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It's a breed trait. Beagles like most other scent hounds are bred to work and live in packs. They are much more likely to be distressed about being alone than, say, a labrador.
Ok, I'll go with breed trait. I've never noticed it more in beagles I've known than other dogs, but I've only known beagles as neighbors, not part of my household.
My dad was a trainer of working dogs and we had lots of beagles over the years. Like you, I love them. However, I agree with what other have said--they can be difficult housepets, particularly when they are the only dog. They are scenthounds and given the slightest opportunity, prone to wander. What they are smelling will usually have priority over what you are saying. They thrive on exercise and enrichment activities, particularly nosework. And most of them bark and howl at the slightest provocation. Unless you are an experienced owner, don't get a pup. Some older dogs can be delightful housepets, but be prepared for surprises. Bottom line, there are better choices for most people.
For what it's worth I have a beagle/springer mix and pure bred pocket beagle. In case you are wondering they were bred smaller so they could put them in saddle bags. At least that is what I've been told.
They like to lay on the back of the couch and look out into the yard. The mixed breed will bark at anything in the yard larger than a squirrel and will let you know if someone is coming down the driveway. There is two distinct barks for this and the "there is someone coming down the driveway" bark has some baying in it. The little one barks occasionally.
AFAIK they don't bay when I'm not at home, I do know when I get home I can see them through the window on the couch and their heads come up and then they will get excited. I'm pretty sure they just kind of lay around.
One thing I will warn you about is they both shed profusely. Both have beautiful coats and I often wonder where the hell it all comes from, it's enough you would think they would be bald. If I saved all the hair through the year I'd have enough for a very large pillow... no ****.
They are scenthounds and given the slightest opportunity, prone to wander. What they are smelling will usually have priority over what you are saying.
Ours do seem to have a one track mind occasionally. If they see something it's very difficult to control them with voice commands. That said we let them run and they are rarely gone for more than 15 minutes.
So, I don't currently own any pets at the moment, because none are allowed where I live (it's a bit small for anything besides a cat anyways). However, I'm currently looking around for a larger apartment, hopefully one that will allow pets, including dogs.
My dilemma is that I love beagles (and hound-based breeds in general), but I'm being told that owning one in an apartment is a roll of the dice. Specifically, I'm told that they will start baying/barking at everything they hear from nearby neighbors while you're gone at work. I've also read that some beagles can get pretty bad separation anxiety, and that this will also cause them to be noisy/restless.
On the other hand, a friend of mine has a beagle. It's a very quiet, sweet dog that mostly sleeps/likes to be lazy all day, and rarely barks (it's a purebred too, IIRC).
Just curious if this is one of those things where it depends on the dog, or if I should avoid the breed altogether? I'm typically home by 4 in the afternoon, so I would be able to give it daily walks and exercise, with some longer/multiple walks on some days (I'm fairly active, so I enjoy being out and about anyways). What about some of the beagle-mixes out there? (I'd need to stick to fairly small-medium size dogs, most likely).
Thanks!
If you have your heart set on a particular breed, but you have specific needs about temperament, I would suggest finding a breed specific rescue and getting an older puppy /young adult.
Additionally, beagles are pack dogs by design, you might be better off adopting a sibling or bonded pair out of rescue.
I had to put my beagle down last week. Spencer only howled when I got home from work or when another dog started barking. Damn good dog.
Sorry to hear about Spencer. Our Beagle is 12 yrs old, adopted him when he was 5 and my suggestion is really check out the "specific dog" your thinking on adopting. Personality, behavior and health should all be taken into consideration till you find the right pup. Good luck!
I would advise NOT getting a breed that is known to be a barker or has a lot of separation anxiety. My neighbor has a Jack Russell who will bark for hours if there are workers doing something around our condo complex. He has been given numerous warnings and was told if they received one more complaint he would have to move or get rid of the dog. Do YOU want to go through that?
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