Get to know
Beagles
Written by author of 34 dog books. by Nate Ritter, DVM.
Caroline Coile, Ph.D.,
Veterinarian reviewed
Written by author of 34 dog books, including the top-selling Barron's Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds.
Caroline Coile, Ph.D.,
Veterinarian reviewed
Everybody loves a Beagle–probably because a Beagle loves everybody.
Good natured, fun loving, and perpetually happy, Beagles have a zest for life that’s contagious.
Browse available puppies
Connect with reputable breeders to find the dog of your dreams
At a glance
Moderate Energy
Energy level
3/5
Very Low Maintenance
Grooming
2/5
Small to Medium
Size
Merry, amiable, independent
Temperament
12-15 years
Lifespan
Moderate Trainability
Training
2/5
Vocal
Barking
4/5
At a glance
Energy level
Moderate Energy
Grooming
Very Low Maintenance
Size
Small to Medium
Temperament
Merry, amiable, independent
Lifespan
12-15 years
Training
Moderate Trainability
Barking
Vocal
Why people love the breed
Beagles are such a favorite because they get along with everyone, are always ready for fun, and are eternal optimists. They’re a best friend that’s always willing to bay with glee, steal your lunch, and make you laugh.
Beagles are one of those perpetually popular breeds that actually deserve their popularity. They seem to have something for everyone, whether it’s being a child’s fun playmate, an adult's steadfast partner, or a senior’s cuddly companion. They do love their independence, though, so they are most loved by those who appreciate a dog that thinks for itself.
They require no intensive grooming, no fancy food, no doggy outfits to stay looking and feeling their best. They are a convenient size, big enough so they aren’t fragile and small enough to fit almost anywhere. And their baying is melodious—at least, to some people…
One of the best parts, though, is that everybody loves a Beagle. Owners get used to always stopping when out and about so strangers can pet their Beagle and reminisce about the one they had as a child.
Appearance
Beagles are square-proportioned compact athletic dogs most known for their sweet face.
The Beagle resembles a miniature Foxhound, but with a more compact build. It has a short back, and a slightly curved tail that is carried gaily. The head has a square muzzle, rounded ears, moderately defined stop, and mostly, a gentle pleading expression.
American Kennel Club (AKC) Beagles come in two official size varieties, 13” (up to 13 inches) and 15” (from 13 to 15 inches) and although the difference doesn't sound like much the 13” is noticeably smaller
The coat is hard and close. Although they are most known for the black saddle on brown background with white trim pattern, they can come in any true “hound” color.
Grooming
Beagles require very little grooming, and have no special requirements.
The coat should be brushed or combed every week or so, and bathed as needed. It is a surprisingly thick coat and can shed a lot. Other than that, no coat care is required. However, if you plan to show your Beagle, they need a surprising amount of grooming before entering the ring. Even the brush of the tail is meticulously shaped for the ring.
The toenails should be trimmed as needed, the teeth brushed daily to avoid dental disease, and their floppy ears should be checked for debris weekly to avoid ear infections.
Img:
Joyful Noise Beagles
Breed temperament and characteristics
Beagles are known for their great personalities! They seem to always be happy, ready for whatever you want, and eager to be everybody’s best friend.
If you want a one-person-dog, a guard dog, or a dog who hangs on your every word, the Beagle is not your breed. But if you want a dog that will make sure you greet everyone on the sidewalk (or off it), who’s happy to welcome strangers into your home, and who can decide for themselves what sounds like fun, then the Beagle may be for you.
Because of their long history as pack animals, Beagles tend not to be aggressive and are usually trustworthy around other dogs and especially, children. They make great family dogs.
Like most hound dogs, the Beagle breed had to hunt independently, trusting their own nose rather than looking to their human for direction over rough terrain. Today's Beagles still have a strong hunting instinct and like to follow their nose, and they can do it for miles even after you’ve chased after them pleading for them to come back. While all dogs have a good sense of smell, that of the Beagle is extraordinary, and they enjoy immersing themselves in a sea of scent wherever they go.
When excited, or on the trail, Beagles are known for their loud melodious baying, which many people find soothing—but neighbors may not.
Exercise
Beagles are active dogs, but they’re not very big, so they can get a lot of exercise in a smaller space. But they won’t be happy unless they get out and explore the great outdoors.
Beagles were bred to follow a trail for miles. They like to get outside and just run, but they are as happy to trot as to gallop. Their greatest joy is to follow a scent trail, and anyone who can arrange that is the best Beagle owner on earth. Beware they should be on leash, or in a fenced area, as they will quickly leave you behind with no regard to your calls to return.
Because they are good trotters they also enjoy a long walk or jog around the neighborhood. Even the chance to just sniff around in the yard is good for them.
Most are not great at swimming or fetching.
They excel in the organized sports of nose work, tracking, and as detection dogs. Even if you have no interest in competing, it’s worth looking into these in order to exercise your Beagle's mind at home.
Img:
Fleur de Lis Beagles
Training
The Beagle motto is “will work for food.” If you can keep that reward foremost in their mind they can be trained. Not for you. For your food.
Beagles are independent thinkers and not terribly motivated to please you. They are extremely motivated to please their belly though, so once they learn that food rewards follow when they do as you ask they are fairly easy to train. They are not precision workers, and will generally do as little as possible to still earn the reward. They are also easily distracted, especially by scents.
Though not considered an easy breed to train, several Beagles have reached top levels in obedience and even agility competition.
