Beagles

[ishmael]

Kevin's elder dog, Chelsea, finally went to doggie heaven, and now he's got a couple beagle pups. It wouldn't be my choice, but there they are. Pretty good doggies, from the little I've seen. Sweet enough, but gawd are they noisy!? You haven't heard a dog yelp until you've heard a hound thunking on something important.

[Mrleft8]

Notorious roamers, won't stay put unless you tie 'em up. constant bay-ers....Wonderful sweet critters but more like a cat than a dog.... They don't need you, they need you to need them. They are NOT indoor dogs.

[Bill R]

I have a beagle, known her since she was a pup, and she has been in our family most of her life. She was found in the woods in the middle of winter almost starved to death and only about 6 weeks old.

She is definately NOT a roamer, and not much of an outside dog. (early childhood trauma?) As a result she has become somewhat keg-shaped. Dumb as a post, but the most loveable thing on 4 legs. She is the sweetest, most loving dog I have ever met. Also the dumbest. Absolutely scared $#!tless of rabbits. They terrify her.

Not very noisy, but once she gets going...

I would get another beagle, although normal beagles are pretty high maintenance- gotta keep them going. Most are not the ideal house dog if you are a couch potato, but if you are active and constantly going, they make great companions.

[Bob Smalser]

Sweeties like all hounds, but I dunno why they were ever touted as house pets and companions. It doesn't pay to fight thousands of years of breeding. I'm not saying they can't be wonderful pets, I'm saying there are breeds that are less work.

Hounds were bred to hunt by their noses or eyes, singly or in packs, with and with intelligence independent of human control. Consequently heeling on the leash, extended periods of sit-stay, and 100% reliable obedience to other commands is fighting the animal's breeding and can be difficult on both dog and owner. And the dog usually wins. Large, ranging pointing dogs can have similar challenges, as do flock protection breeds bred to work independently.

Spaniels OTOH were bred to work in close to human command, and retrievers like labs and poodles were bred to follow at heel and respond immediately to direction, as are herding dogs like Shelties and Corgis, although some of those can be heel nippers with visitors and kids. These dogs aren't any smarter than hounds, their intelligence is just keyed more toward human interaction. The craftiest, most cunning, most problem-solving escape artists I've ever seen were Whippet sight hounds.

One of the traits of breeds bred to remain close to their human while fighting the impulse to range is affection, and spaniels have it in spades. With a spaniel, you'll never go to the bathroom alone again.

Jack, for a companion dog east to train and care for, I suggest a small spaniel, poodle or corgi. Springers, Brittanies, Standard Poodles, Labs, Shelties and Collies are also fine, but need lots of room and exercise to be truly happy.

[ishmael]

I've only known one beagle. A good doggie, and not a home body. Brother's dog she lived in a fenced yard, so no roaming for you little one. But turn her loose and lord would know how it ended.

Sheba, who was a shepard/field dog multicolor, actually a little black mutt, would stay in the yard, mostly. For eight or ten years we had an agreement. The last couple years she broke the agreement and wandered a bit. I was frantic to find her. Sheba was a central part. When I found her, hanging with a nice family with kids, I had a moment's twinge. Maybe this is where she belongs? She came to me on a lark, maybe I should let her go.

But, all the thoughts. Another good doggie.

[Figment]

We refer to my mother's beagle as "that noisy tick".

[ccmanuals]

http://www.europuppy.com/images/dog_breed_info/basset_hound.jpg

I love hounds and have always had Basset Hounds. Truly, this breed is man's best friend.

[Bob Smalser]

I think Coren misunderstands how "intelligence" as he defines it evolved from what the dog was bred to do, but for someone looking for a responsive, easily-trained companion dog, his work provides some insight:




http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Intelligence_of_Dogs_%28book%29

Brightest Dogs

Understanding of New Commands: Less than 5 repetitions.
Obey First Command: 95% of the time or better.

Golden Retriever
Border Collie
Poodle
German Shepherd
Doberman Pinscher
Shetland Sheepdog
Labrador Retriever
Papillon
Rottweiler
Australian Cattle Dog
Welsh Corgi (Pembroke)

Lowest Degree of Working/Obedience Intelligence

Understanding of New Commands: 80 to 100 repetitions or more.
Obey First Command: 25% of the time or worse.

