Do Beagles Like to Cuddle? Breed Temperament Explained

Beagles are well-renowned hunters with excellent scent tracking abilities, but can these adorable little scent hounds double as cuddly lap dogs? This is a common question among potential beagle owners because you need to make sure any breed you are considering bringing home is compatible with your lifestyle.

Unlike some small dog breeds that were born and bred for companionship, beagles were born for the hunt. These dogs are active and do like to adventure and explore where their incredible scent leads them. That said, even after a long day of scent tracking and keeping busy, many Beagles enjoy cuddling up on your lap for a nice, cozy nap.

Why Beagles Can Make Great Companions

1. Many Beagles Enjoy Cuddling

Beagles are often very loyal and devoted to their owners and will commonly want to be in their company. This will, however, greatly depend on their socialisation, personality, and the bond you’ve created. Some beagle owners even refer to their pups as “Velcro dogs” since they seem to follow their every move throughout the home. This attachment may also follow you to the couch or bedroom.

While adult healthy Beagles enjoy being active and do have exercise requirements of up to 60 minutes per day, most of them will enjoy cuddle sessions either up on your lap or right next to you on the furniture. It’s important to keep in mind that they are not couch potatoes, and anyone interested in a beagle should be prepared to keep them active.

2. Beagles Are a Happy Breed

Beagles are a breed that often appear happy and cheerful. They are a very friendly sort that gives off a lively and infectious energy. To maintain a healthy mental and physical state, they do need to get in their daily exercise requirements since they can become very anxious and overstressed if their needs aren't met.

3. They Are Usually Good with Children Under Supervision

Beagles are a very friendly and easy-going breed that typically do very well with children, when properly socialised. They often make great family dogs for this reason, and another plus is that they aren’t large dogs, which can make them easier to manage around small children.

Of course, any dog, no matter the breed or size, should always be supervised around young children for the safety of both the children and the animal. Some Beagles will enjoy some backyard activity alongside the little ones, though, on top of their regular physical exercise.

4. Low Grooming Needs

Not only are beagles fairly low maintenance when it comes to grooming, but they are also an overall healthy breed with a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. They do shed regularly, which can be excessive at times, but it is usually straightforward to manage with daily brushing to remove excess hair.

Beagles are not especially prone to severe genetic health conditions compared to some other purebred dogs, though they can still be predisposed to certain health issues, some of which include hip dysplasia, ear infections, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, and cherry eye. They can be prone to obesity, which can, in turn, lead to health problems. Their active nature can also put them at risk of minor injuries since they like to be on the move. Like any breed, though, health ailments become much more likely during the senior years.

5. They Are Very Social

These born-and-bred hunters were originally pack hunters, which means they are naturally social animals. Beagles do thrive on lots of socialization, so some may do better in multiple-dog households or in the company of owners who are home most of the time.

While they do have a higher than usual prey drive due to their hunting origins, if they are well socialized with other household pets like cats, they typically do very well and will even befriend them at times.

Reasons Why Beagles Are Not Compatible for Everyone

Nothing against beagles, but each dog breed comes complete with its wonderful qualities but also some drawbacks that could make or break compatibility with certain individuals or families. When someone is considering bringing home a beagle, they should keep the following in mind before committing.

1. Beagles Can Be Stubborn

Beagles can sometimes be stubborn and resistant to change. While they are very intelligent, it’s not uncommon to encounter challenges during training due to their stubbornness. Potty training, in particular, can be slow for some beagles, so owners should be prepared and exercise plenty of patience and positive reinforcement during the process.

2. They Are Prone to Wandering

These incredible little scent hounds tend to wander wherever their nose may lead. They are known for being escape artists and aren’t a breed that you can typically trust off-leash. Always keep your beagle in a secure, fenced-in yard or on a leash when you are out and about.

3. They Are Very Loud

Beagles are a breed that is well known for barking and howling. If you are looking for a quiet breed, this may not be the breed for you. This is common among hounds and other hunting dogs, so you can expect your beagle to alert you to most things out of the ordinary.

This is a breed that is typically not recommended for apartment living, as they may be loud enough to disturb neighbors if not properly exercised and mentally stimulated.

4. They Typically Enjoy Digging

Another common theme among hunting dogs is the tendency to dig to get to their prey. Just because you don’t use your beagle as the hunting dog it was born to be, doesn’t mean they won’t come with those tendencies hard-wired in their DNA.

This doesn’t mean all beagles will be excessive diggers, but it’s a common theme among the breed, so this should be taken into consideration, and training may be necessary to manage and redirect the behavior.

5. Separation Anxiety Is a Concern

Since beagles are such a social and friendly breed, they do not like being alone. As mentioned above, they were bred to hunt alongside other dogs, so they always enjoy having company.

If left alone for long periods, some beagles can be susceptible to suffering from separation anxiety, which can cause them to become destructive and display undesirable behaviors. They do best in households with other animals or with a human companion who can be with them most of the time.

Final Thoughts

Beagles are an active breed that requires about an hour of exercise each day. While they aren't exactly couch potatoes, if they get in their needed activity, they can certainly make incredible cuddling partners. Since they are on the smaller side, they don’t make the worst lap dogs, but they’ll take up much more space compared to the tiny toy breeds.

Featured Image Credit: Stock-Holm, Shutterstock