There are over 200 different breeds of pedigree dogs to choose from, which means there’s plenty to think about before selecting the perfect pup. Each breed has different characteristics that make it attractive to those who like it. For instance, those with an active lifestyle will be looking for a large/hyper dog, while those with allergies might want to consider hypoallergenic dogs.
There’s even dog ranking by intelligence, popularity, size, and ability to adapt, among other things. One of the most sought-after breeds is the Beagle, as it has a range of positive attributes that make it ideal for virtually every dog enthusiast. Before bringing any dog breed home, knowing what you’re in for is an important part of being a responsible pet owner. So, let’s learn all about the Beagle.
Beagle Dog Breed Introduction
Beagles are among the most popular and recognizable dog breeds out there. They are happy, loving, outgoing, energetic, and optimistic but have a stubborn streak. Being scenthounds, they primarily hunt by scent instead of sight. The Beagle’s nose is an essential part of its anatomy with over 200 million scent receptors. It’s what controls their brains, so much so that nothing else exists in their world if they smell something interesting.
There’s more to this breed than its powerful nose; you have come to the right place to learn all about them. This article will cover their history, appearance, personality (are beagles playful?), trainability, and everything else that makes them unique. I hope you find this Beagle information informative and enjoyable.
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Beagle Breed History
The Beagle dog has been around for hundreds of years, although it’s still debatable when and where they originated from. Ancient Greek documents place Beagle-like dogs as far back as 400 B.C. The Talbot Hound was brought to England in the 11th century during the campaigns of William the Conqueror. These dogs are thought to be the ancestors of the Foxhound and the Beagle. The Talbot Hound was bred with other breeds to produce the most desirable qualities of a hunter in today’s Beagles (what do beagles hunt?).
The Beagle was originally bred for hunting rabbits and other small game. They also functioned as gun dogs meant for flushing game for hunters. By the mid-16th century, hounds were classified according to their purpose, such as scenthounds, sighthounds, etc. Beagles are scenthounds, and their powerful sense of smell ranks top with bloodhounds and basset hounds (do beagles kill birds?).
These dogs became popular in England during the reigns of Edward II, Henry VII, and Elizabeth I. But their popularity started declining in the 1700s when the larger Foxhound was the preferred dog for hunting. Luckily, the farmers of England kept them going.
In the 1800s, the first Beagles were brought to America from England by General Richard Rowett. He established his own breeding stock that became the standard for the American Beagle. This breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 and is now ranked the 7th most popular dog breed in the U.S. (beagle mix with golden retriever)
Although Beagles are still used for hunting, they are commonly seen as wonderful family dogs and companions because of their friendliness and loyalty. The modern Beagle is also known to have many desirable jobs. For instance, many law enforcement officers use them to sniff out illegal contraband thanks to their powerful noses. They have also been used in search and rescue missions.
Beagle Dog Physical Characteristics
Beagles may look like foxhounds at first glance, but their size is much smaller. It does have some distinctive features, starting with a white-tipped tail. Beagles were bred to have this feature to be visible in long grass during a hunt. They have long, droopy ears that can reach the end of their nose when drawn out.
These are useful for catching scent particles and keeping them near the Beagle’s nose so they can take in as much information as possible. Other physical characteristics include large eyes, dome-shaped heads, compact structure, broad nose, short legs and muzzles, webbed feet that make them great at swimming, and a slightly curved tail that usually stands erect when the dog is at ease (do beagles have webbed feet?).
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Size and Weight of Beagle Dog
Beagles are classified as small-medium-sized dogs, depending on their height and weight. There are two varieties of Beagles: small and large. The former doesn’t exceed 13 inches in height, while the latter stands at 13-15 inches tall at the shoulder. In terms of weight, the small Beagles weigh 20 pounds or less while the larger Beagles weigh between 20 and 30 pounds. Like most dog breeds, the female Beagle is usually smaller than its male counterparts.
The American and English Kennel Clubs have different standards for this breed in that Beagles that meet the latter’s standards can be more than 15 inches tall and weigh up to 35 pounds. There are also Pocket Beagles that are usually 7-12 inches in height and weigh 7-15 pounds. According to the AKC’s standards, these dogs should fall under the category of small Beagles. But that’s not the case as they are not recognized by any Kennel Club, probably because they are often bred unethically and likely to have serious genetic defects (why do beagles have big ears?).
