Are Beagles Really the Worst Dogs?: Exploring the Difficulties of this Breed

Beagles are one breed that is constantly hailed for their nature of friendliness, adorability in looks, and heightened sense of smell. But then, one could sometimes argue with the numerous dog owners and enthusiasts who claim that maybe Beagles can be quite hard to live with and even find reasons that can make them seem like a difficult breed to handle. No breed is innately "bad," but it is best to be brutally honest with the features of Beagles, which other people find so frustrating when they do not work properly or are not in sync with your way of living.

 1. High Energy Levels

Beagles are very energetic dogs. Bred as housing hounds, they have a strong drive to be active and need lots of exercises in order to be satisfied and in good shape. This energy level sometimes tends to be overwhelming for some owners more so if they cannot find the spare time or space to let the dog really run and play. Without adequate exercise, Beagles get bored and express that through certain failing behaviors such as chewing, digging, or barking.

Strong Scent Drive

Beagles are a breed that boast super noses to the point where they have been known to get themselves into trouble. Their sense of smell is so strong that once on a trail, their surroundings mean nothing, nor does what is told to them. Beagles are difficult to train off-leash due to being more focused on the scent than the owner's voice. Moreover, due to their relentless pursuit of smells, they may very well end up digging up gardens, rummaging around in the trash, or even escaping from the yard in search of some interesting scent.

 3. Stubbornness

Beagles are bright dogs but are equally reputed to be stubborn. Inherent independence combined with scent-driven instincts may mean they don't quite jump to please their owners most of the time. The tenacity in such stubbornness may make it more inconvenient to train a Beagle than other breeds. They are liable to ignore commands, especially when focusing on a scent—or anything else for that matter—that has caught their attention. This can be exasperating to the owner who might have been expecting a more obedient dog.

 

4. Vocalization

Beagle dogs are very vocal and have a unique baying howl that's loud. They were bred to alert hunters to the presence of game, and this instinct to vocalize is still very much present in the breed. While some find their howling endearing, others might find it annoying, especially if the dog has a tendency toward excessive barking, which is quite common in this breed. This can be a nuisance for people living in apartments or close quarters with noise restrictions.

  5. Separation Anxiety

Beagles are social creatures and in need of companionship. They were bred to work in packs; therefore, staying by themselves for a long time is what they do not like. Beagles that are left alone too much or for a long time can develop anxiety disorder separation and can become destructive with chewing up furniture, digging, or incessant barking. Constant companionship can be tiring for owners who have to work long hours or are away from home frequently.

 6. Shedding and Grooming Needs

Theirs is a short, thick coat, which sheds all year round. Though the Beagle is not the most high-maintenance dog as far as grooming is involved, still, this feature can cause pitfalls for some owners. Frequent brushing is in order to keep the shedding in check, and Beagles also need their ears to be cleaned regularly to prevent infections that may occur, as their floppy ears can trap moisture and dirt.

7. Tendency of Overeating

The beagle has a good appetite and loves food. They eat everything that comes their way or falls into their paws. If they are not minded, watching what they eat can easily result in obesity. An owner will have to be very vigilant about the portions that he or she feeds them and not leave food lying around, because Beagles are excellent scavengers. A Beagle's diet can be difficult to mind, especially if it will not stop executing an endless food search one after another.

While Beagles have such characteristics and qualities that can be a challenge to some people, it should further always be considered that these characteristics are parts of the breed's history and purpose. What one person sees as a drawback, another person sees as a charming quality. Beagles do make loving, loyal companions, yet they require someone who understands and is willing to go through the time and effort to deal with them.

This is exactly why Beagles make some of the best pets: intelligent, with plenty of energy, pig-headed, and showering owners with their baying voices. If any of such characteristics do not fit your life, it is easy to understand how someone may consider a Beagle a "hard" dog. All in all, the best dog breed is one that satiates your personality, lifestyle, and expectations, with the hope that a beautiful relationship will flow and blend seamlessly to leave you content with your dog.