dogs. sturdy success inclusive of your Beagle!

Answer 9

my friend has 2 beagles. they weren't bad when she left them home alone but they are natural hunters so i would't reccomend them if you have other small pets like birds, rats, ect.