16 Disadvantages of Owning a Beagle
The Beagle is one of the most popular breeds in America. They are known for their ability to hunt, track games, and follow a scent.
They can be found as pets in homes across the country and they make wonderful companions for adults and children alike.
However, there are some disadvantages to owning a Beagle that you should know about before deciding on whether or not this breed is right for you.
These 16 Disadvantages of Owning a Beagle will help you decide if this dog would be a good match for your family.
1. Can be stubborn and hard to train
This may make it more difficult for you when it comes to housetraining or teaching your dog new behaviors.
While it is possible to potty train a Beagle, it takes patience and consistency to do so properly.
In fact, they are not considered by most trainers to be good dogs to train because of their stubborn nature.
2. Have a strong prey drive
Beagles have a very strong instinctual drive that makes them want to chase and hunt small animals, such as squirrels, mice, chipmunks, or rabbits.
If you do not take steps to suppress this drive-by training and socialization, your dog will likely be digging in the trash or chewing up your house.
3. Independent thinkers
This is another characteristic that makes it difficult to train but also makes them unique and fun.
A lot of times when dogs misbehave, it’s because they simply do not understand what you want them to do.
However, the Beagles are smart enough that they will complete their task if they know it is in their best interest.
4. Tendency to bark excessively
Technically, all dogs bark, but Beagles have a tendency to be more vocal than other breeds.
If you live in an apartment building or house near neighbors, this could become very problematic.
Moreover, your neighbors may make a complaint to you or the landlord about the dog barking.
5. Known for digging
Dogs dig as a way of getting exercise and cooling themselves off in warm weather.
However, if your Beagle is left unattended in a backyard with lots of space, it might end up destroying your yard by turning it into a giant hole.
6. Puppies are hyper-energetic
Puppies in general don’t know how to channel their energy properly, but Beagles take it to the next level.
This means that they have a lot of pent-up energy and need outlets for this so they do some destructive or obsessive behaviors such as digging, chewing furniture, lawn mowing, etc.
7. A strong sense of smell can lead to them following their nose into trouble
If your Beagle gets loose in an area near woods or wilderness, there is a good chance it will chase after and try to catch whatever creature they smell.
This can put them at risk of being attacked by larger animals or getting lost if they happen to run off.
Moreover, you could be liable for any injuries that occur to your dog when it hunts down an animal.
8. Not a good guard dog
A common misconception is that a dog, regardless of breed, will automatically be able to protect you or your home if intruders break-in. While this may be true for some dogs, it is not the case for Beagles.
However, if you are looking for a dog to keep away intruders from your house, this may not be the best choice.
Beagles are known as friendly and approachable dogs which means they would most likely lick an intruder’s face rather than bite and scare them away.
This is another characteristic that makes them desirable to families and great with children.
9. Low drive to please their owners
As stated earlier, Beagles are independent and do not like to be told what to do.
However, this means that training will take longer than it would with an eager dog.
A trainer can train a dog to do what they want, but you must teach your Beagle the reason behind it.
10. Shed moderately
This is an obvious one, but something that needs to be stated nonetheless.
The Beagle’s coat and furry face are prone to fleas, ticks, and other parasites.
Therefore you will need to attend grooming sessions every so often so you can remove the dead hair before it becomes a problem.
11. Scare easily
Every breed of dog is unique in their own way, and this includes how they react to different sounds or situations.
Some dogs are naturally skittish, which makes them harder to train because they always try to avoid new experiences or people.
Beagles are known to be very curious, and they like to follow their noses.
If they hear or see something unfamiliar, they will want to investigate because it is in their nature.
12. Very mischievous
They are known for digging holes, chewing on furniture and carpets, eating plants in your garden, etc.
This means that you will either have to keep them confined or always watch them so they do not get into trouble.
13. Become destructive if neglected
Beagles are hyperactive and need outlets for their energy.
If they are left alone in a yard or tied up without toys to chew on, they will find destructive ways of passing the time such as chewing your carpet or furniture.
So, if you do not have a lot of time to take care of your dog, this is definitely not the breed for you.
14. Prone to hip dysplasia
Just like humans, dogs can have health problems.
Beagles are known to develop or inherit a condition called hip dysplasia, which is when the ball and socket that connect the thigh bone to the pelvis do not fit properly.
This leads to problems like arthritis, lameness, and pain until surgery can be performed.
15. Don’t like swimming
A lot of dogs love to swim because it is fun and exhilarating.
The Beagle’s short legs make it difficult for them to move around in the water so they are not very fond of swimming.
16. Do not like being left alone
Unfortunately, there are times where you need to leave your dog home while you go out and run errands or visit friends.
A lot of dogs dislike this because they get bored easily, but Beagles take it a step further.
They can suffer from separation anxiety which leads to destructive behavior and excessive barking, whining, or howling.
This will not only make you feel bad when you come back home to a mess that they have torn apart while you were gone, but it can also get your neighbors angry if the problem gets out of hand.
Final Verdict
We hope this article has given you a better idea of what to look for when considering adopting a Beagle.
This breed can be great for families and children because they are friendly, but also independent which means training will take longer than it would with an eager dog or one that is more submissive.
They shed moderately so grooming sessions should be scheduled every so often to remove dead hair before it becomes problematic.
If all of these characteristics sound like the perfect family pet for you, then we recommend heading down to your local shelter today and giving adoption another chance!
