Do Beagles Make Good Pets? 5 Reasons They Make Great Family Dogs

1. Friendly and Gentle

Beagles tend to get along with just about everyone. There is an innate friendliness to their personality, especially when they are well-socialized. They also get along well with children and tend to be pretty sturdy, which can make them a better option for homes with very young children. 

Often, beagles are constantly looking for affection and opportunities for interaction. However, they aren’t as needy as some other dog breeds. They aren’t prone to separation anxiety, for instance. Therefore, they’re a great family breed for those who tend to be gone for much of the day. 

That said, it’s still important that you socialize these dogs. Otherwise, they may not be as friendly as possible. 

2. Adaptable

Beagles were originally bred as hunting dogs. Their purpose was to track small game. However, they are incredibly versatile and resistant. Therefore, they can work very well in a range of situations, including family life. They do well in apartments as well as rural living. You can take care of a beagle practically anywhere. 

They’re also very courageous dogs. They aren’t scared of much, which is also a reason they are so friendly. Their fearlessness also contributes to their versatility. Even if they haven’t been in a particular situation before, they typically aren’t scared. 

Proper socialization can bring this to the forefront even more. 

3. Compatibility with Children and Other Pets

When we said that Beagles got along with everyone, we meant it. As we already talked about, these dogs are very good with children. They’re patient and tend to control themselves well, allowing them to coexist next to children. They aren’t going to sprint down a hallway and knock a toddler down like some other breeds. When socialized around children, they can make the perfect family dog. 

They also get along well with other dogs and some other pets, too. They’re pack-oriented, which typically means that they’re naturally friendly towards other dogs. They aren’t territorial in the least, even when left intact. Beagles do wonders in multi-dog households. 

They can also get along with cats when properly socialized. That said, these dogs still have a prey drive, and they were bred to hunt rabbits. Therefore, we don’t recommend keeping them around smaller pets. 

Size

Beagles aren’t terribly small, but they aren’t terribly large, either. There are also two different beagle sizes. Therefore, beagles tend to work in smaller living situations while still being very sturdy (unlike most smaller breeds). They’re healthy and plenty able to hold their own, but they easily fit under the size maximum for most apartments. 

Beagles are manageable physically. They aren’t big enough to really pull on a leash, and they can easily be picked up when needed. However, you don’t have to worry about stepping on them (like you would a Chihuahua). 

They’re also shaped a bit like a Corgi. They have a long-than-average back, which can give them some back problems. Therefore, they are pretty muscular and have some meat on their bones, but they aren’t incredibly tall. 

5. Intelligence

Beagles are pretty intelligent. They’re exceptionally socially intelligent, at least. They can understand what humans and other dogs are feeling with pretty good precision. This is one reason they are so friendly and tend to get along with everyone. They can figure out what others are thinking more easily, allowing them to choose their next move with more accuracy. Their ability to understand emotions also makes them more fearless and less likely to misunderstand someone’s intention. 

That said, they are still hounds, which means they aren’t the most obedient. They take a bit longer to learn commands, for instance. They may also be more stubborn, especially when they are on a trail. Therefore, they can’t be let off a leash, as they’re very prone to running off. However, their social intelligence makes socializing much easier and is likely one reason they are so friendly.