Beagle Owners

Ok, there is a CHANCE that I MIGHT be able to get a dog. The bigger dogs that I want are out of the question, so I looked a few sizes down and beagles are very appealing to me. I started to do some research on them, and they seem like great family dogs. I am still open to other breeds right now, but I really have my mind set on them.

Are any of you experienced beagle owners? If so, could you please tell me if there is anything I should be aware of? I have done my book research and read some articles online, but I think that hearing information from owners will be just as valuable, maybe even more.

Thanks.

Had one for 3 years, seemed to be as smart as a lab, the bark, at first was cool but got annoying, as she tended to bark at every animal, also chase every thing that moved, even a few cars...only um-smartness I found in her.
There is a smaller version of a beagle, mini beagle, thats what I had, same pup, just smaller.
If I had a choice of a dog again, I would totally pick a coon hound.
one day some one stole her, they are worth a nice amount, $300-1,000 in some places, seemed 3 beagles in a 5 mile raduis came up missing in a few days.

I used to have a beagle. Mine was really great. But he did get sick quite a bit.
Does anybody own a labradoodle? If you do can you tell me if they are good pets at all?

foxxy_moron wrote:

I used to have a beagle. Mine was really great. But he did get sick quite a bit.
Does anybody own a labradoodle? If you do can you tell me if they are good pets at all?

I don't mind if anyone answers that. But I hope we can keep this thread mainly about beagles. :-)

yeah sure.
beagles are such cute dogs. they can be really friendly.

You should get a rat terrier!!!

Ya, in my enyclopedia they got a five (out of five) for friendliness towards other humans and dogs. Which is great, cos I wouldn't want to have to worry about taking him to public places.

However, for ease of training it only got an one.

BUT, its affection level is five (which is great) and it was also rated very playful. Those characteristics thrill me.

Mine wasnt too hard to train, althought there was the time when he piddled in my auntie's suitcase when she came to stay...
just beware of those sort of things.

KillerQueen840 wrote:

Ya, in my enyclopedia they got a five (out of five) for friendliness towards other humans and dogs. Which is great, cos I wouldn't want to have to worry about taking him to public places.

However, for ease of training it only got an one.

BUT, its affection level is five (which is great) and it was also rated very playful. Those characteristics thrill me.

Are you talking about rat terriers or beagles? Anyway, in my experience, rat terriers are very easy to train. About public places, rat terriers SHOULD behave well. My dog, Shakespeare, is an exception because he's extremely neurotic. He thinks he's a human, so he's afraid of other dogs.

Yup, no matter what dog I get I will be ready for those tasks. I already have part of my training planned out cos I've been reading magazines, books, and articles on this for a long time and I picked the strategies that look best.

Teaching him to sit and lie down should be a breeze (I've already taught my grandparent's dog that in a fairly short period of time).

My house breaking might be a little tough at first, but I got it figured out (with no yelling involved..cos you especially don't want to do that with a puppy and make it grow to fear you).

To Sg. Pepper: I was talking about beagles. :-p

i wasnt the one who yelled at my beagle, it was mostly my dad with that short temper of his. but overall he was a great dog!!!

Beagles are nice dogs, a bit nimble actually. If you're into "downgrading" your dogs, I suggest that you try the basset hounds. Basically a beagle with much shorter legs, it's almost maintainance free. Give it food twice a day, and it won't bother you. A lazy man's dog, but depends on the owner on how the dog's behavior will turn out.

Will this primarily be an indoor or outdoor dog? What Stussy says is true. Beagles will bark alot (many terriers and small breeds do) and they chase anything and everything. If it is an indoor dog, then you'll have to watch them chasing things out in the street when your back is turned. If it is an outdoor dog, then prepare for barking. And barking. And barking.

If you are really interested in affection, trainablity, and friendliness, than I must also recommend Rat Terriers (or Jack Russells, though they are more expensive). Rat Terriers are great dogs, easily trained, and very playful. As for being in public places, they can do very well if they are used to it. One of my Rat Terriers is terrific, but then I've taken him most places and it's nothing new.

Regardless of what you get, be prepared for responsibility and problems. No puppy is perfect, so be patient. Continue doing your research and you'll be fine.

Whatever you do..don't get a boxer. They are the most hyper dog I've ever had. I took my boxer to obedience school and he failed!!!

I've grown up with Dachshunds. Good dogs but they aren't very visitor friendly. They are very protective of their family and will not think twice about biting a visitor. They also love to dig for moles so they get dirty in the backyard. I'm sure a beagle would dig too. I might be wrong though.

I also had a rottweiler. Excellent dog but he shed a lot. I know most people say big dogs are big babies but this dog was not a baby when it came to protection. We had to get a PO box to receive our mail. The mailman refused to deliver it bc he tried to attack him.

I prefer not to have anymore dogs or pets until my kids are big enough to help with some of the responsibility of caring for them. I work full time and its another full time job to raise two kids. Add another full time job to take care of an animal properly. There isn't enough time in my day for three full time jobs. I do love dogs though.

Instead of A Rat Terrier, just get a Rat.

Ever consider a Collie? those are VERY friendly, and protective. there are even Miniture Collies out there.. and they do not bark all the time.