Do beagles make good family pets?

As vet professionals, we are often asked which dog breeds make good family pets. It is a question that continually arises whether that be in the consult room or during a casual conversation outside the clinic. While every dog is an individual, and there isn’t a blanket answer to this question, some breeds consistently stand out for their compatibility with family life. So, are beagles considered one of these breeds? Let’s find out.

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The Beagle

Beagles are one of the smaller members of the hound family, with big personalities and an abundance of things to say. They originally arose in Great Britain during the 15^th century, bred for those hunting hare on foot. Their keen sense of smell and persistence made them excellent scent hounds.

On average, they weigh between 9 and11 kilograms, stand at 33-40cm and live over 12 years. Their large brown eyes and floppy ears give them a gentle, appealing expression that has won the hearts of families across the country. They love nothing more than being involved in everything their owner is up to and are reasonably adaptable to both city and country life, as long as their exercise needs are met.

Temperament

Beagles are known for their friendly, inquisitive and vocal nature. Because of their inherent strong sense of smell, they often get into mischief if left to follow a scent, so generally require moderate supervision.

Are they child friendly?

Depending on the individual and degree of mental and physical exercise they receive, beagles are typically good with children. They are incredibly playful and love being around the family unit. Their tolerant nature means they can often handle the noise, chaos, and unpredictable behaviour that often comes with family homes. They’re neither too large to risk accidental injury to children, nor so small that they themselves are easily injured. Of course, that being said, all interactions between young children and dogs should always be supervised. Even the gentlest dog can react poorly if startled or hurt.

Do they get on with other pets?

Beagles are pack animals by nature, so they often enjoy the company of other dogs. They can also live well with cats, particularly if introduced at a young age. However, their strong hunting instinct means they may chase smaller pets like rabbits or guinea pigs.

Can they be left alone?

Beagles are social dogs, and inherently, are used to pack environments. They thrive on companionship – both human and canine. A beagle left alone for long periods may become lonely, anxious, or destructive. They’re not the best choice for households where everyone is out for most of the day, unless arrangements are made with doggy daycare or dog walkers.

Intelligence and trainability

Beagles are deceptively intelligent but can be incredibly challenging to train. They are incredibly independent, so can lose interest quickly and get bored, and, as we’ve discovered above, they are incredibly scent driven, so can be distracted easily. This often means many owners give up trying to teach them as their training is a little more challenging.

Training a beagle requires patience, consistency, dedication and a healthy (but not too much!) supply of treats. Early obedience training and socialisation are essential. Enrolling your beagle in puppy classes is a very good idea as it starts their training whilst young, giving them a better behavioural foundation for later on in life.

Energy levels and exercise requirements

Potentially one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a family dog is energy level and exercise requirements – beagles have an abundance of energy.

These dogs were bred for long hours of hunting. As such, they need regular daily exercise, both physical and mental. A bored beagle is a beagle that gets into trouble: digging, howling, chewing and escaping are all common consequences when they’re under-stimulated.

How long do they need exercising and playing?

Aim for at least one hour of exercise each day. This is to include walks and playtime, for example fetch (not with a stick) and scent games (which they love and keeps them mentally stimulated).

IMPORTANT point:

Beagles should never be let off lead in an unsecured area. Their powerful sense of smell can cause them to take off on a scent trail, ignoring all calls to return! This also should be considered when beagle-proofing your home: a securely fenced garden is essential to prevent accidental escape.

What about mental stimulation?

In addition to physical activity, beagles require ample mental challenges. Food puzzles, scent games, or even enrolling onto trained scent work are great ways to keep their minds engaged. Without this, they can quickly become bored – and potentially destructive.

Grooming and ear care

Beagles have short, dense coats that shed moderately throughout the year, with heavier shedding in the spring and autumn. While their grooming needs are relatively low, they’re not entirely maintenance free. Regular brushing helps reduce shedding around the house and keeps their coat healthy.

