What are beagles like?

[CheerfulYank]

I've never owned one, or any pure bred dog...all the dogs I ever had growing up were just mixed breed puppies that someone had from an accidental litter.

I've had a golden mix for the last nine years and he is lovely, really the best dog. :)

We would like another dog and were thinking something smaller would be good. I love the beagles I've known but don't know much about them.

In short, Mischievous, vocal and scent driven. So you need to be firm with them from day one or they will drive you potty. Catch a scent in a park and they could be off so recall training from early on.

But a lively family pet. Like all dogs they need your time and attention to be a well mannered pet.

Lovely*

I think they're lovely dogs but I've nothing but horror stories about their recall. I've heard loads of stories about them bolting and not coming back. I think they're harder work than lots of other breeds.

A new dog and a new baby on the way?! You're keeping yourself busy Yank

Oh this wouldn't be for some time Bianca :o I'm pretty easy going to be sure, but an eight year old, a two year old, a newborn, a dog, and a brand new puppy this summer may be a bit much even for me.

I want to research so I know what to look for when the time is right. :)

A family friend of mine got a 5 month old Beagle puppy from a mum friend who's had him from a puppy but couldn't cope with the dog and the house and the kids. He was a beautiful dog but hadn't had much - if any - enforced training so just ignored all commands and attempts at discipline. They couldn't take him off the lead on walks because he would just bolt, meaning he had this constant energy.

He chewed everything to pieces and was extremely food aggressive - he should have had strict training much sooner. He would cry whenever put in his cage at night but tear the house to shreds (including my bag and it's contents when i went to visit) whenever he was out.

They unfortunately couldn't manage him any more after six weeks - his temperament just didn't improve. It's not like he was their first dog either, they were experienced dog owners of similar sized breeds, had just never had a beagle before and weren't prepared for the difference in persona . He ended up going to an older couple they knew who lived near the beach and had beagles before. Apparently he is a wonderful dog now which is lovely.

I'm not trying to put you off beagles, but please please do as much research as possible before considering this sort of dog. They need a lot of stimulation and a firm hand, but with the right training they can be beautiful family pets.

Does anyone have any reccomendations for a training book, etc?

The dog I've had (he's been my only dog as an adult, that was really "mine" iyswim) didn't really require a lot of training really...he can come and sit and is house trained and that's about it. :) We always keep him on a leash or in our fenced yard unless we are visiting my parents in the country.

I love Pamela Dennison's Idiot's Guide to Positive Dog Training. Very American (apologies ) but a brilliant book with loads of good tips and explanations of why it is best to do things a certain way.

For puppy owners Mills and Zulch's Life Skills for Puppies is unbeatable though.

Beagles are real pack animals, so hate being left alone. They get distressed and then can cause havoc as well as howling. I wouldn't advise personally, although they are beautiful dogs x

I do SAH Camsie so that wouldn't be a problem, and I already have a dog so it wouldn't ever be all alone.

I've started researching what's available in my area...I've seen a few breeders and also there are a lot of beagle mixes in need of a home. I want them all! But that's certainly not advisable plus DH would move out. :o

I have no idea what to look for in a breeder if we go that route...literally all of the dozen or so dogs we owned as a family (and my dog now) were just "I hear Lisa down the road has a litter..."

Beagles are awesome loveable and loving little clowns (who do become lazy as they get older).

They do have selective hearing though and recall can be dreadful. They do need good training.

They are prone to separation anxiety and have the loveliest little 'a-roo-roo-roo-roo'

They also like to find anything that smells, often picking up something with a scent while out -fab for letting you know if your child is about to soil their nappy (!) and for picking up litter strewn in public places, particularly things such as McDonalds bags.

Can be a bit clingy as they just love being with you so much but they are lovely lovely little dogs who are great fun. Although, they aren't always the best for things like playing fetch etc My Beagle would see the ball, act all 'Ooh a ball' and that was it!

IME beagles are lovely dogs, but they need lots and lots of training.
Not suitable for families with small children - better with one owner who is tough and firm.

I know this a few days old, but here is my two pence worth:

I have a three year old Beagle and 3 children ages 13, 7 and 8.

Plus points, She is the best dog I have ever had. I have never had a problem with recall, she is great with my cat, she is very tolerant of my children and she is extremely lazy. she had never chewed anything or scratched anything. She does lots of tricks and because she is food motivated she is easy to train. She can be left on her own and has no separation issues.

Bad points, she will eat anything ( including the bloody cat food ) she is crap on a lead and pulls like a demon. ( we have a fantastic head lead that actually works ) she rolls in fox shit at every opportunity, and it is vile. she hates random dogs, fortunately her recall is good, so I can recall her when we are off lead. She sheds all year round, I go through hovers a lot. I can't go running with her as her nose is to the ground at all times and she wants to sniff EVERYTHING. She won't play ball or fetch a stick and hates swimming.

I would chose a Beagle time a time again, however would say she needs a lot of exercise! Oh and even though we tried to get her to howl, she won't do it! She does however roo, roo,roo and does a fab meerkat impression.

Honestly cheerful don't.

I know a few. They have driven their owners near crazy.

Escaping any garden secure or not.
Running out of the door as soon as it's open.
Destructive.
Howls and barks.
Never allowed of the lead.
Digs the garden.
Steals any type of food.
Terrible separation anxiety.

There's so many dogs available that would cause far less stress.

I think people are unnecessarily harsh on Beagles.

They aren't that hard to train at all.Infact,just unscrew the lid of a peanut butter jar and they'll be at your feet in seconds,from whatever distance,and willing to do absolutely anything!

They are fantastic family dogs and adore kids.They just love being part of a family.

I had lots of people trying to put me off before I got mine,saying they are impossible and hard work.Total rubbish.It usually comes from people who have never owned or spent reasonable time with them (there aren't that many around in various places) and they just go along with whatever.

It's not total rubbish.

People put others off a beagle because of what they have experienced.

I wouldn't have a beagle, ever.

Oh God - yes - the stealing food. Nightmare.

But - it does all come back to time and effort spent on training.

Adorable dogs . Just get used to standing around until the wee buggers decide to come back . Pack picnic.