Beagles are often praised for their adorable looks, friendly personalities, and excellent scenting abilities. However, these charming hounds also come with a set of quirks and challenges that can make them less-than-ideal companions for some owners. In this brutally honest review, we’ll delve into the reasons why beagles might not be the best choice for everyone.
| Reason | Explanation |
| Excessive Barking | Beagles are notorious for their loud, persistent barking and howling, which can be a nuisance in apartments or close-quarter living situations. |
| Strong Prey Drive | As scent hounds bred for hunting, beagles have a strong prey drive and may chase after small animals, which can be dangerous if not properly managed. |
| High Energy Levels | Beagles are energetic dogs that require a significant amount of daily exercise and mental stimulation, which can be challenging for owners with sedentary lifestyles. |
| Destructive Tendencies | Beagles can be extremely destructive if left alone or without proper exercise and mental stimulation, chewing on furniture, digging holes, and engaging in other destructive behaviors. |
| Stubbornness | Beagles are known for their stubborn and independent nature, which can make them challenging to train and manage. |
| Lack of Obedience | Beagles may become easily distracted and ignore commands, making it difficult to achieve the same level of reliability and obedience as other breeds. |
| Wandering Tendencies | Beagles are notorious for wandering off and getting lost or into trouble if they catch an interesting scent. |
| Separation Anxiety | Beagles can develop separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods, leading to destructive behavior and excessive barking. |
| Food Obsession | Beagles are food-motivated and may steal food from counters, tables, or even directly from their owners’ hands. |
| Shedding | Beagles have a double coat that sheds moderately throughout the year and heavily during seasonal changes, which can be a drawback for owners who prefer a low-maintenance or hypoallergenic breed. |
| Coprophagia | One of the most unpleasant habits of beagles is their tendency to eat poop, both their own and that of other animals. |
History of Beagles
Beagles are one of the oldest breeds of dogs, with their origins tracing back to Great Britain in the 1500s. Originally bred for hunting hare and rabbits, these scent hounds were prized for their incredible sense of smell and their ability to track prey over long distances. Their compact size and endurance made them perfect for hunters who followed them on foot.
Characteristics of Beagles
Beagles are small to medium-sized dogs, typically weighing between 20 and 30 pounds. They have a distinctive tri-color coat (black, white, and tan) and large, floppy ears that help trap scents. Beagles are known for their friendly, affectionate, and even-tempered personalities, making them great family dogs.
However, their hunting instincts and high energy levels can also make them challenging to own. Beagles have a strong prey drive and may chase after small animals, such as squirrels or rabbits. They are also notorious for their loud, howling barks and their stubbornness, which can make training a frustrating experience.
26 Top Reasons Why Beagles Are The Worst Dogs
While beagles are undoubtedly adorable and loving companions, they also come with a unique set of challenges that may make them less-than-ideal pets for some owners. Let’s explore the top reasons why beagles might be considered the worst dogs.
Beagles are very vocal.
One of the most significant downsides of owning a beagle is their tendency to be extremely vocal. These hounds were bred to bark and howl to communicate with hunters during hunts, and they carry this trait into their domestic lives. Beagles have a distinct, loud bark and howl that can become a nuisance, especially in apartments or close-quarter living situations.
Excessive barking and howling can lead to complaints from neighbors and even potential legal issues in some areas. While training can help mitigate this behavior, it’s essential to understand that beagles are inherently vocal dogs, and their barking may never be entirely eliminated.
Beagles are hunters.
As scent hounds bred for hunting, beagles have an incredibly strong prey drive and a relentless desire to follow their noses. This trait can make them difficult to manage off-leash, as they may take off after any interesting scent, regardless of the potential dangers.
Beagles are notorious for wandering off and getting lost or into trouble if they catch a whiff of something intriguing. This behavior can be frustrating for owners and potentially dangerous for the dog if they end up in a hazardous situation or get hit by a car.
Beagles need a lot of exercise.
