Those who have/had beagles, what are they like in general?
I had a Beagle for 11 years. He died last Novemeber from cancer and he took my heart with him. He was the best dog and sooooo sweet. He was stubborn and if he couldn't have his way, then he wasn't doing what you told him to do. He was easy to train with the right kind of food. Again STUBBORN!!!! He was also from hunting lines, so he had an edge to him. He was a hard dog, not as in living with him. As in you could drop in the middle of the woods and he would make it back home as the leader of a wolf pack. He was loud, smelly and complete jerk.
But he had my heart, he understood me on a level no other dog seemed to know. He was bold, and brave. He loved people and kids. He was a foodie and loved a good meal. He was just such a fun dog and sold me on hounds for the rest of my life. I have two Retrievers right now and it's just not the same. I miss my hound!
How are they with cats or livestock?
Beau was ok with cats, but given the chance he would eat them if he could. But again he was from hunting lines so that's a bit different. He LOVED cows and horses! He tried to eat every small animal near him and was NOT good with small pets.
How bad is DA/HA/SSA in the breed?
He was not DA, he LOVED other dogs, but he was also a scrapper and loved a good fight. He wouldn't back down from a fight and put my mom's Westie in the vet numerous times. He was a crate and rotate system with the Westie. He was FA with all dogs and mildly with people. But that is not typical of the breed.
He was NEVER once HA, he loved all people and never met a stranger. He LOVED LOVED LOVED LOVED kids with all his heart and being. He was happiest when he was with kids and he lived to be with my nephew.
No SSA at all, but he did HATE my mom's Westie.
What are the major health issues?
Cancer and weight issues.
He was a healthy dog and it was shocking to find out he had prostate cancer. He went for bladder stones ad came home to buried.
All and all I cannot wait till I have another one. They're the best dogs. Not to big and not to small. Hardy, tough, and smart. God I miss him.....
Sorry for the long post, but I miss him and sobbed like a baby typing this up. But if you do get a Beagle, you'll never be without one that is for sure!
PICTURES!
Here is what Beau looked like in his prime, NOT what you typically see with the breed!