Considering a Beagle - advice / opinions?
Discussion
Talk to me about Beagles, if you please.
OH and I bought our own place last November, and we're both agreed a dog would be a good companion to have. Our situation / requirements are thus:
- House is a 3 bed suburban semi. Recently redecorated and new furniture, so we'd like a small - medium sized breed that is trainable. I accept that no matter what, any pup might chew the sofa.
- Garden is circa 15ft x 15ft and fenced in at all sides by neighbours, so fairly secure (I've already read about beagles' escapist tendencies!)
- No problem giving a dog at least 1hr of exercise per day, plus longer jaaunts at weekend.
- I work Mon - Fri and OH is currently studying full time. When she does find work it's likely to be shift-based. The absolute max any pet would be on their own for is probably 6 hours; in most scenarios more likely 2/3 hours at a time.
I'd really like either a lab or a springer, but accept we probably don't have room for those breeds. So, a beagle sems to fit the bill; lively, full of personality and we really like the idea of a hound.
What do PHer's have to add to my research? Any particular health issues, pros / cons of dog vs. b
h etc? Anything specfic I need to do to look after such a breed?
It will be our first time as dog owners, but we're well aware of the commitment, time and effort required (my parents breed Siamese cats so I wouldn't want to be anything other than a responsible pet owner). Just want to gather all possible info before taking the plunge. The absolute worst scenario would be to bring a little critter home, only to then have to re-home then if they / we proved unsuitable for any reason.
I've enjoyed lurking and seen a few pics of beagles in other threads here, but feel free to add some more by way of persuasion.
All advice welcomed. Cheers.
Edited for poor spelling and grammar in a couple of places.
OH and I bought our own place last November, and we're both agreed a dog would be a good companion to have. Our situation / requirements are thus:
- House is a 3 bed suburban semi. Recently redecorated and new furniture, so we'd like a small - medium sized breed that is trainable. I accept that no matter what, any pup might chew the sofa.
- Garden is circa 15ft x 15ft and fenced in at all sides by neighbours, so fairly secure (I've already read about beagles' escapist tendencies!)
- No problem giving a dog at least 1hr of exercise per day, plus longer jaaunts at weekend.
- I work Mon - Fri and OH is currently studying full time. When she does find work it's likely to be shift-based. The absolute max any pet would be on their own for is probably 6 hours; in most scenarios more likely 2/3 hours at a time.
I'd really like either a lab or a springer, but accept we probably don't have room for those breeds. So, a beagle sems to fit the bill; lively, full of personality and we really like the idea of a hound.
What do PHer's have to add to my research? Any particular health issues, pros / cons of dog vs. b
h etc? Anything specfic I need to do to look after such a breed?It will be our first time as dog owners, but we're well aware of the commitment, time and effort required (my parents breed Siamese cats so I wouldn't want to be anything other than a responsible pet owner). Just want to gather all possible info before taking the plunge. The absolute worst scenario would be to bring a little critter home, only to then have to re-home then if they / we proved unsuitable for any reason.
I've enjoyed lurking and seen a few pics of beagles in other threads here, but feel free to add some more by way of persuasion.
All advice welcomed. Cheers.
Edited for poor spelling and grammar in a couple of places.
Edited by ShortShift811 on Tuesday 23 April 12:47
Edited by ShortShift811 on Tuesday 23 April 12:48
We have a 10 month old Beagle. He's a wonderful dog.
However, please make sure you read about up on Beagles and are prepared.
They are very intelligent, but very naughty. They will chew your shoes and steal your food from the table.
Recall is difficult. If a Beagle finds scent he will investigate and not come back until he has.
They need plenty of walks and play time. If not, they will entertain themselves by destroying your furniture and carpets.
We love our Beagle, but be sure that it is the breed for you! I am not sure it is the best choice for first time dog owners.
However, please make sure you read about up on Beagles and are prepared.
They are very intelligent, but very naughty. They will chew your shoes and steal your food from the table.
Recall is difficult. If a Beagle finds scent he will investigate and not come back until he has.