Beagles are high-energy dogs that require a significant amount of daily exercise to stay physically and mentally stimulated. Without enough activity, they can become destructive, bark excessively, and engage in other undesirable behaviors due to boredom and pent-up energy.
Providing enough exercise for a beagle can be challenging, especially for owners with sedentary lifestyles or limited mobility. Beagles thrive with activities like long walks, hiking, running, and playtime in a securely fenced area.
Beagles can be destructive.
Due to their high energy levels, intelligence, and tendency to become bored easily, beagles can be extremely destructive if left alone or without proper exercise and mental stimulation. They may chew on furniture, dig holes in the yard, or engage in other destructive behaviors to burn off excess energy or relieve anxiety.
Crate training and providing plenty of appropriate chew toys and puzzle feeders can help mitigate this behavior, but it’s essential to understand that beagles have a strong instinct to chew and may never entirely outgrow this habit.
Beagles are stubborn.
Beagles are known for their stubborn and independent nature, which can make them challenging to train. As scent hounds bred to follow their noses, they may become easily distracted and ignore commands if something more interesting catches their attention.
Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are crucial when training beagles, as they can be resistant to traditional obedience methods. Even with proper training, some beagles may never achieve the same level of reliability and obedience as other breeds.
Lack of Exercise:
Beagles are energetic dogs that require a lot of physical and mental stimulation. If they don’t get enough exercise, they can become destructive, bark excessively, and engage in other problematic behaviors. Lack of exercise can lead to:
- Chewing and digging
- Excessive barking and howling
- Hyperactivity and restlessness
- Weight gain and obesity
- Anxiety and stress
Providing regular walks, playtime, and interactive toys is crucial to keeping a beagle happy and well-behaved.
Poor Socialization
Proper socialization is essential for beagles to develop into well-rounded, friendly dogs. Without exposure to various people, animals, and situations during their critical socialization period (3-14 weeks), beagles may become fearful, shy, or even aggressive.
Poorly socialized beagles may:
- Bark excessively at unfamiliar people or animals
- Exhibit fear or aggression in new environments
- Have difficulty interacting with other dogs
- Develop separation anxiety or other behavioral issues
Attending puppy socialization classes and gradually introducing your beagle to new experiences can help prevent these problems.
Due to Separation Anxiety
Beagles are affectionate, social dogs that form strong bonds with their owners. When left alone for extended periods, they can develop separation anxiety, leading to destructive behavior, excessive barking, and other issues.
Signs of separation anxiety in beagles may include:
- Chewing or digging
- Excessive barking or howling
- Urinating or defecating indoors
- Attempting to escape
- Pacing or panting excessively
Crate training, providing plenty of exercise, and gradually increasing alone time can help prevent separation anxiety. In severe cases, medication or behavior modification may be necessary.
Puppies of Beagle Biting
Like all puppies, beagle puppies may go through a biting phase as they explore the world with their mouths and teeth. However, beagles are known for their strong jaws and persistent biting habits, which can be challenging to manage.
Consistent training, redirecting to appropriate chew toys, and providing plenty of exercise can help curb biting behavior in beagle puppies. It’s also essential to teach children how to interact with puppies safely and supervise all interactions to prevent accidental bites.
Lack of Strong Bond
Beagles are loyal and loving dogs that form strong bonds with their owners. However, if they don’t receive enough attention, affection, and quality time, they may become detached or develop behavioral issues.
A lack of a strong bond can lead to:
- Destructive behavior
- Excessive barking or howling
- Anxiety or depression
- Difficulty with training
Spending time with your beagle, engaging in positive reinforcement training, and involving them in family activities can help strengthen the bond and prevent these issues.
Due to Stubborn Instinct
Beagles were bred as scent hounds, with a strong instinct to follow their noses and track prey. This stubborn hunting instinct can make them challenging to train and manage, as they may ignore commands or become easily distracted by interesting smells.
Their stubbornness can manifest in behaviors such as:
- Pulling on the leash
- Ignoring recall commands
- Wandering off or getting lost
- Chasing small animals or wildlife
Consistent, positive reinforcement training and providing plenty of mental stimulation can help manage their stubborn instincts, but it’s essential to understand that this trait is inherent to the breed.
