A beagle could be a really great option- be aware that they tend to be ruled by their nose and curiosity which makes off leash reliability a bit more nerve wracking especially in a part of the country where snakes and scorpions are a worry.
Before you decide can I also recommend considering a mini schnauzer or mini poodle? Both up for anything dogs, handler focused and energy for all of your activities. Both require more cost maintenance than a beagle but not necessarily a ton more shedding per se.
Whatever you choose you’re on the right track for breed choice and I wish you a long happy life with your pup
Even with my staffy, I never really did anything off leash unless it was in a controlled environment like a baseball diamond or a school field at night. Just a large enough field with a gate around all sides. There aren’t any snakes or scorpions in the city area but definitely along the hiking trail can be a concern.
I’ll definitely look into the other 2, I was looking at golden doodles a bit but their size ruled them out for me.
Thank you 🙏
Ah I assumed climbing would be an off leash activity- my misunderstanding
A poodle can look like a doodle if groomed that way- ask the groomer for a ‘teddy bear’ cut! And a golden doodle can have the worst of all coats, glad you decided against them
None of my local climbing areas permit unleashed dogs. People still do it either way but I at least like to have myself covered in the event anything happens and I know this isn’t the best breed to trust off leash obedience with. I’m sure some have made it work but I will not be taking any chances!
I’ll dive into poodles a bit, never thought to look into them because it’s never been a breed to catch my eye but who knows, maybe I’ll be a poodle guy 🤷♂️
I’m more okay with shedding if they are short hair dogs than long hair dogs. I know I’ll never find a dog that checks every box and does not shed at all. I don’t really off leash any of my dogs unless it’s in a controlled environment because I don’t trust factors that are beyond my control. With a scent hound I would like to play into it and make their off leash time scent focus games but in an enclosed field. I feel that would be proper enrichment for them
I was reading your post and kept thinking a Beagle would be perfect for you... and then I saw that's exactly what you had in mind! I have a Basenji that shares similar characteristics (medium size, tolerates heat, short coat, but quieter), and he's both affectionate and independent. I also recently got a Beagle (he's 5 months old now), and based on my experience, I think a Beagle would be a great fit for what you're looking for.
I was wondering if a Basenji would work instead of a Beagle, as they're about the right size and have a reputation for climbing trees (not cliffs). But I don't know the breed.
I’m glad I seem to be on the right path! I have heard of and seen Basenjis but never knew a thing about them, they didn’t even cross my mind! I’ll do some homework on them on them
If you’re okay with the possibility of having a dog that barks and isn’t great off leash, I think you sound like the perfect beagle home!
Check out this guide to help you identify a reputable breeder vs a backyard breeder. This way you’ll have the best chances of getting the dog that’s temperamentally sound, healthy and true to standard! https://www.reddit.com/r/dogs/s/RqCrHoUWvO
I was thinking miniature schnauzer-standard schnauzer, basenji, and beagle. I was going to say Scottish terrier, but then I saw you want to do water activities, and Scotties cannot swim haha. Whatever dog you end up with I'm sure will be a great fit!
Oddly a shelter near me has a Border Corgi (Collie/Corgi mix) at the moment you might be perfect for.
You're getting lots of recs for a Beagle, and I can see why, but you might also be a really good fit for a Manchester Terrier.
It does break my heart to see a Staffy lover who doesn't immediately want to save another shelter Staffy, but, it's not always the best option every time, I understand.
I’ll take a look into Manchester terriers, I’ve never heard of them.
My decision to not go with a staffy is hard but I feel it’s best for me. I looked at a ton of staffy’s, pit bull mixes, etc. at my local shelter but it feels too much like I’m trying to replace him rather than have a new experience. They are still my favorite breed and I donate as much time as I can to helping them at my local shelter but I don’t think I can own one without feeling a negative connotation.
They're very athletic, very affectionate, and weirdly fastidious about grooming themselves, coat care and shedding will be at a minimum. They basically look like Min Pins but without the small dog syndrome and stubborn neurotics. They might be a little on the small side, Standard Manchesters average 22 pounds.
I wasn't trying to guilt you, that makes perfect sense. I'm sure you know as well as I do how much needless hate they get (this sub is noteworthy for it, for example), and how many of them get put down all the time. I'm sure it hurts you too. I am sorry you lost him, best of luck with the next adventure.
I’ve done some surface level research and they seem to be up my alley, will definitely look into it more. Thank you for the recommendation!