They need plenty of walks and play time. If not, they will entertain themselves by destroying your furniture and carpets.
We love our Beagle, but be sure that it is the breed for you! I am not sure it is the best choice for first time dog owners.
as above - my mate has one and it's a greedy bd. Had to have its stomach pumped after eating 2 dustbins worth of food rubbish. Also runs off regularly on walks following a scent and disappears for an hour. Never strikes me as a particularly "jolly" dog - always seems quite serious and focussed - mainly on where the next bit of food it can shove in its gob is.
d. Had to have its stomach pumped after eating 2 dustbins worth of food rubbish. Also runs off regularly on walks following a scent and disappears for an hour. Never strikes me as a particularly "jolly" dog - always seems quite serious and focussed - mainly on where the next bit of food it can shove in its gob is. Noted, cheers.
I'm prepared for a bit of mischief / naughtiness, and with only two adults in the house I'm hopeful we can control access to food and a dog's diet.
There will usually be one or both of us in the house, which I'd hope will combat any boredom issues (I hate the idea of leaving any dog to it's own devices tbh).
Any other recommendations on a similar-sized, short haired breed for first time owners? Something 'non-yappy' if possible...
I'm prepared for a bit of mischief / naughtiness, and with only two adults in the house I'm hopeful we can control access to food and a dog's diet.
There will usually be one or both of us in the house, which I'd hope will combat any boredom issues (I hate the idea of leaving any dog to it's own devices tbh).
Any other recommendations on a similar-sized, short haired breed for first time owners? Something 'non-yappy' if possible...
My in-laws have a pedigree beagle that they have had from birth.
It is the most hatefull creature I have ever encountered in my whole life.
It is forever running away, including on walks. It has a crap personality and it seemingly untrainable.
I love dogs and always thought I would quite like a beagle but it is definitely the last dog on earth I would own now.
For balance.
It is the most hatefull creature I have ever encountered in my whole life.
It is forever running away, including on walks. It has a crap personality and it seemingly untrainable.
I love dogs and always thought I would quite like a beagle but it is definitely the last dog on earth I would own now.
For balance.
I know what you mean.Beagles are actually very trainable, but they are very reward motivated. In other words, if you have a treat in your hand they will be eager to please, but if not, forget it. The Beagle's thought process is basically "What's in it for me?"
Ours will sit, lie down, give his paw and (usually) come back, as long as I have a tasty (preferably smelly) treat in my hand.
blindswelledrat said:
Just ignorant disobedient wkers.
:lol: kers.I'm reading a bit more which suggests they might be hard work. I definitely don't want a pooch with no personality.
Still think a lab is out to be honest as we don't have that much room in the house: living room is about 14ft x 8ft and kitchen only 10ftx 7ft, plus one large and two small double bedrooms.
Other considerations... German Pinscher? Again, possibly a bit big. Cairn terrier? Just mindful a terrier breed might be a bit too yappy for my liking.
Whippet. My parents have one and he's the loveliest, easiest dog ever. They need very little exercise and are happy to spend most of the day sleeping. Amazing to watch when you do let them have a run though.
We had a Beagle when I was a kid and I can confirm the running away and greedy tendancies. fking thing was always in the pound!
We had a Beagle when I was a kid and I can confirm the running away and greedy tendancies. f
king thing was always in the pound!
I've got a book on Beagles and it says this, which is spot on:
"Beagles are naughty, on occasion wicked, charming, impossible bordering on stubborn, beguiling with their pleading brown eyes, at times infuriating, but totally lovable rogues with hearts of gold and minds of steel. Inquisitive creatures, they will investigate anything and everything that they encounter in their daily lives.
Beagles love to dig and can excavate incredible craters in search of grubs, voles or other imaginary goodies - remember: food is the driving force combined with an incredible sense of smell!
A Beagle will bury toys, bones and sometimes even biscuits to be retrieved as a delicacy at a later date. Beagles do not generally retrieve to you, as they were bred to hunt and the quarry was not of interest to the hunt followers. Unlike the gundog breeds, who will willingly retrieve to hand, if a Beagle steals, you will have to entice the object back with the offer of a greater prize than the one already in his possession."
