I am trying to determine whether to purchase a beagle or Maltese puppy, any pros, cons to either breed/ advice

Answer 1

I recommend doing research on both breeds before deciding. Perhaps you will find that neither one matches your lifestyle. But I'll give you a few cons to each, and then a few pros.

Beagles are hounds, so they are very active and will require a lot of exercise. They also bay loudly, so if you can't stand a lot of noise, don't get a beagle. They tend to be very hard to housetrain, so you'll need to patiently clean up doggy fecal matter and urine from your house for quite a while until you get them housetrained. They are also not as people-oriented as some dogs, so are rather difficult to obedience train. Don't be surprised if your beagle takes off and doesn't expect on coming back when he catches on to a good smell. They shouldn't be let off-leash, because even well-trained beagles aren't necessarily going to be obedient. They also shed a fair amount and happen to smell.

Maltese dogs aren't as sturdy as beagles. Many purebred Maltese are very small, so they tend to be quite fragile. They also need a lot of socialization, like any dog does, so that they aren't timid and scared of things. I don't recommend a Maltese if you have young kids. Maltese tend to be hard to housetrain. They also need a lot of frequent grooming.

On the plus side, beagles are sturdy and tend to be good with kids when socialized with them. They can get along with strangers, kids, and other animals. If you enjoy active sports and want an active dog, then beagles are good for this, because they have a lot of energy and spunk. They don't need a lot of grooming.

For Maltese, an excellent pro is that they don't shed, and are good for allergy sufferers. They're smart and playful and are able to learn tricks. They also will get along well with other animals when socialized to them.

Be sure to consider all of the cons of each, though. Remember, you'll be living with this dog for the next 13 years or more, so if there's even one con that you don't think you can handle for this long, rule out the breed.

Answer 2

A beagle will tend to be more independant and between the two a beagle could be more destructive when bored. Because a maltese was bred as a lap/indoor dog they are more laid back and more dependant on human companionship. Not to say a beagle wouldn't love you. A beagle's excersice need is large for a dog their size, since they were bred to hunt. Also obedience is more easily achieved with a maltese because a beagle is a hound and will follow its nose more than you. Beagles have health issues due to overbreeding because they are popular dogs and maltese have health issues due to their small size. Also grooming for a maltese involves daily brushing, yet they will shed less. Being a shorthaired dog a beagle will shed daily all year long, but only need brushed once a week to remove loose hair. Also beagles tend to have more of a doggy smell than a maltese.

Answer 3

Well Beagles are a very active breed of dogs, where as to the Maltese aren't as much. So it depends on your lifestyle. If you have enough time to go out for a walk and to the dog park, a beagle will be best. Or if you're more of a person that isn't home much, then a Maltese might suit you well because they don't want as much attention. But each dog is different so, it's a tough call to make.

Answer 4

Although I have never personally owned a Maltese, my sister has and I currently own a Beagle. If you have young children, go with the Beagle. Beagles are known to be great with children and are very hardy so there is less potential there for the child injuring the dog. Like mentioned by previous posts, Beagles are very active but they do get lazy as they age. My Beagle is 5 and although he likes nothing better than being outside, sniffing the ground or chasing squirrels, as he has aged, when he is inside, he sleeps. When he was younger, being an inside dog, his nose tended to get him in trouble often. Being bored and unintended during the day, he would snoop out anything that had an interesting smell and he would eat it--whether it be trash, dirty laundry, or soap. We had to make a few living adjustments on his account! He also is very noisy when he is outside and very vocal when he is excited. That being said, he is a very happy dog that loves children and being outside. If you want a sweet adorable dog that will be willing to go on a hike with you and lay on your lap, pick the Beagle.

Answer 5

well here is what i know, lol.
And i don't know much about beagles except for that annoying bark that have.
beagles are hunting dogs so they can sometimes be stubborn
Everyone that i have been around barks and chews ALLOT.but that doesn't mean all do.
Beagles need a ton of exercise also from what i understand.
And can have some health issues.

