Home » Meet The Breeds » Beagle Dog Breed
The delightful and determined Beagle is a small, compact, and hardy hound, appreciated by so many for its playful demeanor and soulful expression. Acknowledged by hunters for its keen sense of smell and exceptional tracking abilities, the Beagle’s origins are thought to trace back to ancient Greece and Rome. Traditionally used for hunting hare, the breed has since transcended the role to become a capable detection dog, a star in the show ring, and a popular choice as a family companion.
Hound
13 – 15 Inches
under 30 Pounds
10 – 15 Years
Country of Origin | England |
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Bred For | Pack Hunting, Companionship |
Known For | Friendliness, Playfulness, Hunting in Packs |
Popularity | High |
Temperament | Curious, Friendly, Merry |
Activities | Hunting, Conformation Shows, Dog Sports, Running, Swimming |
The Beagle’s origins can be traced back over 2,000 years to Ancient Greece. Writings from that period mention small hound dogs used for tracking and hunting, and while it’s debatable if these dogs were the direct ancestors of today’s hounds, they certainly share much in common. The Romans brought small hounds with them to England which were crossbred with local dogs, producing what may be recognized as the early Beagle. By the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, pocket-sized hounds, known as “Elizabethan Pocket Beagles,” were popular in the royal courts.
The name “Beagle” is believed to have been derived from the Old French word be’geule, referring to the baying voice of the hounds when on the hunt. Another theory is that it originates from the Gaelic word beag, which means “little,” emphasizing the breed’s small size.
The modern Beagle owes its development primarily to breeders in the 19th century, when Reverend Philip Honeywood established a breeding program in Essex, England. His main objective was to produce dogs with excellent hunting skills, though not necessarily with a consistent look. Thomas Johnson later refined the breed, focusing on enhancing its appearance without compromising its hunting abilities.
During the 1840s, Beagles were introduced to the United States where they became popular as pack hunting dogs. The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the breed in 1885 and as its popularity steadily grew. By the mid-20th century, the Beagle had become favored as a household pet. And although many still partake in hunting rabbits and hare, many more excel as companions and as Therapy Dogs or airport Detection Dogs.
The Beagle is easily recognized for its small stature, muscular frame, and pleading expression that resonates a gentle alertness. The breed’s short coat, straight tail, and moderate size paint a picture of a hound that’s both functional in the field and lovable in the home.
Beagles are categorized in two size varieties; those under 13 inches and those between 13 and 15 inches.
Adult male Beagles typically stand less than 13 inches tall at the shoulder or between 13 and 15 inches tall, with females measuring within the same range.
Males can weigh from 20 to 30 pounds for the 15-inch variety and under 20 pounds for the 13-inch variety. Females typically weigh slightly less.
The Beagle’s body is slightly longer than it is tall, with a well-balanced and rather substantial appearance for its size. A compact body, combined with plenty of bone and good muscling, grants the Beagle its signature beauty and utility. The breed’s ribs are well spring and the chest is deep, extending down to the elbow, thus ensuring good lung capacity—essential for its role as a tracker and pack hunter. The overall impression is one of a quality hound that’s built for stamina and endurance in the field.
Texture: The Beagle’s coat is short, dense, and hard, providing protection from brambles without becoming entangled. It is weather-resistant and allows for a fair amount of wear-and-tear.
Standard Color | |
---|---|
Black Red & White | ee |
Red Black & White | ee |
Red & Black | ee |
Black | ee |
Red | ee |
Lemon | ee |
Blue & White | ee |
Brown | ee |
White | ee |
Tan | ee |
Black & White | ee |
Black Tan & Redtick | ee |
Black Fawn & White | ee |
Blue | ee |
White Black & Tan | ee |
Blue Tan & White | ee |
Black & Tan | ee |
Black Tan & Bluetick | ee |
Black Tan & White | ee |
Black White & Tan | ee |
Brown & White | ee |
Brown White & Tan | ee |
Lemon & White | ee |
Tan & White | ee |
Red & White | ee |
A Note About Color: The Beagle can be any true hound color. The color combinations include 10 distinct colors (in various shades) and six possible markings. A puppy’s coloration commonly changes (or “breaks”) with the emergence of the adult coat. A white tail tip is quite common and increases the hound’s visibility in the field.