It’s important to know the ideal size of your Beagle at any age for two reasons. First, you can calculate how many calories they should eat daily using their weight. Overfeeding or underfeeding your Beagle can have lasting effects on their health. Secondly, by knowing how much they should weigh and measure, you can tell whether your pup is growing at the right pace. Beagles experience a rapid growth rate from birth until around six months. Here’s a typical growth pattern of an average large Beagle:
- From 1-2 months, they should weigh 3-7 pounds and stand 5-7 inches
- 3-4 months: 8-12 pounds and 7-10 inches
- 5-9 months: 10-20 pounds and 10-13 inches
- 10-18 months: 20-30 pounds and 11-15 inches
Dogs are different, so don’t be alarmed if your Beagle’s size is slightly different from the numbers above. However, if there’s a vast disparity, visit the vet as soon as possible (read more here: how big do beagles get?)
Beagles Colors and Patterns
As Beagles move away from their hunting roots to being household pets, aesthetics is just as important as the dog’s quality. Luckily, Beagles offer plenty of options when it comes to finding a coat variation that matches your personality. There are ten basic Beagle colors and 25 color combinations approved by the AKC. Add in a variety of patterns, markings, and color shades, and the color possibilities are almost endless. In fact, it’s safe to say that no two Beagles look alike. This breed’s colors vary from registry to registry, making a widely accepted definition of Beagle color ‘any hound color.’ The standard colors of Beagles are:
- Black and tan
- Black, tan and white
- Black, white, and tan
- Black, tan, and bluetick
- Black, red and white
- Blue, tan and white
- Brown and white
- Brown, white and tan
- Lemon and white
- Red and white
- Tan and white
The AKC recognizes 14 other colors, but the color doesn’t really matter unless you want your dog to participate in competitions. Beagles are typically multicolored, and it’s extremely rare to find a single solid color. At the very least, you’ll find bi-colored Beagles, but most of the time there are tri-colored. In addition to these color combinations, you can find Beagles in various markings. The AKC recognizes six different markings, including white, tan, brown, and black markings, as well as ticked and spotted Beagles (beagle colors).
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Some Beagle colors are prevalent, while others are pretty rare. The black, tan, and white Beagle is the most popular color and the classic tri-color that Beagle lovers have grown to know and love. Some rare color options are lemon and white, blue tick Beagles, and solid colors. Be careful with Beagle colors advertised as rare. Some breeders even promote the ultra-rare merle color. These Beagles simply don’t exist, and chances are a Beagle was crossed with another breed to produce this unique coat color (blue tick beagle).
Shedding Levels and Grooming Routine
Shedding is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a dog breed, especially for allergy sufferers, so let’s see what to expect regarding this breed’s shedding facts. The Beagle is double-coated, and with two layers of fur, there’s more opportunity to shed. It’s classified as a moderate shedder and sheds every day of the year.
But since their hair is short to medium length, their shedding may not be so apparent as the Siberian Husky or Pug, who has more fur per square inch than any other dog. Even so, your house, furniture, and clothes will never be hair-free (read more: do beagles shed?)
Like most dogs, Beagles experience heavy shedding in fall and spring when they literally shed their entire coat in preparation for the changing season. In fall, they will shed their coat to make way for a heavy-duty winter jacket. Come springtime, they will opt for a lighter coat to help keep them cool in the warm summer months (do beagles need haircuts?).
Although the Beagle is expected to shed much, you should watch out for excessive shedding. The hair should not fall out in clumps even during the seasonal shedding. This could be a sign of an underlying problem such as stress, skin infection, poor diet, and skin allergies. Be sure to take your pet to the vet if they are shedding above and beyond what is healthy (are beagles easy to take care of?).
While you cannot completely stop your Beagle from shedding, you can manage the situation by grooming the dog. Weekly brushing with a medium bristle brush is usually enough to keep loose dead hair at bay and maintain the coat. However, during the pesky shedding months, you may need to brush him most days and use a de-shedding tool as it’s better at reaching down to the undercoat.
Beagles are relatively clean dogs, so they don’t need to be bathed every so often unless they have rolled in dirt or something smelly. Aim to bathe him every eight weeks as overdoing it will strip his skin of the natural oils he produces to keep his coat lush and healthy.
Don’t forget to trim their nails once or twice every month and brush their teeth at least two or three times a week. Beagles have large, droopy ears that don’t allow air to circulate well inside, meaning they can easily get infections. Be sure to check their ears every two weeks and clean them with a solution recommended by your vet. Read more: How to clean beagles ears?
Energy Levels and Exercise Routine
Beagles are highly active dogs and require plenty of exercises to be happy and healthy. You should be prepared to provide this need every day no matter the circumstances; otherwise, your dog will have pent-up energy and find destructive ways to release it (do beagles sleep a lot?).
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Additionally, Beagles are prone to obesity since they eat a lot, and failure to exercise them can cause them to be overweight/obese. This is not a state you want your dog to be in, as it increases its risk of suffering from serious health issues such as hypertension and diabetes (how fast can beagles run?).
