Do Beagles have a

Question
QUESTION: We are looking for a good family dog that doesn't shed, stink and will stay in an unfenced yard if we let it out. I also don't mind it in the house but I don't want my furniture ripped up etc. We would like something in the mid-sized range and friendly with the family and lower maintence. We have 4 young children from 1-7yrs and I am busy as it is, but we want our children to grow up with a dog. PLEASE HELP! What would you recommend? I love the look and size of beagles but I don't know if this is a good choice for our family since I haven't ever trained a dog and from what I have read.  Thanks, I know this is a tall order!

ANSWER: Hello Stephanie!
A beagle is a great dog. All dogs are going to shed, but a beagle sheds very little at all. Only in the summer, and it is very little. Beagles don't have a natural scent to them, just keep them shampooed (which is very fun, because beagles love water). For shampoo I recommend Hartz the purple scent it last for days and conditions. Again most dogs it is a issue if they will run away or not. In that case I would defiantly get a puppy verus a one or two year old, and then it can be taught to stay. If you can't get a puppy you can try getting a corkscrew, or a steak pole to put in the ground and attach a 20-30 foot lead to it and your dogs collar so it will stay in the yard, they run around 10 bucks and you can get them anywhere. Or you could also get a kennel, here is a link of the best place to get one: http://pet-supplies.drsfostersmith.com/search?p=Q&lbc=drsfostersmith&uid=5325854

They are sometimes expensive, but come in a lot of handy, its a good way to train the dog if it has done something wrong. They don't get very big at all. I have a female that is one and she is only 12 pounds, which males are bigger. You are making a great decision by getting a beagle, they are loyal protective and it will protect your kids as they grow up. My beagle even tells me when someone pulls into the driveway and she is still considered a puppy. Some other things you should think about are they bark a lot when frightened. Hound dogs love to bark. Sometimes they can be difficult to train if you get them at a older age 2 and up. But it can be done. They are very smart though. They are a great family dog. You will be able to teach it things like not biting the furniture and ripping the carpet with a simple NO! I hope I have helped you, and you are making a great decision. My beagle is my best friend and I wouldn't let anything happen to her and she feels the same. Best dog I have ever owned. Limited shedding, no smell and very protective smart animals. If you need anymore help, please don't hesitate to ask me! Thanks! and good luck.

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QUESTION: One more question- I always grew up with outside dogs so I am not thrilled about keeping one inside the house but I will if I have to. What do they prefer?

Answer
My beagle is a inside dog. They don't care, and it really doesn't matter just as long as they get fresh air, daily walks, and play time outside. My beagle is a inside dog, and when I first got her she was terrified to go outside because of other dogs, cars, and other loud noises. Ultimately they are safer inside and they are more willing to protect you when they live inside. So don't worry you aren't making the wrong decision by having it inside. Good luck and I hope you have great happiness with your beagle!