Beagles

[DanRM]

Has anyone on here had much experience with Beagles? I've been looking into getting a new pup and quite like the Beagle. As a pet they sound ideal but I'd also like the chance to taker her out with my Jack Russel when I go out with the gun and possibly take her out beating during the season on a small syndicate. But i've heard these follow their noses and can wander off all too easily. Whats everyones views?

[pontbeck]

Have you considered a fox hound or a harrier ?

[wj939]

I think you might struggle beating with a beagle, they are a lot more nose keen than terriers, so something like a cover crop where it could follow a run very quickly would be challenging, they are very nice dogs as companions and to hunt over for ground game. Hounds in full cry is something special.

 

I wouldn't of been able to beat with any of the ones I've experience with. That being said I've seen all sorts down the years that's performed well in the line- lurches, collies, terriers some dogs take to certain activities well.

[JDog]

Beagles are very independent dogs with a keen nose and from what I have seen of them they do not take instructions easily. They are determined little chaps and to see them on a line of scent from a hare is a wondrous sight - past tense of course.

[cocker boy]

A pet/show bred beagle is not worth a farthing as a working dog, they would be next door to useless. A working bred beagle, from a hunting pack, is a wonderful animal that can have a superb nose and fantastic voice. A beagle is not a dog for going beating with. Get the correct dog for the correct job. No one would buy a flexible fish fileting knife to cut down a 100 year old oak tree would they ?

[cwmmawr]

As someone who has had to cover miles at the end of a hunting day looking for a lost beagle or two I can testify that they are very single minded as described above .

 

Go for something a bit easier !

[lee-kinsman]

A pet/show bred beagle is not worth a farthing as a working dog, they would be next door to useless. A working bred beagle, from a hunting pack, is a wonderful animal that can have a superb nose and fantastic voice. A beagle is not a dog for going beating with. Get the correct dog for the correct job. No one would buy a flexible fish fileting knife to cut down a 100 year old oak tree would they ?

:good:

[Oddman]

Very independent minded. Fantastic scent hounds but bred to run with a pack and make 'music' when on a scent, not work with a human partner.

 

If you really wanted one or two for a while you could volunteer to puppy walk for your local kennels. You'll probably be pleased to give them back!

[kennett]

As sort of already hinted at, if you want a gun dog, get a gun dog. They are bred to flush and retrieve (in varying amounts!) They are also relatively straightforward to train, with plenty of books and dvds on the subject.

[Duckandswing]

My neighbour has a beagle and is a lovely dog. I often walk her with my dogs, as he's a lazy ***. The beagle is as stubborn as a mule and once she hits a scent you can forget her coming back. Its partly down to a lack of training and to her breed.

 

Id suggest a steady hand and infinite patience if you do get one. Lots and lots of time and effort.

[Paul700r]

We have a beagle as a pet lots o character a real battle of wills but I think he has us nicely trained now😂

[Fisheruk]

I had a large beagle as a long term pet. Very loyal. Needed a five mile walk each day. Only responded to a whip, but hardly needed to use it after the first few weeks. Was only interested in ground game. Would easily walk the length of the South Downs Way non stop with me all 76 miles. An impossible food thief, as soon as your back was turned he would eat anything. The best dog I have ever had.