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Beagle Dog Breed

About the Beagle

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.

AKC Group

AKC Group

Hound

Dog Breed Height

Height

13 – 15 Inches

Dog Breed Weight

Weight

under 30 Pounds

Dog Breed Lifespan

Lifespan

10 – 15 Years

Highlights

Country of Origin England
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

History of the Beagle

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.

General Appearance

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.

Height & Weight

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.

Proportion & Substance

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.

Coat Texture, Colors & Markings

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.

Beagle Colors

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.

Beagle Markings

Standard Marking
Ticked ee
White Markings ee
Brown Markings ee
Tan Markings ee
Black Markings ee
Spotted ee

Head

  • Skull: The Beagle’s skull is moderately rounded with a slight dome at the back portion of the skull. The cranium is broad and full, and fairly long.
  • Expression: The breed has an appealing expression, reflecting its gentle and amiable nature. The eyes and ears contribute significantly to the soft yet alert and curious demeanor.
  • Eyes: The eyes are medium-sized, almost round, and set well apart. The color can vary from dark hazel to brown, giving a warm, earnest look that complements the coat’s coloration.
  • Ears: The ears are long and set low, reaching nearly to the end of the nose when drawn forward. They are soft to the touch and hang close to the face.
  • Muzzle: The Beagle’s muzzle is straight, square-cut, and of medium length. It appears neither too long nor too snipey, with a moderately defined stop.
  • Nose: The nose is preferably black, but a lighter shade is acceptable in lighter-colored dogs. The nose is large, with wide open nostrils.
  • Bite: The Beagle has a scissors bite, where the upper incisors overlap the lower ones. A level bite, where the teeth meet edge to edge, is also acceptable but is less preferred.

Beagle headshot.

Tail

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.

The Beagle – What to Consider?

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.

Home Life

Interaction With Family

The level of affection a breed typically shows towards family members and familiar individuals will vary. While some breeds may only show genuine warmth towards their owner, remaining standoffish with strangers, other breeds will treat everyone they meet as if they are their closest friend.
Independent Affectionate

Good With Other Dogs

The innate friendliness of a dog towards other dogs can depend on its breed. Although supervision is always recommended during introductions, certain breeds tend to be inherently more or less sociable with other dogs, whether in a home setting or in public spaces.
Not Recommended Reliable With Other Dogs

Good With Young Children

The degree to which a breed will typically be patient with young children, and its overall suitability as a family member, will vary. It is important to always supervise interactions between dogs and the kids in the house, as well as with children who are not accustomed to being around dogs.
Not Recommended Dependable With Children

Upkeep

Amount Of Shedding

The amount of hair that a dog sheds will typically depend on its breed. Heavy-shedding breeds require more frequent brushing, have a higher chance of activating specific allergies, and often necessitate more frequent use of the vacuum cleaner and lint rollers.
Low High

Frequency Of Grooming

The regularity with which a breed needs bathing, brushing, trimming, or other forms of coat care is an all-important consideration. When evaluating the grooming effort required, consider your available time, patience, and budget. It is important to note that all breeds need routine ear, teeth, and nail care.
Monthly Daily

Amount Of Drooling

The tendency of a breed to drool significantly varies from breed to breed. For those who prefer cleanliness or are particular about keeping things tidy, breeds that are likely to leave trails of drool on your arm or large slobbery marks on your clothing and furniture might not be the best fit.
Low High

Coat Type

smooth
wiry
hairless
rough
corded
double
curly
wavy
sikly

Coat Length

short
medium
long

Behavior

Personality

Trainability Level

The ease with which a dog can be trained and its eagerness to learn new skills can depend on the breed. Some breeds are naturally inclined to please their owners and will readily accept training, while others tend to follow their own desires, often showing independence in how, when, and where they choose to do things.
Stubborn Eager

Barking Level

The frequency of vocalization, including barking and howling, will vary from breed to breed. Some may bark at each person who passes by and every bird in the sky, while others will typically bark only for a good reason. Additionally, a few breeds that do not typically bark will still be vocal, using different sounds to communicate.
Quiet Vocal

Energy Level

The level of physical exercise and mental engagement required will depend on the breed. High-energy breeds are always on the go. They are enthusiastic about their next activity and tend to be busy most of the time, running, jumping, and playing throughout the day. In contrast, low-energy breeds are akin to couch potatoes, content to just lounge around and take naps throughout the day.
Couch Potato Busybody

Need For Mental Stimulation

The extent of mental stimulation needed to keep a dog content and healthy will vary by breed. Dogs bred for specific purposes may need tasks involving decision-making, problem-solving, and concentration. Without sufficient mental exercise, these dogs can resort to creating their own activities to engage their minds, resulting in unwanted behaviors like chewing, digging, and escaping.
Minimal Engagement Intensive Interaction

Beagle Health

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.

Potential Health Risks

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:

  • Hip Dysplasia: This is a condition where a shallow hip socket allows the femoral head to slip out of joint. Dogs may show pain or lameness in one or both hind legs.
  • Epilepsy: Some Beagles may be prone to epilepsy, which is a seizure disorder. Although concerning to witness, the condition can often be managed with medication.
  • Hypothyroidism: This is a disorder of the thyroid gland that can lead to alopecia (hair loss), obesity, lethargy, and other conditions. It’s generally treatable with medication and dietary changes.
  • Beagle Dwarfism: This is a condition where a Beagle has a regular-sized body with short legs. While not a health issue, per se, it is a genetic condition.
  • Cherry Eye: This refers to the prolapse of the third eyelid, leading to a red, fleshy mass appearing in the corner of a dog’s eye. It is not painful but may require corrective surgery.
  • Ear Infections: Beagles can be more susceptible to ear infections due to their hanging ears. Regular cleaning can help to prevent this issue.

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.

Beagle Personality

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.

Beagle Feeding & Nutrition

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.

Beagle Training

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.

Beagle Exercise

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.

Exercise Expectations

Energy Level High
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