Are Beagles Good Apartment Dogs? Vet Reviewed Breed Temperament & FAQ

The Beagle is an extremely popular and beloved breed in America. There are two sizes: the smaller Beagle is less than 13 inches tall, while the larger Beagle is between 13 and 15 inches tall.

So, are Beagles good apartment dogs? Surprisingly, despite their small size, Beagles don’t typically make good apartment dogs. They have a lot of energy, tend to have a strong independent streak, and can be loud howlers. So, they often do better living in single-family homes with fenced yards or in rural areas. However, as long as you give them plenty of exercise and train them to control their barking, Beagles can be okay in an apartment.

The Beagle’s Temperament

Beagles are easygoing and not that hard to please. However, they have specific needs that may not make them the best apartment dogs. They were originally bred as hunting dogs and are used to moving in packs.

Beagles have an impressive amount of stamina and excel as working dogs. They also have a superb sense of smell and enjoy snooping around and following their noses. In fact, the US Department of Agriculture employs the Beagle Brigade, which has trained Beagles stationed at major airports to sniff out prohibited agricultural items passing through customs.

As scent hounds, it’s very unlikely for Beagles to enjoy leisurely walks around the neighborhood. They can spend several minutes in a particular area and prefer to track scents rather than stick to the sidewalk. While a backyard isn’t necessary, it’ll be significantly enriching for Beagles to spend time off-leash to sniff around freely.

Beagles aren’t known to be yappy, but they’re loud howlers. The original purpose of their howl was to alert hunters of game and help the other dogs find each other. So, while howling may be a nuisance and noise disturbance to neighbors, it’s a purposeful and useful function for Beagles.

Overall, Beagles are active, highly curious, and friendly. They need daily exercise in wide open spaces, and it can be difficult to reduce their howling. So, even though they’re relatively small dogs, they’re not the best apartment dogs.

Dog Breeds That Are Well-Suited for Apartment Life

While an experienced dog owner may be able to train and make apartment life suitable for a Beagle, some dogs are just naturally better fits for apartment living. You can find plenty of dogs of all sizes that are quieter and have more mellow temperaments.

However, it’s important to note that while purebred pups have standard temperaments, an individual dog’s temperament can fall out of these standards. Various factors, including their upbringing and health, can affect their personality.

Not all purebred dogs will act according to their breed’s temperament, but it helps to get a general idea of their standard temperament to increase the chances of finding a dog that matches your current lifestyle.

Here are some breeds with calmer, quieter personalities or less demanding exercise needs:

• Basenji
• Bichon Frise
• Bulldog
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• German Spitz
• Greyhound
• Havanese
• Maltese
• Pug
• Shih Tzu
• Toy Poodle

Are Beagles Good Pets?

Yes, Beagles can be good pets if they meet the right owner. As we’ve mentioned before, Beagles are energetic, free-spirited dogs. While they love human companionship and have strong loyalty tendencies, they’re also independent. They may not enjoy cuddling and being held frequently, and it’ll be no surprise if they prefer walking off-leash over walking on a leash.

For safety reasons, dogs need to receive proper leash training. However, it’s unfair to expect Beagles to walk briskly around the neighborhood. Their extra-sensitive noses make exploring scents irresistible, and it’s an especially enriching activity for them. So, they’re not the best dog to accompany you when you have a busy day filled with errands.

Due to the Beagle’s independent personality, owners need to consistently provide firm and fair training. Training Beagles requires more patience than with other dogs, and they do not respond well to frustrated trainers. So, they’re a better fit for experienced dog owners with the time to commit to obedience training. Good training experiences will only strengthen a Beagle’s bond with their owner, and earning a Beagle’s loyalty is extremely rewarding and worthwhile.

Overall, Beagles are wonderful family pets that do well living in single-family homes. They fit the lifestyle of active individuals and are perfect for taking long walks, hikes, and other outdoor activities. They also enjoy being around people and other dogs, so they shouldn’t be left home alone for many hours. Talking to an experienced professional trainer or veterinarian can save you a lot of trouble while training your Beagle - just ask them for some good advice.

Conclusion

It’s important to note that while Beagles may not be the best apartment dogs, it doesn’t mean that they’re bad dogs. Beagles can be wonderful companions for people with matching lifestyles and preferences. They’re excellent adventure buddies and love spending time in the great outdoors. If these activities match your interests and you have the time to invest in good foundational training, the Beagle will be a great fit for you.

Fortunately, there are so many breeds with different personalities and temperaments. So, if you’re an apartment dweller, you can still find plenty of canines that can live happily in smaller spaces.

Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock