Anyone who’s seen the movie Shiloh has probably fallen in love with beagles’ bubbly, social personalities, as well as their obvious smarts. So it’s no wonder they were ranked as the 5th most popular dog in 2017 according to the AKC.
Once you have a beagle, it’s hard to imagine a better breed than these intelligent, floppy-eared and puppy-eyed dogs. Here are just a few things beagle owners know and cherish about their favourite breed.
1. Beagles have an excellent sense of smell
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While all dogs love to sniff, beagles are especially talented at hunting things with their nose. Beagle owners can have endless amounts of fun hiding smelly treats for their furry friends to dig up, but it also means that their nose might lead your dog on grand adventures — and you’ll just be along for the ride.
2. They love food
Any beagle owner will tell you that their dogs take food obsession to a whole other level. You won’t be casually leaving plates on a coffee table with this dog. Take, for example, this beagle that opened the fridge to get a slice of leftover pizza.
3. Seriously, you may never eat another meal in peace
Get used to this “you’re going to give me some of that, right?” face. Which you will find impossibly hard to resist because beagles are just so cute.
4. They’re super mischievous (especially if food is involved)
Any beagle owner will tell you that their beagle is smart, especially when they get focused. Beagles are notorious for being escape artists, so beagle owners often carefully fence their backyards and keep an eye out for any holes their dog may have dug.
But again, most of your troubles come down to a simple, four-letter word: Food. This beagle managed to move a chair, get on a counter, open a toaster oven and take out a hot sheet of chicken nuggets. Yes. They’re really that rascally.
5. Beagles can be incredibly stubborn
Yes, they’re smart, but that doesn’t mean they’re easy to train. It can be the opposite since beagles tend to have a stubborn streak. Fetch? Not if your beagle isn’t in the mood. And since beagles were bred for long hunts, they tend to have a one-track mind — which means if something catches their attention, it can be hard to get it back.
6. Beagles have an instinct to bark
Their breeding as game hounds means beagles have a super-alert disposition — which often results in a bark. Beagle owners know this all too well and often have to teach them when barking is appropriate and when it isn’t.
7. Beagles also like to howl
You might hear their howl when they’re bored, lonely, or if you started howling yourself. They might even howl if they want to argue with you. If you’re worried your active little mate will get bored or lonely while you’re out and about, there are lots of lovely sitters who offer dog boarding across the country on Rover.com.
8. They’re great apartment dogs… as long as you take them on lots of walks
Beagles only grow to a max of about 35 pounds, which makes them great for smaller spaces like apartments. But in order to keep them healthy, happy, and causing as little mayhem as possible, beagle owners are careful to ensure they’re getting plenty of exercise.
9. Beagles would rather bury than chew
That bone you got your beagle? They’d much rather bury it in the backyard — or the couch — than gnaw on it for hours like other dogs. We’re not sure what their ultimate plan is, but they sure are dedicated to it.
10. Their floppy ears are super fun to play with
Beyond being part of a beagle’s signature look, beagle ears create a good deal of entertainment. Beagle owners are notorious for massaging their dog’s ears or folding them into funny shapes.
11. Beagles really know how to rock a costume
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Taco costumes are especially relevant, since, you know, they would happily eat every last scrap of food on the planet.
12. Nothing makes beagle happier than the outdoors
The people! The sights! The smells! Whether it’s a backyard or a beach or a mountaintop, beagles love to get out in the world and sniff every last thing.
13. They’re super photogenic
Most beagles have super-sweet puppy dog eyes that make humans weak in the knees. Truly, what pet-lover could resist a face like this?