Beagles’ long floppy ears are both adorable and an important characteristic of the breed – but, as with all dog breeds with floppy ears, this creates the perfect environment for bacteria and yeast growth, resulting in ear infections. Regular ear checks and gentle cleaning with a vet approved solution are necessary to avoid such problems.

Vocalisation

One trait that often surprises new beagle owners is how vocal these dogs can be. Often the nosiest patients in the vet hospital are these little hound dogs. Whether barking or howling, beagles like to make everyone within the practice aware of their presence.

When at home, many will bark or howl when bored or lonely, but also like to vocalise during play. In urban or apartment settings, this can lead to problems with your neighbours. However, adequate training, exercise, and not leaving them alone too long can help minimise their desire to be heard.

Health problems

Beagles are generally a healthy breed, with a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years, however, like all dogs, the beagle has a few breed-associated health problems. Regular vet check-ups, proper nutrition, and preventive care can go a long way in keeping your beagle healthy and happy.

Obesity:

Beagles love food – often to their detriment. Obesity is incredibly common amongst beagles because, on the whole, will eat whatever is put in front of them. In turn, obesity increases the risk of other problems such as joint issues and more. Beagles have actually been identified as a “high risk” breed for obesity (RVC 2021) so it is vitally important that beagle owners are diligent with portion control, limiting treats, and maintaining an active lifestyle.

Ear infections and skin allergies:

As mentioned above, their floppy ears make them susceptible to infections. Beagles often have an underlying skin allergy which makes them even more prone to ear infections. Such allergies can also make them itch elsewhere on the body. Speak to your vet about preventative ear cleaning and their recommended products, as well as if you spot your beagle itching anywhere more than usual.

Epilepsy:

Beagles are slightly more prone than average to idiopathic epilepsy, which causes seizures. Whilst scary, it is often manageable with medication and monitoring.

So, are Beagles right for every family?

Not necessarily. Despite their many positives, beagles aren’t the perfect fit for everyone. They require time, attention, exercise, and training. Whether they are the correct addition to your family unit depends on your personal set of circumstances. But generally, the breed has the following pros and cons:

Pros:

Good with kids and other dogs.

Loyal and affectionate.

Generally healthy and long-lived.

Moderate grooming needs.

Adaptable to both urban and rural environments (with adequate exercise).

Cons:

Prone to vocalising (may not suit apartments).

Can be stubborn and hard to train.

Needs lots of exercise and mental stimulation.

Can become destructive if bored.

Requires secure fencing due to wandering instincts.

Tips for new Beagle owners:

If you’ve decided a beagle is the right fit for your family, here are a few tips for success:

Start training early: Enrol in puppy classes and practice obedience from a young age. The earlier you start, the easier it is to learn good habits in the long run.

Lean into their strong sense of smell: Beagles love tracking scents. Utilising scent-based games can help keep them mentally stimulated.

Practice being left alone (for short periods): Beagles can be mischievous when left alone. Crate training provides safety and structure, especially during puppyhood.

Ensure your garden is secure: A secure physical barrier around your garden is vital to keep them safe and prevent them from following a scent trail into trouble.

Maintain a healthy diet: Feed a well-balanced, portion-controlled diet. Monitor treats and learn to resist those pleading puppy eyes! Speak to your vet or vet nurse on individualised dietary advice and what you should and should not be feeding your beagle.

Routine vet care: Keep up with vaccinations, deworming, dental cleanings, and yearly check-ups to catch issues early.

Final thoughts – “Do beagles make good family pets?”

For the right family, absolutely.

Their joyful personalities and love of companionship make them one of the most endearing family dogs out there. But their high energy, vocal nature, and independent streak mean they’re not ideal for every home.

If your family has the time to dedicate to daily exercise, training, and interactive play – and you don’t mind a bit of stubbornness or the occasional howl – a beagle can be a wonderful, loving companion for many years.

Before bringing any dog into your home, it’s essential to consider your lifestyle, schedule, and ability to meet the breed’s needs. Talk to your local vet or vet nurse, connect with your rescue kennels, and take the time to meet a few beagles in person. With informed preparation and a dedication to their

care, welcoming a beagle can become a much loved member of your family.