Doing your homework before adopting a canine companion for your residence is crucial. This is why Beagle owners sometimes question whether their dogs are a good fit for an apartment.
Because they have even temperaments and typically adapt well to various living conditions, beagles can make excellent apartment dogs.
However, if owners don’t prepare them for life in an apartment, their noisy temperament, high energy levels, extensive shedding, and propensity to develop separation anxiety could be an issue.
Do Beagles Make Good Apartment Dogs?
Beagles can make good apartment dogs, but they do require regular exercise.
A Beagle who isn’t given enough exercise will become restless and may bark or chew on things around the house.
Beagles are also very vocal dogs and will often bark when they hear noise or when someone comes to the door. If you’re looking for a dog who is calm and quiet, a Beagle may not be the best choice for you.
So to answer the question, Beagles can be good apartment dogs if you take care of a few things and train them well.
Pros of Living with a Beagle in an Apartment
While there are various cons to living with a Beagle in an apartment, there are many pros as well.
Some of these pros are listed below:
Beagles Can Make You Mentally Happy
It can become extremely lonely if you live in an apartment alone. So, adopting a Beagle who’s constantly running around licking your face can help tackle such feelings of loneliness.
According to numerous studies, owning a dog can improve your mental health. Beagles are excellent therapy dogs because they enjoy cuddling and being around humans.
So, if you’re considering adopting one and can afford to live with one, don’t hesitate to get one today. It will liven up your apartment and fill your life with joy and happiness.
Beagles Help You Get Off Your Butt
It would be best to take your dog outside for a walk every day, whether it’s a Beagle or any other dog breed. That said, such a thing can motivate you to get off your butt and go for a walk yourself.
For those who live in a home, letting their dog out in the backyard allows them to skip walks. However, you won’t have that luxury if you live in an apartment.
Ultimately, you will stay in shape by taking your Beagle on long walks and runs.
Beagles Can Adapt to Apartment Life
Contrary to what people believe, smaller dog breeds aren’t always the best apartment dogs. These smaller breeds are highly energetic and excitable.
Instead, the dog’s ability to adapt makes it the perfect apartment companion. Beagles are extremely versatile canines.
This is partly because of their even temperaments, which naturally make them laid-back and “happy-go-lucky.”
Beagles are among the few dog breeds who thrive well when living in apartments or small spaces.
Beagles are excellent apartment dogs also because of their adaptable intelligence. This kind of dog IQ measures its capacity for independent learning.
Their great adaptive intelligence helps them quickly adapt to diverse living situations. So, there is no reason why they couldn’t enjoy a happy life with you inside an apartment.
Beagles Are the Right-Sized Dogs for an Apartment
Beagles are excellent apartment dogs for various reasons, including their small. Your Beagle’s size makes them adaptive to many different types of places regardless of your living space’s size.
But people might ask, “How big can a Beagle get?”According to the AKC, the average Beagle will measure thirteen to fifteen inches in height.
Furthermore, a Beagle is considered a medium-sized dog breed because it can weigh up to 30 pounds. This is ideal for an apartment pet.
Cons of Living with a Beagle in an Apartment
There are various cons to living with a beagle in an apartment. But most of them can be dealt with easily.
Some of these cons are mentioned below:
Beagles Have a Higher Risk of Elbow and Hip Dysplasia in an Apartment
Dysplasia of the hip and elbow is common in beagles. It is categorized as a developmental disorder that results from the lax joint and dysmorphic formation.
Dysplasialeads to abnormal wear and tear of bones over time. However, taking your Beagle up and down your apartment’s stairs will compound this issue even more.
Due to this, ensure that you take the elevator when your Beagle is with you. In fact, avoid doing so even if your Beagle wants to get some exercise. Take the elevator and go to your nearest park instead.
But, if your apartment doesn’t have an elevator, ask the building manager to get one installed ASAP.
Beagles Lack Exercising Space in an Apartment
While over-exertion can lead to dysplasia, a lack of exercise is another common issue for beagles living in apartments.
Most dog breeds, not just beagles, need outdoor exercise to remain healthy. It would be best to take your Beagle for walks outside.
You must ensure that it has expended all of its energy by the end of the day. If you don’t, your Beagle can become destructive.
It might begin chewing on your furnishings or frantically rushing from room to room.
Beagles are Mischievous
Beagles can be mischievous, especially when young. However, they have more opportunities to show their naughty side while living in a small apartment.
Your Beagle will attempt to eat food it’s not allowed to, chew furniture, jump on tables and beds, and much more.
