info@mybeaglebuddy.com

The Great Outdoors: Are Beagles Outside Dogs?

The Beagle breed is widely known for its friendly demeanor and love of adventure. Given their hunting roots, it’s no surprise that beagles often enjoy spending time outdoors. But are beagles truly outside dogs?

So, are beagles outside dogs? Yes and no! They are undoubtedly well-suited for life in the great outdoors, but that doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy plenty of indoor time. Please keep reading to learn more about beagles and whether or not they make good outside or indoor dogs.

Beagles were Bred to Live Outdoors

Beagles are a relatively old breed, dating back to the 16th century. They were originally bred in England for hunting hares and later became famous as companion dogs in England and the United States.

While beagles were historically used for hunting, they are just as well-known today for their work as detection dogs, narcotics dogs, and search-and-rescue dogs. All this work is done outdoors, which shows that beagles are a breed that is well-suited for life outdoors.

Their hunting roots make them natural explorers, and they enjoy sniffing out new scents and following their noses. This trait can sometimes get them into trouble, as they may wander off if they catch an attractive scent.

Being bred to live and work outdoors doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy spending time indoors with their family. Beagles are also a popular choice for families, thanks to their even temperament and love of children. They get along with other animals, making them a good fit for homes with multiple pets. The beagle also has a good average lifespan.

Modern Day Beagle Stays Safe as a Member of Human Pack

While beagles are perfectly capable of living and working outdoors, many modern-day pack animals like beagles spend the majority of their time indoors with their families.

This is primarily because most beagles today are companion animals rather than hunting dogs. And while they may enjoy going for a walk or playing in the dog park, nothing makes them happier than cuddling up with a human.

Beagles are becoming more family companions than outdoor dogs, but that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy the outdoors. Go on walks with your beagle or play fetch in the backyard; either way, they’ll be happy as long as they’re with you.

Beagles make excellent pets, and if you want one for your family, you can rest assured that this breed is just as happy indoors as outdoors except of excessive barking. Just be prepared for some potential mischief – after all, they are still hounds, and their noses will lead them into trouble from time to time!

A pack of beagles
A pack of beagles

Dangers for Outdoor Beagles

There are many dangers that beagles face when they are outside. Cars, other animals, and even the weather can threaten their safety. Here are some things to consider if you’re thinking of letting your beagle outdoors:

Cars

Beagles are curious creatures and often follow their nose wherever it leads them. This can be dangerous if there’s traffic around, as they may be unaware of the dangers posed by cars. If you live in an area with a lot of traffic, keeping your beagle on a leash or in a fenced-in area is best.

Other animals

Furthermore, Beagles are well-known for being friendly and good-natured, making them targets for other animals that may view them as prey. When you live in an area with wild and aggressive animals, you must be aware of the dangers to your beagle.

The weather

Beagles shed a lot and are short-haired dogs, meaning they don’t have the same protection from the cold as longer-haired breeds. Living in an area with harsh winters, it’s essential to take steps to keep your beagle warm and safe from the elements.

Dangers of Leaving Beagles Outside in hot climate

You may think that bringing your beagle outside in hot weather is okay as long as they have access to water, but the truth is that the heat can be dangerous for them. Your beagle may face the following dangers if you leave them outside in hot weather:

Read our article, tips for keeping your beagle cool in summer.

Dehydration

Beagles are susceptible to dehydration, and the heat can make it worse. Make sure they have plenty of water to drink and are not left in the sun for too long.

Heat stroke

It is a severe condition that can lead to death if not treated properly. Symptoms of heat stroke include panting, difficulty breathing, and collapse. If beagle owners think their beagle is suffering from heat stroke, get them to a cool place immediately and call your veterinarian.

a panting beagle

Hot pavement

Another hazard of hot weather is hot pavement. The pavement can get very hot sometimes and burn your beagle’s paws. If you’re walking your beagle in hot weather, make sure to put booties on their feet or walk them on grass instead of pavement.

Dangers of Leaving Beagles Outside in the cold weather

Your beagle may seem hearty and challenging, but the truth is that the cold weather can be dangerous for them without any dog house. Consider these things if you’re thinking of leaving your beagle outside in cold weather:

Frostbite

Frostbite is a severe condition that can occur when exposed to cold temperatures. Symptoms of frostbite include pale skin, numbness, and cold to the touch. If you think your beagle has frostbite, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is another condition if your dog’s body temperature drops below normal. Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, lethargy, and difficulty breathing. If you think your beagle has hypothermia, get them to a warm place immediately and call your veterinarian.

Snow

If you have snow in your area, be aware that it can be hazardous for your beagle. Snow can cover up small holes or cracks in the ground, which your beagle could fall into. It can be a choking hazard if your beagle tries to eat it.

