Beagle Guide: Types, Appearance, Training, Life Span, & More

The Beagle is one of the most popular hound breeds in the U.S. and is an excellent companion. These gentle and courageous hound dogs like to follow their noses and see where it leads them. And while several dog breeds look like Beagles, they are in a class of their own with their sweet spirit and adorable look. We explore the Beagle pros and cons to help you determine if this is the right breed for you.

History

The origin of the Beagle is unknown because there’s no reliable breed documentation in the early history of the breed. There are instances of hounds in England before the Romans, and they might be the beginning of both sight and scent hounds. Beagles are scent hounds, so it could be that these packs were the first Beagles. In the 1860s, the American Beagle became a well-bred strain in England.

Today, Beagles are admired for their stamina, companionship, and courage, and this breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1885.

Types Of Beagle

There is only one type of Beagle that the AKC recognizes, but there are two different varieties. Those under 13 inches tall, sometimes called a Mini Beagle or Pocket Beagle, and those between 13 to 15 inches. The Beagle’s height limit in the U.S. is 15 inches and 16 inches in England. The size is the only difference between the two varieties, with no differences in the breed’s traits or other characteristics.

What Does A Beagle Look Like?

Beagles are sturdy little dogs that look similar to miniature Foxhounds. They have square-shaped bodies with medium-length coats. They’re well-known for some distinct features and characteristics, including:

Color

The most common color of a Beagle is tri-colored, brown, black, and white. However, they come in various colors, including red, lemon, white, brown, tan, black, and orange. There’s also a Blue Tick Beagle, a rare shade of Beagle because of its mottled bluish-gray color.

Ears

Beagles’ floppy ears have a pendant shape and mount on the side of their head almost level with their eyes.

Eyes

The Beagle is well-known for having striking and beautiful eyes that are usually brown or hazel.

Size

So, how big do Beagles get? Depending on the variety, a full-grown Beagle can stand between 13 and 15 inches tall at the shoulder. You may also want to know, how much do beagles weigh? Beagle weight varies with the height variety. Those under 13 inches weigh under 20 pounds, while those 13 to 15 inches tall can weigh between 20 and 30 pounds.

Do Beagles Shed A Lot?

Beagles have a dense double coat that’s thicker in winter and sheds moderately throughout the year and heavily in the spring. Since Beagles are shedders, you need to brush them regularly (at least twice a week is recommended). We recommend the FURminator as the best brush for Beagles.

In addition to brushing your pup, grooming is an essential part of caring for your Beagle. This breed doesn’t require regular bathing. Unless they get into something stinky, four times a year is acceptable. You should trim their nails regularly to avoid cracking and overgrowth. Be sure to check and clean their ears since they are long and hanging, and they can retain moisture which could lead to ear infections. Brushing their teeth is also important.

Are Beagles Hypoallergenic?

Beagles aren’t considered hypoallergenic because of the amount of their shedding. If you need a pup that could help keep your allergies at bay, check out our article on hypoallergenic dog breeds.

Beagle Temperament

There are lots of questions when it comes to the Beagle’s temperament. We put together a list of questions our readers ask often about Beagle characteristics.

What Is The Beagle Personality?

Beagles are friendly, gentle, loyal, and loving. They are not aggressive, have an even temper, and are known for having an independent nature.

Are Beagles Good Dogs?

Beagles tend to have a naughty streak, especially if they are left alone, and can be a challenge for dog owners and trainers. They can also be stubborn, which gives them a bad rap, but they are excellent dogs.

Are Beagles Good With Kids?

Because they are friendly and sociable, Beagles tend to do very well with children as long as your kids aren’t aggressive toward the dog and greet him respectfully.

Are Beagles Good Family Dogs?

Beagles can fit right into a family with ease. Because they are pack dogs, Beagles can manage a large family and enjoy an active family that loves the outdoors.

Are Beagles Smart?

Beagles rank pretty low on the intelligence scale. However, this is a little misleading. They are smart, but Beagles are also independent free-thinkers that may be harder to train. They have an independent nature, which can make them appear less intelligent.

Are Beagles Good Apartment Dogs?

Beagles are the right size for apartment living. But they do require exercise, so you’ll need to take them out and for walks and play with them, so they stay out of trouble.

Do Beagles Bark?