To prevent this, beagle-proof one of your rooms by taking away every chance it has to get into trouble. Furthermore, only provide it with toys it’s allowed to play with.
This way, you can leave your Beagle unattended and won’t have to come back to destroyed furniture and whatnot.
Beagles Can be difficult to Train in an Apartment
This only applies to people living with younger beagles. Due to their small bladders, beagle puppies might find it challenging to contain their urine.
So, potty training your Beagle could be more challenging if your apartment is on a higher floor. Plus, it will probably pee in the elevator if you want to rush to your closest dog park. But, not to worry.
However, as your beagle ages, it will become better at controlling its urge to pee everywhere. So, exercise patience until that time comes, and you won’t have to worry about potty training issues.
Beagles Shed Like Crazy
Beagles don’t cause any allergies. However, they shed a lot, and we mean A LOT! These dogs have a double coat, which is crucial for shielding them from plants and other obstacles when hunting.
But, Beagles with double coats typically shed more heavily. A small apartment paired with heavy shedding paired can be problematic for people who may be allergic to canine fur.
More dander (the canine counterpart of human dandruff) will be dispersed in the air, increasing the likelihood of allergic reactions. This is where proper grooming comes into play.
Plus, there is also a silver lining when grooming a dog breed like the Beagle. You’ll have less fur to clean when living in a smaller apartment than living in a two-story house.
Beagles Love to Bark and Howl
Beagles typically bark and howl to communicate and socialize. In fact, it’s critical to understand that beagles howl and bark to signal prey capture. After all, beagles were bred to be hunting dogs.
That said, beagles typically have a very unique and loud bark. Therefore, pet owners should be mindful of this when thinking of living with one in an apartment.
While not inclined to bark continuously, Beagles are highly talkative and noisy. Due to this, pet owners who live in a shared apartment complex may experience issues.
Fortunately, there are various techniques you can use to teach your Beagle to stop barking so much.
Furthermore, it is also advisable to train your Beagle early on. This will ensure that their barking does not get too extreme. After all, the last thing you want is complaints from your neighbors.
Beagles Can Suffer from Separation Anxiety
As mentioned before, beagles are considered hunting dogs. However, they usually hunt in packs. They love interacting with people and other animals, especially those from the same “pack.”
So, separating them from their pack can result in loneliness and separation anxiety. This is also the case when eagles don’t get attention from their human.
They might not be happy if you intend to leave them alone for extended periods of time. A Beagle suffering from separation anxiety may wail or bark uncontrollably.
An Apartment Lacks a Backyard
The best place to raise a beagle is in a backyard. They enjoy messing around and making as much noise as they want in the garden.
Plus, giving your dog the freedom to play in the backyard provides both physical and mental stimulation. However, most apartments lack a backyard, or any yard for that matter.
That said, there is some good news. Many contemporary apartment buildings now feature pet-friendly play areas. If not, you can make up for it by frequently taking your Beagle to dog parks.
A Few Other Things to Consider
Before you even consider getting a beagle, here are a few things you need to consider:
Can Your Neighbors Tolerate Barking?
As mentioned earlier, beagles habitually make various noises, especially when left alone. Of course, most of these noises can be easily dealt with.
However, sometimes their noises are loud enough to fall on your neighbors’ ears. So, before you adopt a dog, let alone a beagle, ask them if they’re okay with your dog’s barks.
Or maybe, bake them a cake to make up for the constant barking and avoid getting kicked from your apartment!
Does Your Apartment Have Enough Space?
Sure, Beagles make excellent apartment dogs. However, you need to ensure that you have enough space in your living space for yourself and your Beagle.
Furthermore, it would also be wise to Beagle-proof a particular room and give it to your furry little friend.
Does Your Apartment Complex Allow Dogs?
There are several pet policies in place at each residential building. Some are dog-friendly, some categorically forbid pets, and some permit all pets besides dogs.
So, check whether dogs are permitted in your apartment complex before even considering getting one. Ask the front desk, the owners, or the landlord about it.
That said, certain dog breeds are only allowed into some complexes. If that is the case, see if the beagle is on your particular complex’s allow list.
Wrapping Up
Small dogs, particularly Beagles, are a ball of fun with lots of energy to burn. But the question is, do they make good apartment dogs? Well, the answer is both yes and no!
Yes, if you can provide enough space for and look after it. No, if you’re going to leave it alone while you’re at work or partying with your friends.
Ultimately, adopting a dog while living in an apartment is all about bonding with your canine companion. This means taking it everywhere you go.
So, if you’re willing to do that, nothing stops you from keeping a Beagle or any dog breed inside your apartment.
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