Shih Tzu
Basset Hound
Mastiff
Beagle
Pekingese
Bloodhound
Borzoi
Chow Chow
Bulldog
Basenji
Afghan Hound

[Norman Bernstein]

OK, I like dogs, but know little about them, and wondered what an appropriate breed would be if I ever decided to buy one. My criteria:

larger rather than smaller (mostly an aesthetic thing)
placid demeanor, less barking and jumping
less shedding of hair
reasonably intelligent, not difficult to train
calm around kids

Does any breed meet these criteria?

[Figment]

Norman, except for the size and the shedding, the rest of those criteria have more to do with the owner than with the animal.

[Norman Bernstein]

A friend bought a Portuguese Water Dog a while back.... but the animal was positively psychotic... he ended up returning it to the breeder. Inbreeding, perhaps?

[Bob Smalser]

My criteria:

larger rather than smaller (mostly an aesthetic thing)
placid demeanor, less barking and jumping
less shedding of hair
reasonably intelligent, not difficult to train
calm around kids

Does any breed meet these criteria?

Unless you have both lots of room, someone to play with the animal and spend a couple hours weekly grooming it, I'm not sure the larger breeds that meet your criteria are the best choice. No "intelligent" breed can be neglected or it will find ways to amuse itself not pleasing to you. Plus placid demeanor and hard-headed often go together. ;)

Non-shed/allergenic:
Bichon ( a poodle/water spaniel derivative like the Maltese, Havanese and Bolognese)
Miniature Poodle
Bolognese
Maltese
Havanese

For larger breeds, look at the water spaniels and poodles, and perhaps a Spinone:

Portugese Water Dog
Barbet
Standard Poodle
Irish Water Spaniel (harder to train)
Spinone

Poodles and closely-related water spaniels have hair instead of fur, and don't "shed" as you know it. The hair is curly and must be brushed out regularly.

[Bob Smalser]

A friend bought a Portuguese Water Dog a while back.... but the animal was positively psychotic... he ended up returning it to the breeder. Inbreeding, perhaps?

Don't buy a dog without meeting the breeder, sire and dam...how the dam behaves is usually how the pup will behave....and check on the breeder with the breed association.

Popular breeds engender pupply factories out to make a profit, and with little care for breeding out faults in their line.

But that said, 99% of the time bad dogs come from bad owners...below is true for many "intelligent" breeds, and some "non-intelligent" ones also:


While excellent companions to those who understand their needs, Portuguese Water Dogs are not for everyone. Their intelligence and working drive demand consistent attention in the form of regular vigorous exercise and mental challenges. They look (and are) soft, cuddly, cute -- but are not to be mistaken as "couch potatoes." When bored, PWDs will become destructive. A PWD will get into the garbage, silently snag food off the kitchen counters when your back is turned, and even learn to open cabinet doors. Heavy-duty chew toys can help keep him occupied when the owner is busy. Be sure to Portie-proof your home by keeping all fragile items (especially potted plants) out of reach. Make sure you research what types of plants (such as Poinsettias) and foods (such as chocolate) are poisonous to dogs before getting one.



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portugese_water_dog

[ahp]

I have had three beagles. Yes they will roam if they get a chance. They do make good house dogs, and mine were all quite smart. They like long walks, and they cannot hear a thing if they pick up a scent. My first one was given to me by my uncle who thought it would be a hunting dog. As soon as he heard the safety click off, he was GONE.

[Keith Wilson]

With a spaniel, you'll never go to the bathroom alone again.
LOL! :D Ah, I knew there was a good reason I have cats.

[ishmael]

Jaimie's PWD, C-dog was a nice doggie. Still needed a few manners, but copacetic. Any dog, but especially any of the field breeds, needs at least an hour a day of attention. If you can't run them, walk them, etc. save everyone the heartache and get a cat. Most of our lives are so different than they were just a hundred years ago, and we often aren't active enough to satisfy doggies.

Friends Chris and Jan had a very nice black Lab, Sam. Sam was always wandering off, and Chris asked me one day how to keep him home short of tying or fencing him? I asked him when was the last time he took Sam for a ride in the truck, or threw the ball for him? Sam was bored.

