Are Beagles Good Apartment Dogs? Are There Better Options?

Beagles are one of the top 10 dogs in the world, according to the AKC. So it’s no wonder many people want them in their homes. But some people live in smaller apartments and often wonder, are Beagles good apartment dogs?

Beagles are great dogs to have in your apartment. They have a small size and an adaptable and playful temperament. However, they also have some negative traits like loud barking and high energy levels. But there is more to know about this dog.

• Why Beagles Are Good For Apartments
• Why Beagles Are Bad For Apartments
• Can A Beagle Be Left Alone?
• Other Great Apartment Dogs

Key Takeaways

• The Beagle breed is a great one to have if you are living in an apartment.
• Their small size, friendly and affectionate temperament, and adaptability are very beneficial.
• Staying in a smaller apartment with your dog will strengthen your bond.
• Due to being “pack dogs”, Beagles are prone to separation anxiety.
• A Beagle needs around 60-90 minutes of exercise daily.
• Because they are “hound dogs”, Beagles have a distinctly loud bark and smell.
• Beagles shouldn’t be left alone for more than 4-5 hours a day.
• Besides Beagles, other breeds like Chihuahuas, Pugs, and Corgis make great apartment dogs.

Why Beagles Are Good For Apartments

If you are someone that lives in an apartment, the Beagle can be the perfect dog for you. It has many positive traits that make it the perfect dog for apartment living.

A Small Size

The most obvious good trait for Beagles, when it comes to apartment living, is their size. Beagles can come in two sizes. The larger dogs are 13-15 inches tall, and 20-30 pounds heavy. The smaller ones are less than 13 inches tall, and less than 20 pounds heavy.

Because some apartments can get really small, you can expect the small Beagle to fit perfectly in that space.

Perfect Temperament

Beagles are the perfect family dog to have at home. They are affectionate and playful, and they will love playing around with your children. Aggression is not common with Beagles and they are considered to be mild dogs in terms of temperament.

Because Beagles are so friendly, you won’t have problems when you have guests in your apartment. They are less likely to jump on the guests or bother them too much.

Highly Adaptable

Beagles can live in apartments because they are highly adaptable dogs. Their adaptability is based on their even temper and tolerant and accepting nature. They are also intelligent dogs which enables them to learn on their own and adjust to different situations.

If you are moving from a house to an apartment, expect your Beagle to be fine with your decision. It will only want to be with its owner, no matter where it is.

Benefits The Owner

Besides the fact that the Beagle is an overall great dog to have an apartment, its owner will feel the benefits too. Living together with the pup in a smaller place gives you the opportunity to bond better. Without a yard, your pup will only find you interesting and want to be beside you more often.

You might also find yourself sleeping in the same bed with your Beagle. This will have some benefits for both you and the dog.

Why Beagles Are Bad For Apartments

Even though Beagles have a lot of benefits that make them perfect for apartments, they also have some negative traits. These traits make the owners wonder are Beagles outside dogs?

Separation Anxiety

These dogs are known to be very affectionate, which makes them great family dogs. They have a “pack mentality” and are very connected with every member of their “pack”. This can be a negative thing though, as it makes Beagles prone to separation anxiety.

Leaving your Beagle alone for a long time will lead to destructive behavior. This might result in your apartment being destroyed. It also might result in your neighbors getting disturbed.

High-Energy Dogs

Beagles have a history of being hunting dogs. This has made them very energetic dogs, even though now they are kept as pets. On average, a Beagle needs around 60-90 minutes of daily exercise.

Apartments can be very small to give enough exercise to a dog, so you will have to take time off your day to take it on a walk. Running, hiking, and playing games are also important.

A Loud Bark

Beagles are good house dogs, but they can be really annoying for your neighbors. This is because of the Beagle’s tendency to bark a lot. The Beagle bark is distinct and developed due to its pack mentality. They needed to bark loudly to contact their pack mates.

If you want to make your Beagle quieter, you will need to commit to proper training. This will take some time but it is beneficial in the future.

Smell And Shedding Problems

These dogs have short smooth coats, but they are also known to shed. This makes them not suitable for people looking for hypoallergenic dogs. Constant shedding in a small apartment can lead to a lot of build up. 

Besides the shedding, Beagles are known for their distinct smell, described as a “hound” smell. With proper brushing and bathing, you can get rid of the shedding and the unwanted smell.

Can A Beagle Be Left Alone?