Ice

Ice is another hazard that you can find in the snow. It can be dangerous for your beagle, and it can also cut its paws. If you’re walking your beagle in an area with snow and ice, make sure to put booties on your feet.

As you can see, beagles face several dangers when they’re left outside. If you leave your beagle outside, make sure you’re aware of the risks and take steps like preparing dog houses to protect them from the weather and other hazards.

Risks of your Beagle Sleeping Outside

Many people think it’s okay for their beagle to sleep outside, but the truth is that there are some risks involved.

Temperature extremes

One of the biggest dangers of letting your beagle sleep outside is temperature extremes. Your beagle inside or outside could suffer from heat stroke or hypothermia if it’s too hot or too cold.

Predators

Another danger of letting your beagle sleep outside is predators. If there are coyotes, wild animals or other predators in your area, they could see your beagle as an easy target. If you’re going to let your beagle sleep outside, ensure you’re in a safe area.

Diseases

There are also many diseases that your beagle could contract if they sleep outside. These include heartworm, Lyme disease, and rabies. The best way to protect your beagle from these diseases is to ensure they’re up to date on their vaccinations.

Disaster Strikes when Outdoor Beagles Get Hurt

Beagles are active, curious dogs that love to explore. This can sometimes lead them into trouble, and they may get hurt. When this happens, it’s essential to know what to do.

If your beagle has a cut

If your beagle has a cut, the first thing you should do is apply pressure to the wound. This will help stop the bleeding. It would be best if you cleaned the wound with soap and water after it had stopped bleeding. You should take your beagle for the pet medical advice if the cut is more than a quarter-inch deep.

If your beagle has a broken bone

If your beagle has a broken bone, it’s essential to immobilize the limb. This will help prevent further injury. You can do this by splinting the limb with two pieces of wood or wrapping it in a towel. Once the limb is immobilized, you’ll need to take your beagle to the veterinarian.

If your beagle has been stung by a bee

If your beagle has been stung by a bee, you should first remove the stinger. Once the stinger is removed, you can apply a cold compress to the area to help reduce swelling. If your beagle is having trouble breathing, call 911 immediately.

What Breeds of Dogs Can Sleep Outside?

While there are several risks involved in letting your beagle puppy sleep outside, some breeds can handle it better than others. Here are a few dog breeds that can sleep outside:

Huskies

Huskies are bred to withstand cold weather, so they’re a good choice if you live in an area with extreme temperatures. They also have a thick coat that protects them from the elements. A downside of huskies is that they’re escape artists, so you’ll need to ensure your yard is secure.

Husky mixes are becoming more popular; check out the border collie husky mix.

German Shepherds

German shepherds are another outdoor dog breed that can handle cold weather. They’re also very loyal and will guard your property while you’re away. However, they need a lot of exercise, so you’ll need to ensure they have plenty of space to run.

Click to read about the Beagle/German Shepherd mix.

Mastiffs

Mastiffs are another excellent choice for a dog that can sleep outside. They’re large dogs so that they can handle cold weather and predators. However, they’re also very stubborn, so you’ll need to be firm with them.

Conclusion

So, are beagles outside dogs? Well, they certainly can be – but it depends on the individual dog. Some beagles enjoy nothing more than a good romp in the great outdoors, while others prefer to stay snuggled up indoors. Ultimately, you should decide what’s best for your furry friend. Just remember to take the necessary precautions if you choose to let them sleep outside.

Reddit
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
WhatsApp

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

About My Beagle Buddy

Simon Wilson and his two beagles

My Beagle Buddy is a dedicated resource crafted with love and expertise by Simon Wilson alongside his two cherished Beagles, Baylee and Bonnie. With over a decade of hands-on experience, Simon has delved deep into the world of Beagles, unraveling the joys, challenges, and intricacies of beagle ownership.

Read more about us on the My Beagle Buddy About Us page.

Latest Beagle Reads

Important Legal Information

My Beagle Buddy is owned and operated by Progressive Website Development Ltd.

This site does not constitute pet medical advice; please consult a licensed veterinarian in your area for pet medical advice.

Mybeaglebuddy.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees and affiliate commissions by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Join Our Newsletter

Don't miss a bark! Sign up for the My Beagle Buddy Newsletter and stay updated on the latest beagle insights, care tips, stories, and more. Join our growing community of beagle lovers and ensure you're always in the loop about all things beagle.

At My Beagle Buddy, we respect your privacy. Rest assured, your email address will be used exclusively for the My Beagle Buddy Newsletter and will never be shared with third parties. Unsubscribe anytime with a single click.