Excessive Loud Barking
One of the most well-known traits of beagles is their propensity for excessive, loud barking. Bred as hunting dogs, beagles were expected to bark and howl to communicate with their handlers during hunts.
While this trait served a purpose in their original roles, it can become a nuisance in a domestic setting, especially in apartments or close-quarter living situations. Excessive barking can lead to complaints from neighbors and even potential legal issues in some areas.
While training can help mitigate this behavior, it’s essential to understand that beagles are inherently vocal dogs, and their barking may never be entirely eliminated.
Beagle Steal the Food
Beagles have a reputation for being food-driven and persistent when it comes to acquiring snacks. Their strong sense of smell and hunting instincts can lead them to steal food from counters, tables, or even directly from their owners’ hands.
This behavior can be frustrating and potentially dangerous if they ingest something harmful. It’s essential to keep food out of reach and consistently reinforce the “leave it” command during training.
Providing plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and appropriate chew toys can also help curb their food-stealing tendencies.
Jumping on People
Beagles are friendly and affectionate dogs that love human companionship. However, their enthusiasm can sometimes manifest as jumping on people, which can be problematic, especially around children or elderly individuals.
While jumping may seem like a harmless behavior, it can be dangerous and can lead to injuries or accidents. It’s crucial to consistently discourage jumping from an early age and teach your beagle to greet people calmly.
Positive reinforcement training, providing plenty of exercise, and ensuring your beagle gets enough attention and affection can help prevent jumping behavior.
Scared Quickly
Despite their friendly and outgoing personalities, beagles can be easily startled or scared by loud noises, sudden movements, or unfamiliar situations. This can lead to fearful behavior, such as barking, growling, or even attempting to flee.
Proper socialization from an early age is crucial to help beagles become more confident and less easily scared. Gradually exposing them to new experiences, sounds, and environments in a positive and controlled manner can help prevent fear-based behaviors.
It’s also essential to be patient and understanding with a scared beagle, as punishing or scolding them may only reinforce their fear.
More shedders
Beagles have a double coat that sheds moderately throughout the year and heavily during seasonal changes. Their shedding can be a significant drawback for owners who prefer a low-maintenance or hypoallergenic breed.
Regular brushing and grooming can help control shedding, but it’s essential to be prepared for a constant presence of dog hair in your home and on your clothing if you own a beagle.
Vacuuming frequently and investing in a good lint roller can help manage the shedding, but it’s a reality that owners must be willing to accept.
Shedding & Allergies
Beagles are not hypoallergenic dogs and shed moderately throughout the year, with heavier shedding during seasonal changes. This can be a significant issue for owners with allergies or those who prefer a low-maintenance breed.
Regular grooming, vacuuming, and the use of air purifiers can help manage shedding and allergies, but it’s essential to be prepared for the presence of dog hair in your home and on your clothing if you own a beagle.
Obedience
Beagles are known for their stubborn and independent nature, which can make them challenging to train. As scent hounds bred to follow their noses, they may become easily distracted and ignore commands if something more interesting catches their attention.
Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are crucial when training beagles, as they can be resistant to traditional obedience methods. Even with proper training, some beagles may never achieve the same level of reliability and obedience as other breeds.
Maintenance
While beagles are generally low-maintenance in terms of grooming, they do require regular brushing to manage shedding and occasional ear cleaning to prevent infections. Their nails should be trimmed regularly, and their teeth should be brushed to maintain good oral health.
Beagles also require a significant amount of daily exercise and mental stimulation to prevent destructive behaviors and boredom. Providing appropriate outlets for their energy and hunting instincts is crucial for their overall well-being and happiness.
Beagle Annoyance
While beagles are undoubtedly adorable and loving companions, they also come with a unique set of quirks and behaviors that can be annoying or frustrating for some owners.
Prey Drive
As scent hounds bred for hunting, beagles have an incredibly strong prey drive and a relentless desire to follow their noses. This trait can make them difficult to manage off-leash, as they may take off after any interesting scent, regardless of the potential dangers.