There are many ways to exercise your Beagle, starting with daily walks. This will help stretch his legs, stimulate his sight and smelling senses, allow for socialization, and, obviously, release excess energy. As scenthounds with strong hunting instincts, your Beagle may not resist the urge to chase after prey or pursue a tempting smell. As such, walks must always be taken on a leash (do beagles like water?).
They’ll also love running, jogging, and hiking, although you shouldn’t do this until they are fully developed, thus preventing causing injury to their delicate joints and bones. Hunting dogs will also enjoy and benefit from chasing rabbits in the field, but only do this if they are fully trained to come back. Other activities you can do with your dog to help burn off some of that energy and curiosity include:
- Play fetch, catch, or Frisbee (do beagles play fetch?)
- Agility
- Scent work: This will give them a chance to use their exceptional nose as well
- Go for a swim (do beagles swim?)
- Tracking
These dogs are good escape artists and love to climb and dig; therefore, if any of these activities are happening outside, make sure your garden/yard is well-secured.
Like many other dogs, the amount of exercise your Beagle needs will depend on several factors, including their age, weight, overall health, and fitness level. Aim for around 1-2 hours of exercise every day for healthy adults (are beagles lap dogs?).
Beagle puppies are full of energy, but they don’t need as much exercise as adults (are beagles high energy?). That’s because their bones and joints are still developing, and any high-impact activity might cause injury and affect development. Additionally, you may not go outside for walks since they don’t have all their vaccinations. In that case, focus on play as their primary form of exercise (do beagles need a lot of exercise?).
The lifespan of A Beagle Dog
The Beagle can be a long-lasting companion with an average life expectancy of between 12 and 15 years. But how long your Beagle will live is not definitive as it depends on several factors such as their overall health, nutrition, and care. While some have not made it past the age of six due to health complications or accidents, others have made it past 20 years. In fact, the oldest living Beagle on record was named Butch and lived an incredible 27 years (read more: how long do beagles live?)
Although Beagles are typically healthy dogs, they have their share of health problems like all dogs, affecting their lifespan. According to the Veterinary Medical Databases (VMDB), puppies tend to die from trauma, secondary infections, and congenital diseases (diseases and health conditions that are genetically passed down and by birth defects). Read more: how long are beagles pregnant?
As for adult Beagles, the leading cause of death is cancer. The second leading cause is trauma, followed by neurological issues such as intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) and epilepsy. Beagles are also susceptible to eye issues such as glaucoma and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), joint and bones issues like hip dysplasia, and ear infections. Finally, due to their large appetite, this breed is prone to obesity, which in turn, leads to many life-threatening conditions.
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How to Help Your Beagle Reach Full Life Expectancy
While you may not avoid certain health issues, there are several steps you can take to improve your Beagle’s life expectancy. This includes:
- Having them spayed/neutered to help prevent ovarian cancer in females and testicular cancer with males
- Providing a healthy, balanced diet
- Exercising the dog to help maintain a healthy weight
- With trauma being a leading cause of death in Beagles of all ages, it’s essential to keep them secured and on a leash when outside the house.
- Make sure your dog stays up-to-date on all vaccinations
- Minimize stress
- Regular vet visits will likely afford you early detection of any of these illnesses so you can treat or manage them before they worsen.
Are Beagles Hypoallergenic
An estimated 10-20% of people are allergic to cats and dogs, which is why some breeders claim to have hypoallergenic ones. Most people shop for short-haired dogs and those that shed less because they think dog fur is the source of their allergies. Although dog fur can be problematic for those with allergies, the truth is the protein found in dog saliva, urine, and dander is what causes allergy symptoms, including congestion, difficulty breathing, etc. (Are beagles hypoallergenic?)
From this statement, hypoallergenic dogs don’t actually exist since all dogs produce this protein. However, some breeds are hairless, shed less, and/or have significantly lower amounts of allergens, making them more suitable for allergy sufferers.
As for Beagles, they are not considered hypoallergenic. They are moderate to high shedders and produce dander and saliva that contains the protein that triggers allergies. These dogs are even tested to create dog-produced allergens, showing that they are not hypoallergenic.
On the bright side, according to vets and animal scientists, these dogs produce an average amount of allergens, meaning those who are only mildly allergic or suffer from seasonal allergies might be able to keep them as a pet. If you have severe allergies, this might not be the dog for you.
