5 Reasons Why Beagle Puppies Make the Best Pets

Beagles are energetic dogs that steal almost everyone’s hearts the second they meet them. This playful breed is also a cinch to care for, making it a great pet choice for families.

But, as with any puppy, beagles need a lot of attention and training to mature into well-mannered adult dogs. If you have young children, a beagle may not be the best pet for your family.

They’re Easy to Train

A Beagle puppy can be brilliant and eager to please, especially if well-trained and socialized. They naturally tend to bark, but this can be controlled with good training and plenty of exercises.

They must be taught to stop eating human food scraps and trash, which can make them very sick. They must also be fenced in or trained not to wander, as Beagles are known to go after squirrels and cats.

They are naturally curious and like to explore, so they should be on a routine schedule to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. They are highly food motivated, so reward-based training is practical.

They’re Healthy

Beagles are generally healthy dogs but do require regular veterinary care. They are prone to obesity, so you’ll need to monitor their calorie intake and make sure they get enough exercise. Like most dogs, Beagles are also prone to allergies. These often affect the ears, resulting in itchy skin, licking paws, flapping ears, and even ear infections.

Beagles bark a lot, but good training and age-appropriate play can help reduce this. Keep your nails trimmed and your coat brushed weekly. They typically shed moderately throughout the year. Beagles are naturally curious, so keep them on a leash or in a fenced-in yard when outside.

They’re Active

Because of their hound instincts, Beagles like to follow scents, so they must be kept on a leash or in a fenced-in area when outside. If not, they’ll dig holes and try to find a fox or rabbit in your backyard!

Beagles can also develop ear infections. These are caused by the floppy ears, which reduce airflow and allow moisture to build up in the ear canal. It’s essential to groom your Beagle and frequently handle his paws, nose, eyes, and mouth to prevent these issues.

Beagles can also have allergies that cause their skin to itch. It is often reflected in shaking the head, scratching the ears, or licking the feet and belly.

They’re Friendly

Beagles are a popular breed because of their friendly nature. They are often very vocal and may tell you when they need to go outside, are hungry, or want attention.

They have smooth, dense double coats resistant to rain and shed moderately throughout the year, with heavier shedding in spring. A weekly brushing helps keep their fur healthy and promotes new hair growth.

Because of their large appetites, Beagles are prone to obesity, which can cause or worsen back pain, metabolic and digestive disorders, heart disease, and arthritis. They are also prone to allergies, eye issues, and epilepsy. Like any other dog, Beagles need regular veterinary exams and wellness vaccinations.

They’re Intelligent

Beagles have high intuitive intelligence, meaning they do what they were bred to do without much instruction. It makes them excellent trackers, skilled hunters, and health inspection dogs. However, it can also make them hard to train for tasks like leash-walking and listening to commands.

Their incredible sense of smell is a big reason for this. They have 45 times as many scent receptors as humans, so they can easily get distracted by exciting odors.

Try this fun test to see how intelligent your dog is: Wrap him up in a towel, then time how long it takes him to come out. The faster he escapes, the more intelligent he is!

They’re Mischievous

As Beagle puppies age, they become less naughty, but they’re still playful and curious dogs that make the best companions for families with kids. Teach your kids the proper way to interact with their beagles to avoid unnecessary aggression, and also help them learn how to groom their dogs.

Since Beagles love following interesting scent trails, they require lots of daily outdoor activity on a leash or in a fenced yard to avoid wandering off and getting into trouble. Be sure to provide them with plenty of toys that call out for play to keep them engaged. Beagles that don’t have ways to vent their energy can become frustrated and restless.

They’re Adaptable

Beagles are tolerant and accepting by nature and adapt well to family life if adequately socialized at a young age. However, they can be rambunctious when playing with children, so they should be supervised.

Be sure to brush their ears and check inside their mouths regularly. It will help prevent infection and reduce the risk of ear mites.

Like all dogs, beagles can suffer from various health conditions, including ear infections, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, and luxating patella (dislocated kneecaps). Responsible breeders will screen their puppies for these conditions. They also recommend early socialization with different people, sights, and sounds to ensure your puppy grows up a confident, well-rounded dog.

They’re Easy to Care For

Beagles are low maintenance and have low grooming needs. Brush them weekly to keep their coat healthy, and handle their paws and mouth regularly. It will make spotting health issues and infections easier as they develop.

Be sure to socialize your puppy early. It helps them get used to different people, noises, sights, and smells.

Beagles don’t drool or shed much and have a pleasant scent. They also strongly desire to please, making them easy to train. However, they can be protective or mouthy and must be supervised around small children. It is because they can accidentally get hurt during play.