Beagles are cheeky, lovable pups with a knack for stealing hearts…and maybe the occasional snack. If you’ve ever asked, “Are Beagles good with other dogs?” or “How easy are Beagles to train?”, you’re in the right place – read on to discover what makes these curious, social hounds so special. Also, if you’re on the lookout for Beagle puppies in NZ, this breed profile will give you an idea of how much they cost in New Zealand.
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Physical characteristics of a Beagle
Auckland Beagle Club says that Beagles come in two sizes, and measure either 13 or 15 inches at the wither (the highest point of the shoulder blades). That’s 33-38cm for those of us who work in metric.
Beagles come in three colours: tricolour, tan and white, and lemon. Tri-colour beagles are more common, and are black, tan, and white. Lemon Beagles are a very light yellow-brown and white, while tan and white beagles are, well, you know…
The tail always has a white tip. This is to make them easier to see out on the hunting fields they were bred for.
Beagles have droopy ears, dark eyes, and a short coat which requires little grooming.
The Beagle dog personality
Beagles are known for their even, happy personalities. They’re generally loving dogs who are good with kids. They’re alert and intelligent and enjoy playing and interacting with humans and other dogs.
Beagles were bred to be part of a hunting pack, so thrive on social environments. You don’t need an entire pack of dogs, but they’ll usually be very sociable if you have other dogs in the home. If not, they’ll turn to their human for plenty of interaction.
They need daily exercise and will enjoy running around in your garden and playing games like fetch with you. They particularly enjoy exploring different smells and will usually spend a lot of time sniffing, digging, and adventuring in general.
Because they’re scent-driven, they can be easily distracted and will follow a scent happily. Often to the detriment of other training cues or stimuli.
It’s recommended, therefore, to always walk Beagles on a lead or in an enclosed area if they’ll be off lead. If they catch a whiff of an interesting scent, they’re likely to ignore your desperate pleas to come back.
They are also food-lovers! Most Beagles have a very healthy appetite and aren’t fussy eaters.
Getting a Beagle puppy in NZ
Thinking about getting a Beagle puppy in NZ? Get ready for endless energy, an unbreakable bond, and a nose that will lead them straight to your snacks.
These curious little hounds are bursting with personality, but their stubborn streak means patience is key. If you’re looking to buy, the *Beagle puppy price in NZ typically falls between $600 and $1,200. However, if you’re after a show-quality pup from champion bloodlines, be prepared to pay upwards of $2,500.
Prices can also vary based on factors like age, sex, and coat colour – so whether you’re after a playful pet or a future show star, it’s worth doing your research before bringing home your new floppy-eared companion.
Also, before bringing one home, be sure you’ve got a secure yard, plenty of interactive toys, and a solid plan for training, because once a Beagle sets their mind (or nose) on something, there’s no turning back!
Pros and cons of a Beagle
Ok, so we know what a typical Beagle looks and acts like. What would make them a good fit for you? Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of Beagle ownership.
Pros
What are the pros of having a Beagle? SO. MANY. And this writer isn’t biased at all. 😉
But seriously, they make lovely family dogs due to their gentle nature. They’re known to be one of the kindest dog breeds around and are generally good with kids. As mentioned, they are social animals, so will do well in a busy home!
Beagles are quite a loving breed, so prepare for evening snuggles on the couch. As well as long walks during the day. Perfect for an active owner who wants a loyal companion.
Plus, they’re undeniably beautiful and love to play.
Cons
However, they’re not perfect. Except in the eyes of their owners, of course.
While they have lovely temperaments in general, they do require a lot of exercise and stimulation. Without this, they can become destructive. Digging, chewing, and howling are some of the main problem behaviours that might arise if your Beagle is under-exercised and/or bored.
They crave company, so need a home where they will have regular interaction with humans and/or dogs. But ideally both. Otherwise, you risk pet separation anxiety.
Because they’re scent hounds, they’ll naturally want to “follow their nose.” They’re explorers, basically! This means Beagles don’t always have the best recall when out walking and require a securely fenced garden at home.
For the same reason, it’s crucial to keep food out of reach and packed away. Beagle owners are known to refer to their dogs as “counter surfers” for a reason. So, don’t be surprised to find them up on the counter stealing the roast chicken if given half the opportunity.
And finally, Beagles are prone to weight gain. You’ll need to monitor their weight to not overfeed. Weight gain can also be managed by making sure they stay active enough through dog exercise.
Watch our PD pet care vlog below for tips from companion animal vet Dr. Cath Watson on how to keep your Beagle from picking up those extra kilos.
FAQ
They’re also generally quite healthy dogs, not being predisposed to too many health conditions. That’s one reason why their average lifespan is 12-15 years.
Beagles rank high in intelligence but even higher in stubbornness, so let’s just say training them requires more patience than convincing them to walk past a snack unnoticed.
Their powerful noses often lead them astray, making consistency and positive reinforcement essential.
If you’re wondering “how easy are Beagles to train?”, the trick is keeping sessions engaging (and full of healthy dog treats). While they may not be the quickest learners, with persistence and the right motivation (ahem, food), Beagles can master training cues and become well-behaved companions.
So, if you’re still asking, “how easy are Beagles to train?”, just remember – if it smells interesting, your Beagle will probably listen to their nose before they listen to you!
“Are Beagles good with other dogs?” In most cases, yes! They were originally bred to hunt in packs, which means they’re naturally social and usually enjoy the company of other dogs.
Their friendly and easygoing nature makes them great companions for multi-dog households. However, like any breed, individual temperaments vary, some Beagles may show dominant tendencies, especially around dogs of the same sex.
Early socialisation is key to ensuring they get along well with canine friends. Beagles love to play, but their high energy levels can sometimes be a bit much for more reserved breeds.
*This price of NZ beagle puppies is listed at the time of writing and may change in the future.
Pet insurance by pet people
With all that sniffing, stealing of food and running around, Beagles are good candidates for pet insurance. And no matter how healthy your Beagle is, pet insurance can be a boon to your bank balance. That’s because PD Insurance pet care plans cover accidents, non-routine vet visits, medication and more.
Choosing a plan is all up to your budget, and you can always consult our Policy Wording and Certificate of Insurance (‘COI’) to check what’s covered or not. Read up on the rewards of having a dog insurance plan and you’ll see choosing a pawsome plan that suits your pup is really simple.