[Bob Cleek]

Lessee... at the moment, we've got an even dozen basset hounds in our "pack." Four are month old pups, so they don't count really. All are finished conformation champions, or soon to be once they hit the circuit. A couple working on obedience and field trial titles. All bred for temperment and intelligence first, and then for health and conformation. Hounds are hounds... what can I say? I will say this, though, they ain't stupid! All I have to do is clang a feed pan and every one of them will make a mad dash to their crates! Just too smart for their own good. "Push button" breeds that will do whatever you tell them on the first bounce are best for family dogs with owners who aren't able to make the committment to work with them. Dogs need to work and working and hunting breeds more than the rest. God help you if they get bored! Work with them. Learn their language (which means you have to have at least two!). Teach them. They are a joy to live with. Otherwise, watch out.

[ccmanuals]

Lessee... at the moment, we've got an even dozen basset hounds in our "pack." Four are month old pups, so they don't count really. All are finished conformation champions, or soon to be once they hit the circuit. A couple working on obedience and field trial titles. All bred for temperment and intelligence first, and then for health and conformation. Hounds are hounds... what can I say? I will say this, though, they ain't stupid! All I have to do is clang a feed pan and every one of them will make a mad dash to their crates! Just too smart for their own good. "Push button" breeds that will do whatever you tell them on the first bounce are best for family dogs with owners who aren't able to make the committment to work with them. Dogs need to work and working and hunting breeds more than the rest. God help you if they get bored! Work with them. Learn their language (which means you have to have at least two!). Teach them. They are a joy to live with. Otherwise, watch out.

Bob, please post some pics. :)

[paladin]

I'm on my fourth American Cocker Spaniel...
Critter is a lap dawg, but she knows enough that I can walk her without a leash (Leash law in city limits).....so the law sez she must wear a leash, she does, I then fold it and she carries it in her mouth.....local deputy wasn't TOO amused.......
but she is always near me unless I take off the leash and point and say "GO" and then she will go a distance and then I use hand signals, and she will turn and watch to see what I am doing.....if I want her attention she answers to 4 different whistle commands...stop, come back, turn left, turn right......she flushes wabbits in a heartbeat.....but wouldn't hurt anything.....she has caught a couple of squirrels, brought them to me without hurting them (OK, they scared ****less)....but I released them. If I'm stretched out and she needs outside, she will jump on the couch or bed and go nose to nose until I pat her and then she runs to the door...I let her out...she runs to the edge of the woods and comes back....she only does three or four "tricks" but she is a happy puppy.....

[Bob Smalser]

Now for the beagle.. What is wrong with them?...

Nothing. I'm commenting to folks who aren't even sure they want a dog. In that case, there are easier breeds than hounds for a first dog or for those unsure about a replacement. Terriers too, for that matter....unless it fits in a tea cup. Setters and pointers aren't the easiest choice either.

As a kid in farm country, we raised setters and a neighbor with a boy my age raised 15-inchers. I have countless fun days running rabbits with Beagles, too. Their and the Bassett's secret is to run the rabbit slow enough so it makes a circle to re-enter its own den. Otherwise you'd never get a shot. ;)

[ahp]

Beagles are intelligent, but they are stuborn. They understand, but pretend not to.

[Milo Christensen]

LOL! :D Ah, I knew there was a good reason I have cats.

I have cats and can't go to the bathroom alone. They love to watch the toilet flush.

[PatCox]

Whats the skinny on terriers? I have a cairn and its the finest dog I have ever known, easiest temperment, calm, friendly but not needy, amuses itself (and us), affectionate but not clingy waits calmly but does not beg.

[P.I. Stazzer-Newt]

Terriers are a very varied group cairn and border are usually good natured - the things we know as jack russells cover a multitude of sins - yorkies are often yappie - airedales - plain odd.

[martin schulz]

http://www.kjemi.uio.no/ms/hovedfag/snoopy.jpg

[PatCox]

I am expecting a new baby tonight, a Westie. There are so many dog experts here I will throw out this question too; any considerations I should be aware of in introducing a 13 month old fixed female Westie to a 4 year old fixed male Cairn?

[ishmael]

If I were to get another doggie, I think I'd look at the Cairn Terrier type. I took care of a brother and sister on ocassion and they were charming little dogs. Little, smart, easy to keep pleased with a modicum of exercise, reasonably quiet, reasonably clean. As we humans age, become less active, that part about exercise is really important. It's not fair for a couch potato to take on a field dog. It's not fair to the dog or the human.

