Julia Slovich

What You Need to Know Before You Get a Beagle

Are you considering a Beagle for your next best friend?  Read these facts to get to know the breed.

For many, the choice to purchase or adopt a dog is a split-second decision.  You see an abandoned pup on the street, or your neighbors dog just had puppies.  In either case, you can’t stand the thought of not having one to call your own.  However, every breed is different and may or may not fit your lifestyle.  It’s important to get a dog that fits in with the way you live your life, both for your sake and the dog’s sake.  You wouldn’t get a Great Dane if you live in a tiny studio apartment, would you?  Here are some things you should know about Beagles and their general temperament before you adopt one of these adorable pups.

1.  Beagles were bred to hunt.

Descendents of foxhounds, Beagles were meant to sniff out scents, follow rabbit trails, and direct hunters to their prey.  Their sense of smell is unbeatable and their long ears keep them fully intent of the scent they are stalking.  These are great traits to have in a dog, but since Beagles are used much less for hunting these days, it’s important to know what kind of behaviors you will have to deal with.  Because of their long ears, they can become completely focused on what they are stalking and tune you out when you are giving them commands.  They can sniff out anything, so you may find yourself with a distracted Beagle quite often.  In addition, they are very stubborn and like to do their own thing (like track that delicious smell) on their time, not yours.

2.  Beagles are extremely active!

Again, because of their history, Beagles are very active dogs.  They need space to run about in and burn off some of that energy.  A small home or apartment without outside property is not the appropriate place for these hyper pups.

3.  Beagles are loud mouths.

From the ring of a doorbell to bird chirping outside, you better believe that a Beagle will use his distinctive voice when excited or frustrated.  If you live in a neighborhood where quietness is important or in an apartment building with neighbors close by, perhaps a Beagle is not right for you.

4.  Beagles can be hard to train.

If you’re looking for an “easy-as-pie” dog to train, don’t set your heart on a Beagle.  While intelligent, they are very stubborn.  In the end, it’s their short attention span that is the real kicker that makes them difficult to train.  But it is possible!  If you have ample amounts of patience and determination, you will be successful in training your Beagle, but if you don’t have the time or energy to devote to strict training, you should consider an easier-to-train breed.

5.  Beagles get lonely.

Beagles are pack animals.  It’s in their nature to need to be part of any and all excitement.  They tend to get lonely if they are left on their own for too long or if they are not allowed to join in on all the fun.  Anything that you are doing, they want to be right in the middle of.  If you travel a lot or if you work very long hours, a Beagle is not the right dog for you.  

Before you set your heart on owning a Beagle, take these facts and think long and hard about the lifestyle you have created and whether a Beagle pup will fit in easily.  The last thing you want is a miserable dog and the last thing a Beagle wants is a miserable human.  

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR