Things to Consider Before Choosing Beagle as a Pet

The Beagle is a well-known breed and is commonly associated with the Peanuts personality Snoopy, considered to be the most well-known Beagle. They are a scent hound meaning that they love nothing more than tracking and chasing animals such as rabbits and hare and so they are ideal for families who enjoy hunting or being outdoors. However, due to their tracking instinct they can become easily distracted and even the best training can't stop this behavior. They may therefore not be appropriate for families with other small household pets. Also when exercising your pet, it is important to keep them on a leash, particularly when in busy areas such as cities. They are also an active breed and again they are ideal for families who enjoy outdoor activities. If not adequately exercised or occupied, this could lead to destructive activity within the home due to hyperactivity and so regular exercise and long walks are a must. They would be a particularly good match for families who live in the country.

For families with a garden or backyard area it is important to ensure that these are fenced in to ensure that your Beagle does not catch a scent and leave the garden. They are also prone to digging in the garden. They enjoy company and can't be left alone for long periods of time. They can be very independent and persistent and their short coat means that they only require minimal brushing and grooming and shed heavily approximately twice a year. They do have a strong 'doggy odor' and are known for over-eating and all foods must be effectively locked away to prevent them from hunting and stealing food. This could lead to obesity and so you should carefully monitor your pet's diet. There are no particular health conditions associated with this breed but pet owners should choose the breeder carefully, including spending time to observe the parents to gauge their temperament.

They are a very playful breed and they would suit families with children whose high energy levels can match those of the breed. They also require a lot of human contact and so they are not for families who will spend a lot of the day out of the house. They can be mischievous and so they must also be trained well to obey their pet owner, including finding training and other activities which keep the Beagle interested, as they tend to loose interested very quickly. This breed responds very well to behavioral techniques such as reinforcement, particularly as they can be stubborn without an appropriate incentive to work for. For a family looking for a hunting and active breed to accompany them on outdoor adventures, then this is a wonderful breed choice.