I met my new neighbor a few days ago, and the first thing that I noticed was her beagle. Thor came running towards me. My first reaction was to take a step back, but I moved ahead to pat his head and he grinned.

Since then, I’ve seen him running around to be petted by everyone else in our neighborhood.

So when you ask yourself “Are Beagles Affectionate?” know that most of them are little bubbles of pure affection. If you give them even the slightest bit of attention, they’ll be licking all over your face.

Beagles were originally bred as hounds that can hunt small animals like rabbits and wild pigs. However, they make equally great dog companions for families – nuclear as well as large. Their small size makes them perfect for apartments. With proper training, they can be one of the best choices to take home.

Are Beagles Affectionate?

Unfortunately, this is not one of those questions that have a yes or no answer. Just like human beings are not the same, not all beagles are the same as well. Some are affectionate, some aloof. We must read the nature of beagles in general before answering this question.

A beagle is typically your friendly neighborhood dog. They are known for being warm, inquisitive, happy-go-lucky dogs. In fact, beagles will go to anybody and everybody for some love. They will show the same affection for your friends as they do for strangers.

This might be a downside for you because they cannot be guard dogs. As watchdogs, they can sense danger and bark and alert you if an unknown person is hanging around your house. But that’s about it. Beagles cannot aggressively defend you from potential harm.

They are great around kids. My neighbor has a toddler. Whenever a new face comes to see the baby, Thor is always moving around, guarding her.

Why Might Your Beagle Not be Affectionate?

When beagles don’t behave their usual way, that is, affectionately, treat it as a warning sign.

Having a new young pup is easier because you get to train them from scratch. They do not have any moments from the past that have affected their behavior and altered their habits.

If you decide to adopt an older beagle, he may come with past unhappy moments. When beagles do not act affectionately, there could be many reasons.

Explore these reasons to see why your beagle may not be affectionate:

They Are Sensitive

Some beagles, pups, and adults do not like to be touched—even by their owners. They’re moody and would want their own space.

You can try to change that by conditioning them with treats every time you hug or pet them. Getting them to open up is the first step to creating a lasting bond with them.

Away From A Social Environment

If you keep your beagle inside the house, without any contact with the outside world, then they may not develop any social skills. They love being outside. If they don’t get accustomed to other people, smells, sounds, and animals, they develop anxiety and in turn do not grow affectionate, even towards their owners.

The Past

Your newly adopted beagle might have had some previous unpleasant memories of abuse or mistreatment. In such situations, they do not develop trust readily for a second or a third time.

You can help them out by being patient with them and gradually bringing in positive reinforcements while training them.

Nature

Not all beagles are the same. Most of them are affectionate, but some are not keen on showing this feeling. In that case, the owner must accept their pet the way they are.

Health Issues

If your beagle was previously a lively, cheerful, and affectionate doggo, and he has suddenly stopped being that way, then something must have happened.

When they develop an injury or illness, they lose interest and vigor. The best way to find out is by visiting the vet.

How Do Beagles Show Affection?

You might have gone out for a quick errand or to work. No matter how long you’ve spent outside, you come to a home to an ever-so-lively beagle buddy waiting for you at the door.

No feeling is as good as coming home to find someone waiting for you to cuddle them.

How do beagles show their affection towards you? Here are just some of the ways:

They Jump

Beagles will jump all over you and around you when they are feeling lovey-dovey towards you. Well, that’s what I do as well around my spouse after a long period of staying away! But I’m a human being.

Your beagle might explode like a love bubble around you unless distracted by another scent. If that happens, you’ll be forgotten quickly. And then you’d be waiting to get their attention back.

Filling Your Face Up With Kisses

I personally do not like a lot of licking and drooling over me. So the moment I see a dog with its tongue out, running towards me, I bolt.

Known for their mushiness, they’ll come over and stick their tongue out, always ready for some romantic climactic kisses all over you.

Cuddles And Burrows

If you have a large cuddly bed with a warm, cozy comforter, you’ve already made room for your furry pet.

Beagles love to stay under the blankets, and they’ll try to burrow their way in. You’ll find them the same way you left them in there.

Wiggling

Happy dogs’ equal happy wags and wiggles. A beagle will want to show its affection by wiggling around its snow-peaked tail and tush.

Playfulness

When beagles adore you, they want to play ball with you. This is one way you know that they’re being affectionate towards you.

