My husband wants to get a beagle?

Question

We have two kids and a mini dachsund right now, any advice on beagles would be helpful. We have a big fenced backyard. TIA

Answer 1

I'll give you some cons on the breed, and then some pros.

Beagles have a lot of energy, and this can be either a pro or a con depending on your lifestyle. They need lots of daily exercise or they will be destructive and hyperactive if they don't get it. They are stubborn and difficult to housetrain and obedience train. They should never be allowed off-leash unless in a fenced area, because they will take off and not come back if they catch on to a good scent. They are very loud and vocal, so if you can't stand frequent barking and baying, don't get a beagle. They shed quite a bit and have a fairly strong smell.

On the plus side, beagles are sturdy and good with kids when raised around them. Their high energy can make them good for taking along on hiking trips, or just playing for hours in the yard. Their coat is easy to take care of with little grooming required. Beagles can get along with strangers, kids, and other dogs.

Consider all of the cons carefully before deciding to get one or not. I hope that helps!

Answer 2

When we adopted our female beagle, she was 7 months old. She had food aggression and bit my sister one time. She's now 7 years old and while she no longer has the food aggression, she is still a little -itchy, if you know what I mean. Your husband isn't helping the situation by hitting Bentley. I don't blame him for growling and showing his teeth. Beagles run, it's in their blood, so hitting him was wrong. We sort of realized that the female is on her own program. We don't call her in the bedroom to go to bed at night because we know that she won't come in until she's good and ready. If he wants to stay in the crate, let him stay. As for the fireworks and storms, that's very normal for any dog to be afraid of those things. Our male beagle is afraid of trucks. Garbage day is a nightmare at our house because he gets so wound up when the trucks come in the neighborhood. Make sure that each dog has their own dishes. They shouldn't be sharing. It's unfair to punish the dog when he's been abused by your husband. It's possible he needs more training to solve his problem. Find a trainer who works with beagles and hopefully you will see an improvement with him. Praise him when he does something good, don't just yell at him when he's done wrong. I tell my female that she's pretty all the time. She loves it. I wish you luck.

Answer 3

It sounds like you have a good place to have a beagle. If your kids are really small, I'd get a pup that's a little older than newborn and housebroken. A pup is more adaptable to a life with two kids and another dog. If you don't want a pup, though, get an older dog you're sure gets along with the rest of your house. And give your mini dachsund a lot of extra attention, so it doesn't feel like it's being replaced. You're kids should love the new dog, though. They're generally affectionate and obedient, if not a big active. They're diggers, though, so guard your flower gardens.

Answer 4

I grew up with a beagle, we just put it down last year. They are the sweetest and most loveable dogs ever. However they are very hyper and have a very short attention span when it comes to training and distractions. But if you have a large yard and kids, it should get plenty of exercise. A beagle will offer you unconditional love and affection for it's entire life. One other downside is they do bark. Especially at night. They are bred for hunting and it's just in their jeans to howl. But I would still highly recomend a beagle, just as long as your neighbors aren't the lawsuit happy type (long story behind that). Best of luck!

Answer 5

Beagles are hunting dogs. They need a lot of room to run and are happier when the have lots of freedom. They also bark a lot, the deep loud kind so if you live in the city this is probably not the best breed for you. If you do not have a lot of room (more than a backyard) avoid any breed from the sporting or herding group.

Answer 6

I don't know too much about beagles, except I have heard they are a bit stubborn and may be more difficult to train. I think it really just depends on the dog, though.

I did want to mention that please check your local beagle rescue organization if you choose to adopt one. Our local chapter usually has many for adoption. You can adopt an adult (and a plus - you will already know their energy level/amount of training/etc), or the rescue groups often will have litters of puppies.

I do know that some friends of mine have a beagle mix they adopted from a shelter, and they have to bathe him every week, or else he really starts to smell bad. Just something to consider.

Answer 7

Beagles are the sweetest dogs on earth. I have 4 of them. Be careful though...they can be escape artists. They have a tendency to become obese so watch his/her weight. Beagle puppies are usually EXTREMELY energetic...but that dissipates after their first or second birthday usually. Mine get along well with my mother's mini dachshunds.

Answer 8

Beagles are AWESOME dogs! Check out this site for more information:
http://www.dogchannel.com/breeds/breeddetail.aspx?breedname=Beagle
Good luck! I had a Beagle for 3 years, and she was AWESOME! They are very loving dogs!

Answer 9

well my neigbor has 2 males and they are really old now one is obese and both of them have little tumors all of their body if you dont want to breed then you should get your beagle fixed because one of her beagles is fixed and doesnt have a lump in his scrotum and the other one that isnt fixed does the vet said it could be cancer If I were you I would do research in the breed before buying one.

Answer 10

Beagles are neat dogs. I have never owned one but do admire them. I like their bark.

Beinf from the hound group, they are "runners." They like to run, as in run away, unfortunately.

I remember always hearing on the lost-and-found on the radio -- lost beagle . . .

BE CAREFUL with anything you get from a shelter, especially with children. (I'm rolling my eyes at urging to get from a shelter with children in the house.) Even the pups, many of them have been sick, are cured but will have sequelae.