Tips for People with Allergies
If you’ve decided the Beagle is the right fit for you and your family, there are ways you can reduce the allergens it produces to help lessen the symptoms you may be experiencing. Start by grooming your dog regularly. Brushing and bathing remove loose, dead hairs and dander before falling off and becoming airborne. Secondly, keep your Beagle confined to a specific part of the house to limit exposure to allergens. Consistently vacuuming, dusting, and moping will help remove any hairs or dander that the dog keeps spreading in your environment. You can also invest in a HEPA air filter to help clear the air of dust, dirt, and dander. Lastly, consider a medical aide. These options include allergy medications and shots, and even getting the dog neutered/spayed.
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Feeding Requirements
A high-quality, balanced diet is essential for keeping the Beagle lean, trim, and healthy. Therefore, their food should be high in proteins with moderate amounts of healthy fats and digestible carbs. And don’t forget a constant supply of clean fresh water (what do beagles eat?). Supplements may also be necessary for sick, recovering, or pregnant Beagles. But talk to your vet first before adding any supplements to your dog’s diet. There are three different types of foods you could choose to feed your Beagle:
- Raw food diet, which includes only raw meat, fruits (do beagles like blueberries?), and vegetables
- Canned foods that contain wet dog food are often mixed with dry kibble
- Dry food, which is the most popular type of dog food
As hunting dogs, Beagles were the ultimate scavengers. They would eat anything and everything they found while hunting to maintain a high energy level. And the same applies to the modern Beagle. These dogs are chowhounds and will eat themselves sick if you let them (why do beagles eat poop?).
He will not stop eating until the food in front of him is gone, which is why you should provide a measured diet. Otherwise, your dog will experience stomach issues and eventually become overweight/obese, followed by severe health issues such as an increased risk for heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and many types of cancer.
So, how much food do Beagles need? The right portion size will depend on the dog’s age, activity level, and weight. Ideally, an adult Beagle should eat about a cup of dry food split between two feedings, morning and evening (how much should beagles eat?) of course, if your dog is very active, it will need more food. Puppies will require more calories than their adult counterparts to help them grow and develop.
This breed is known for its ability to sniff out food. Being omnivores and greedy, opportunist hounds, ensure you keep your pantry, kitchen trash cans, cupboards, and other places that contain human or dog food well-secured (are beagles prone to obesity?).
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Are Beagles Suitable for Apartments
Apartment dwellers are often worried that their limited space may not be ideal for keeping a dog. While that may be true for large dogs, it’s not so much about the size of your house that matters. For instance, you could have a large penthouse but very little room for your dog to make their way. On the other hand, someone lives in an apartment but allows their dog more room to roam. In short, size isn’t everything; all you need to ensure is your pet has enough space of its own (are beagles good apartment dogs?).
Beagles make excellent apartment dogs for a couple of reasons. First off, they are just the right size. Beagles will stand around 13-15 inches tall and weigh up to 30 pounds. These medium-sized dogs will be comfortable within an apartment. Secondly, Beagles have an even temperament. Meaning they are neither too timid nor too aggressive (do beagles drool?).
Many things can go wrong when a dog gets stuck in small spaces. The Beagle’s even temperament means it can cope with unpredictable situations, making it ideal for apartment living. Another reason is that Beagles are highly adaptable, meaning they can quickly adjust to different living situations, including living in an apartment (do beagles fart?).
While Beagles make great apartment dogs, it’s not without some caveats. They are very energetic dogs and will need plenty of daily exercises to release pent-up energy. This breed is also talkative and vocal, which can cause problems with the other neighbors when your Beagle won’t stop barking (are beagles loud?).
As mentioned earlier, Beagles are moderate to heavy shedders, which can be more apparent in a small enclosure. More fur and dander circulating in a small space can spell trouble for allergy sufferers as there’s more opportunity to trigger allergic reactions (do beagles smell?).
Last but not least, find out if your apartment allows dogs in the first place and if it is pet-friendly. Some apartments will have outright bans on specific breeds. This is particularly true for large and aggressive dogs, which the Beagle isn’t (do beagles snore?).
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Can Beagles Live Outside, In Cold and Hot Weather?
Beagles love to spend time outdoors but are not excellent for outside dogs. Even though they are double-coated, they don’t have a thick and long fur coat like the Siberian husky or German shepherd to withstand extreme temperature fluctuations. Their short hair and thin fur coat do very little to regulate their body temperature and protect them from harsh weather conditions (are beagles outside dogs?).
Even spending a short period in frigid weather can lead to hypothermia, and frostbite and weaken their immune system. Hot weather is also not ideal for Beagles as they can easily suffer heat strokes (do beagles get cold easily?).
Some people argue that these dogs lived outside in the 18th century, so why can’t they do so now? This breed indeed spent its days running through the fields, chasing down rabbits and other small game. And come evening, it was not uncommon for them to sleep outside. But you have to realize that those who owned Beagles for hunting had a pack of them, which included a minimum of 5 dogs and up to 20+ in each pack (why do beagles like to sleep under the covers?).
