Have you ever looked into those soulful, amber eyes of a beagle and wondered if they would make a good addition to your family? Well you aren’t alone. Most families ponder over this question and happen to fall in love with this small and compact, sleek and muscular dog breed.
Unleash the imagination of a beagle bounding with your kids in the backyard, sauntering with your spouse on sundrenched walkways or enjoying a peaceful moment with you by the fireplace during winter evenings. A well-natured, friendly and curious companion that warms your heart and home with endless entertainment and loyal companionship. But is a beagle the right dog breed for your family? Let’s find out.
First, a bit of a deep dig into the fascinating history of Beagles. Dating back to as far as the 1300s in England, Beagles were bred as scent hounds to track small game, particularly rabbits and hares. From the pack hunting canine, they evolved to become one of the most popular pets in America. Why? Their sharp sniffing skills, affable nature, and distinctive howl have endeared them to generations of families and even a U.S. President. President Lyndon B. Johnson owned three Beagles during his tenure in White House.
One attribute which makes Beagles great family dogs is their size. Beagles are typically small to medium sized dogs, weighing between 20 and 30 pounds. Their compact size makes them just right for families living in apartments or houses with small yards. Beagles fit perfectly into nearly every family because they are not too big for children to handle, while at the same time being sturdy and confident, which makes them great companions for adults as well.
As a breed, Beagles are known for their intelligence and curiosity. They are often referred as “a nose on four legs” owing to their extraordinary smelling sense. If you have kids who love exploring, a Beagle could be their perfect companion. Their sharp noses can lead to endless and entertaining adventures. “Oh, the places you’ll go” with your Beagle leading the way!
However, in sharing these adventures, it’s important to note that while Beagles are incredibly good natured and friendly, they are also known to be stubborn and require patient training. Beagles love food and are easily motivated by treats, so keeping tasty tidbits on-hand during training sessions may ease the process. They are intelligent, a trait that sometimes translates into a bit of mischievousness. Thus, careful monitoring of these adorable canines becomes essential to prevent them from following their well-honed noses into trouble.
Another point to consider is their energy levels. Beagles are bustling with liveliness and require plenty of exercise. Daily walks, active playtimes and a safe, enclosed area where they can romp around is perfect for these lively dogs. If your family leads an active lifestyle, a Beagle will certainly fit right in.
But what about their interaction with your little ones, you ask? Fear not! Beagles are gentle and tolerant, making them fantastic playmates for children. They love to play and being a part of various activities. Little wonder then, they are often shown in media with children, right from classic Snoopy comics to films like “Shiloh.”
Yet another noteworthy feature of Beagles is their sociability. They are immensely outgoing and comfortable around people and other animals. In fact, they relish a good gathering and go from being happy-to-see-you to how-about-a-game-of-fetch faster than you can say “sit”. They dislike being left alone and crave the company, be it their human family, another Beagle companion or even a kitty friend.
Beagles are known for their health and longevity. Most Beagles live between 12 and 15 years, and they generally stay lively and active for most of that time, which can be a major plus for families seeking a long-term four-legged member.
Even though they are short-haired, be aware that Beagles shed – a lot. So, if your family members have allergy issues or you just don’t fancy cleaning up fur constantly, a beagle may not be the best choice for your household.
All these truly amazing qualities make a Beagle an ideal family pet, but they do come with their share of challenges. Attention to dietary needs, ensuring they get plenty of exercise, constant monitoring to prevent them from wandering off, keeping them mentally stimulated and engaged are among a few things that need to be planned for when deciding on adding a Beagle to the family.
Remember, owning a dog requires commitment. If you are certain that you can invest the time, the patience and the affection required, then a Beagle could very well become one of your best-beloved companions. After all, their friendly nature, intelligence, and boundless enthusiasm make every day an adventure. They are the playful family dogs that will make your heart skip a beat every time you come home, the loyal confidantes who will sit quietly by your kids’ side, consoling them through a tough day, and the ever-cheering entertainment squad who are a joy to be around.
So yes, if your household can embrace the quirks, appreciate the nuances and put in the necessary time – a Beagle can be more than a good family dog. A Beagle can be the absolute best family dog!