Rolling & Digging
Beagles are known for their love of rolling in smelly things and digging holes in the yard. While this behavior may seem harmless, it can be frustrating for owners who value a well-manicured lawn or a clean house.
Beagle Health & Well-being Harm
While beagles are generally healthy dogs, they are prone to certain health issues and behavioral problems that can negatively impact their well-being if not properly managed.
Aggression
While beagles are generally friendly and affectionate dogs, they can exhibit aggression if they are not properly socialized or if they feel threatened. Aggression can manifest in various forms, such as growling, snapping, or biting, and can be directed towards other dogs, people, or even their owners.
Anxiety & Depression
Beagles are social dogs that thrive on companionship and attention. If left alone for extended periods or deprived of proper exercise and mental stimulation, they can develop anxiety and depression, which can lead to destructive behaviors, excessive barking, and other issues.
Genetics
Like all breeds, beagles are susceptible to certain genetic disorders and health issues. Some of the most common health concerns in beagles include:
- Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD)
- Hypothyroidism
- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
- Allergies
- Ear Infections
- Obesity
Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and proper exercise can help prevent or manage many of these issues, but it’s essential to be aware of the potential health risks associated with the breed.
A brutally honest review of Beagles
Beagles are undoubtedly adorable and lovable dogs, but they also come with a unique set of quirks and challenges that may make them less-than-ideal companions for some owners. Here’s a brutally honest review of beagles, highlighting some of their less desirable traits:
They do not work for free
Beagles are intelligent and food-motivated dogs, but they can also be stubborn and easily distracted. Training them requires patience, consistency, and a lot of positive reinforcement (in the form of treats or praise). They are not likely to obey commands or follow rules simply because you ask them to – they need to see a clear benefit for themselves.
They are gross, little Poo-Eating Beasts
One of the most unpleasant habits of beagles is their tendency to eat poop – both their own and that of other animals. This behavior, known as coprophagia, is not well understood, but it’s a common issue among scent hounds like beagles. While it’s not necessarily harmful to the dog, it’s undoubtedly gross and can be challenging to break.
They love being Stinky
Beagles have a strong sense of smell, and they seem to take great pleasure in rolling in smelly, unpleasant things like dead animals, feces, or garbage. This behavior is instinctual and stems from their hunting heritage, as they would use strong scents to mask their own odor when tracking prey. However, it can be frustrating for owners who value a clean and fresh-smelling home.
They believing stealing is their day job
Beagles are notorious for their food-stealing habits. With their excellent sense of smell and natural scavenging instincts, they will go to great lengths to steal food from counters, tables, or even directly from your hands. This behavior can be frustrating and potentially dangerous if they ingest something harmful.
Destruction is their middle name
Due to their high energy levels, intelligence, and tendency to become bored easily, beagles can be extremely destructive if left alone or without proper exercise and mental stimulation. They may chew on furniture, dig holes in the yard, or engage in other destructive behaviors to burn off excess energy or relieve anxiety.
They were magicians in another life
Beagles are notorious escape artists, able to squeeze through the smallest of openings or jump over fences with ease. Their determination and problem-solving skills make it challenging to keep them contained, and they may wander off or get lost if they manage to escape their yard or home.
They DO shed
Beagles have a double coat that sheds moderately throughout the year and heavily during seasonal changes. Their shedding can be a significant drawback for owners who prefer a low-maintenance or hypoallergenic breed. Regular brushing and grooming can help control shedding, but it’s essential to be prepared for a constant presence of dog hair in your home and on your clothing if you own a beagle.
13 Common Complaints About Beagles
While beagles are undoubtedly adorable and loving companions, they also come with a unique set of quirks and behaviors that can be frustrating or challenging for some owners. Here are 13 common complaints about beagles:
1. Stubbornness
Beagles are known for their stubborn and independent nature, which can make them challenging to train. As scent hounds bred to follow their noses, they may become easily distracted and ignore commands if something more interesting catches their attention.