So, when the dogs slept outside, they could cuddle and keep each other warm. Also, the wealthy men who owned Beagles had shelters built to protect the dogs from outdoor elements (do beagles dig?). If you were able to replicate all these conditions, then perhaps you could have some outdoor Beagles as pets (do beagles need coats in winter?).
Outside of weather concerns, it’s still not advisable to leave your Beagle outside, especially for prolonged periods. These are social dogs, and they thrive off of human companionship. If left outside for too long, they will get lonely and bored and start acting out in destructive ways.
Secondly, these dogs are great escapists and are ruled by their noses. Once they catch an interesting scent, they will do anything to chase after it. There could also be other dangers lurking outside, including poisonous plants, chemicals, and even wild animals.
This is not to say that you cannot leave your Beagle outside, but it would have to be under favorable weather conditions and ensure all their needs are provided for, including food, water, and toys for entertainment.
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Beagle Dog Personality Characteristics
The Beagle is known to be gentle, friendly, loving, and outgoing, among other positive traits. They are even-tempered, meaning they’re neither too timid nor too aggressive. This breed was designed to work together in packs and, as such, prefers companionship over being alone. As household pets, they consider their human family their pack and love and are loyal to them (are beagles smart?).
Like any other dog, early socialization will help your Beagle pup get used to people, other animals, and different situations that come with family life. These dogs are independent thinkers who like to have their way, meaning they have a mischievous, stubborn, and naughty side as well. Let’s take an in-depth look at how they relate with others. (Read more: do beagles like to cuddle? & are beagles cuddly?).
Living with Children and Family Members
The Beagle makes a great family dog for several reasons. They are loving, gentle, sweet, happy, and outgoing. They thrive in a family environment and bond with everyone, including children and adults. They don’t like to be left alone, so you’ll have to make sure someone is at home to provide companionship, take them outside for a call of nature, or to exercise them (are beagles good with kids?)
When you have kids, their happiness and safety are paramount. You want a family dog that is playful yet calm in its temperament. Beagles tick both boxes, making them ideal for families with children. These dogs are energetic, happy, and love to play (are beagles mean?).
And just like children, they have a mischievous side that is more endearing rather than irritating. Also, their compact size won’t be overwhelming to children (are beagles a good family dog?).
Although Beagles are very good with children, both parties should be taught how to get along and respect each other. Beagles are docile and tolerant, but kids can be rough and cause a lot of discomfort to the dog (are beagles loyal?).
This can cause the dog to lash out and potentially bite your child. Ensure you teach your children to be kind and respectful in all their interactions with the dog (do beagles bite?).
They shouldn’t do things like sitting on the dog, pulling their ears, pushing or hitting them, trying to take away their food, etc. On the other hand, the dog will need to be socialized from an early age to get used to being around kids. You can also teach them how to behave around kids, like not jumping on them (are beagles affectionate?).
This breed may not be a suitable match when it comes to toddlers/infants. Beagles can be excessive barkers with some howling as well, and parents can agree that such loud noises and babies don’t mix well (are beagles friendly?).
Beagles may be great family dogs, but not every family makes ideal Beagle owners. This includes families that love to spend a lot of time indoors when these dogs love the outdoors and need plenty of exercise every day to be happy and healthy (are beagles lazy?).
Living with Cats and Other Dogs
Beagles are friendly and curious, and both of these traits help them get along with other animals, making them ideal for a multi-pet household. Initially bred for hunting, these dogs thrived in the company of others, and this is what makes them friendly with other dogs. Because they are social and get anxious and lonely when left alone for long periods, your Beagle will appreciate the company of another dog (are beagles good with other dogs?).
Being hunting dogs, one would assume that Beagles have an instinct to chase cats and cause trouble. But Beagles aren’t considered hostile or aggressive, and according to the AKC, they are among the best dogs to have around cats. This is due to their sweet disposition and gentle nature (are beagles dangerous?).
Early socialization is an integral part of making your Beagle get used to being around other dogs and cats. When introducing a new dog or cat to your Beagle, they’re likely to feel stressed and anxious at the beginning. In that case, you need to learn the correct way to integrate the two animals. When you first introduce them, it’s best to keep both animals separate and give them ample time to get used to each other’s scent (do beagles kill cats?).
Once they are comfortable with each other’s presence, you can introduce them face-to-face. Only when you’re fully confident that the two are on good terms should you leave them alone together. You must maintain a strong leadership position in a multi-pet household. Be consistent and firm in training, as well as in enforcing house rules (are beagles good with cats?).
