Beagle: Your Complete Guide

The beagle is a type of hound dog that famously possesses one of the best sniffers in the whole world. However, they don’t just excel at sniffing out even the most hard-to-find treats; they also excel at being highly lovable family companions. This is thanks to their merry attitude, playfulness, and gentle, sweet nature. 

Beagles come in two different recognized size varieties, though they’ll never exceed 15 inches in height. They also weigh under 30 pounds. While compact, they’re sturdy pups who can make great playmates for children. 

If you’re hoping to adopt this breed or want to learn more about the beagle, you’re in the right place. Keep reading to learn all about the beagle, including how to properly care for them.

Quick Look at the Beagle

Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs. 

Weight/Height	13 to 15 inches tall, weighing 20 to 30 pounds
Coat Type	Smooth, short double coat
Grooming Needs
Shedding
Temperament	Merry, curious, gentle, friendly, independent
Good With Kids
Good With Other Animals
Intelligence
Easy to Train
Energy Level
Barking Habits
Lifespan	10-15 years

What Is the History of Beagles?

The history of the beagle is shrouded in mystery, and many people have different theories about how this lovable breed came to be. 

However, it’s generally believed that the beagle breed that we know today began to take shape in medieval England. They were likely the result of people crossing several different hound breeds together, including the Talbot hound, Southern hound, and Harrier. They were also selectively bred for hare hunting.

A crucial figure in the breed’s development is Reverend Philip Honeywood, who is credited with establishing the first work pack of beagles in the 1830s. Many beagle enthusiasts believe that this pack formed the foundation of the modern beagle breed.

Beagles were eventually imported to America, where they found popularity among US rabbit hunters, praised for their keen sense of smell and strong work drive. The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the beagle in 1885. 

In modern times, beagles are still used as hunting dogs. They have also taken up other lines of work, including detection and search and rescue, and they’ve become popular family pets too. The beagle is currently one of the top 10 most popular breeds in the United States, according to the AKC’s registration statistics.

Interesting Fact: There used to be a beagle type known as the “pocket beagle,” who only grew up to 9 inches tall. This small beagle quickly won over the hearts of the royal family, not just for their hunting prowess but also for their endearing small stature and comical singing voice. Queen Elizabeth I even owned a pack of these hound dogs. While the original pocket beagle is now extinct, several modern-day breeders have attempted to recreate this breed.

What Do Beagles Look Like?

The beagle shares a striking resemblance to the English foxhound, with their large, floppy ears, white-tipped tail, strong muzzle, and athletic build. The main physical difference between the two breeds is that the beagle stands smaller. 

Beagles have short, smooth coats that come in a wide array of colors, including black, red, brown, white, tan, lemon, fawn, blue, and tri-color combinations. However, the most common (and recognized) coat coloration is a combo of black, tan, and white. Many beagles also have ticked markings. 

What Size Is a Beagle?

The AKC recognizes two different size variations of the beagle, though both varieties are small. The largest variety stands 13 to 15 inches at the withers and weighs approximately 20 to 30 pounds, while the smaller variety doesn’t exceed 13 inches in height and weighs under 20 pounds.

Other factors that may affect a beagle’s size include their genetics, age, health, and lifestyle factors like diet and exercise. While it can be hard to predict exactly what your beagle’s full-grown adult size will be, you can expect them to grow to around the same size as their parents. 

Beagles are prone to obesity, so it’s vital that you keep a close eye on their calorie consumption. You should also invest in a secure dog-proof trash can and avoid leaving food out on your kitchen countertops. 

What Is a Beagle’s Coat Type and Length?

At first glance, it’s easy to believe that the beagle simply has a single coat. However, they’re actually a double-coated breed, meaning they have both an outer coat and an undercoat. The overcoat is short and smooth, while the undercoat is dense and soft. Their coat is fairly water resistant and protects them from the elements. 

What Is a Beagle’s Temperament?

The beagle is one of the most popular family companions for a reason. They’re affectionate, gentle, merry, and devoted. They also have a comical side and love to keep their owners entertained with plenty of playful antics.

The beagle is a curious dog and their sniffer does sometimes lead them astray (and into places they shouldn’t be). Because of this, you’ll want to keep them on a tight leash in open areas. You should also make sure your yard is securely fenced.

