DP would love to get a beagle - please can you give some advice?

[Get0rf]

We have been thinking about getting a dog for a couple of years now. We both would love one - however we both work full time, and don't think that doggy day care would be fair.

However, my PILs are dog lovers, and in speaking to DP have said that they would look after a dog during the day for us. DP could either drop the dog off on the way to work and pick it up, or they would come over. This would be temporary as DP is aiming to work from home in the near future for about two years, after which the dog would presumably be old enough (and settled) for doggy day care.

DP had a beagle when he was younger and would love one. I am sure that I have read on here that beagles can be a nightmare - has someone any information?

Plus - please can you give feedback on our idea. I have no preference as to puppy or adult dog (I would actually prefer an older dog) but woulkd this be fair do you think to have DP's mum and dad look after the dog during the day? Or woiuld this be unsettling for the dog? They are great walkers so the dog would be out a lot, I am not worried about that, rather thjinking that lots of caregivers may be unsettling to a dog. I have never owned a dog as an adult so have lots to think about before we go ahead.

Thanks.

I love dachshunds too. They're proper hounds, but portable. And slightly more limited in their food-thieving abilities.

Exactly so (very limited food-theiving, IMO). And perfect bed lap dogs - don't have so much awkward leg sticking into you.

Ours has just been bathed after a muddy walk and his coat is like silk...

OTOH he left me another (fortunately brick-like) present under the tree today

I love dachshunds too - especially the rough coated ones. But dh thinks they are too small...

I love the look of beagles, and am a basset fan too - but would never own one, I don't do stress...

We used to have a cocker spaniel - he was great if somewhat deranged. But happy, lively, loved all people and I think would fit in with the scenario you describe in terms of daily arrangements. He did need a quick daily brush and a session with the clippers at the groomers every 3 months.

Don't discount greyhounds for cat reasons - the rescue we got our whippety lurcher from frequently rehomes non-chasers to homes with cats / rabbits / teacupsized dog without any problems. And even some chasers can be cat trained.
We currently have a whippety lurcher who is sooo laid back he can sit on the sofa next to our hamster and completely ignore her, who is scared of my friend's rabbits and who trots past cats whilst off lead without batting an eyelid. He is the perfect dog in all ways (but would be worn out by the amount of walking your PILs do)

I think a spaniel, Cocker or Springer sounds like the dog for you...

We have a beagle as our first dog - he's 8 now and is adorable BUT he is a dog of very little brain and mostly nose so he spends most of his time trying to follow a scent which will often require him to mysteriously melt through hedged and fences to do so. He is regularly returned by people before I even know he has gone and was once found in the local butchers shop and another time jammed in a cat flap.

He is adorable with the children but a terrible pincher of food from plates, hands and he has learned to operate a pedal bin.

He doesn't bark or give voice, loves cats and rabbits and has eyes that make you forgive all his trespasses.