ALL ABOUT BEAGLES

Top 15 Reasons Beagles Are Surrendered
1) Too Much Energy (Beagles are Medium/High Energy Dogs)
2) Dog won't hunt (many of our beagles are failed or retired hunting dogs)
(3) A beagle is not the right breed for them (Owner didn't do any research before getting a beagle)
4) Owner Doesn't Have Time (Beagles are pack dogs and don't want to be alone all day)
5) Owner Doesn't Have A Fenced in Yard or Lives in an Apartment (beagles love to run and sniff)
6) Puppies are a LOT of work (Owner got a puppy and is overwhelmed, often an impulse buy)
7) Barking (Usually this is due to not enough exercise or seeing/hearing things outside in an apartment)
8) Kids didn't take care of it (While your kids might want the dog the parents are ultimately responsible)
9) Escaping (dogs start climbing fences, digging out, or bolting out doors if not given enough exercise)
10) Behavioral Issues/ No time to Train (lack of exercise or the owner willing to train the dog)
11) Divorce/Moving/Deployment/Job Change/Baby (Lifestyles change do you have a plan?)
12) Medical Issues (owners are unwilling to deal with health issues or pay for vet bills)
13) Not Housebroken (usually alone too long, medical, or marking in un-neutered dogs)
14) Size/Weight/Appearance (dog grew to be too big, or too fat, or doesn't look like the way they wanted)
15) Allergies/Shedding (beagles shed year round, new baby or boyfriend moves in and is allergic)
Breed Personality Traits
Beagles are generally a friendly pack dog that enjoys the company of people and other dogs. Beagles enjoy a good smell the same way people enjoy a good book or beautiful sunset. They often follow their nose and can cover many miles surprisingly quickly. Beagles are described as being Merry, Loving, Friendly, Happy, and are excellent family dogs.
Barking/Noise Level
Beagles are not necessarily a “yappy breed” however, they are bred to have a very loud bark or bay for use when hunting. A beagle’s bark/bay/howl is louder than other breeds and can be heard up to a mile away. Beagles don’t necessarily bark more than other dogs but when they do the sound may travel further. This can be an issue for beagles living in apartments, townhomes, or left in the backyard alone during the day. Training and exercise can help manage a beagle with a barking problem. Barking complaints from landlords or neighbors is in the top 10 list for why beagles are rehomed.
Energy Level
Beagles are a medium to high energy breed. Young dogs need 45-60 minutes of strenuous exercise at least 5 days a week, older dogs will need 30-45 minutes of exercise 3-5 days a week. This includes playing fetch, tug of war, a brisk walk, dogs sports (like agility, flyball, lure coursing) or doggie day care. Beagles are prone to obesity so keeping your dog active is crucial. Just like people each dog has their own exercise need and energy level. It’s very important to get a dog with a similar energy level to your own. “Too High Energy” is one of the biggest reasons why people surrender beagles.
Grooming
Beagles are generally bi-color or tri-color. There fur can show more on clothes and furniture since each individual hair may be multiple colors. Beagles are a medium/high shedding breed. They shed year round but more during spring and fall with the changing weather. Beagles should be brushed 1-2 times a week to remove dead fur. Those floppy ears can be prone to ear infections and need to be cleaned after heavy rains and after a bath. Some beagles also have dew claws on both the front and back legs.
Alone and With Other pets
While they have a high prey drive and may chase or kill small animals such as rabbits or squirrels they can also learn to live in harmony with cats, birds, and other small pets. Safe introductions, each animal’s personality and socialization all play a role. Beagles are pack dogs and tend to get along with and enjoy the company of other dogs. Many of our adopters have multiple dogs or multiple beagles. Since they enjoy the company of the pack they can be prone to separation anxiety if their humans aren’t around often enough. Separation anxiety can also occur in dogs that have lived outside their entire lives such has hunting dogs. When they become an inside pet they can develop anxiety over being forced to live outside alone again. With crate training and training the dog to self soothe when alone and that you will always come back many adjust quickly and become wonderful house pets.
Health
Beagles are generally pretty healthy although they can be prone to hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, luxating patella (a dislocated kneecap), and eye disorders. As with all breeds, a Beagle’s ears should be checked weekly, and cleaned after every bath or heavy rain. Obesity can be a big issue with beagles, helping your pup maintain a healthy weight can add year to their life and avoid larger health concerns like diabetes, joint issues, heart issues, and liver/kidney issues.
Fenced in Yards
Beagles do best in a home with a fenced in yard where they can sniff, sunbathe, and play with dog friends. Beagles and other scent hounds enjoy smelling and following scents and are not a breed that can be allowed to run off leash. Their nose can quickly lead them into dangerous areas if not contained with a fence. BTTR requires a fenced in yard for all puppy and most adult dog adoptions. We do have some dogs that would be happy in a home without a fence, this is usually included in the dog's bio. For more on fence types etc see our Adoption Info.