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But also remember to be generous with praise and rewards when the dogs do well, without showing favoritism. You’ll also need to learn the basics about your dog’s body language and watch out for signs of aggression. That way, you’ll know if there’s a conflict and step in to resolve the situation before it escalates.
Barking Levels of a Beagle Dog
The Beagle isn’t known as a quiet dog, but neither is he yappy. That being said, you can expect frequent vocalization as he isn’t afraid to speak his mind when he has something to say. These dogs have different kinds of barking, including the standard bark, bay, and howl, which often makes it seem like they are noisier than other dogs (do beagles bark a lot?)
Beagles bark for the same reasons other dogs do, like when they feel hungry or want to poop/pee. They could also bark out of excitement, fear, stress, separation anxiety, attention-seeking, not to mention when someone or something is approaching their territory and when warning you of impending danger. Read more: Why do beagles howl?
Beagles may be a little noisy because they have more ways to communicate and are not afraid to express their feelings. But like any other dog, if they are barking too much, you may have a problem with angry neighbors and landlords, not to mention, that you also don’t want all that noise. More here: how to stop beagles from barking?
There are several tips to help you get your Beagle to stop barking excessively. The first one is to provide for their need. Barking is how these dogs communicate, so pay close attention to what they might be telling you (why do beagles bark so much?)
Once you know why your Beagle is barking, then you can decide what to do about it. If the bark is a cry for attention, ignore it for as long as it takes them to calm down and keep quiet.
Another solution is to provide plenty of exercises. This will prevent boredom and tire the dog out, and they’ll be left with no energy to bark unnecessarily. You’ll also need to eliminate triggers. For instance, your Beagle will let out a howl at the sight of small pets, so you need to block their access. Lastly, train your dog to bark on command by teaching the ‘quiet’ and ‘speak’ commands.
One thing you should not be doing is shouting at the dog when he’s barking. This can be interpreted as a conversation, and they will bark more and louder.
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Are Beagles Good Guard or Watch Dogs?
Beagles are not considered guard dogs mainly because of their size, personality, and talent (are beagles good guard dogs?). These dogs are not big enough to combat most attackers or even be intimidating. Secondly, they have a sweet, friendly, and mild temperament towards everyone and, therefore, you cannot rely on them to guard you or your house. Additionally, they are rarely aggressive. He will bark to inform you of impending danger but will not initiate a vicious and upfront confrontation. Instead, he will back off from the source of the threat.
Although Beagles aren’t commercially used as guard dogs, they have protective tendencies that you can benefit from. For starters, they are very loyal and protective of their owners and will go all defensive if they sense any dander directed toward them. They will bark at the potential threat in the hopes that it can scare it away or be loud enough to attract attention and call for help.
There have been instances when Beagles became overly protective of their owners that they started barking aggressively and jumping at people for just saying hello to their owners. But this is more common in rescue dogs and poorly socialized ones. Lastly, thanks to their impressive sense of smell, they can be great detectors of potential danger around your home.
Although these dogs have a lot of security potential, they might not be the right breed for you if your primary reason for getting a dog is protection. Perhaps you should consider actual guard dogs like the Rottweiler, German Shepherd, Great Dane, Doberman, or Bull Mastiff.
The Beagle’s temperament is better suited for being a watchdog. They are smart, naturally alert, and the best alarm systems when there’s a potential threat. These dogs were initially bred to alert hunters to the location of the prey. They are still quite vocal and confident in expressing that something is amiss. Just remember that’s all they will do.
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Aggression Levels
Beagles are known for being affectionate, friendly, and cuddly companions. They are not the top aggressive dogs due to their mild temperaments. Nevertheless, like any other dog, they can become aggressive under certain circumstances (are beagles aggressive?).
Anxiety/Fear Related Aggression
Any form of physical harm or even shouting at the dog can cause them to become anxious or scared, and they might use aggression to deal with the perceived threat.
Beagle Aggression from Pain
Dogs tend to become irritable when sick or in pain and may growl or even bite anyone who comes too close because they think being touched will cause more pain.
Territorial Aggression
Beagles can be aggressive to other dogs or animals if they think they’re invading their territory. Additionally, Beagles are pack animals and believe in a hierarchy. Therefore, changes in your household dynamics may cause aggressive behaviors. For example, if a new person or animal joins the family, your dog might take it as a threat to its perceived territory and position in the hierarchy (are beagles territorial?).
Resource Guarding
This is known as possessive aggression, and it’s usually directed toward a person or an animal that tries to take away the Beagle’s belongings, including food, toys, and even resting spots.
Maternal Aggression
This type of aggression is expected if you have a pregnant Beagle. They will become protective of their puppies and space.
