Beagles 101

Hound group

Beagles are friendly dogs with a distinctive bark (known as a bay) whose No. 1 priority is following a hot scent while ignoring most everything and everyone else. These happy, sturdy hounds are great with kids and usually get along well with other family pets.

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That hound sound is the best around

They are smart dogs who learn things easily but consider obedience rather optional. This comes from the Beagle’s past as a hunting hound working on their own instincts, and should not be taken as an insult. A secure yard and a leash may always be necessary to keep Beagles from going their own way, although consistent manners training may help. That’s especially true if food is involved, since Beagles have a good appetite and, not too surprisingly, a tendence towards obesity that must be managed.

Energy level
Energy LevelEnergy Level
Bark level
  • bark-very-vocalVery vocal
  • bark-talkativeTalkative
  • bark-as-neededAs needed
Size
11 to 15 inches tall
Group Size Medium
Lifespan
10 to 15 years
020
Weight
15 to 30 lbs
0150

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Mature adult Beagle

6 years to 9 years

Risk level for common Beagle conditions

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Intervertebral disc disease

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Hypothyroid disease

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Seizures

Senior Beagle

10+ years

Risk level for common Beagle conditions

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Urinary cancer

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Cushings disease

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Liver cancer

Beagle puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Beagle conditions

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Ear infection

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Gastritis

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Urinary tract infection

Young adult Beagle

7 months to 5 years

Risk level for common Beagle conditions

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Toxicity

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Foreign body ingestion

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Ear infection

Mature adult Beagle

6 years to 9 years

Risk level for common Beagle conditions

risk-level-bar

Intervertebral disc disease

risk-level-bar

Hypothyroid disease

risk-level-bar

Seizures

Senior Beagle

10+ years

Risk level for common Beagle conditions

risk-level-bar

Urinary cancer

risk-level-bar

Cushings disease

risk-level-bar

Liver cancer

Beagle puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Beagle conditions

risk-level-bar

Ear infection

risk-level-bar

Gastritis

risk-level-bar

Urinary tract infection

Young adult Beagle

7 months to 5 years

Risk level for common Beagle conditions

risk-level-bar

Toxicity

risk-level-bar

Foreign body ingestion

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Ear infection

2-Beagle standing up GettyImages-1154953449

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3-Fun fact Beagle GettyImages-1064619358

Snoopy, the beagle from the comic strip "Peanuts," is an iconic fictional character. Introduced in 1950, he won hearts with his adventures and unique personality. Displaying human-like traits, Snoopy was Charlie Brown's loyal and imaginative companion. He remains a beloved symbol of Beagle charm.

Beagle coat care and colors

The coat of the Beagle is easy to care for: Sleek and short, all it needs is weekly brushing and an occasional bath. While most Beagles are black, tan, and white, the breed actually comes in almost a dozen recognized colors and patterns, and at least that many more not approved for the show ring. Among the more interesting: lemon and white, and bluetick and white.

Keeping nails short is important to the Beagle’s health. Avoid wrestling matches in adult dogs by acclimating puppies to having their feet and nails handled.

Do Beagles shed a lot?

All dogs shed, some a little and some a lot. Beagles shed minimally. The perception of how much a dog sheds is typically related to how much fur ends up on clothing, furniture and carpets. Regular brushing and bathing as needed will reduce your Beagle's shedding.

How often should I bathe my Beagle?

There’s no need to wait until your Beagle is filthy or stinky to bathe them. Healthy Beagles do well with 1 to 3 baths monthly, though may be bathed as often as weekly, or as little as a few times a year depending on the dog. You can extend the time between baths with regular brushing.

Should I trim my Beagle's coat?

Your Beagle doesn't need trimming. Brushing and nail trims will keep your Beagle looking great.

Beagle exercise & training

Loves walks

Exercise level

A Beagle is happiest following their noses for miles. Neighborhood walks are fine, but they thrive when exploring new areas with exciting smells for them to enjoy.

Independent study

Trainability

Beagles love their people, but they often disagree with them when it comes to following their noses instead of coming when called. Encourage good behavior with praise and tiny treats.

Group 7731

Beagle fun facts

Top girl names for Beagles

100%

of Beagles are female

0%

of Beagles are male

Top boy names for Beagles

Nationwide loves Beagles of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

Other breeds like Beagles

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