Like most hound dogs, the beagle is strong-willed and does have an independent streak. However, this doesn’t mean they don’t appreciate having their family around them. In fact, they often suffer from separation anxiety and struggle when left alone for long periods of time.

The beagle is sociable and gets along well with other dogs, though they do have a strong prey drive. Socialization is a must for this breed, as their prey drive can overwhelm them otherwise. 

Are Beagles Good With Kids?

Beagles typically make wonderful companions for kids as they have gentle, affectionate natures. They also love to play and can be excellent playmates for children who know how to respect their boundaries.

With that said, you should always supervise beagles around small children. Beagles are energetic and can be rough during play, which can put young kids at risk of injuries. 

Regardless of how old your kids are, it’s important to teach them how to safely interact with dogs. They should know how to play with them gently and also be able to tell when a dog doesn’t want to be touched or is visibly stressed. Instilling good handling manners will help keep both your children and pets safe. 

Are Beagles Good With Other Animals?

Beagles are usually friendly and sociable with other dogs, though the same can’t be said for other animals. They have high prey drives and are prone to chasing small prey animals, like rabbits, hamsters, and birds. For this reason, it’s best not to bring a beagle into your home if you already own small pets.

Are Beagles Aggressive?

No, it’s incredibly rare for a beagle to exhibit aggressive behavior. They’re naturally friendly, affectionate, and gentle, and they also enjoy being around people. However, like with all breeds, they may become aggressive if their needs aren’t met or they haven’t been properly socialized. 

You can help prevent aggression by socializing them from a young age. You should also exercise them daily, keep up with their training, and ensure they’re getting enough mental enrichment throughout the day.

Do Beagles Bark?

The beagle is a vocal dog who frequently barks, bays, and howls to communicate with their owner. They tend to also bark excessively when they’re bored or anxious.

While you can teach a beagle the “quiet” command to minimize excessive barking, they aren’t ever going to stop barking entirely. Their voice is a large part of who they are, and it’s in their natural instincts to be loud and communicate with you that way. Due to this, they aren’t a good fit for apartments with noise restrictions.

Are Beagles Affectionate?

The beagle has a reputation for being an affectionate and loving dog. They like to cuddle and be petted and appreciate having the company of their loved ones. Some beagles can be a little standoffish around strangers, but they usually warm up quickly — especially with a bribe of treats!

Are Beagles Intelligent?

The beagle is an extremely intelligent dog and can learn virtually any advanced command. They’re also intuitive and can think for themselves, meaning they’re top-notch problem solvers (but also tend to get up to mischief).

The beagle is curious by nature, so they enjoy mentally engaging activities like puzzle games. They also love adventures and appreciate having their daily walk route switched up regularly. This will give them the opportunity to explore new sights, surroundings, and smells.

Are Beagles Energetic?

Don’t be fooled into thinking the beagle is a laidback dog because of their small stature! This pup is extremely energetic and needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep their boredom (and pesky habits) at bay. 

Most beagles need at least an hour of exercise and 30 minutes of playtime every day. They will happily partake in a wide array of activities, though they particularly enjoy exercises that allow them to work out their sniffers, such as scent work and hide and seek.

Are Beagles Easy to Train?

The beagle definitely has the capability to pick up complex commands quickly. However, they’re also notoriously stubborn and tend to only respond to training when it’s on their terms. They also get distracted easily during training, no doubt thanks to all the interesting scents around them.

While the beagle is difficult to train, they respond well to a confident owner who can be patient with them. They’re also highly food-motivated, so incorporating high-value treats is a great way to win over their attention. Just be mindful not to feed them an excessive amount of treats — this can cause them to put on weight quickly. 

Are Beagles Good Watchdogs?

Beagles are alert, protective, and courageous — all traits that make them perfect watchdogs. Their loud barks also make them seem a lot larger than they actually are, so they tend to be very effective at deterring threats.

Are Beagles Good Service Dogs?

Beagles were selectively bred to be working dogs, and they do shine in various work roles, including detection and search and rescue. However, they aren’t the best fit for service work. They’re difficult to train and easily distracted by their surroundings. Their high prey drive can also hinder their service work.

With that said, every dog is different, and there will be beagles that are more eager to please and focused than others. 

