Beagle
AKC & CKC Hound Group
Two Sizes
Is This the Right Breed for You?
✔ Excellent Match For
- Active families who enjoy daily walks and outdoor adventures
- First-time dog owners looking for a friendly, adaptable companion
- People who want a merry, sociable dog that gets along with everyone
- Those who appreciate a dog with moderate exercise needs and a playful spirit
• Excellent family dog: Gentle, patient, and great with children.
• Adaptable size: Fits well in apartments or houses with yards.
• Low grooming needs: Short coat requires minimal maintenance.
✖ Consider Carefully If
- You need a quiet dog (Beagles are vocal and have a distinctive bay)
- You want off-leash reliability (their nose leads them everywhere)
- You dislike stubborn streaks (they're scent hounds, not always eager to please)
- You have a low food tolerance (they're notorious counter-surfers)
• Escaping artists: Will follow their nose and escape yards if not securely contained.
• Food obsession: Prone to obesity if food intake isn't carefully monitored.
• Loud vocalization: Their bay carries and may disturb neighbors.
Owner Suitability
Beagles are merry, friendly companions with incredible noses that often lead them into trouble. They're excellent family dogs but require secure fencing and patient training. Their food motivation makes them easy to train with treats, but also makes them prone to obesity. Be prepared for their distinctive voice and independent streak—they're hounds first, pets second.Stats:
- Height: Under 13" | 13-17"
- Weight: Under 20 lbs | 20-30 lbs
- Coat: Short, dense, and weather-resistant
- Colors: Tri-color (black, tan, white), lemon, red & white
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
Origin & History
The Beagle's origins trace back to 16th century England, where they were developed as scent hounds to hunt rabbits and other small game. Their name likely comes from the French word "be'geule" referring to their melodious bay. Smaller versions called "pocket beagles" were popular with English royalty, including Queen Elizabeth I who kept packs of these miniature hounds.
Today, while still used for hunting, Beagles are primarily family companions and working dogs - their incredible noses make them valuable for detection work at airports and border crossings.
With their merry personality and pleading expression, Beagles have become one of America's most popular breeds, ranking consistently in the top 10 most registered breeds with the AKC.
| Traits: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy: High; needs daily exercise and mental stimulation | ✓ | ||||
| Easy To Train: Intelligent but easily distracted by scents | ✓ | ||||
| Grooming: Low maintenance; weekly brushing | ✓ | ||||
| Family Dog: Excellent; gentle and great with children | ✓ | ||||
| Watchdog: Will bark at intruders | ✓ | ||||
| Beginner Friendly: Good for first-time owners with patience | ✓ | ||||
| Prey Drive: High; will follow scents relentlessly | ✓ | ||||
| Barking: Frequent; known for baying and howling | ✓ | ||||
| Good with other dogs: Excellent; friendly, pack-oriented nature. | ✓ |
Health Concerns:
- Obesity: Prone to weight gain without proper exercise
- Epilepsy: Seizure disorder
- Hypothyroidism: Underactive thyroid gland
- Intervertebral Disc Disease: Spinal condition
- Cherry Eye: Prolapsed gland in the eye
- Patellar Luxation: Slipping kneecaps
- Ear Infections: Due to long, floppy ears
Please check the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) and parent breed clubs for health information.
Glossary of general canine health conditions.