- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Beagle puppies are irresistible with their long, soft, floppy ears and big brown eyes. They resemble adult Beagles in a mini-sized package. But don’t let their small size fool you. Beagle puppies are full of energy and a curiosity to explore every scent their little noses get a whiff of.
While adult Beagles will continue to have relatively high energy as they age, training them when they’re puppies can help channel that enthusiasm into walks, hikes, scent games, and other fun activities together. Building foundational skills during puppyhood will ensure your Beagle grows into a friendly, well-adjusted companion.
If you’re looking to bring home a Beagle puppy, there are a few routes you can take. Purchasing from a reputable breeder typically costs between $500 and $2,000, whereas adoption fees from a Beagle puppy rescue are around $50 to $300.
Keep reading to learn more about common Beagle puppy characteristics to see if you’re a good fit for this happy-go-lucky hunting breed.
Key Puppy Beagle Facts
- Litter size: Beagles can have anywhere from one to 10 puppies in a litter. While this is a wide range, the size typically stays consistent depending on the mother. For instance, if a Beagle has a small litter for the first time, she’s likely to continue having small litters.
- Puppy weight: At birth, Beagles weigh between 5 and 10 ounces. By the time they’re ready to leave their mother, at about two months old, they weigh around 5 pounds.
- Puppy temperament: “Beagle puppies are curious, affectionate, energetic, and incredibly driven by scent,” says Grace Cox, a rescue associate at the Beagle Freedom Project (BFP).
- Energy levels: Due to their high energy, Beagle puppies are prone to mischief when bored and will resort to chewing, digging, barking, and escaping to entertain themselves.
- Maturity: Beagle puppies reach their full height by the time they turn a year old. They may take a few more months to reach their full weight and a couple of years to reach full emotional and mental maturity.
- Unique traits: Beagle pups have a tendency to easily get distracted due to their incredible sense of smell. They’re likely to blow off their guardians when tracking a tempting scent, which is why they’re often labeled as “stubborn.” Beagles also are very vocal, baying and howling when excited.
- Bonding likelihood: Beagles are affectionate puppies and seem to love everyone in a household. Because they’re highly food-motivated, they may show a slight preference for the person feeding them.
Where To Find Beagle Puppies
Beagle puppies are relatively easy to locate among breeders, as well as in rescues and shelters. Unfortunately, due to their high energy and vocal tendencies, Beagles have a high “return rate.” Their gentle nature also makes them susceptible to being used in animal testing laboratories; organizations like the Beagle Freedom Project (BFP) work to rescue and rehabilitate these Beagles.
- Show breeders: Whether you want to raise a show dog or find a reputable Beagle breeder, the National Beagle Club provides a list of resources, including breeders throughout the U.S.
- Online marketplaces: You can also find Beagles through online marketplaces, like the American Kennel Club (AKC) Marketplace or Good Dog. With both, it’s essential to do background checks on the breeders to ensure they’re following ethical practices.
- Rescue groups: Beagle-specific rescues, such as BFP and BREW, help rehome Beagles throughout the United States. Your local animal shelters and rescues are also excellent resources for Beagles looking for their forever homes.
Recommended health tests
Along with the standard heartworm and parasite tests, talk with your vet, breeder, or rescue about other common health concerns among Beagle puppies.
“If you’re getting a Beagle from a reputable breeder, make sure the parents are free of any health problems and insist on seeing the parents,” advises the rescue volunteers at BREW. “If the breeder balks, walk away; they are hiding something.”
Other potential ailments you should be aware of with Beagle puppies include:
- “Funny puppy” syndrome, or shaking puppy syndrome, is where puppies will display tremors and/or shaking that’s linked to developmental issues.
- Neonatal cerebellar cortical degeneration (NCCD) is a neurological disorder characterized by impaired balance, coordination, and gait abnormalities.
- Primary open-angle glaucoma (associated with the ADAMTS10 gene mutation) is commonly found in Beagles and causes increased pressure in the eye that can lead to nerve damage and vision loss.
Beagle Puppy Physical Characteristics
While some breeders will advertise “pocket” or “mini” Beagles, the AKC only recognizes one standard breed of Beagle that comes in two sizes: those 13 inches in height and under and weigh 20 pounds, and those 13-15 inches and weigh 20-30 pounds.
Just like other small to medium-sized breeds, Beagle puppies experience periods of rapid growth during their first few months. They will continue to grow until they’re approximately a year old, though it may take some Beagles up to 18 months to completely fill out. Beagles also take longer to mature emotionally and mentally, usually taking until they’re two or three years old.
| Age | Approx. Height | Approx. Weight | Tips |
| 8 weeks | 5-6 inches | 4-6 pounds | Puppy-proof your home. Keep cords, small objects, and other chewing and choking hazards out of your Beagle puppy’s path. |
| 12 weeks | 7-8 inches | 7-10 pounds | Provide plenty of activities to keep your growing Beagle puppy engaged, but avoid high-impact exercise while their joints are still developing. |
| 6 months | 9-11 inches | 12-18 pounds | Your Beagle puppy will be entering his teenage stage and have a lot of energy and confidence. Monitor for overexertion and continue foundational training to curb behaviors like pulling, barking, and begging. |
| 1 year | 13-15 inches | 20-30 pounds | Your pup will likely have stopped growing at this point, though he may still fill out over the next few months. Avoid overfeeding to prevent weight gain now that he’s his mature size. |
Raising a Well-Adjusted Beagle Puppy
Though Beagles are naturally easygoing dogs, it’s important to start training them as soon as possible due to their independent and curious nature. The ideal pet parent for this breed will be patient and willing to invest the time necessary to meet their physical and mental needs.
