The question was asked:
Why are Beagles so popular as pets despite their low intelligence? According to The Intelligence of Dogs by Stanley Coren, beagles have the “Lowest Degree of Working/Obedience Intelligence”.
According to American Kennel Club, they are the fourth most popular breed used as pets: AKC Dog Registration Statistics
Why do people choose beagles as pets? Doesn’t their low intelligence cause problems?
My answer is simple:
Coren’s book is theoretical.
Beagle intelligence isn’t particularly low, but their priorities are often different than other dog breeds. While some dogs were bred as companions, beagles were bred as hunters. Their job is to follow scents and find prey. Sometimes that prey is a fox … but mostly it’s pizza, errant treats, and unattended food.
They are loyal, friendly, portable, low maintenance, and adorable. They’re good with children, don’t eat much, and always eager to please.
Are they low on the intelligence scale? Based on a scale of 1 – 100, 1 being smartest, beagles come in at 73.
Mine comes when I call him, is house broken, does what I’ve trained him to do, loves to go on walks, enjoys sticking his head out the window when we’re driving, and is an excellent companion who listens attentively and doesn’t pass judgement. That’s all I’d ever ask of a dog; I don’t need one that makes coffee, walks me across streets, opens cabinets, or retrieves ducks.