I'm deciding between a Beagle and a Schnauzer. Which is better for a 30 year old couple with a medium backyard

Answer 1

I personally love Beagles. They are very affectionate pups! They are also very loyal. I have one when I was younger and he was so much fun. My dad and mom adored him as well. (Males to me are easier to train). I have 4 sheltie pups...but I always love my beagle....named Scamp. He was just a doll!!!

At 30 you have tons of engery and a medium sized backyard would be absoluately PERFECT.
Have a terrific weekend and I hope you find the perfect pup for you both.
Blessings, Patti

Answer 2

I LOVE hounds- it really depends what you want. A beagle will be very sniffy and have more energy than a Schnauzer in my experience. Do you want a more energetic dog (beagle)? A calmer dog (schnauzer)? Both will be calmer as adults then as puppies too. A beagle will naturally bark/howl more than a Schnauzer- but if you're willing to train a dog that won't be a problem. Beagles are also better with kids- if you have any or plan on having any in the next 10 years.

A schnauzer will require grooming (haircut about twice a year) and a beagle needs only a brush a week or so. But the beagle will shed more (I think)- it's all up to you...

Answer 3

I, myself, have a beagle. He's about three years old and the cutest thing on four legs. If I do say so myself.

I can only speak from the beagle end of this question. My beagle was an energetic puppy. He required a lot of attention in those first few months. He would cry and whine when placed in his crate for any amount of time. He couldn't be trusted to be out on his own while there was nobody home, but that's any puppy.

He did destroy a few pairs of shoes and the underside of the couch. There was some other stuff too, but those memories seem to fade. He was hard to housebreak, meaning that he did not pick up on it easily. It took forever for him to get it. Now that he's figured it out I can't remember the last time he went in the house.

My beagle does howl and bark. It's loud. I'm not gonna lie. Every time someone comes close to the yard and he sees it there's no stopping the noise. Doesn't matter, day or night. He is so super friendly though. Basically, he loves everyone. Great with kids and adults.

Someone mentioned that hounds are energetic. I can only speak for mine, but he's not all that energetic anymore. He prefers sleeping in his sunny spot on the floor over running around the house. If I take him outside he'll stay for a little bit and then walk to the door, patiently waiting for me to open it to let him back in. When he was a puppy though....there was no stopping him.

Now for health issues. My beagle inexplicably gained weight. The vet said that the breed is very susceptible to this sort of thing. It took a lot of tweaking his diet, with the help of the vet, to stop his gain. He was also born with bed knee joints. Something else that can be common in the breed. The weight puts pressure on the joints and well.....you get the picture.

Bottom line.....I love my beagle.

Answer 4

I cannot agree that a Schnauzer is calm. They are terriers! Terriers are not usually calm dogs in general. Both breeds are hunters, both are a nice size for a home. Beagle is going to be 'friendlier' due to being a hound and not a terrier. Schnauzer will require grooming by a professional, if you want it to look like a Schnauzer and not just a fuzzy dog. Beagle will shed. Beagle could have a little more 'doggy' odor because he is a hound. Schnauzers bark is higher pitched than the Beagles. Both tend to like to bark. Both are intelligent.

Answer 5

hmm.. I see it as the reverse from someone else's answer..

Schnauzers are hyper active terriers.. they bark , tend to be neurotic, but age well.. (as they get older they do calm down) Terriers are bred to not back down from larger dogs.. they can be aggressive, but are generally pretty good as far as that goes.. protective aggressive not always aggressive. They think like humans, and can get themselves into trouble.. (I've yet to find a cabinet or drawer that a schnauzer couldn't get into if they wanted)

Beagles in my experience are esacpe artists, they don't really bark all that much.. but they do Bay alot.. I find that it's easier to train the beagle than a schnauzer..


A medium sized yard is really good for either.. fenced in is the best option, BUT, even with the fence you will have to watch a beagle.. I've met quite a few like mine that climb fences.. Mine goes out and if he finds a scent that went over the fence.. (squirrel for example) he's over it in 30 seconds flat.. Schnauzers tend to watch their paremeters, barking at anyone who wanders too close to their territory.. (basically, if they are within eyesight.. )

I really do love both breeds..

Oh, another thing to think about.. Grooming!.. Schnauzers need alot of upkeep to keep them from getting matted.. beagles tend to shed, but the schnauzers fur just knots up.. every 6 weeks or so they need to be clipped/shaved,.. I know for ours it's $60 per dog..

Answer 6

A Snhnauzer would probably suit you better. Beagles are great dogs, but they require a lot of attention and energy and many people complain about the bark since they are hounds. Here are some links for good information on both breeds:

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/standardschnauzer.htm

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/beagle.htm

Answer 7

Schnauzer every time. I had a beagle years ago and it was the most vendictive dog I have ever owned.

Answer 8

If you are active and need good family dog get a Schnauzer. They don't shed, and love to be part of the family. They do need a lot excersise though. No letting it run around the yard will not be enough. It will need to be walked.

Answer 9

we have a beagle and love him to bits! he is sweet and loving and full of fun.. im dont know much about schnauzers, but i can defenilty say that you wont be dissapoionted in a beagle. they have so much love to give and are always curious pets that love to explore. to learn more about both kind of dogs try www.dogbreedinfo.com and check out both types of dogs. good luck!

Answer 10

dpeneds on your lifestyle and if you are willing to have a schnauzer groomed every 6 weeks.
heresd soem info on beagles:http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/beagles.html
schnauzer (theres minature, standard and giant):http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/miniatureschnauzers.html
http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/standardschnauzers.html
http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/giantschnauzers.html
once you ahev decided check out www.petfinder.com and type in your zip code and the breed and see whats for adoption. (there will probably be more beagles)