Beagles shouldn’t be left alone for more than 4-5 hours a day. If they stay alone for too long, they will develop separation anxiety. This will lead to destructive behavior such as digging and chewing. You might come home to a destroyed apartment. But that doesn’t have to happen. 

Before you get your dog, make sure your apartment is prepared. Learn how to take care of your new pup or ask for help from someone who knows dogs.

Dog-Friendly Apartment

When looking for an apartment, you might meet some landlords that will ask “can your Beagles live outside?”. Some landlords don’t like to have animals on their properties and will put strict rules for their tenants. Some may allow small or medium-sized dogs or dogs over a certain age range.

Don’t try lying that you don’t have a dog and then hide it. Beagles are loud and smelly and will alert the neighbors.

Proper Housebreaking

Housebreaking is a term that means training your dog to go potty. Because your Beagle won’t be able to go potty in your backyard, you need to train it when and where it can go. 

You can do this by doing crate training to help the dog control its bowel and bladder. Make sure to let it potty when you take it on the morning and evening walks. One thing that can also help you is getting artificial grass meant for dog potty.

Early Socialization

Beagles are known as some of the friendliest dog breeds. They love meeting new people and animals and do well with children. But to achieve this friendly attitude, they need to be socialized properly.

Socialization should start as early as 7-8 weeks of age. Once the pup is old enough, start meeting it with your closest family and friends. Then you can take it to the dog park to meet more new people and animals.

Training And Exercise

Beagles can live in apartments if they are properly trained to do so. Besides housebreaking, you will need to train the Beagle to bark less and to be obedient to your commands. If you have another pet at home, you will have to train your Beagle to get along with them.

If Beagles don’t get enough exercise they become destructive so you will also need to spend a lot of time exercising. Besides physical exercise, mental stimulation is also very important.

Proper Care

If you are planning to leave your pup alone in your apartment, you need to think about a few main things. One of them is the amount of food you leave for it. Beagles tend to overeat and are prone to obesity. Because of this, make sure not to leave too much food. 

Beagles need around 1 cup of food every day. Besides food, you also need to leave enough water for the pup. Otherwise, it might get dehydrated while you are away.

Don’t Leave For Too Long

Beagles are good house dogs but they don’t want to be alone in the home. If the dog stays alone for too long, it will develop symptoms of separation anxiety. You might come home to chewed-up shoes and destroyed furniture.

If you have to leave the dog alone for that long then find another solution. Ask a friend, family member, or neighbor to look after the pup. Also, you can consider taking your Beagle to a doggy daycare.

Other Great Apartment Dogs

Besides Beagles, there are other good apartment dogs that will fit perfectly in an apartment setting. For example, Corgis are great apartment dogs. They are a small breed with a friendly temperament just like Beagles. 

Besides a small size and a friendly nature, dogs that are good for apartments need a few other traits. High adaptive intelligence, low shedding, and being easy to train are also beneficial. Some dogs that fit these requirements are:

• English Bulldogs
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
• Pugs
• Chihuahuas
• Cocker Spaniels

Choosing any of these dog breeds will work great for any person living in an apartment.

Final Thoughts – Are Beagles Good Apartment Dogs?

Beagles are great dogs to have in your apartment complex. They have a medium to small size and a kind and friendly attitude. They are also highly adaptable to their environment. Having a pup in your apartment will also benefit you as the owner.

But despite all the positive traits, there are also some negative traits Beagles have. They are known for their loud Beagle bark. They are also energetic dogs prone to developing separation anxiety. Beagles also have a distinct smell and can shed year-long.

If you are a busy person living in an apartment, you will need to leave the dog alone for some time. Leaving a Beagle alone for around 4-5 hours is fine. But for that to work you need to ask your landlord if it’s allowed. The Beagle should be properly trained, exercised, and socialized so it knows how to care for itself. 

FAQ

Are Beagles high-maintenance dogs?

Beagles are considered to be low-maintenance dogs. They do shed and will need proper grooming, but that won’t take a lot of your time. They are affectionate, can be trained well, and don’t need a lot of food.

Are Beagles a good first dog?

Beagles are great for first-time owners. For one, Beagles are good apartment dogs and will fit in any home. They are affectionate and friendly dogs and will bond with their owners. Their intelligence is also a benefit.

Are Beagles noisy?

Beagles are a part of the hound breeds. Those breeds were used for hunting and developed a loud and recognizable bark. Because this is in their blood, Beagles can get very noisy by barking and howling.