2. Frequent Barking and Baying
One of the most well-known traits of beagles is their propensity for excessive, loud barking and howling. While this trait served a purpose in their original roles as hunting dogs, it can become a nuisance in a domestic setting, especially in apartments or close-quarter living situations.
3. Separation Anxiety
Beagles are affectionate, social dogs that form strong bonds with their owners. When left alone for extended periods, they can develop separation anxiety, leading to destructive behavior, excessive barking, and other issues.
4. Prey Drive
As scent hounds bred for hunting, beagles have an incredibly strong prey drive and a relentless desire to follow their noses. This trait can make them difficult to manage off-leash, as they may take off after any interesting scent, regardless of the potential dangers.
5. Digging
Beagles are known for their love of digging holes in the yard. While this behavior may seem harmless, it can be frustrating for owners who value a well-manicured lawn or garden.
6. Leash Pulling
Due to their strong prey drive and desire to follow scents, beagles can be notorious leash pullers. This behavior can make walks frustrating and potentially dangerous if the dog manages to break free.
7. Food Obsessed
Beagles are food-motivated and have a reputation for being relentless when it comes to acquiring snacks. They may steal food from counters, tables, or even directly from their owners’ hands, which can be frustrating and potentially dangerous if they ingest something harmful.
8. Sneaky
Beagles are intelligent and resourceful dogs, which can sometimes manifest in sneaky or mischievous behavior. They may learn how to open cabinets or doors, steal food or toys, or engage in other unwanted behaviors when their owners are not looking.
9. Resource Guarding and Possessiveness
While generally friendly, some beagles may exhibit resource guarding or possessive behaviors, growling or snapping when their food, toys, or other resources are threatened. This behavior can be dangerous, especially around children or other pets.
10. Nipping and Biting
Like all puppies, beagle puppies may go through a biting phase as they explore the world with their mouths and teeth. However, beagles are known for their strong jaws and persistent biting habits, which can be challenging to manage.
11. Destructive Tendencies
Due to their high energy levels, intelligence, and tendency to become bored easily, beagles can be extremely destructive if left alone or without proper exercise and mental stimulation. They may chew on furniture, dig holes in the yard, or engage in other destructive behaviors to burn off excess energy or relieve anxiety.
12. Obsessive Licking
Some beagles may develop an obsessive licking behavior, which can be frustrating and potentially harmful if they lick themselves excessively or lick people or objects compulsively.
13. Eating Poop
One of the most unpleasant habits of beagles is their tendency to eat poop – both their own and that of other animals. This behavior, known as coprophagia, is not well understood, but it’s a common issue among scent hounds like beagles.
While these complaints may seem daunting, it’s important to remember that every dog is an individual, and many of these behaviors can be managed or mitigated with proper training, exercise, and socialization. However, it’s essential to be aware of these potential challenges before deciding to bring a beagle into your home.
Is a Beagle Right for You?
After exploring the potential challenges and quirks of beagle ownership, you may be wondering if this breed is truly the right fit for your lifestyle and living situation.
If you’re an active individual or family with a flexible schedule, a single-family home with a fenced yard, and a willingness to provide plenty of exercise, training, and mental stimulation, a beagle may be a wonderful companion. However, if your living situation or lifestyle doesn’t align with the breed’s needs, it may be better to consider a different breed more suited to your circumstances.
Why beagles are the best dogs?
While beagles can be challenging to own, they also have many positive qualities that make them beloved companions for countless families. Here are some reasons why beagles are considered among the best dogs:
5 Positive Qualities About Beagles
Friendly and Sociable:
Beagles are known for their friendly and sociable personalities, making them great family dogs. They typically get along well with children, other pets, and strangers, and their happy-go-lucky attitude makes them a joy to be around.
Intelligent and Trainable:
Despite their stubborn reputation, beagles are intelligent dogs that can be trained with patience and positive reinforcement. While they may be easily distracted, they excel at scent work and other activities that challenge their minds.
