Beagles are among America's favorite dogs. They're very vocal. In fact, the name “beagle” probably comes from an old French word for “gaped throat.” They bark, have distinctive howls, and bay when they've caught an interesting scent. And boy, can they catch a scent! Their brilliant noses have over 200 million scent receptors, and their low-hanging ears also help to trap smells.
Originally from England, this small-sized and medium-energy breed can grow to between 20-30 pounds and lives an average of 10-15 years. The breed is recognized by the American Kennel Club and classified as a member of the Hound group.
| AKC Recognized | Y |
| Breed's original pastime | Hunting |
| Origin | England |
| Breed group | Hound |
| Average lifespan | 12-15 years |
| Size | Small/Medium |
| Bark factor | Moderate |
| AKC Ranking | 3 |
| Family | Scenthound |
| Date of origin | 1300s |
| Original function | Trailing rabbits |
| Today's function | Trailing rabbits, field trials |
| Average size of male | Height: 13-15 Weight: 18-30 |
| Average size of female | Height: 13-15 Weight: 18-30 |
| Other name | None |
| Energy level | Medium energy |
| Exercise needs | Medium |
| Playfullness | Not very playful |
| Affection level | Moderately playful |
| Friendliness toward other dogs | Friendly |
| Friendliness toward other pets | Friendly |
| Friendliness toward strangers | Friendly |
| Ease of training | Easy to train |
| Watchdog ability | High |
| Protection ability | Not very protective |
| Grooming needs | Low maintenance |
| Cold tolerance | Medium tolerance |
| Heat tolerance | Medium tolerance |
BEHAVIOR & TRAINING
WHAT IS A BEAGLE'S PERSONALITY LIKE?
Beagles are just the best. They're funny, very affectionate, playful, and cheerful. A stranger's just a friend your Beagle hasn't met yet. This breed is wonderful with children, other dogs, and other pets.
WHAT IS BEAGLE BEHAVIOR LIKE?
Beagles are active and vigilant, though not especially protective. They need regular, rigorous exercise to keep their busy bodies and brilliant minds active and out of trouble.
HOW EASY IS IT TO TRAIN A BEAGLE?
Training your Beagle is essential. This breed is food-motivated, but be thoughtful about the rewards you're offering your pup — whatever treats you're using have to be more interesting than available smells. Start training early and be consistent.
Keep in mind that these are not off-leash dogs: they often can't be trained out of following their noses. Your Beagle needs a well-fenced yard. Nothing else will deter this dog once he's caught wind of an interesting new smell.
CARE & HEALTH
HOW MUCH DO BEAGLES SHED AND WHAT ARE THEIR GROOMING NEEDS?
Beagles have close, hard, short coats that shed a fair amount. Their short coats are relatively easy to maintain — you can probably get by with weekly brushings. But their tendency to roll in things that smell good to them (and probably not to you) can make frequent baths a necessity. You might also want to have the recipe for a solid de-skunking solution handy.
Be sure to check those long ears regularly; debris and wax can build up, contributing to ear infections.
WHAT HEALTH PROBLEMS DO BEAGLES HAVE?
Beagles are generally healthy — actually, they're among the healthiest breeds. Keep an eye on your Beagle's diet — they'll eat just about anything and tend toward obesity. Some develop hip dysplasia or hypothyroidism, but these are relatively rare.