Not only do Beagles bark, but they also howl. This breed is a communicator and can be very noisy. So, if you have a Beagle, you can expect to hear them regularly.

Are Beagles Good Hunters?

Beagles are excellent hunting dogs. This breed was born to hunt, and being a scent hound means they can track the scent of the game. Beagles are known to hunt rabbits but can be excellent hunting companions for most small game.

Training

Are Beagles easy to train? Well, unfortunately, they are very stubborn, which is what makes them challenging to train. Beagles march to the beat of their own drum. They like to follow their nose, which can be distracting. This breed is driven and hardworking, but their bullheadedness makes them harder to train. It’s vital to practice great patience with a Beagle.

If you want more information on how to train a Beagle, check out online training programs, like Doggie Dan. If you’re interested in local training, ensure that you find the right trainer. There are Beagle hunting dogs, so training can be successful.

Health Concerns

Most Beagles are very healthy. However, the Beagle breed can suffer from a few health conditions. Some common illnesses to look out for include:

• Epilepsy
• Eye conditions
• Hip dysplasia
• Hypothyroidism
• Luxating patella

Covering The Cost Of Care

The best way to help curb the cost of health care for your pup is to have pet insurance from day one. If you’re not sure about getting coverage, check out our article discussing if pet insurance is worth it. This article will give you a basic understanding of how pet insurance can help you give your pup the best, most affordable care possible.

How Long Do Beagles Live?

Since Beagles don’t have many health concerns, they are one of the breeds that live longer. The Beagle’s lifespan is around 10 to 15 years.

Exercise Requirements

Beagles are active, energetic, and require plenty of exercise. This breed needs at least one hour of exercise per day. Due to their curiosity and quickness, they love to play. Giving your pup the best toys for Beagles can help you combine play and exercise to make it more enjoyable for both of you.

You’ll also want to keep them on a leash when you take them out since their scent hound nose will send them off course easily. Check out the best harness for Beagles to help you walk your pup safely and comfortably.

Do Beagles Like Water?

You may be wondering, can Beagles swim? Beagles can swim but may not like it. If you are a water lover and want a pup that will be a good fit for your lifestyle, you need to get them in the water when they are young. Be sure to keep them safe with a dog life jacket as you navigate their comfort in the water and to prevent drowning.

Best Dog Food For Beagles

If you’re looking for the best dog food for Beagles or the best puppy food for Beagles, you should start by talking to your vet. Your vet can help ensure that your pup gets the right amount of lean proteins, vitamins, and minerals to help him grow and stay healthy. Once you know what you need, our experts can help you choose the best dog foods and dog food delivery options to simplify feeding and life.

Popular Mixes

Mixed breeds are a popular option for dog lovers these days. Some of the most popular mixes include:

• Beagle Basset Hound mix (Bagel)
• Beagle Chihuahua mix (Cheagle)
• Beagle Dachshund mix (Doxle)
• Beagle Husky mix (Busky)
• Beagle Lab mix (Lagle)
• Boxer Beagle mix (Boogle)
• Corgi Beagle mix (Beagi)
• German Shepherd Beagle mix (Beagleman)
• Jack Russell Beagle mix (Jackabee)
• Pitbull Beagle mix (Beaglebull)

How Much Do Beagles Cost?

So, how much is a Beagle puppy? The average cost of a Beagle is between $500 and $2,000. Prices can fluctuate depending on location, lineage, and breeder reputation. It’s essential to find a reputable breeder to ensure the health and safety of the puppies. You may also want to consider adopting a Beagle from a rescue organization. While this option can reduce the cost of getting a Beagle, it may take a bit longer, and you may get an older dog instead of a puppy.

Beagles Love Babies

Beagles are known for being good family pets. In this five-minute video from Louie The Beagle, you’ll see how remarkable these Beagles are with this baby during their first four months as a family.

Is A Beagle The Right Breed For You?

It’s crucial when choosing a dog that you pick a breed that fits your lifestyle. If you want a dog to run with or teach lots of tricks, a Beagle is not the right choice. However, if you’re looking for a dog for your family to play with and sometimes laugh at his silly antics, Beagles are the perfect pet. For more information about this playful breed, check out The Complete Guide to Beagles.

If you’re not sure what breed is best for you, check out our article on the secrets to finding the right breed. Our experts help guide you on what to consider when you’re picking your next pup.