Temperament of the beagle

Good natured and friendly, Beagles integrate well into family life. Being a pack dog, they will want to fit into the family hierarchy in their own way. They can be quite strong willed and stubborn, so it is important that they are handled with firmness and consistency during their early years. With the proper motivation, which for this breed is food, they are pleasant and fun to train. They are extremely loyal and make good companions for children and other pets, cats included, provided they are properly socialized at a young age.

Beagles are scent hounds, bred to track prey over the countryside. This requires energetic, independent, creative, outgoing, and sometimes stubborn dogs who devise, execute, and follow a plan to it's conclusion. A lone Beagle requires substantial playtime and attention. Without stimulation from their 'pack', beagles will amuse themselves - and this can mean trouble. Beagles can do astonishing damage!

Beagles have loads of energy and are well-suited to those accustomed to regular exercise. Bred to run cross-country in pursuit of rabbits and foxes, they enjoy long runs and demand regular exercise. In rare cases, Beagles can be kept in apartments, however, you must be extremely dedicated to taking regular walks, and it is not advised. On the other end of the spectrum, keep in mind that you should wait until the dog is at least a year old before (slowly) starting a prolonged running program of more than a mile per day. Talk to your vet for more information on running with your dog.

Although they love the outdoors, Beagles do not make good outside dogs. They need to be kept occupied and if regularly left in a backyard, will usually dig, bark, explore, experiment, and contemplate escape. If you are dedicated to walking in the morning before work and spending lots of time with them when you get home, your beagle should be able to spend an hour in a securely fenced yard.

Most owners keep their dogs inside when they're unsupervised for long periods. Crate training is the most suitable arrangement unless a sturdy, indoor/outdoor run can be arranged. In most cases, and for reasons including risk of theft, escape, or torment by neighborhood children and dogs, having a secure indoor place for your Beagle is the best arrangement.