Hutch-puppy-ness

Not just the pugs, but beagles too love to sing along to “You and I in this Beautiful World.” They will follow you everywhere. They might even be happy to join you in the bathroom when you’re busy finishing your morning rituals.

Eyebrow Raising

When we raise an eyebrow, we express our shock or surprise at something – something usually unpleasant. But it’s not the same with dogs.

Japanese studies claim that when dogs see their owners, they raise their eyebrows. This action is a result of love for them.

Do Beagles Like To Cuddle?

That must be rhetoric because Beagles LOVE to cuddle! It’s in their genes – they’re meant to cuddle.

This could be a problem sometimes because they often get clingy. Whenever you’re home, they’ll want to snuggle with you, lick you, and seek your attention. If you have other dogs, they could get jealous if you don’t distribute your cuddle time with them equally.

Too much cuddling can also cause separation anxiety.

Hugging reduces stress and many studies prove it. Research or no research, who doesn’t like to hug? It releases a hormone called oxytocin. This hormone helps reduce stress in an individual.

However, when a human hugs a dog, the dog may develop stress rather than reduce it. Certain signs, such as droopy ears, shutting their eyes, half-moon eyes, and turning their eyes away, indicates that the dog is anxious and does not want to be hugged.

So, you must be aware of how your dog feels and how they react. When they come to you for cuddles, they want to be cuddled. If they show signs of anxiety, it’s best to give them some space.

Why Do Beagles Not Like Cuddling?

Like I said before, some pets do not like too much attention. Also, sometimes they want to be cuddled; other times, they don’t.

Can you imagine someone hugging you and clinging to you all the time? It makes you feel claustrophobic, right?

So here are some reasons why beagles too may not like cuddling:

The Weather

You don’t get into warm sheets on a hot day, do you? On a warm sunny day, your beagle may not be interested in getting cuddled.

They probably need hydration, so keep them cool and provide them with water. They probably want to run outside, so make sure they get their freedom and a well-shaded area as well.

Nature

Your beagle must just be outlandish – don’t force him to be conventional. If they’ve never loved to cuddle, there’s no need to force them to. They’re just a poker-faced cat in the body of a dog.

Lack Of Socialization

Not being introduced to other humans and the outside natural environment at an early age can hinder your beagle’s level of affection, increasing indifference.

Health

If your beagle has stopped cuddling you all of a sudden, then you must show them to a veterinarian. They could be hurt or—worse—they could be ill.

Related Articles:

• Are Beagles Aggressive? (And What To Do If They Are)
• Are Beagles Good Guard Dogs? (Think Twice Before Buying)
• 25 Pros And Cons Of Owning A Beagle!

Do Beagles Get Attached to Their Owner?

It’s a beagle’s personality to attach themselves and cling to their owners. But too much love can be harmful. Giving them too much attention could result in separation anxiety when you have to go away.

Beagles are a cuddle breed. They love to please others. Once they identify a pack leader—you—they’ll attach themselves to you for your attention and love.

The best way to train your beagle is by teaching them everyday tasks. If you pamper them and reinforce brattish behavior, your pet will get too dependent on you and come to you for the slightest of reasons.

Getting them to do everyday tasks imbibes in them a spirit of independence. So, they’re okay when you leave them for a few hours.

Why Do Beagles Like to Sleep Under the Covers

Beagles were bred as hunter hounds. Their incredible sniffing skills have been utilized to hunt down small animals like rabbits, foxes, and wild pigs.

Man and his dog would move around, hunting in the forest. They would often spend the night out in the jungle, huddled close to each other. They did not have blankets at that time and used one another for warmth and comfort.

Man and the beagle have both evolved. Men use blankets and so do beagles. But, their instinct is to run to their owner for instant coziness. Even when you’re sleeping in bed, they may run to you and make a place for themselves under the covers.

They simply like the act of being covered, as their ancestors burrowed in foxholes. During the cold weather, it’s hard for them to keep warm because they have a short coat. They love to create a den-like atmosphere. It would be best to crate-train them so that they can feel secure in their own space.

When your pet is always under the covers, then it could be a sign of insecurity. They do not like the feeling of being alone. Being left alone for longer periods could leave them anxious and they cope by digging into your bed or couch.

Do Beagles Like to Be Picked Up?

Beagles love to cuddle, snuggle, and jump in a puddle. But do they like to be picked up?

This question, too, isn’t a one-worded answer.