Breed-specific training needs
Working on a solid recall early on with your puppy is a good idea, especially since Beagles can become extremely focused on scents and develop “selective hearing.” Leash skills can also come in handy, as many Beagles may never be reliable off-leash because of their strong sniffers. “Their scent drive can make it challenging to call them back to you once they’re on a trail, which is why supervision is always key,” says Cox. There’s no shame in relying on a long line to give your Beagle pup more freedom while still keeping them safe!
Since Beagles are so vocal, implementing management and positive training methods to curb excessive barking during puppyhood can go a long way. Just know that this is a trait that runs genetically deep, and the Beagle melody is part of their overall charm.
Because these pups are highly food-motivated, teach them to act politely around food when they’re a puppy to help prevent unwanted behaviors like begging and counter surfing. Consistently using treats as a reward may also help them develop a less scarcity-minded approach to food, although they’ll likely remain enthusiastic about it.
Socialization
Beagles are a social and friendly breed. However, due to their hunting instincts, they may require additional training when it comes to interacting with cats or other small animals that could trigger their prey drive. Early socialization with cats and other small pets can significantly influence how they act around these animals later on in life.
Potty training
Positive methods and maintaining a routine are two musts when potty training a Beagle puppy. They’re a breed that’s usually quick to learn the ropes. Still, due to their strong nose, you’ll want to clean up any accidents quickly and thoroughly to avoid the risk of repeat incidents. Enzymatic cleaners work particularly well in eliminating urine stains and smells.
Crate training
Since Beagles were bred to hunt in packs and love being around people and other dogs, they’re at a greater risk of developing separation anxiety. Gradually practicing intentional periods of separation during puppyhood can help your Beagle gain the confidence to spend time alone. Creating a positive association with a crate can also provide them with a safe space to hang out when they’re alone.
It’s important, however, to ensure that you get your pup comfortable with the crate while you’re still there, so they don’t associate it with you leaving. “Once this has been established as a positive experience and not punishment, crating them when you leave is less stressful for everyone,” point out the volunteers at BREW.
Lifestyle, exercise & activities
Beagles are an active breed that requires at least an hour of exercise each day. While puppies will need more naps than adult dogs, they’ll still need plenty of activities to keep them both mentally and physically enriched. Cox recommends activities like chase and fetch games, gentle hikes or long walks, food puzzles and treat toys, and playtime with other dogs. Getting your Beagle puppy involved in dog sports like nose work and barn hunting is a fun way to engage in breed-specific outlets together.
Thanawath Seangsuriyapone via iStock
Grooming Routine for Beagle Puppies
Beagle puppies tend to have moderate grooming needs, thanks to their short-haired coats. You’ll want to brush them with a bristle brush once a week and bathe them regularly, about every four to six weeks, like other short-haired pups. Consistent brushing and bathing can help mitigate the characteristic “doggy smell” that Beagles are known to sport.
You’ll also want to stay on top of ear cleaning (about once a week). While adorable, a Beagle’s long, floppy ears can become a breeding ground for bacteria, causing more frequent ear infections. Starting a dental routine with your pup is essential, too, to prevent dental disease.
Health Considerations
Beagles are generally a healthy breed, but monitoring common conditions in these dogs helps ensure they live a long, healthy life. One specific area to keep an eye on is their weight. Due to their high food drive, Beagles are prone to becoming overweight and obese. Ensure your puppy’s portion sizes are comparable to their activity levels (with your vet’s guidance, of course). Consider also using slow feeders and food dispensers to help your pup feel more satiated and satisfied during meals.
Essential Beagle Puppy List
Before you bring your new Beagle puppy home, there are a few necessary items to have on hand to keep this spunky breed safe and entertained. Some essential Beagle items include the following:
- Well-fitted harness: This playful, active breed is driven by its nose and prone to pulling when excited. A harness can help protect their necks and joints while you teach them leash skills and self-regulation.
- Chew toys: Like many other young pups, Beagle puppies have a strong urge to chew, especially during their teething stage. To prevent them from turning to your tables and furniture, keep a variety of chew toys around your house and within their reach.
- Scent toys: Snuffle mats and scent games that engage your Beagle puppy’s nose will help keep them entertained.
- Puzzle toys: Along with scent toys, treat puzzles are also an excellent option for channeling your Beagle’s food drive and getting some energy out.
Resources
Beagle. (n.d.) https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/beagle
Average Litter Sizes: How Many Dogs Are Born in a Litter (2021) https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/average-litter-size
Neonatal Cerebellar Cortical Degeneration (NCCD) in Beagles (n.d) https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/test/nccd-beagle
Cox, G. (2025) Personal interview
Volunteers at BREW. (2025) Personal interview
