You are probably here as a potential beagle owner, or as someone who already has a beagle and wants to understand why their beagle is being naughty or bad and wants to understand more about the beagle breed, and get to the bottom of if beagles really are the worst dogs.
Actually, beagles are not that bad, but they do have some quirks and personality traits that can make them a bit of a handful and difficult to live with in some circumstances.
A summary of some of the top reasons why some people think beagles are the worst dogs include;
- Beagles are high-energy dogs that can be stubborn and mischievous, making them tough to train.
- Beagles can be more vocal than other breeds, with a distinctive howl or bay that you and your neighbours may not appreciate!
- Beagles love food and are opportunists and will do anything to get a quick snack.
- Additionally, they are inclined to separation anxiety and may become destructive when bored and left alone.
- Beagles are also known to be escape artists, so they must be kept in a secure area when they are not supervised.
- Their keen nose and sense of smell can often lead them into difficult situations, and more often than not, you’ll need to keep them on a leash to avoid you both getting into trouble; the last thing you want is for them to chase down deer! In some serious cases, a beagle hunting down a harmless deer can result in the landowner taking things into their own hands and shooting the offending beagle; it happened before, so be warned!
- Beagles Have a Strong Hunting Instinct that can lead them to chase small animals.
- A beagle will need plenty of space to play and exercise so may not be suitable for apartment living.
If you’re considering getting a beagle its best to be prepared for when you bring your beagle home.
Personality Traits of Beagles
While beagles are loving and generally docile dogs, much like Schnauzers don’t make great pets, they have a few personality traits you need to be aware of.
Beagles Are High Energy Dogs
Beagles are high-energy dogs who require a lot of exercise. They are also known for being friendly, outgoing, and affectionate dogs who enjoy being around people. Beagles make great family pets, but they must be given plenty of attention and exercise to stay happy and healthy. A Beagle is probably not the right breed for you if you live in an apartment or do not have a lot of space for a dog.
A beagle is not suited to be locked in a bedroom or any room for that matter.
Beagles Are Stubborn Dogs.
Beagles are notorious for being stubborn and mischievous dogs. They are also known for being extremely determined, which can make them challenging to train. Consistent training is needed for this high-energy breed to ensure your beagle does not become an overly naughty dog. Be aware training a beagle can be challenging!
Beagles were originally bred as hunting dogs, and their strong tracking instincts often lead them to wander off if they catch a scent. This can be a problem if you’re trying to keep your beagle contained, but it can also be an asset if you’re training them for tracking or hunting hounds.
A Bored Beagle Can be Destructive
Beagles are social animals and do not do well when left alone for long periods. A bored beagle may start barking excessively, digging holes in the yard, or chewing on furniture.
Beagles need at least an hour of exercise every day, so make sure to give them plenty of opportunities to run and play.
Beagles are also known for being food-motivated, so keeping them occupied with treat toys, such as Kongs or treat puzzles can help prevent boredom, just remember to use healthy treats so they don’t become fat!
If you think your beagle is bored, add new toys or activities to their routine. For example, you could teach them tricks, take them on more walks, or play with them in the yard.
Beagles Can Be Quite Vocal and Bark a Lot
Beagles are known for being quite vocal and barking a lot. A beagle is probably not the best choice if you’re looking for a quiet dog. Beagles love to bark and howl and can be quite persistent when they want something. This trait can be both good and bad – it’s great for alerting you to potential danger or letting you know when someone’s at the door, but it can also be quite annoying if your dog is constantly barking for no reason. If you’re considering a beagle, be prepared for some noisy nights!
Beagles Are Escape Artists
Beagles are notorious for their escape artist abilities. If they see something they want on the other side of a fence, they will find a way to get to it. If you’re not careful, this can be a problem, as they may run off and get lost. Beagles also like to dig, so you must ensure your fence is buried deep enough to deter them.
Beagles Are Food Obsessed
Beagles are food obsessed. This means that they’re always on the lookout for their next meal and will do whatever it takes to get it.
They’ll beg, steal, and even eat food off other people’s plates if given the chance. This can be a problem if you’re not careful, leading to obesity and other health problems. Beagles are also known for being very vocal when they’re hungry, so be prepared to hear a lot of barking if you don’t keep their tummies full.
If you have a beagle, ensuring they’re getting enough to eat is important. This means feeding them regular meals and snacks throughout the day. It’s also a good idea to keep their food in a place where they can’t get to it easily, such as on a high shelf or in a closed cupboard. This will help to prevent them from overeating and becoming obese.
Beagles Have a Strong Hunting Instinct
Beagles have a strong hunting instinct and are often used as hunting dogs. They can be trained to track and hunt small animals such as rabbits. Beagles are also used as detection dogs in some airports and other places where security is important.
The hunting instinct is probably why they love to roll in smelly things, particularly fox poo; the smellier, the better, as far as a beagle is concerned. A smelly beagle is no fun for anyone, which means you will likely have to bathe them more often, which is not much fun as they don’t like the idea of being bathed.
Why Beagles Are the Worst Dogs For Apartment Living
Beagles are not the best dogs for apartment living for many reasons. First, they are very active and need much space to run around. They also bark a lot, which can be disruptive to your neighbors. Finally, as mentioned, they have a strong hunting instinct and may try to chase small animals they see outside.
Why don’t people like beagles?
People may not like beagles due to their natural hunting and chasing instincts, which have been bred into the breed for many years. Beagles are known for baying or barking loudly during the hunt or chase, which some people consider annoying or disruptive. However, it is important to note that not all people dislike beagles and that every individual has their own preferences when it comes to dog breeds. Ultimately, choosing a pet that fits your lifestyle and personality is important, regardless of breed.