I know you weren’t, I just wanted to give my current reasoning which I’m sure can change as time goes on. It’s just still too fresh for me to consider. It definitely hurts to see, especially in my area where 90% of shelter dogs have the “pit bull look”. Thank you for your condolences and all of your insight 🙏
A beagle could be a really great option- be aware that they tend to be ruled by their nose and curiosity which makes off leash reliability a bit more nerve wracking especially in a part of the country where snakes and scorpions are a worry. Before you decide can I also recommend considering a mini schnauzer or mini poodle? Both up for anything dogs, handler focused and energy for all of your activities. Both require more cost maintenance than a beagle but not necessarily a ton more shedding per se. Whatever you choose you’re on the right track for breed choice and I wish you a long happy life with your pup
Even with my staffy, I never really did anything off leash unless it was in a controlled environment like a baseball diamond or a school field at night. Just a large enough field with a gate around all sides. There aren’t any snakes or scorpions in the city area but definitely along the hiking trail can be a concern. I’ll definitely look into the other 2, I was looking at golden doodles a bit but their size ruled them out for me. Thank you 🙏
Ah I assumed climbing would be an off leash activity- my misunderstanding A poodle can look like a doodle if groomed that way- ask the groomer for a ‘teddy bear’ cut! And a golden doodle can have the worst of all coats, glad you decided against them
None of my local climbing areas permit unleashed dogs. People still do it either way but I at least like to have myself covered in the event anything happens and I know this isn’t the best breed to trust off leash obedience with. I’m sure some have made it work but I will not be taking any chances! I’ll dive into poodles a bit, never thought to look into them because it’s never been a breed to catch my eye but who knows, maybe I’ll be a poodle guy 🤷♂️
Beagles shed a ton and are also hounds and tend to follow their noses and may be difficult off leash, (and not running away).
I’m more okay with shedding if they are short hair dogs than long hair dogs. I know I’ll never find a dog that checks every box and does not shed at all. I don’t really off leash any of my dogs unless it’s in a controlled environment because I don’t trust factors that are beyond my control. With a scent hound I would like to play into it and make their off leash time scent focus games but in an enclosed field. I feel that would be proper enrichment for them
I was reading your post and kept thinking a Beagle would be perfect for you... and then I saw that's exactly what you had in mind! I have a Basenji that shares similar characteristics (medium size, tolerates heat, short coat, but quieter), and he's both affectionate and independent. I also recently got a Beagle (he's 5 months old now), and based on my experience, I think a Beagle would be a great fit for what you're looking for.
I was wondering if a Basenji would work instead of a Beagle, as they're about the right size and have a reputation for climbing trees (not cliffs). But I don't know the breed.
I’m glad I seem to be on the right path! I have heard of and seen Basenjis but never knew a thing about them, they didn’t even cross my mind! I’ll do some homework on them on them
If you’re okay with the possibility of having a dog that barks and isn’t great off leash, I think you sound like the perfect beagle home! Check out this guide to help you identify a reputable breeder vs a backyard breeder. This way you’ll have the best chances of getting the dog that’s temperamentally sound, healthy and true to standard! https://www.reddit.com/r/dogs/s/RqCrHoUWvO
Will do, thank you 🙏
I was thinking miniature schnauzer-standard schnauzer, basenji, and beagle. I was going to say Scottish terrier, but then I saw you want to do water activities, and Scotties cannot swim haha. Whatever dog you end up with I'm sure will be a great fit!
Oddly a shelter near me has a Border Corgi (Collie/Corgi mix) at the moment you might be perfect for. You're getting lots of recs for a Beagle, and I can see why, but you might also be a really good fit for a Manchester Terrier. It does break my heart to see a Staffy lover who doesn't immediately want to save another shelter Staffy, but, it's not always the best option every time, I understand.
I’ll take a look into Manchester terriers, I’ve never heard of them. My decision to not go with a staffy is hard but I feel it’s best for me. I looked at a ton of staffy’s, pit bull mixes, etc. at my local shelter but it feels too much like I’m trying to replace him rather than have a new experience. They are still my favorite breed and I donate as much time as I can to helping them at my local shelter but I don’t think I can own one without feeling a negative connotation.
They're very athletic, very affectionate, and weirdly fastidious about grooming themselves, coat care and shedding will be at a minimum. They basically look like Min Pins but without the small dog syndrome and stubborn neurotics. They might be a little on the small side, Standard Manchesters average 22 pounds. I wasn't trying to guilt you, that makes perfect sense. I'm sure you know as well as I do how much needless hate they get (this sub is noteworthy for it, for example), and how many of them get put down all the time. I'm sure it hurts you too. I am sorry you lost him, best of luck with the next adventure.
I’ve done some surface level research and they seem to be up my alley, will definitely look into it more. Thank you for the recommendation! I know you weren’t, I just wanted to give my current reasoning which I’m sure can change as time goes on. It’s just still too fresh for me to consider. It definitely hurts to see, especially in my area where 90% of shelter dogs have the “pit bull look”. Thank you for your condolences and all of your insight 🙏