"Beagles are naughty, on occasion wicked, charming, impossible bordering on stubborn, beguiling with their pleading brown eyes, at times infuriating, but totally lovable rogues with hearts of gold and minds of steel. Inquisitive creatures, they will investigate anything and everything that they encounter in their daily lives.
Beagles love to dig and can excavate incredible craters in search of grubs, voles or other imaginary goodies - remember: food is the driving force combined with an incredible sense of smell!
A Beagle will bury toys, bones and sometimes even biscuits to be retrieved as a delicacy at a later date. Beagles do not generally retrieve to you, as they were bred to hunt and the quarry was not of interest to the hunt followers. Unlike the gundog breeds, who will willingly retrieve to hand, if a Beagle steals, you will have to entice the object back with the offer of a greater prize than the one already in his possession."
Alex said:
I've got a book on Beagles and it says this, which is spot on:
"Beagles are naughty, on occasion wicked, charming, impossible bordering on stubborn, beguiling with their pleading brown eyes, at times infuriating, but totally lovable rogues with hearts of gold and minds of steel. Inquisitive creatures, they will investigate anything and everything that they encounter in their daily lives.
Beagles love to dig and can excavate incredible craters in search of grubs, voles or other imaginary goodies - remember: food is the driving force combined with an incredible sense of smell!
A Beagle will bury toys, bones and sometimes even biscuits to be retrieved as a delicacy at a later date. Beagles do not generally retrieve to you, as they were bred to hunt and the quarry was not of interest to the hunt followers. Unlike the gundog breeds, who will willingly retrieve to hand, if a Beagle steals, you will have to entice the object back with the offer of a greater prize than the one already in his possession."
Biglaugh"Beagles are naughty, on occasion wicked, charming, impossible bordering on stubborn, beguiling with their pleading brown eyes, at times infuriating, but totally lovable rogues with hearts of gold and minds of steel. Inquisitive creatures, they will investigate anything and everything that they encounter in their daily lives.
Beagles love to dig and can excavate incredible craters in search of grubs, voles or other imaginary goodies - remember: food is the driving force combined with an incredible sense of smell!
A Beagle will bury toys, bones and sometimes even biscuits to be retrieved as a delicacy at a later date. Beagles do not generally retrieve to you, as they were bred to hunt and the quarry was not of interest to the hunt followers. Unlike the gundog breeds, who will willingly retrieve to hand, if a Beagle steals, you will have to entice the object back with the offer of a greater prize than the one already in his possession."
I can say that in a much shorter way.
Beagles are
s. They are completely selfish and they don't give two sts about you, their owner who feeds and walks them. In fact they are the only dog I know of that demonstrates no loyalty whatsoever to their owner.interesting. I wondered if my mates was unusual. Clearly not. I absolutely LOVE dogs of all kinds but I have never really taken to his beagle, despite dogsitting it and walking it numerous times. It always comes across as a rather ungrateful, selfish, greedy fker that doesn't really appear to show much genuine affection - just interest in what food you might have in your pocket
ker that doesn't really appear to show much genuine affection - just interest in what food you might have in your pocketcondor said:
Beagle beware 
I think it's their tendency to chase any scent that is the biggest problem - recall training doesn't seem to work with them
I'd pick a Jack Russell/Beagle cross if you're set on one though.
A JR/Beagle cross??? That's twice the trouble in half the size right there!I think it's their tendency to chase any scent that is the biggest problem - recall training doesn't seem to work with them
I'd pick a Jack Russell/Beagle cross if you're set on one though.
Here's Barney:
IMG_20130324_210418 by Loconinja, on Flickr
IMG_20130406_154633 by Loconinja, on Flickr
IMG_20130330_111701 by Loconinja, on Flickr
IMG_20130324_210418 by Loconinja, on Flickr
IMG_20130406_154633 by Loconinja, on Flickr
IMG_20130330_111701 by Loconinja, on Flickr
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