Beagles are generally calm dogs, so it may help to know when they display aggression. Signs include nipping and biting, growling and barking while baring his teeth, aggressive chasing, jumping on others, and possessiveness. If your dog is constantly showing aggression, you may want to resolve this issue fast before they become dangerous and cause harm (do beagles talk back?).
Luckily, with some attention, socialization, and training, you should be able to reduce aggressive behaviors in your Beagle. Avoid physical punishment at all costs, as this will only cause fear and make your dog even more aggressive (how to stop beagle from biting?).
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Can Beagles Be Left Alone?
There will be times in your busy life when you’ll have to leave your Beagle at home alone, whether this is just for an hour to run errands or all day while at work. This section will give you advice and tips on how to go about it (do beagles have separation anxiety?).
First off, Beagles are very sociable and like being around humans and other dogs. Without proper training and getting used to it, they can become rather stressed when left alone for prolonged periods. In some instances, they could develop separation anxiety. When this happens, they become upset, stressed, and nervous (do beagles run away?).
The dog will likely express it through destructive behavior such as chewing and digging, excessive barking, howling, pacing, panting, pooping/peeing in the house, and will even drool all over themselves. They will also try to escape their surrounding in search of companionship.
Although they don’t like to be left alone, they can manage the situation for a couple of hours, depending on the dog’s age and training. All Beagle adults need to pee every 4-6 hours, meaning this is the maximum amount of time they should be left alone. Puppies will need frequent bathroom breaks; therefore, they should only be left for around 1-2 hours. If you have a newborn Beagle, you should never leave it alone.
While these are the recommended times for leaving a Beagle alone, you should balance it with training. If you’ve had your Beagle from puppyhood and have trained her, she should be comfortable staying alone for up to six hours. However, if you’ve just adopted an older Beagle, she probably isn’t used to being left alone or might be scared and a little anxious about their new environment. Luckily, all they need is a little training and getting used to it.
Training Your Beagle to Be Left Alone
This will take time, commitment, and patience to be successful. Start by leaving your dog for a short period and build up the time as they become more comfortable. Make their alone time pleasant by providing everything they need, including food, water, and toys to keep them occupied and entertained.
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It’s also important to exercise your dog, preferably before leaving. This will help burn off excess energy, prevent boredom, and give the dog a chance to go potty. A tired dog will have no energy to be destructive; instead, they’ll want to sleep throughout the day.
Should you need to leave your Beagle alone for longer than the recommended hours, ask a neighbor, family, or friend to check up on them or hire professional dog services.
Beagle Dog Training – Easy or Hard?
Beagles are wonderful house pets, but they need proper training to encourage good behavior. For high-energy dogs guided by their nose, Beagles are easily distracted and this can make training a little difficult compared to other breeds. They can also be a bit stubborn, which sometimes owners mistake for being lazy when the truth is they don’t care for pleasing humans and are independent thinkers. This is not to say Beagles are untrainable; you just have to find what moves them (are beagles easy to train?).
Food is an excellent motivator for these foodies and can be a huge aid in training, just ensure you don’t offer too many treats as this can increase their daily calorie intake. Secondly, they don’t respond well to harsh treatment, but patience, consistency, positive reinforcement, and a little creativity guarantee success (are beagles stubborn?)
Beagle Dog Potty Training
Beagles have a bad rep in the potty-training department, and this is all thanks to their powerful nose. Dogs tend to soil over already soiled places because they think it’s their potty area. Beagles can detect previous messes, especially if not cleaned up properly, thus leading to a vicious cycle of more messes. Be sure to use an enzyme-based cleaner to help break down and destroy odor (read more: are beagles easy to potty train?).
Beagles may be challenging to housetrain but not impossible. In fact, the process is not any different from housetraining other breeds. You’ll need to start by choosing a designated place outdoors where your dog can go do their business.
You may also need to arrange for dog pads to use at night or during cold winter months when your dog cannot go outside. The second step is to choose cue words that you’ll use to signal the dog to pee, poop, or even fart. These could be words like ‘go-potty, potty time, etc (are beagles food motivated?).
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The key to successful potty training is routine. Most adult dogs will need to go to the bathroom every 4-6 hours, so you can use that as a timeframe to take them outside. On the other hand, puppies cannot hold it in for that long. You’ll need to take them out when they wake up in the morning, after naps, after meals, during playtime, and before bedtime. Once your dog eliminates appropriately, reward them with praise and a treat. Repeat the process, and before you know it, your Beagle will have mastered doing its business outside.