When a beagle wants you to pick them up, they’ll come to you showing signs for the same. They would probably whine, bark, or (attempt to) stand on their forelimbs for you to scoop them up.

Now, it would be a dog’s worst nightmare if you carelessly just lifted them off the ground. If you do not pick them up in the correct manner, they would freak out and even bite you! You must never, never, pick up any beagle by the neck or her forelegs.

The proper way to do this is:

First, kneel down.

Then, take your palm and slide it under their chest.

Take your other palm beneath her belly and gently lift her in your arms.

One hand should support their rear and one should support her forequarters.

What Are the Benefits of Hugging Your Beagle

Stronger Bond

Beagles love a human touch for love and affection. They’ve been known for ages to have slept beside a man on a cold stormy night. Hugging them lets them know that you love them, too. This helps them develop a strong bond.

Trust

Once your beagle feels your warmth and love, they will begin to trust you, and trust is the most important part of any relationship. They will want to protect you and remain your companion for life.

The Perfect Stress-Reliever

Better than chocolate, hugging releases a hormone in men as well as dogs. This hormone – oxytocin – reduces stress in both species.

Hugging makes them feel secure and happy. It also improves the rhythm of their heart.

How Can You Tell When Your Beagle Wants to Cuddle?

Your beagle will give you various signs to convey whether they want to be cuddled or not. You already know the signs when they do not want your cuddle to muddle them up.

When beagles are affectionate towards you, when they come running to you for your attention, that’s the best time to know when they want to be nuzzled all up.

The ultimate sign of being ready for a cuddle is… when they sprint into your bed. That’s the last call. Then, you know for sure that they want you to get into bed and roll them up like a burrito.

Are Beagles Clingy?

Beagles tend to get clingy when they are completely dependent on you. The more you encourage them to be with you, cuddle you, and run around you, the more they make you the focal point in their life.

Beagles are generally very intelligent, curious, and alert. They will immediately catch a scent and wander off to find out its location and origin. So if you let them wander off in a fenced backyard, they won’t cling to you so much.

Also, as they are intelligent and quick to learn, you can train them to be independent and do things for themselves when you’re not around.

But, they’re also a bit stubborn. The best way to train them is by treating them to their favorite food after every feat they achieve.

They love to eat as well, and they don’t know when to stop. Having them run outside and meet people is the best way to keep them active. Keeping them indoors for days on end can get them grumpy, restless, and clingy. They must be made to socialize or else they get quite anxious.

Want To Train Your Beagle With Peace Of Mind?

If you haven’t trained your beagle properly, then this is the perfect time to start. Whatever bad behavior your shepherd has, whether it’s barking at night or other bad behaviors, using the right training program is the key to having an obedient and happy pup.

The training program I love and highly recommend is Brain Training For Dogs.

With Brain Training For Dogs you’ll save yourself a ton of time and effort. Instead of banging your head against the wall trying to figure out why your dog won’t listen, you’ll follow a path that has been tried, tested, and most importantly, that’s given proven results. Not to mention the fact, you’ll be able to fit the course around your schedule, not fit your schedule around a trainer or obedience class.

So instead of worrying about whether they’re going to be well-behaved or not, you’ll only have to worry about how much fun you’ll have with them!

And in most cases it’s still going to be:

• Cheaper than hiring a professional.
• Cheaper than replacing everything they might break.
• And definitely cheaper than a lawsuit against you, if they decide to bite someone.

Just imagine how great it will feel to finally be able to trust your beagle completely and never worry whether they’ll be naughty or not. Instead, you’ll have the peace of mind that you have a well-behaved pup, and the boundaries you set for them, will always be there, EVEN IF YOU’RE NOT. 

And the best part is it also has a 60-day money-back guarantee! So there’s no reason not to give Brain Training For Dogs a try!

So if you’re tired of your dog’s bad behavior, or how they react around other people and pooches, then give it a try! You’ll be amazed by the results!

(You can also check out a full review here, to learn exactly what the course has to offer!)

Recap

Beagles are some of the best animals you can keep at home. They’re small, they love to play and cuddle, and are great with kids.

The only downside is that they cannot be your guard dogs. They can sense danger and alert you, but they cannot wholly protect you. As long as you have them by your side, they will be around you and warn you against any potential harm.

They are loyal watchdogs and are social butterflies in any external environment. I’ve seen how Thor is always surrounded by kids in my neighborhood. They love all that attention and care.

As long as they’re trained well and made to feel secure and independent, beagles are the best buddies you can have at home.