Standard Marking | |
---|---|
Ticked | ee |
White Markings | ee |
Brown Markings | ee |
Tan Markings | ee |
Black Markings | ee |
Spotted | ee |
The Beagle’s tail is one of the breed’s more noteworthy features. It is sturdy, set somewhat high on the croup, and moderately long. Straight or just slightly curved, the tail should not have a pronounced hook or twist. Instead, there is often a characteristic white tip. Often referred to as a “flag,” this feature enhances the Beagle’s visibility in tall grasses and heavily wooded areas.
Sharing life with a Beagle can be a lot of fun, but it’s essential to understand the breed’s unique characteristics and needs so that everyone can enjoy spending time together. This breed, known for its keen sense of smell, requires specific care and attention both outside and indoors.
Lifespan: On average, the Beagle has a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. While many factors contribute to a dog’s longevity, this breed tends to be relatively long-lived when provided with good care and room to run in a safe environment.
While the Beagle is generally a robust breed, it is not exempt from certain health risks. Awareness and early detection are key to managing or preventing these issues:
Regular contact with the Beagle’s breeder and routine veterinary check-ups are vital for the early detection of these and other potential health concerns.
The Beagle possesses a personality that is often described as merry. Known for its loving nature, this breed is exceptionally social and typically enjoys the company of both people and other animals. Consequently, the average Beagle doesn’t always enjoy being left alone and can suffer from separation anxiety or become easily distracted by its strong sense of smell. While energetic and playful, this breed is generally tolerant and easygoing too. In a household with other dogs, the Beagle usually fits right in. Its gentle and patient temperament generally makes the breed a good companion for young children as well. And when meeting strangers, the Beagle is neither aggressive nor shy. Instead, this breed will often approach new people with a friendly greeting in the form of a wet nose and a wagging tail.
A Beagle’s size, age, activity level, and metabolism all play a role in determining each dog’s dietary needs. A growing puppy needs food that’s specially formulated for growth or “all life stages.” And since puppies typically need to eat more frequently, three or even four meals a day should be provided during the initial growth phase. As the Beagle transitions to adulthood, its feeding routine will also change. An adult usually does well enough on two meals a day. Typically, an adult may consume about one to one and a half cups of high-quality dry food daily, divided into two meals. Being a breed with a keen sense of smell, the Beagle can have a notorious appetite. This enthusiasm means owners must be mindful not to overfeed their dog. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which poses a range of short- and long-term health risks.
Training a Beagle is both a rewarding and a challenging endeavor. The breed’s intelligence and eagerness to please can make training sessions fun; however, the Beagle’s innate curiosity and strong sense of smell can sometimes lead it to become easily distracted. Patience and consistency are key, and positive reinforcement techniques work particularly well with this happy breed. The Beagle can be taught commands and tricks with relative ease, but it can also learn bad habits quickly. For example, the breed can be particularly vocal, especially if left alone for extended periods, so early training can be needed to manage unnecessary vocalizations. Additionally, if it a Beagle catches a scent, it can become fixated and may not respond to a recall command. It’s therefore recommended to always have the dog on a leash or in a secure area when training opr playing outdoors.
Exercise is fundamental for a Beagle’s physical health and mental well-being. As an active and curious breed, these hounds thrive when provided with regular opportunities to expend their energy and indulge their inquisitive nature.
Energy Level | High |
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Exercise Requirements | 2 Hours/Day (Minimum), Daily Walks, Regular Exercise, Vigorous Running, Playing with Another Dog, Mental Stimulation |
The Beagle typically possesses a moderate to high level of energy. This means daily physical activity isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. This hound enjoys a good romp and can display bursts of energy, especially during play. It is equally content with steady-paced activities like long walks or hikes. These outings easily cater to the Beagle’s physical needs and can provide ample senso