I own a Maltese so i can give a more educated answer on that.
Maltese usually make good family pets
they are lap dogs..so the require allot of petting,attention and reassurance.
They can sometimes get separation anxiety.mine doesn't though.
Maltese want to please very badly so they are quite easy to train.
Maltese are very loving laid back dogs...considering they have no aggression issue from a past home.
They want to be wherever you are...so they are like accessories To your wardrobe lol
They are very loyal.
The 2 that i have owned didn't bark much.
They are hard to maintain as far as grooming goes.you can run up a pretty big grooming bill.i suggest just keeping it's fur shaved if it isn't a show dog.
They are known to have sensitive stomaches and some health issues.
They can be very human like in personality.
Pretty playful and well manored.
All around, i highly recommend a maltese if you don't mind having a little friend that will follow you everywhere...and i mean everywhere...lol like the potty.
I really love my maltese...he is soo obsessed with me......its cool.
He waits on the bath mat while i take a shower,he sleeps next to me on the bed.He doesn't snap at our baby even when the baby is pulling his ears(we stop the baby from doing that when we see it) he always listens, he does a number of tricks.....he was easy to teach.I can walk in the woods and NEVER have to worry about him runing off, he allways follows me.He loves car rides,loves playing with our children.He is a wonderful dog and a very important part of our family.
I hope i could atleast help you with the maltese end,maybe other people will know more about beagles.
I hope this helps with you deciding dilemma. good luck

Answer 6

Do nto start your search for a K9 companion by selecting a breed. Too many poeple base their choice on breed and aesthic qualities without considering that they are bringing a K9 into their lives. A dog is a dog. They are pack animals and require a good pack leader to become and remain mentally and physically well balanced. First you must commmit to providing the proper amount of physical activity for your dog. Will you walk him at least twice a day for 30 to 45 minutes each time? Can you assert yourself as his leader and provide a heathy, safe environment for him? If so then you must match your energy level and level of commitment to that of your dog. Are you a type A personality with lots of energy or do you like to chill out at home and relax? As you may know all dogs were bred for a purpose and all dogs must have purpose in their lives. If you have lots of energy then consider a breed that enjoys lots of activity. If your low key and inactive then you may be better off with an English Bulldog. A Beagle is a hunting dog and will require lots of activity to quench this instinctual desire. Conversely the Maltese is not a high energy breed, but does require significant grooming to maintain the coat and eyes. Therefore, I suggest you first consider your own situation and base your choice of breed on your evergy level and ability to commit to the needs of a dog in general and the breed specific traits.

Above all remember that all K9's want a calm and assertive pack leader to provide an environment where they feel safe. By providing daily routine you will be well on your way to forming a strong healthy bond with your companion animal.

Answer 7

Go to YAHOO! and type in "dog breed selector" Several questionnaires will come up. They will ask you about your lifestyle and preferences. This should give you a good idea about the breed good for you. Once you get it narrowed down, go to akc.com and look at the breed standard. then you may want to volunteer at a shelter or rescue so you can meet the dogs in person and see if you connect. Another resource might be to go to a dog show. Whatever you do, don't go to a pet shop or a backyard breeder!

Answer 8

I have owned 2 Beagles and they both made great pets. The first one was a male, who I showed Agility and Obediance, the other was a female who was just a pet and I taught Agility to just for fun. Both were quick learners. I would advise you to get your dog fixed by the age of 9 months which ever you choose.

Answer 9

Hi, I'd also have a look at this website:
http://www.hoflin.com/BR/BreedReviewsIndex

It contains breed reviews by actual owners of the breed & seems to include both pros & cons - it may help you to make up your mind.

Though to me, if it came down to a choice between the two, I'd have to decide whether or not I wanted to spend more time walking & exercising with my dog or whether I prefered to spend a lot of time grooming, etc.

And, if the decision was still really difficult then I expect that I'd just have to have one of each ... lol

Answer 10

Well, I have a beagle, he is small and loves to chase things I love my beagle and I think it would be a good dog to get because he is small and loving.