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Are Beagles Good Apartment Dogs? Breed Facts & FAQs

Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

By Nicole Cosgrove

beagle puppy sitting on sofa

Are you considering getting a Beagle as your next apartment dog? You’re not alone—Beagles are one of the most popular breeds around. And because they’re low-maintenance and small, Beagles are perfect fits for apartment dwellers.

But there’s more to it than just size when it comes to choosing the right apartment dog. You also have to take into account things like activity level, grooming needs, and whether or not the breed is prone to barking.

With all of that in mind, let’s take a closer look at Beagles as apartment dogs. We’ll discuss their pros and cons and compare them to some other popular breeds to see if they’re the right fit for you.

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Beagles and Apartments: A Match Made in Heaven or a Recipe for Disaster?

Beagles are active dogs, and they need plenty of exercise. A daily walk is a must, but Beagles also love to play and run. If you live in a small apartment, you may not have enough space for a Beagle to get the exercise they need.

Another thing to consider is that Beagles are scent hounds. This means they have an incredible sense of smell, and they’ll often follow their nose—right into trouble. Beagles have been known to escape from yards and homes in search of an interesting scent. This can be dangerous in an urban environment where there are cars and other hazards.

On the flip side of that, an apartment could provide the perfect protection for a Beagle who tends to get into mischief. As long as you can commit to giving your dog the exercise it needs, an apartment can make an excellent environment for a Beagle.

Just make sure you’re prepared for some noise. Beagles are vocal dogs, and they love to bark and howl. If you have close neighbors, this could be a problem. But if you’re home most of the time and can control your Beagle’s bark, this can be a non-issue.

Beagles love being around people anyway. If you work from home, for example, your Beagle will likely love the apartment life.

As you can see, you have a lot to take into consideration. But before you settle on a Beagle as being the right fit for your apartment, let’s compare them to some other popular breeds.

beagle dog lying on sofa
Photo Credit: SeventyFour, Shutterstock

Beagles vs Other Breeds

Beagles aren’t the only dogs who can make good apartment dogs, of course. There are plenty of other breeds that are better suited for small spaces. Let’s take a look at some of the best apartment dogs, and see how they compare to Beagles.

The Best Apartment Dogs

If you’re looking for a small breed that’s low-maintenance and doesn’t require a lot of exercise, then the following breeds might be a better fit for you:

These are all small breeds that don’t need a lot of exercise, and they’re relatively easy to groom. But there are a few things to keep in mind with these breeds:

  • Pugs, Shih Tzus, and other short-nosed dogs can have respiratory problems. As such, they may not do well in hot or humid climates. If you live in an apartment with no air conditioning, you could have a problem on your hands.
  • These smaller breeds are more prone to injuries. They’re also more likely to have dental problems since their teeth are so close together.
  • Small breeds tend to be yappy. If you have neighbors who are sensitive to noise, this could be an issue.

Also, don’t forget that the smaller breeds can be difficult to potty train. Not always, but more often than not. If you’re not willing to put in the time and effort to train your dog, then you might want to consider another breed.

So, Do Beagles Make Good Indoor Dogs?

With the right planning and attention, yes. Beagles are active dogs that need plenty of exercise, so if you live in a small apartment but don’t have a lot of time to walk them, they may not be the best choice for you.

The good news is that there are some things you can do to help your Beagle adjust to living indoors.

Here are a few tips:
  • Get them plenty of exercise. Beagles need at least an hour of exercise a day, so make sure you take them for long walks or runs and play with them in your home or backyard. If you can’t do this every day, consider hiring a dog walker or taking them to doggy daycare.
  • Crate train them. Beagles are den animals and feel more secure in small spaces, so crate training can help them feel more comfortable in your home. Just make sure you crate them for short periods of time at first so they don’t get too anxious.
  • Keep their minds active. Beagles are very intelligent dogs and need mental stimulation to stay happy. Give them puzzle toys to play with, teach them new tricks, and take them to doggy socialization classes.

If you can provide your Beagle with plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and love, then they will likely do just fine living in an apartment.

Of course, the same is true for all dog breeds. But given the makeup of Beagles, they’re likely to be better fitted for apartments. Commit to their happiness and care, and the both of you should do just fine.

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Top 7 Tips for Keeping Your Dog Safe in an Apartment

You’ve decided to get a Beagle or other small dog, and you live in an apartment. Excellent! But it’s important to know a few things about keeping your furry friend safe in your apartment space. To help you get started on the right foot, here are some tips:

1. Get to Know Your Neighbors

If you have a good relationship with the people who live around you, they’ll be more likely to keep an eye out for your dog if he happens to get out of your apartment. This is especially important if you live on a higher floor.


2. Make Sure Your Dog Is Well Trained

A well-behaved dog is less likely to get into trouble in an apartment than one who isn’t trained. Beagles are generally good-natured, but they can be stubborn, so it’s important to start training early. Obedience classes can be a great way to bond with your dog and teach him some basic commands.

young couple with their pet beagle
Photo Credit: Katsiaryna Pakhomava, Shutterstock

3. Take Care When Opening the Door

Beagles are curious by nature, and they can sometimes slip out the door if you’re not careful. Always keep an eye on your dog when you’re opening the door, and make sure he doesn’t run out ahead of you.


4. Consider a Leash or Harness

If your dog is the type who likes to run off, you may want to invest in a leash or harness with a lead that attaches to your belt loop. That way, even if he does get away from you, he won’t be able to go far.

beagle going for a walk with its owner
Photo Credit: Maria Sbytova, Shutterstock

5. Use Baby Gates

If you have a Beagle or other small dog, chances are you’re going to want to keep him in certain areas of your apartment. Baby gates can be a great way to do this. Just make sure the gates are tall enough that your dog can’t jump over them.


6. Give Your Dog Plenty of Exercise

This is one of the single most important rules for owning a dog. Remember, a tired dog is a good dog. We can’t stress this enough: Beagles need a lot of exercise. So make sure you’re taking him for walks or runs every day. If you can’t do this yourself, there are plenty of dog walking services that can help.


7. Be Prepared for Emergencies

Make sure you know where the nearest animal hospital is in case your dog gets sick or injured. It’s also a good idea to keep the number for a 24-hour vet hotline handy in case you need it.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your dog is safe and happy in your apartment.

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Final Thoughts

Most Beagles do well in apartment settings with the right care and commitment. They are often able to get enough exercise with a daily walk and some playtime indoors.

While there are many other breeds that could potentially be better choices for an apartment, it ultimately comes down to the individual dog’s personality and needs. Beagles are a great option for many people, but do your research to make sure they are the right fit for you.

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Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock

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