Now you might be wondering, why someone would think Beagles are not good dogs. Even asking the question of why Beagles are the worst dogs seems illogical. Yet, the reality is that not every dog owner can handle the personality of a Beagle dog breed.
For some, a Beagle might be the worst choice as a pet. And there is nothing wrong in that. Beagles are high-energy dogs that can be stubborn and mischievous, more vocal than other breeds, and have a high prey drive.
Yet, there is something good in them, right? After all, Beagles are among the most popular dog breeds in the world. No, they are not a Labrador Retriever in terms of popularity, but they are among the top 15 or top 20.
Now, let’s take a look at the positives and negatives of owning a Beagle.
Quick Summary of the Breed
The Beagle is a medium-sized dog breed. These canines have a distinct appearance with short legs, a muscular body, and long ears that hang down. Beagles have a smooth, dense short coat. But do not let that fool you. These dogs have a double coat, which often means a lot more shedding.
Originally bred for hunting small game, namely rabbits, they have a keen sense of smell. Beagles are part of the hound group(LINK HOUND DOGS).
Among hound dog breeds, Beagles are probably the most popular. Often, breeders even try to mix Beagles with other hounds to get a more desirable crossbreed.
Their ability to track scents can be a great addition to scent detection. Beagles have found a purpose in search and rescue and drug detection.
Why Beagles are the Worst Dogs?
Now let’s talk about why some people might not be loving this particular dog breed. What makes some families think that Beagles are the worst dogs they can get?
They can be quite vocal and bark a lot
These dogs are famous for being vocal. They can bark but also howl. That is probably one of the reasons why people are not keen on owning a Beagle. If you are looking for a quiet dog, this is not the one.
Yes, training can help you reduce barking. But howling is part of their communication arsenal. You have to understand, that these hound breeds have an instinct to howl when they track something.
They Are High-energy Dogs
If you cannot handle their energy, forget about owning a Beagle. These dogs need plenty of exercise and are known for being outgoing and hyperactive. They need plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
Not Suited For Apartment Living
If you are looking for an apartment dog that you will leave home alone for longer periods, you might need to rethink your choice. Beagles are not best suited for living in an apartment where they do not have a lot of space to roam.
Yes, with plenty of walks and physical exercise, you can make it work. But if you cannot provide the exercise and space, look for another breed.
They Can Be Clingy
Beagles have a clingy nature and often refuse to leave your side. This breed is particularly attached to its dog owner. They love spending time with their pet parents.
These fantastic snuggle dogs will not give you plenty of alone time. They cannot bear the thought of being alone.
Prone To Separation Anxiety
Speaking of being clingy, Beagles are part of the Velcro dog group. They cannot stand the thought of being left alone. Prone to separation anxiety, these dogs look for companionship and affection 24/7. Now, they might not die to please their pet owner, but they love to be by his/her side.
Can Be Quite Stubborn
Notorious for being stubborn and mischievous, Beagles are quite determined. When they set their mind on something, they want to do it no matter what. This personality trait can make obedience training a challenge. You need to provide consistent training to make sure this high-energy dog does not turn into a naughty puppy.
They Can Be Destructive
This stems from their separation anxiety problem. A bored beagle might start barking, dig holes in the yard, chew on the furniture, or show any other destructive behavior. These puppies need at least one hour of physical exercise per day to keep them happy.
You can use puzzle toys and feeding tools like Kong to provide them with plenty of opportunities to run and play. If you think your Beagle puppy is bored, look for new toys and activities.
Famous Escape Artists
A backyard with a fence might not be enough to keep your Beagle pet in place. Famous for their escaping abilities, these determined dogs might find a way to get out. Especially if they see something they want on the other side of the fence.
They are determined enough to run off, dig, or chase the stimuli on the other side.
Easily Scared
Here is a bit of irony. You would think these hunting dogs would be a bit more courageous. But they have a kind demeanor and are incapable of becoming hostile. But they are not the bravest dogs. They will not engage in a fight.
Here is a fun fact. When Beagles detect a threat, they might attempt to flee or hide under their pet owner. These easily frightened dogs can be scared of plenty of things.
They Have A Strong Hunting Instinct
Last, but not least, a big reason why many people ask why Beagles are the worst dogs is because of their strong hunting instinct.
These hunting dogs were bred to track scent and assist with hunting small game. But that hunting instinct is why these dogs love to roll in smelly things, particularly poop. For Beagles, the smellier, the better.
Why You Should Consider A Beagle As Your Pet?
Now, you might think we talked all about the downsides of owning a Beagle puppy. But, there is a reason why this canine is among the most popular breeds according to the American Kennel Club. Here are the positives that make Beagles such an amazing pet.
Low-maintenance
Considered among the healthiest dog breeds, they do not have long coats that need costly grooming sessions. Beagles are truly low-maintenance when it comes to keeping them healthy and shiny. Yes, they might roll in poop.
But unless that happens, you can bathe them once every six months. Brush them once every week, and you are good to go.
They Have A Versatile Nature
Beagles can thrive in different environments, ranging from rural living to living in a huge metropolis. As long as they get their physical exercise and mental stimulation, they are happy to live anywhere. In fact, Beagles are versatile animals.
Sociable Animals
When we talk about dogs, we often say they are pack animals. Well, the same doesn’t apply to Beagles. They were raised to live and work in groups. They do not have a pecking order or hierarchy and never try to be the alpha personality in the group.
Considered among the most sociable dogs, along with the likes of Golden Retriever, Siberian Husky, and more.
Friendly Nature
To add to their social nature, Beagle dogs are friendly with anyone they meet. That applies to people, not just to dogs. And yes, even to cats. They cannot live without human companionship. These dogs will befriend anyone they meet on the street.