Beagles also make excellent emotional support animals and therapy dogs, thanks to their merry natures and entertaining antics. The breed’s protective side can also help those with anxiety feel more confident and secure in their day-to-day lives.

How to Care for a Beagle?

Caring for a beagle does require a fair bit of work, but you’ll be rewarded with a forever companion who’ll turn every day into an adventure. 

You’ll need to train your beagle regularly, provide lots of mental stimulation, and exercise them for at least an hour each day. You should also ensure they have their own spot within your home that they can call their own. This will give them somewhere safe to retreat to when they’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed.

Other care responsibilities include socialization, grooming their coat, feeding them a well-balanced diet, and taking them to the vet for annual checkups and their vaccinations. Don’t forget to also shower them with plenty of affection and love — beagles are sociable dogs and get anxious if they don’t receive enough attention!

Do You Need to Groom a Beagle?

The beagle has fairly low-maintenance grooming needs. In most instances, you only need to brush them once or twice a week. You may need to brush them more frequently when they’re blowing their double coat, but even then, it shouldn’t be too much of a demanding task. Their fur isn’t prone to matting and also stays relatively clean. 

The beagle should also be washed once every 6 to 8 weeks. Use dog-friendly shampoo and get your pup accustomed to the running water gradually to ensure the experience is positive. You should also trim their nails if they grow too long, clean their ears regularly, and brush their teeth daily to prevent dental issues.

Do Beagles Shed?

Beagles aren’t seriously heavy shedders. However, they still shed a moderate amount throughout the year. They also have some periods of heavy shedding when they’re blowing their coats. 

The beagle isn’t considered a hypoallergenic breed, so individuals with fur allergies will want to look elsewhere. 

What Health Problems Do Beagles Have?

Here are some of the most common health problems the beagle experiences:

• • Hypothyroidism: When the beagle’s thyroid doesn’t naturally produce enough thyroid hormones, leading to a slowing down of the metabolism. Hypothyroidism causes symptoms such as weight gain, lethargy, a thinning coat, and mental dullness. Treatment involves thyroid hormone replacement medication, which is prescribed for life.

• Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes seizures. Symptoms include convulsions, irregular movements, foaming at the mouth, tremors, confusion, and chomping. Seizures can be managed with anti-epileptic drugs and by reducing potential triggers.

• Cherry eye: Cherry eye occurs when the gland inside the third eyelid of the eye prolapses (pops out), appearing as a red, swollen lump in the corner. Cherry eye is treated with surgery.

• Ear infections: Beagles are more prone to ear infections than other breeds because of the shape of their ears and their tendency to sniff around in crevices (like rabbit holes). Symptoms include head shaking, ear discharge, excessive wax, itchiness, and a foul odor. Ear infections can be treated with medicated ear drops that contain antibiotics and antifungals. However, you should also clean their ears regularly to prevent infections.

• Obesity: Beagles are highly food motivated and eat anything they can get their chompers on, which makes them prone to obesity. Watch your dog’s weight closely — obesity can lead to several serious health complications and even shorten their lifespan.

How Long Do Beagles Live?

The beagle has an average life expectancy of 10 to 15 years, provided they receive proper care throughout their life.

What Should a Beagle Eat?

A beagle should be fed protein-rich dog food that meets AAFCO guidelines and is formulated for their life stage, size, and energy level. Great sources of protein include turkey, chicken, and fish. 

Feed an adult beagle 1 to 2 cups of dog food per day. Avoid overfeeding them or giving them table scraps, no matter how cute their “puppy eyes” are!

Is a Beagle the Right Dog for Me?

The beagle is a cheerful, affectionate, and devoted dog who can make for a great companion. They love to entertain their family with their playful escapades, and they’re also fiercely loyal and protective.

The beagle may be the right dog for you if:

• You want an alert watchdog
• You lead an active lifestyle
• You appreciate a talkative, fun-loving pup
• You have experience training strong-willed dogs 
• You’re after a dog with a low-maintenance coat 

However, you may want to consider adopting a different breed instead if:

• You can’t exercise a dog for at least an hour daily 
• You don’t have the time (or determination) to train them regularly 
• You have small pets in your home 
• You don’t want to deal with stubbornness 

We hope this guide has helped you decide if a beagle is the right companion for you!