[ishmael]

Pat,

When introducing a new animal to an established other one trick is to keep them separated a bit and letting them get the odor of the other. The smell thang. They'll probably get along fine, but give them just a bit of time to get organized and adjust in their critter heads around this other's presence. Just a day or so.

No expert, but that's my experience.

[Memphis Mike]

"It's not fair for a couch potato to take on a field dog. It's not fair to the dog or the human."

It's not just field dogs. If you can't take your dog on at least one walk a day, any breed, then you don't need to have one.

[PatCox]

Ish, all I can tell you is that my little Cairn is the nicest little friend anyone could ask for. They are quite independant, but also very companionable. Very friendly, but without the dependence that can be tiring. Smart. Patient. My little boy never ever begs, but he will sit patiently and quietly at my feet waiting for a treat. And they are happy animals, almost puppylike even as adults.

We introduced the new girl to Barley, our cairn, tonight. It was a resounding success. The "westie" we were asked to adopt is not very true to type, not a champion example, but she is a sweet little dog. Almost identical to the cairn, except white and much lighter, though not smaller in frame. She has made everyone who has met her not just smile, but giggle with delight. And Barley, the cairn, is showing no difficulty, no resentment, no jealousy. They instantly formed a little pack of two and ran about happily together. Everyone in the house is delighted. I have always beleived its good to have two dogs, they can be each others companion when you are busy, and they exercise each other with their playing. We are delighted with our new addition.

[JimM]

When I bring a new foster dog home, the new dog goes in a crate and my dogs are then introduced. My dogs can sniff the new dog but can't get into excited butt sniffing. They quickly loose interest in the new dog. and hour or two later I let the new dog out of the crate and their isn't any excited, agressive butt sniffing because the dog scent is already familiar to them.

You can do the same thing by putting the new dog on one side of a door and your dog on the other. They can sniff under the dog and become familiar with the scent but can't get at each other.

[Bob Smalser]

I am expecting a new baby tonight, a Westie. There are so many dog experts here I will throw out this question too; any considerations I should be aware of in introducing a 13 month old fixed female Westie to a 4 year old fixed male Cairn?

Depends on the dog. Providing the pup has already been well socialized with dogs and people, 13 months is sufficiently old to release them both into the back yard and watch the fun. It's younger pups that can be traumatized by a bad encounter. If in doubt, introduce the Westie in a crate for a couple days, and supervise initial encounters with the Cairn on the leash.


Cairn Terriers are intelligent, strong, and loyal. Like most terriers, they are stubborn and strong-willed, and love to dig after real or imagined prey. Cairn Terriers have a strong prey instinct and will need comprehensive training. However, they are highly intelligent and, although very willful, can be trained.

I like all dogs, terriers and hounds included. But I don't think terriers are the best choice for an untried first owner, just like I don't think Rotties are...especially male dogs.

Even neutered dogs challenge for dominance around the time is sexual maturity. If you're an experienced dog owner, you might not even notice the challenge, or it may not even come because the dog understood its place as a subordinate from the getgo. But unsure owners will get challenged....and those who let the dog have its way can wind up with an unreliable, unstable animal who as leader of his pack will be protective to the point of biting. Undisciplined Jack Russells trying to kill the postman through the screen door are more common than many think....because when the Rottie or Staffordshire tries, there is enough history of success that the police get called and it gets taken away or put down.

[ishmael]

I wasn't saying the Cairn would be my choice for someone without dog experience. I liked them, and Joy, their keeper, had worked out most of the problems with good training.

Funny little beasts and pretty well mannered. But as Bob says, that didn't happen without some work. Shadow the cat didn't think much when I took on friend's dogs for a weekend, but even he came around with those two. Charmers. But any dog takes a fair amount of work. People too often buy them as ornaments. Very wrong. Taking on a dog is going to be pretty fair amount of work. If you aren't willing to do it, don't get a dog.

[pipefitter]

I can vouch for the terrier/hunting breeds needing to practice their skills. They have to know every scent in the neighborhood and study it,become familiar with it and keep inventory of such on a daily basis.Very smart animals. Their range and ability to find their way back home is also amazing.

[openboater]

Beagles are smart, so smart, they KNOW that they are smarter than their master, therefore , they don't have to obey their master, just love him at feeding time.

Wikipedia's got bassett's all wrong. I've had 4, Sam, Bumper, Gertie and Sparky. You have to live with bassetts a few years before you unerstand them. 'low lying Electrolux"