Reasons Why Beagles are Bad Dogs
Bad beagles are usually the result of poor training and bad ownership. Beagles are not at all bad dogs. In fact, they are quite intelligent and capable of being obedient and well-behaved dogs. In most cases, it’s because of their owner the loving dogs turn out to be bad.
Several factors might influence a beagle puppy’s behavior in adulthood. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why a beagle pup may develop into an unpleasant and unruly dog as an adult.
Poor Socialization
One of the most important things you can do for your puppy is to socialize them. This means positively exposing them to different people, places, and situations so they can learn to cope with new experiences without fear or aggression.
Poor socialization can cause serious problems in beagles like
- Fear and aggression in Beagles
- Scared of new people, places, and situations
- Unruly and difficult to handle
- Excessive Barking
The best way to socialize your puppy is to positively introduce them to new friends, different places, and situations;
- Obedience training
- Socialization classes
- Simply by taking your puppy with you wherever you go
- Take the beagle puppy to the dog park to meet other dogs
Lack of Exercise
They can become bored and destructive if they don’t get enough physical and mental stimulation.
A lack of physical activity is often the root cause of many behavioral problems in beagles, such as barking, chewing, and digging.
Beagles need at least an hour of exercise every day, so make sure you have the time to commit to regular daily walks, runs, or play sessions. If you can’t provide enough exercise for your beagle, consider adopting a different breed of dog that doesn’t require as much activity. If you already have a beagle, consider hiring a dog walker to help out.
Honestly, if you do not have the time to give a beagle regular walks, don’t even think about getting one! However, walking is not only great for beagles but also for your mental and physical well-being.
In addition to daily exercise, beagles need plenty of mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Bored beagles can become destructive, so ensure you provide them with enough toys and activities to keep their minds occupied.
Inadequate Owner Education
When new Beagle owners bring their puppy home, they are often not given adequate information and advice about caring for and training their new pet.
This can lead to several problems down the road, such as;
- not knowing how to potty train your beagle
- not understanding the importance of socialization
- not being aware of the exercise needs of beagles
As a result, many beagles are returned to shelters or rehomed because their owners can’t handle them.
Beagles are often surrendered to shelters because their owners were not properly educated about caring for and affectionate them.
Lack of Consistent Training
All dogs need some form of training, whether it’s obedience, Clicker training, or something else.
Without proper training, your beagle will likely develop behavioral problems such as
- try to jump up on people
- barking excessively
- chewing on furniture
- digging holes in the yard
- stealing food (keep to a strict feeding schedule for best results)
So it’s important to start training your beagle puppy as soon as you bring them home.
Separation Anxiety
One of the most common problems beagles have is separation anxiety because they are pack animals. Several factors can contribute to this, such as
- inadequate exercise
- a lack of socialization
- inconsistent firm leadership
When beagles are left alone, they often start howling, chewing on furniture, and digging holes. This can be a big problem for owners who work long hours or live in apartments.
To avoid this problem, it’s important to socialize with your beagle and give them plenty of exercise. You should also crate train your beagle so they have a safe, comfortable place to stay when you’re away from home. Make sure the crate is the ideal size for your beagle.
Owner Frustration
Many beagle owners simply give up on their dogs because they become frustrated with their unruly behavior. Beagles are often considered to be “difficult” dogs, but this is usually because their owners don’t understand how to train or care for them properly.
It’s human nature to become frustrated at times with a dog’s behavior, but that is them simply being a dog, so you need to make allowances for this.
You may be overly house proud and find that having a smelly beagle in the house means you are cleaning more often, making you feel frustrated that you are always chasing after them.
Also, if anyone tries to tell you that beagles are a hypoallergenic dog breed, ignore them. No dogs and that includes beagles are truly hypoallergenic. Sure, some shed less than others, but. You will be disappointed if you think having a beagle will mean fewer allergic reactions.
If you’re considering getting a beagle, ensure you are prepared to deal with their high energy level and need for exercise.
You should behave with patience if you are not to suffer at the hands of a beagle. Beagles can be a lot of work, but they can also be a lot of fun. With the right owner, they can make wonderful companions.
Beagle Puppy Biting
Many puppies bite, gnaw, and chew on everything they can get their teeth on, and beagles are no different. If you don’t provide your beagle puppy with an adequate outlet for this behavior, they may start chewing on furniture, shoes, or walls.
Weak Bond between You and Beagle
The bond between you and your beagle is very important. If you don’t have a strong bond with your dog, they may start to display behavioral problems.
Beagles that don’t feel close to their owners are often more likely to;
- run away
- chew on furniture
- bark excessively
- have anxiety
So it’s important to make sure you spend time with your beagle and form a strong bond with them.
Why Are Beagles So Dramatic?
Beagles are often described as being “dramatic.” While this may be accurate to some extent, the real reason why beagles tend to be more dramatic than other dogs is that they are simply an energetic dog breed.
Beagles were originally bred as hunting dogs, and their natural energy and enthusiasm for life often manifest as “drama.”
While beagles are known for being friendly and loving dogs, they can also be quite stubborn. This characteristic can add to the “drama” of owning a beagle.
Beagles Are Not for Everyone!
So, are beagles the right companion dog for you? That depends on your lifestyle and personality. Beagles need a lot of exercise and can become destructive if they’re cooped up all day. They also require a lot of attention and training. A beagle can make an excellent pet if you’re prepared to invest time and effort. But if you’re unsure whether a beagle is the right breed for you, it’s best to consult with an experienced dog breeder or veterinarian.
Want to know what other dogs you should perhaps steer clear of? Read why the labrador might be the worst dog and if the boxer dog is also hard to live with.