Are Beagles good family dogs?
Beagles are generally considered excellent family dogs for various reasons:
Beagles have many fabulous attributes - they are loyal, kind, fun-loving, and adore to cuddle. These character traits make them one of the most popular dog breeds around, but are they a good choice as a family pet? Many Beagle-owning families would say yes, so let's find out why!
1) Are Beagles good family dogs?
Beagles are known for their friendly and social nature. They tend to get along well with all family members, including children and other pets.
The American Kennel Club describes Beagles as 'curious, friendly, and merry', and I can't think of a better three-word summary for these wonderful dogs! Never far from the top spot on the annual most popular dog breeds list, Beagles are an iconic dog breed that truly has stood the test of time. Other dog breeds may fall in and out of fashion, but Beagles have been welcomed into our households for over 200 years.
For many families, Beagles are the perfect pet. They thrive on being part of a busy family life, never seeming phased by all the hustle and bustle. As a dog breed that hates to be left alone, a Beagle living in a house full of people will never get bored!
The joy of having a Beagle as part of your family is that this fun-loving breed will want to join in with all family activities. These adorable dogs love to hike and explore alongside their favorite humans and are equally as happy hanging out in the park or on the beach. Beagles like to be at the center of everything, so be prepared to take them on family day trips and holidays. Basically, adding a Beagle to your family unit is like having an extra child!
2) Are Beagles good with children?
Caught in the act of cuteness – Cocoa’s basket hideout.
Beagles have a gentle and forgiving disposition, making them a good choice for households with children. However, their energetic nature means they can sometimes unintentionally be quite boisterous, so, as always, care should be taken around younger children.
With their playful nature, Beagles are great companions for older children, happy to spend hours outside engaged in fun activities. They don't tend to be overprotective or possessive and are very tolerant of accidental prods and pokes from children, making them very unlikely to show any aggressive tendencies. No dog is completely bombproof though, so make sure your children know how to behave around their new canine family member and never leave them together unattended.
When taking on a new Beagle, whether a puppy or an adult, it is vital to make sure they are well socialized around children. Dogs that have never met a child before can be surprisingly wary of tiny humans, and this fear can manifest itself in the form of anxiety or aggression.
Before your new Beagle joins your household, arrange some family socialization visits at a place the dog is familiar with beforehand, and enlist the help of a reputable dog trainer if you have any concerns. This can also be a great way to teach your children about understanding your Beagle's body language and communication, helping them learn how to respond appropriately.
3) Do Beagles make good house dogs?
If only our Beagles knew how good they’ve got it!
Beagles are sociable and friendly dogs and thrive as part of a busy household. Historically, Beagles were kept in packs as hunting dogs, and they still adore to be among company to this day. So, as long as beagles are not left home alone for long periods, they can become exceptional house dogs.
This doesn't mean that you can never leave your Beagle alone, but you will need to help them adjust to time spent without human company first. This informative article has some fantastic tips on helping your dog get used to spending time alone and avoiding any issues around separation anxiety along the way.
Beagles are very energetic dogs and love to run and play. Give your Beagle enough exercise every day to ensure that when the time comes for the family to relax in the evening, your Beagle does the same. A bored Beagle with pent-up energy will soon develop bad habits and unwanted behaviors, so don't be tempted to skip the twice-daily exercise!
In terms of maintenance, Beagles are relatively easy to care for. They require minimal grooming, don't shed much hair, and are less prone to health problems than many other pedigree breeds.
One aspect of Beagle ownership that is often overlooked is their incredible vocal skills! Beagles can bark, howl, and bay like no other dog I've ever heard - you might find this comical at first, but it can soon become earsplitting and potentially a cause for complaint from your neighbors. A noisy Beagle is not always the ideal house dog, but with time and patience, you can teach your Beagle to keep the volume levels down.
4) Are Beagles easy to train?
Beagles are not prone to aggressive behavior and are considered safe and reliable around children, as they have a patient and gentle demeanor.
I wouldn't say that Beagles were either easy or difficult to train - they're just quirky! Beagles are fun-loving, playful, and eager to please, but can easily become distracted and forget what they are supposed to be doing. Keep your training sessions fun and fast-paced to keep your Beagle engaged, and they'll pick up whatever you're trying to teach them in no time at all.
One area that many Beagle owners struggle with is training their dogs to walk on a leash. Beagles love to explore the world around them and tend to pull on the leash or lag behind as they investigate objects of interest. This isn't necessarily 'naughtiness', as they are only following their natural instincts, but can be frustrating when you are trying to fit in a brisk 30-minute walk around the block before work or bed.
It is clear to see that Beagles are a good choice as a family pet, thriving in a home with plenty of attention and activity. However, not all Beagles are the same, and it is important to weigh up the pros and cons for each prospective dog and your family before committing to bringing a Beagle into your family circle. Do your homework right and you'll be rewarded with a beautiful relationship that will enhance all of your lives!
If you enjoyed this article, you might also like:
🐶 Should I let my Beagle sleep in my bed?
And don’t forget to come hang out with me and Cocoa on Facebook and Instagram where we share our adventures with you.
If you really loved our content and would like to hear all our latest Beagle news, join our mailing list here.
You can learn more about my Beagle Cocoa and me here.
