The Behavior and Temperament of Beagles
Feb 23rd, 2009 by tommy
Stubborn. That is the first word that often comes to mind when describing the Beagle temperament. However, beagle owners will also attest to the friendliness of this breed of hound.
The Beagle temperament can additionally be described as playful. The Beagle was initially used as a companion to fox hunters. They would howl to alert the hunters of the hiding spot of a fox. Many Beagles these days can be heard howling or barking for fun - especially on nights with full moons!
While the Beagle temperament is varied and includes many behaviors, being full of energy particularly stands out. Beagles make great companions on walks and hikes. If they are allowed to explore the surroundings and use their noses, they will go just about anywhere. In fact, my family’s mixed breed Beagle has even been to the top of a 10,000 foot mountain twice!
→ “Here’s the fastest, most effective, and most FUN way to train your puppy or dog.” ←Beagles really enjoy being with their people. Part of the Beagle temperament includes a “pack” mentality. Other humans and dogs are often inspected by the Beagle via their nose and eyes as soon as they enter a Beagle’s area. The Beagle temperament rarely involves playing rough with kids. But, it’s best to keep them on a leash until you are certain.
The Beagle temperament can include bouts of disobedience. As mentioned before, some simply call it stubborness. However, the real reason for disobeying commands can usually be traced back to a lack of proper training. The earlier the training can be started in the Beagle’s life the better they will be at being obedient. That’s not to say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. It’s simply easier before they are set in their habits.
Good training, however, does not mean they are a calm breed. The Beagle temperament is not as hyper as that of a Dalmation, but they are very energetic. A Beagle is eternally curious about what lies around the next bush.
Beagles can be great companions to other family pets including cats. This is especially true if they are raised together from the puppy and kitten stage. The Beagle temperament, that of a hunting background, should always be considered. It’s not wise to trust them around small furry pets like rabbits, hamsters, and guinea pigs.
The temperament of the Beagle is not simply defined by the historical stubborness of the breed. The Beagle is a very fun, cute, and loveable dog.