Considering Bringing Home A Beagle Hound? Here Are A Few Things You Will Need To Know First

Posted on: 22 August 2016

Long droopy ears, kind faces, and friendly personalities—it is no wonder so many people go for beagle hounds when they are looking for a new pet. Even though these courageous dogs do make excellent companions and family dogs, they do have a few quirks that can be a bother for someone who is unfamiliar with the overall temperament of this breed. If you spot a beagle hound for sale and you are considering bringing home this little pooch as your own, there are a few things it will be helpful for you to know first. 

Beagle hounds can be a bit more difficult to train than other breeds. 

Beagles are incredibly intelligent breeds and will take up to some forms of training, especially when rewarded with treats, which they love. However, beagles can also be incredibly stubborn. Their stubborn nature is not because they don't want to listen or are otherwise misbehaving, but because these dogs are highly scent-driven. This means that they can be easily distracted by something that catches them by the nose. If you are trying to train your beagle not to go potty in the house, for example, their need to follow their nose can make this more of a challenge.

Beagles need a healthy amount of exercise for a long life. 

Beagles are generally a healthy breed with few medical problems, but as they age some health issues can come up, specifically hip dysplasia and obesity. Therefore, it is crucial that a beagle gets plenty of exercise throughout their life to prevent these issues. This is not the type of dog you will want to keep contained on a leash for long hours or in a small apartment without daily bouts of exercise. 

Beagle hounds may not get along well with other small, furry pets. 

Beagle hounds were initially bred as hunting and tracking dogs because of their incredible sense of smell, and they are still commonly referred to as a hunting breed today. Their usual prey is made of small, furry animals, like rabbits, raccoons, and squirrels. Therefore, if you have small animals of a similar size with fur as pets, don't be surprised if your beagle wants to spend a great deal of time chasing your small pets around the house. While beagles are rarely violent, their hunting and tracking tendencies can make them hard to control if they get carried away chasing after a fellow housemate who looks and smells a lot like prey. 

For more information, contact local professionals like Capitol Animal Clinic.

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