Adaptable Size and Grooming Needs:
With their compact size and moderate grooming requirements, beagles can adapt well to various living situations, including apartments or homes with smaller yards. Their short, dense coats require minimal grooming, making them relatively low-maintenance in this regard.
Excellent Companions for Active Lifestyles:
Beagles are energetic and love to be on the go, making them excellent companions for active individuals or families who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, running, or exploring nature trails.
Strong and Hardy:
Beagles are sturdy and hardy dogs, with few major health concerns common to the breed. With proper care and exercise, they can be long-lived and relatively healthy companions.
While beagles can be challenging, their positive qualities make them a beloved breed for many pet owners. If you’re an active individual or family with a willingness to provide plenty of exercise, training, and mental stimulation, a beagle may be the perfect addition to your household.
7 Reasons Why Beagles Might Not Be Right For You
While beagles have many endearing qualities, they may not be the best fit for every household or lifestyle. Here are seven reasons why beagles might not be right for you:
Vocal Tendencies:
Beagles are known for their loud, persistent barking and howling, which can be a significant nuisance in apartments or close-quarter living situations. If you value a quieter home environment or have noise-sensitive neighbors, a beagle may not be the best choice.
Stubborn Streak:
Beagles are intelligent but can also be stubborn and challenging to train. Their strong prey drive and tendency to follow scents can make them easily distracted and resistant to obedience commands.
High Energy Levels:
Beagles are energetic dogs that require a significant amount of daily exercise and mental stimulation. If you lead a sedentary lifestyle or have limited mobility, a beagle’s energy levels may be too high for you to manage properly.
Prey Drive:
As scent hounds bred for hunting, beagles have a strong prey drive and may chase after small animals, such as squirrels or rabbits. This behavior can be dangerous if not properly managed and may not be suitable for households with other small pets.
Health Considerations:
While generally healthy, beagles are prone to certain health issues, such as intervertebral disk disease (IVDD), hypothyroidism, hip and elbow dysplasia, and ear infections. Regular veterinary care and ongoing management of these conditions can be costly and time-consuming.
Grooming Needs:
Although beagles are relatively low-maintenance in terms of grooming, they do shed moderately throughout the year and heavily during seasonal changes. If you’re looking for a hypoallergenic or low-shedding breed, a beagle may not be the best choice.
Separation Anxiety:
Beagles are social dogs that form strong bonds with their owners. When left alone for extended periods, they can develop separation anxiety, leading to destructive behaviors like chewing, barking, or digging.
If any of these factors are deal breakers for you, it may be wise to consider a different breed that better suits your lifestyle and living situation. However, for those willing to accommodate a beagle’s needs, they can make loyal, loving, and rewarding companions.
By carefully considering your circumstances and the breed’s traits, you can make an informed decision about whether a beagle is the right fit for your family.
Conclusion
Owning a beagle is a unique and rewarding experience, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. These adorable scent hounds are undoubtedly charming, but they also possess a host of quirks and behaviors that may not suit every owner or living situation. Throughout this in-depth article, we’ve explored the reasons why beagles might be considered the worst dogs for some people, as well as the positive qualities that make them beloved companions for many others.
Ultimately, the decision to bring a beagle into your home should be carefully weighed against your living situation, lifestyle, and willingness to accommodate the breed’s unique needs. Beagles thrive in environments where they receive ample exercise, mental stimulation, and quality time with their owners. They may not be the best fit for those who lead sedentary lifestyles, live in close-quarter living situations, or prefer a quieter, lower-maintenance pet.
However, for active individuals or families with a flexible schedule, a single-family home with a fenced yard, and a willingness to provide plenty of exercise, training, and mental stimulation, a beagle can be a wonderful companion. Regardless of your decision, it’s crucial to approach dog ownership with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Every dog is an individual, and with patience, understanding, and proper training, even the most challenging behaviors can be managed or mitigated.
By carefully weighing the pros and cons, considering your lifestyle, and being prepared to meet the breed’s needs, you can make an informed decision that sets both you and your potential furry companion up for a happy, fulfilling, and rewarding relationship.
