A couple of days back, a close cousin told me she was considering getting a beagle but had some doubts about raising a beagle in her house. So are beagle good house dogs?
Beagles make excellent house dogs as they are friendly, gentle, and small in size. However, they are an energetic breed and hence require daily outdoor exercise.
But of course, there’s more to it. Further in this article, we will look at some pros and cons of a beagle as a house dog.
What makes Beagle a good House Dog
Let’s have a look at some of the reasons why beagles are an excellent choice for a house dog.
Friendly and Social
The most crucial factor to consider before selecting a house dog is its temperament. Usually, people look for dog breeds that are easygoing and can get along with everyone.
Beagles have an extroverted personality. They get along with everyone quite easily. When the guest arrives, your beagle will greet them will utmost joy.
Family Dogs
Some dog breeds like Doberman Pinschers and German Shepherd bond with one person and stays loyal to them. But that’s not the case with our little cuddle monsters.
Beagles bond with the entire family. They portray strong companionship with every family member and not just one person. They are indeed a Family Dog.
Great Watch Dogs
Beagles are vocally expressive dogs. They will alarm you by barking out loud if they suspect something has entered the house. This makes them fantastic watchdogs for your house.
Good with Kids
Beagles are known for their gentle and even-tempered nature. This makes them an ideal pet for families with kids.
Our 10-year boy and 2-year-old Groot get along quite well. They both run around the house, play in the backyard and even sleep together. Aren’t they adorable?
Short Hair
Almost every dog sheds. Once you have a dog, you can expect hair scattered around your house and on your clothes.
But having a dog with a shorter coat would definitely make the cleaning easier. Fortunately, beagles have a short coat.
Small Sized
While dog size won’t be an issue in a large house, it can be a deciding factor if you live in an apartment. If you live in an apartment, consider reading Beagle as an Apartment Dog – Pros and Cons.
Beagles are small to medium-sized dogs. They stand at 18 to 22 inches at withers.
Cuddle monsters
If you are looking for a dog who would snuggle in your blanket or curl up on your lap, then beagles are perfect for you.
Things to Consider
I have been living with beagles for almost 19 years, and there is something you must consider if you are planning to raise a beagle in your house.
They are energetic
People assume that house dogs do not need exercise. This is incorrect. All dogs need at least some form of exercise.
While beagles make a perfect house pet, they need daily exercise. Beagles are an energetic breed, and you as an owner need to exhaust their energy by the end of the day.
Get a beagle only if you have time to take them outside for walks.
Also, Read 9 Tips for New Beagle Owners.
They are a little stubborn
Beagles being hound dogs can be a little stubborn. This doesn’t mean they are not smart; trust me, they are super intelligent and cunning.
Beagles were bred to track down small animals. This made them more independent. They don’t have a high drive to please their owners.
But with proper training and consistency, they can be obedient and well-behaved dogs.
They are vocal
Beagles are noisy dogs. They are vocally expressive. They make a lot of different noises; they bark, bay, cry, whine and howl.
They will let you know when they want something. It’s like they have their own language that only beagle owners can understand.
Training is must
If you plan to get a beagle as your house pet, then training them should become a part of your daily schedule.
They can become a loose cannon if you aren’t consistent with their training. They are quite mischievous and naughty dogs.
They aren’t Guard Dogs
One thing to understand is that beagles are watchdogs; they aren’t Guard dogs. So they can watch over your house and alarm you if they suspect any threat. But they cannot guard you against that.
Beagles are not aggressive. Therefore, they are incapable of attacking others to protect you.
If you are looking for a dog who would attack the intruder or guard you against any threats, consider other breeds like Rottweiler or Doberman Pinscher.
Are Beagles good apartment dogs?
An ideal place to raise a beagle is a house with a backyard where he can play. However, they can adjust well to the apartment lifestyle too.
Their small size and easy-going nature make them good apartment dogs. However, they are energetic dogs and need daily exercise.
You will need to make sure to exhaust their energy every day, or else they can show destructive behavior around the house.
As they will have limited space to stretch their body in an apartment, you will need to take them for a walk twice a day. You will also need to take them to dog parks at least twice a week, where they get to run.
Apart from that, you will need to take them outside 4 to 5 times a day to take a leak and poop. You can watch this video to find out more about raising a beagle in an apartment:
Final Thoughts
No doubt, beagles are great house dogs. But only if the owner plays his role of giving them enough exercise, taking them to parks, training them, and giving them all the love they deserve.