As with all breeds, they should be socialized to strange people, places and dogs as puppies. They can be more difficult to housetrain compared to some other breeds.
Diet and nutrition
Beagles love to eat, more than almost anything in life. They will eat anything. Your challenge is to make sure they don’t become overweight, and to keep them from eating anything dangerous.
Beagles seem to be born with an insatiable, indiscriminate appetite. Owners quip that if their Beagle misses a meal they need to rush him to the Emergency Vet. This is not a breed you can ever free-feed. In fact, be prepared to monitor a Beagle’s weight carefully. Beagles have a decided tendency to become obese—especially if neutered or spayed.
Because Beagles will eat almost anything, you must be extremely careful not to leave dangerous items or foods toxic to dogs (such as chocolate, onions or grapes) where a Beagle can reach them. They will eat them. They can also eat foreign objects if they have been in contact with food.
Aside from watching their weight and keeping them away from things they shouldn’t eat, most Beagles need no special dietary precautions. Puppies need a high quality puppy food, and seniors may need to switch to a food made for older dogs. Beagles with specific health problems may need a specialized prescription diet.
Img:
Cedar Key Labradors
Health issues
The Beagle’s main health problem is their tendency toward overeating and obesity.
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years.
Hip Dysplasia
This complex condition involves both genetic and environmental factors and arises when the head of the femur doesn’t fit in the pelvic socket, causing arthritis and lameness. No genetic test is available to date, therefore, the recommended screening test is x-rays.
Hypothyroidism
An underactive thyroid gland. This reported at a higher incidence in Beagles compared to other breeds.
Other health issues
Epilepsy, cherry eye, musladin-lueke syndrome, steroid responsive meningitis-arteritis, diabetes, and intervertebral disc disease.
History
The Beagle has very old roots, and has adapted through the centuries to become a favored companion, show dog and contraband detector.
The first Beagles were probably derived from the Harrier (basically a big Beagle) in the Middle Ages. They were the answer to hunters who wanted to follow their trailing dogs on foot.
At one time they came in an even smaller “pocket size” that was only about 9 inches tall.
In the last century Beagles morphed from being hunting dogs to becoming better known as family companions andscent/contraband detectors. They still hunt, though.
From 1953 to 1959 the Beagle was the most popular dog breed in the United States of America.
The Peanuts cartoon character Snoopy is the most famous Beagle of all time.
Famous owners include Charles Schultz, Presidents Lyndon Johnson and Grover Cleveland, and Barry Manilow.
About the author
Canine specialist, Caroline Coile, Ph.D., is the author of 34 dog books, including the top-selling Barron's Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds. She’s written thousands of magazine and web articles about dogs. She specializes in canine science, health, breeds and competitions. Caroline has won 20 national dog-writing awards, and was a 2015 Inductee into the Dog Writers Association of America Hall of Fame.
Veterinarian reviewed
Dr. Nate Ritter, DVM is the Veterinary Medical Director at Good Dog. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Lafayette College and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, New York State Veterinary Medical Society, the Veterinary Medical Association of New York City, and the Society for Theriogenology. Additionally, he is a USDA-accredited veterinarian.
Breed Scorecard
Characteristics and temperament
Affectionate with family
5
Watchdog level
1
Playfulness
4
Adaptability
5
Social needs
5
Temperament
Merry, amiable, independent
Intelligence
2
Good with other dogs
5
Good with cats or other pets
5
Friendly with strangers
5
Good as a service dog
2
Good for apartments
3
Barking level
4
Appearance
Height
10-15"
Size
Small to Medium
Colors
Blue and white (non-standard), Black fawn and white (non-standard), Brown (non-standard), Red (non-standard), Red and black (non-standard), Red black and white (non-standard), Tan (non-standard), Black (non-standard), Black and white (non-standard), White (non-standard), White black and tan (non-standard), Black tan and redtick (non-standard), Black and tan, Black red and white, Blue tan and white, Blue (non-standard), Black tan and bluetick, Black tan and white, Black white and tan, Lemon (non-standard), Brown and white, Brown white and tan, Lemon and white, Red and white, Tan and white
Coat texture
Hard
Coat length
Short
Training
Trainability
2
Exercise
Exercise needs
3
Exercise time
1 hour daily
Mental exercise needs
2
Favorite activities
Nosework, tracking, barn hunt, hunting, hiking
Grooming
Grooming needs
2
Brushing frequency
Weekly
Needs professional grooming?
No
Drooling level
1
Health issues
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Other health issues
Other
Bred for
Rabbit trailing
Country of origin
England
Popularity level
5
FAQs
On Good Dog, you can search for Beagle puppies or dogs in rescues and shelters. Adopting a Beagle from a shelter or rescue is generally less expensive than buying a puppy from a breeder with ethical practices. Across the United States, there are dedicated rescues that specialize in specific breeds and may even help transport a Beagle dog to you from another part of the country. Although it can be more cost-effective, adopting the exact breed you're looking for is typically more difficult than working with a responsible breeder. Learn more about adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue.
Prices for Beagle puppies for sale vary by breeder and individual puppy. On Good Dog today, Beagle puppies are typically around $1,650. Because all breeding programs are different, you may find dogs for sale outside that price range.
Beagles are very social, and do best with another dog when their human family leaves the house. They may not be happy if left alone for long periods, and if this is your plan, may not be ideal for you.
Yes. Beagles are friends to everyone they meet which is why they are great companion dogs.
