[K & G]

I've seen lists like this for other breeds, but not one for beagles. At the end is usually a line like "if you can live with all of that, consider this breed." If one doesn't exist, perhaps we could create one, and print out copies to leave at places like pet stores, or even at our job sites.

Of course we all love our dogs, good and bad, but my first thought after the BOS was that people are going to run out and get their own "Uno" then have it put to sleep or take it to the pound because "He keeps crying when we leave (SA is such a common beagle thing)" or "She's stubborn and never listens".

 

[Marley's Mommy]

There's a few out there. Here's one:
Ask yourself the following questions .....

Do you have a JUMP proof, DIG proof, CHEW proof fence which completely encloses your backyard and is at least 5 feet high?


Will your new dog have company for most of the day? This can be either human or another dog (preferably a beagle of course!)?


Are you prepared to walk your dog on a lead at all times?


Are you happy to live with a back lawn which may at times resemble a lunar landscape, covered in craters and pot holes?


Are you prepared to make sure all your shoes, toys and anything else you don't want chewed are not left within beagle range?


Are you able to resist pleading brown eyes. that try to convince you they are perpetually hungry?


Are you prepared to put some time and effort in training your new dog, letting them know who is boss?


If you answered "NO" to any of the above questions, then I strongly suggest that you think twice about purchasing a beagle. Chances are a beagle IS NOT FOR YOU!

 

[BookerMoose]

I know I've seen such a list somewhere - of course I can't find it now but here are a couple of similar items:

http://www.beagles-on-the-web.com/considering.html

http://www.beaglerescue.org/overview.html

 

[socrafty]

Thanks for the list(s) as well. Am sharing them with the Fiance. Of course we want to get ours after we move into a home (which may be a while) but these are nice to have!

 

[beaglesmom]

I often refer people to this website: It's called "The Beagle Experience".


http://members.tripod.com/luvbeags/id17.htm

 

[Artimus Beaglesworth]

Why not try fostering a few beagles before you make a final decision? Each beagle is different. Mine is the laziest dog you'll ever meet. He is rarely destructive (unless there's food involved of course) and I can usually get away with not having him on a leash (unless food is involved ...). He also rarely barks, rarely makes noises, and is just the sweetest cuddle bug around. He's really not like most beagles, even though he is a beagle. /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif

 

[HoundMusic]

Hmmm, they have quite the loud Arooooo, they dig, are escape artists, can be stubborn, are problem chewers if bored ... You've gotten some great websites already, but thought I'd add in my own Beagle Pros/Cons list. Hope this helps

http://houndmuzic.tripod.com/id33.html

 

[GallinaBeagleX2]

My Lemon is as lazy as you can imagine, unless something "flips her beagle switch" and then she is almost uncontrollable. The little Luna de Miel was mistreated and is afraid of the world. If she panics, look out.

My list would be:

Plan on daily exercise for all of you.

Get a pair so they have company

Plan a place for them to stay when you are gone - my Luna is very distructive if left to roam - they have their own "room" to sleep in when I'm gone.

And yeah, those cute faces are adorable, but you'll find them a lot less adorable after they just marked the rug, stole your breakfast off the table, or just chewed up your new $100 shoes (or in my case a $62 libray book!!) Be prepared to love them anyway /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif

 

[BeagleBabe]

I compare it to raising children...if you're not prepared to invest time and energy into raising a dog do NOT get a beagle. Beagles need room to roam [safely] and consistent positive reinforcement.

 

[CarrieD]

Great list!

Sounds like a normal dog to me. The only thing different from other dogs I've owned is the howling. I'm willing to put up with anything (short of total destruction and/or excessive agression) as long as it means I'll have a dog. Besides that, I'm going to get an adult rescue, for experience, before I get a puppy.

 

[beaglesmom]

This link was just posted on my beagle group - I think it's it's an excellent article for anyone considering a beagle!

http://www.ocregister.com/life/beagle-dog-kerr-1980185-beagles-says#

 

[russjor]

If you don't have a lot of patience(which I usually don't /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/confused.gif )a beagle is not for you. Guess I am a "freak of nature" because I did it ! /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/laugh.gif Anyway,I loved every minute of the experience and learned a lot. If you can it will be a great experience,but if you can't I would not recommend it ! Good luck with whatever you choose. :thumbup:

 

[Zookeeper]

I think people underestimate the activity level of beagle pups (I know I did!LOL). The are very active and need an outlet for all their energy. Be prepared to play, play, walk, walk, play to keep them entertained and tired.

Like everybody here says, a tired beagle is a good beagle.

 

[Guest]

I agree patience You need alot of it, or at least learn patience.

 

[K & G]

Quote:Originally posted by Zookeeper:
I think people underestimate the activity level of beagle pups (I know I did!LOL). The are very active and need an outlet for all their energy. Be prepared to play, play, walk, walk, play to keep them entertained and tired.

Like everybody here says, a tired beagle is a good beagle.

Thanks for the great lists, everyone.

I think this happens a lot too. Lots of people see older beagles on tv that are usually chubby and lazy. Young beagles are not like that at all. I underestimated their stubborness. I've lived with so many different breeds over the years, but none that were so insistent on getting their own way. It leads people to think their dog is dumb, when it really might just be strong willed.

 

[Tammy]

Remember MOST Beags think with only their noses, not their brains. I am very glad we got 2 (now 3 with Stray Jack) so they do have company during the day. We had a couple of escapes and it was a horrible experience trying to find them. They should never be off the leash unless they are in a fenced in area.

 

[beaglesmom]

One of the things I tell people who are interested in a beagle puppy is to NEVER EVER let them "off-leash" except in their fenced yard. If they're "scenting" something, the word "come" does NOT exist in their vocabulary. I know there are "exceptions", but none of mine fall into that category. The last "escape" I had was about 6 years ago - when I just had Princess, Romeo and Chloe - they dug under the fence and got out - Chloe is such a mama's girl she stayed by the yard - but Romeo and Princess went exploring. I found them down the street (which is a short, dead end street), and opened the car door and they jumped in. I made the mistake of only having one leash in the car - put it on Romeo who is bigger and I thought I could sneak him out with the leash and come back for Princess. She decided to try to jump out of the car - I grabbed her collar - and she twisted. I kept her from jumping out - but it dislocated my finger. To this day I can't straighten it - and it now has arthritis in it. I thought at first it was broken - it bent first one way and then the other - felt sooo good! /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/eek.gif