Despite being a smart breed, these dogs are notoriously slow to potty train, and some say that it can take up to a year to be fully housebroken. It’s important to stay positive, consistent, and patient during training to achieve results. And even when you’re done, it’s not uncommon for a fully housebroken Beagle to make accidents from time to time. Avoid punishing the dog; this will only make them fearful and lead to more accidents. Focus on positive reinforcement, rewarding good behaviors rather than punishing bad behavior.
Beagle Dog Obedience Training
Obedience training is a universal term for a set of commands that you can teach to your dog. The primary goal is to have them respond to your commands in a timely and reliable manner. Obedience training is an absolute necessity; otherwise, your Beagle will become unruly and defiant due to its stubborn, independent-thinking, and strong-willed nature.
Besides this obvious benefit, obedience training creates quality time for you to bond with your dog and work together as a team. Beagles enjoy mental stimulation, and challenging them with commands will offer a sense of usefulness.
There are a few basic commands that every Beagle should learn, including ‘sit, down, come, stay, and heel.’ When your Beagle master these fundamentals, it will become a much more balanced and well-behaved dog.
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Obedience training can go beyond teaching basic commands to include exceptionally skilled commands and tricks used in high-level competitions such as ‘give, rollover, place, leave, and take it.‘ You can also include scent discrimination and directing retrievals. If you decide to participate in obedience competitions, both you and your Beagle will be judged for your collective precision and performance.
How to Ensure Your Beagle’s Success
You should start your obedience training in a quiet and familiar environment. You want to minimize distractions as much as possible as these dogs are easily distracted, especially by scent. Beagles are not particularly good at generalization. For example, if you taught them to sit in your house, the same command may fall on deaf ears if you command them to sit in your neighbor’s house. In that case, once your Beagle has successfully mastered a command at home, you’ll need to reinforce it by proofing the command in different environments.
With this basic framework, you’ll be off to the races. Remember, consistency is key, and patience is a virtue. Always finish the training session positively with commands you know the dog will execute efficiently. Treats are a great incentive but don’t overindulge them.
Beagle Dog Behavioral Training
This is quite similar to obedience training, although the focus is different. While in obedience training, you want the dog to be respectful and do things on your command, behavioral training seeks to remove undesired behaviors and for the dog to be an overall good citizen even in your absence. Beagles are great escapists and will often run away searching for companionship or to chase after prey or an interesting scent. Other behavioral issues your dog may exhibit include excessive barking, whining/baying/howling, chewing on everything, nipping and biting, pulling on the leash, jumping on people, etc.
Behavior problems in these dogs are generally the result of boredom, pent-up energy, rules and boundaries, and fear. Socialization and providing appropriate amounts of exercise can help prevent these behaviors issues from happening in the first place. But even if you already have the problem, training can help correct them and prevent any behavior issues from arising in the future.
The best strategy for behavior training is to focus on rewarding good behavior while ignoring or redirecting bad behavior. You’ll also need to set clear boundaries and communication to avoid confusing the dog. Getting your unruly Beagle through this training teaches them to act appropriately around people, animals, and different situations.
Beagle Dog Protection Training
Most people assume that they’ll automatically be protected/guarded once they have a dog. But dogs have different personalities. As mentioned earlier, Beagles are too friendly, which makes them not the best guard dogs. However, their barking levels and alertness make them excellent watchdogs; they just don’t have the build and aggression to confront an intruder. But just because they are not considered guard dogs doesn’t mean you can’t train them to protect you and your family (are beagles protective?).
First, you’ll need a lot of time to go through obedience training, as discussed above. Beagles are notoriously stubborn, and you want to gain their respect as soon as possible, so they do things like bark on command.
You’ll want to start Beagle dog protection training as early as possible when the dog is still forming associations. One thing that’s important with this type of training is socialization. You don’t want to turn your sweet Beagle into an aggressive dog against all people, animals, and situations. It will help immensely when your Beagle can distinguish between a friend, stranger, and potential threat. You also want to teach impulse control, and the objective here is to control your dog’s impulse to jump up and run over people.
Beagles have a pretty active temperament and can snarl, growl, and even bit, which are all signs of potential to their guarding abilities. All they need is a little help from you to help them become better guard dogs. Depending on what type of guard dog you want, you may want to consider more heightened training classes for your Beagle with a professional.
That being said, it’s not in the Beagle’s instincts to be aggressive. If you want a dog primarily for protection, perhaps you should consider actual guard dogs like the Bullmastiff, Doberman Pinscher, Great Dane, Rottweiler, and German Shephard, just to name a few.
Conclusion
This is a lot of information to digest, but it’s not meant to scare you. Instead, it should make you stop and think about whether the Beagle is the right dog for you and whether you can be the right Beagle owner. Hopefully, this Beagle information was informative and will guide you through the right way to take care of your pup (how much are beagles puppies?).