Cross Breeds

Why are beagles listed on dog breeds website as suitable 1st time dogs?

According to the RSPCA in australia, the Beagle require 4km daily walks and therefore requires experienced owners. Many dog breed website seem to underestimate this breed exercise requirements. Beagles are also know to bark, dig and howl http://www.rspcavic.org/pet_adoption/burwood_adoption_dogs.htm What are your opinions?

Public Comments

1. I had a Beagle years ago, that was the hardest dog to house train, that I had ever had.
2. My opinion, and I had a Beagle, German Shepherd/Black Lab mix, Belgian Sheepdog(possible mutt), and Toy Poodle, and all are known to bark, howl, and require exercise.
3. They downgrade the beagle breeds requirements because those dogs are alot in stock in shelters and such nowadays.
4. I've also seen Border Collies being listed as low maintenance dogs. I'd rather ask a person who has owned a breed, as those sites don't seem to be reliable.
5. Beagles should not be for first time dog owners. The people who are listing these dogs as first time dog owners clearly have never owned a Beagle or never had the experience. They assume because there medium-sized, they aren't that much trouble and are probably easy to train and take care of. Yes, Beagles are a good breed, but they aren't an anyone and everyone breed. Beagles can never be trusted off lead in an unfenced area because, they're hounds. They will follow wherever there nose takes them. They also need someone who is patient with training. They aren't an easy breed to train. They also dig, howl, and become destructive if bored or not excercised enough. I dont know who thinks Beagles are calm, but from personal experience from owning one, they are one the most hyperactive dogs you could own. They need to be walked constantly and mine would run around the house and would have one of those " rushes " where he'd run for about 10 minutes, stop, and take a nap.
6. i know somebody with a beagle and it is very calm and easy to train so first time dog owners should like this.
7. I totally agree with you. I think there are a few breeds that are thought to be good first time dogs. Beagles, Border Collies and Corgies are to name a few. It is hard to say what is the perfect first time dog... though Retrievers are probly the closest. Labs can be a bit daunting, but Goldens seem to be pretty even tempered and easy to train. I also think that mutts are great first dogs if they are the right mix. I have a Lab/ coonhound mix, and he has been a great dog. If you have a true retriever, then exercise is easy... just keep thowing the ball. I am a Rhodesian Ridgeback owner, and I love the breed, but I will be the first to admit... NOT FIRST TIME DOGS!!! It takes an experienced dog owner in the right situation to raise a great Rhodesian Ridgeback. I love these dogs.