Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Are Beagles Protective? Breed Temperament Explained

beagle dog barking

The Beagle, part of the hound family, is known for being a medium-sized dog breed that has a loyal and protective nature. Beagles can become great watchdogs or guard dogs and they are eager to protect their family. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), Beagles are the fifth most popular dog breed in the United States, not only because they are excellent family-orientated dogs, but because Beagles are very protective towards their owners and make good guard dogs since they are alert and vocal animals.

divider single dog paw oct 2024

Do Beagles Make Good Guard Dogs?

Beagles make excellent guard dogs because they are vocal, expressive, and protective of their families—the main qualities that make a good guard dog. Beagles are often believed to be poor guard dogs because of their small bodies and friendly personalities; however, a guard dog must not be confused with an attack dog. A guard dog’s job is to alert their owners of danger, not to directly attack the threat unless necessary.

Beagles are known to bark when they sense danger or something unusual, which can help them alert their owners of intruders or potential danger. They are also highly alert and their excellent hearing and other senses can help them pick up on any disturbances that can pose a threat to their family.

beagle standing outdoor
Image Credit: Andrey_and_Lesya, Pixabay

Are Beagles Protective?

Yes, Beagles are instinctively protective when it comes to their family. Beagles can often be seen jumping and barking at guests and sniffing the ground when they are trying to figure out the cause of a smell thanks to their strong noses.

It is rare for a Beagle to be aggressive and bite unless they feel threatened, however, they can be overprotective of their owners and bark at the slightest noise or movement. It is common for Beagles to sit at the gate or door if there are slits that they can see out of and keep watch over the house and yard.

Although most Beagles that have been socialized well are friendly, they can become aggressive when they feel they need to defend their owner and sense danger.

Beagles may not look very aggressive or scary towards potential threats, but that does not prevent them from making excellent guard dogs or watchdogs to warn their owners of intruders.

Can Beagles Be Trained as Guard Dogs?

Beagles can be trained as guard dogs; however, Beagles are naturally protective and do not necessarily have to be trained unless there are specific behaviors you want your Beagle to display when it comes to protecting the family and alerting to threats.

Beagles have been bred throughout the years as hunting dogs to have a sharp sense of smell, excellent instincts, and a deep howl and bark. These qualities make the Beagle a good guard dog because they will bark to alert their owners when they sense danger. After all, they would often bark to alert hunters when they have found prey.

It may be difficult to train Beagles because they can be quite stubborn and independent, however, most Beagles are born with the instincts necessary to become a guard dog already. Training can be useful, though, if you want your Beagle to be more on-guard around the house and follow commands to make them more aggressive towards intruders by using trigger words.

beagle training outdoor
Image By: Madeeva_11, Shutterstock

divider single dog paw oct 2024

Final Thoughts

Despite its small size and overall genial personality, the Beagle makes a good guard dog for many families. Beagles can be naturally protective of their owners, children, and other dogs and they will use their skills to keep their owners safe.

See Also:


Featured Image Credit: mrnok, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

10 Great Off-Leash Dog Parks in Los Angeles, CA You Can Visit Today

Los Angeles, California, is an amazing place to spend time outdoors due to all the recreational opportunities and social attractions there are. However,...

Do Dogs Like to Watch TV? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

After a long day at work, many people like to sit down to watch TV and relax. But then their dog comes over...

9 Mini Goldendoodle Pros & Cons: Considerations Before Bringing One Home

The more you research, the more you understand why Doodle mixes are becoming increasingly popular. Bringing home a dog is a serious decision...

Irregular Heartbeat in Dogs: Our Vet Explains Signs, Causes & Care

During a physical exam, your veterinarian should always listen to your dogs’ chest with their stethoscope. This will include placing their stethoscope in...

More related

Aldi Pure Being Dog Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Aldi Pure Being is made with meat as the main ingredient in their foods. The dog food is an excellent option...

11 Best Canned & Wet Dog Foods for Senior Dogs in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Senior dogs have unique dietary needs, just like humans. Depending on the size and breed of the dog, it may be considered “senior”...

How to Trim a Goldendoodle’s Face: 10 Vet-Approved Tips

Goldendoodles make amazing pets and even better family members. While you may want to spend all your time playing and interacting with these...

Albon for Dogs: Our Vet Explains the Uses & Potential Side Effects

Albon is the brand name for the antibiotic sulfadimethoxine. Because it is an antibiotic, Albon can be used to treat a number of...

Keep reading

WholeHearted Dog Food Review 2025: Pros, Cons & Our Verdict

WholeHearted is a line of dog foods owned and operated by Petco, one of the largest pet retailers in the United States. A healthy food that appeals to a wide audience, it’s a fairly new brand that continues to expand...

Dogster_WholeHearted Dog Food Review

Can Dogs Drink Oat Milk? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

If you’ve recently switched from cow’s milk to oat milk or another plant-based dairy alternative, you may wonder if dogs can drink oat milk. Although dogs do not need to consume milk once they have been weaned from their mothers,...

oat milk in a glass

Can Dogs Eat Brownies? Vet-Approved Facts, Risks & FAQ

Brownies have long been an American favorite for those who love sweets. They are gooey, sweet, and filled with chocolaty heaven. For dog owners, we’re sure there has been a time when your dog stared at you longingly because they...

Can Dogs Eat Brownies

Can Dogs Eat Water Chestnuts? Vet-Verified Facts

It can be hard to tell which foods are good for your dog and which are dangerous. Before feeding your dog any new food, it is best to consult your vet to ensure that you are making a good decision...

Can Dogs Eat_water chestnuts

How to Make Dog Treats to Sell at Home & Start a Business: 11 Tips

If there’s one thing we know about dogs, it’s that they absolutely love having as much food to eat as possible. It seems most dogs are willing to stuff just about anything in their gullet. So, you could make some...

Bone and paw-shaped dog treats on cookie sheet

How to Properly Store Dog Food: 14 Vet-Approved Tips

Proper storage for dog food is vital for maintaining its flavor and nutritional value. Like human food, improperly stored dog food can go stale and invite bacteria, mold, insects, and rodents. However, many people could use a bit of help...

ready to eat dog food in a container box

Can Dogs Eat Rhubarb? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Since it’s full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, rhubarb is one popular pie ingredient we don’t have to feel guilty about eating. But as much as we enjoy rhubarb, is this tart and tasty garden delight a sensible food for...

Can Dogs Eat Rhubarb

Can Dogs Eat Grits? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Grits are a popular breakfast staple, especially in southeastern U.S. states. Grits are derived from white corn kernels and are a quick and easy way to grab a little bite to eat before heading out the door in the mornings....

Can Dogs Eat Grits