When looking for a companion in your life, it is very important to understand the personality, temperament, and traits of that companion. For most dogs, their temperament is based on the purpose for which they were bred. Beagles are scent hounds, bred to track prey over the country side. This makes them energetic, independent, outgoing, and sometimes, stubborn dogs, as they wish to follow something to it's conclusion. There is no difference in temperament in the two varieties of Beagles (13 inch and 15 inch).
Beagles that were bred in puppy mills can often be extremely difficult to housetrain, due to the fact that they are kept in very unclean conditions. When examining a litter, how clean the mother is helps to determine how easily housebroken the puppies will be. Another reason to buy a dog from a responsible, ethical breeder.
Beagles were also bred and kept in packs. This has resulted in a near genetic need for companionship. If they don't get it from another dog, they will demand it from you. This is not to say that a lone Beagle will be underfoot, begging for attention all the time, but they will require a substantial amount of your time in play and companionship. If they are not given enough stimulation from their 'pack', they will find ways to amuse themselves and this can mean trouble! The list of what some beagles have eaten/chewed/destroyed is astonishing!
Beagles do not make good 'outside' dogs, especially if you only have one. Again, they need to be kept occupied and if regularly left in a backyard, they will usually start digging, barking, and looking for ways to get out and have fun. If you are dedicated to walking them in the morning before work and spending lots of time with them when you get home, they should be able to handle spending the day in a securely fenced backyard, however, most Beagle owners keep their dogs inside while gone. For many reasons, including possibility of theft, escape, or torment by neighborhood children/dogs, having a secure indoor place for your Beagle is the best bet.
As stated in the frequently asked questions section, the Beagle's independent and stubborn nature makes obedience training a necessity and a challenge. Be sure to get into some kind of training routine early in your Beagle's life. If you attend obedience classes, make sure your instructor understands the hound personality. Beagles require a firm trainer , but not a physical one. Beagles neither respect, nor acknowledge physical force.
Beagles have loads of energy and are well-suited to someone who likes to take long walks. Beagles can be kept successfully in apartments, however, you must be extremely dedicated in taking your dog out for regular walks. Bred to run cross-country in pursuit of rabbits and foxes, they don't mind going for long runs. Keep in mind however, that, you should wait until the dog is at least a year old before starting any running program and you should start slowly. Talk to your vet for more information on running with your dog.
Because Beagles were bred as a pack animal, they generally get along well with other dogs, and often, cats. Beagles should not be aggressive towards other dogs, however, they will protect their territory, usually, this means just growling and other posturing.But won"t back down from a fight if provoked. More often than not, your Beagle will end up playing with the intruder as opposed to fighting with it. Beagles should *never ever* be aggressive towards humans, however, due to their independent nature, they can sometimes try to be dominant over you. You should not allow this and if you are having problems, see a good dog trainer on how to correct it.
Beagles generally adore children, if they are socialized properly with them. Small children and dogs should never be left unsupervised, but in general, you will find that Beagles make wonderful companions for kids and adults alike.
When looking for a Beagle, you need to be sure to go to a reputable, responsible breeder. Beagles are one of the top puppy mill dogs because they produce such adorable puppies. Dogs from puppy mills, usually those purchased in a pet store, can be extremely timid and/or aggressive. In addition, they can suffer from numerous health problems. Please read the section on genetic problems for more in depth information on the problems poorly bred Beagles can suffer from. Overall, Beagles are fun-loving, happy dogs, and as long as you understand the Beagle personality, they can make a great addition to your family. One Beagle owner was heard to say that "Beagles belong in Disneyland, they are the happiest dogs on earth."