Beagle Dog: Facts, Care & Tips To Know

Beagles come in two sizes. The smaller version reaches a height of 13 inches or less at the shoulder, while the larger Beagle breed stands 13 to 15 inches at the shoulder.

The smaller Beagle breed typically weighs 20 pounds or under, while larger Beagles weigh between 20 and 30 pounds. 

While a diverse group, most hounds were initially bred for hunting purposes. 

Beagles commonly have a tricolored coat that’s black, tan, and white. However, they can also display other color combinations, like black and tan or red and white, and have ticked markings. 

With a smooth, short-haired double coat, Beagles shed moderately throughout the year, with spring often being the peak shedding season. 

Beagles are high-energy dogs and require at least an hour of exercise per day. 

While they may not bark incessantly, Beagles are notorious for being a vocal breed. They’re not afraid to bark, bay, and howl to communicate, especially when excited (like when catching a whiff of a critter).

Beagles are friendly, loyal, and affectionate, making them excellent family dogs. They can be stubborn, but respond well to training, especially when treats are used as incentives.

On average, the mid-size Beagle lives between 10 and 15 years.

Beagles are generally a healthy breed, but due to their long, floppy ears, they’re prone to ear infections. Other common ailments include allergies, obesity, and epilepsy.

Beagles are playful and energetic dogs who require a lot of daily physical and mental stimulation. 

The outgoing Beagle typically forms strong bonds with their humans and other pets in the household. They get along well with other canines, but coexisting with cats may take extra training due to their prey drive.

Described as “a nose on paws,” these incredible dogs boast over 225 million scent receptors, making them exceptional hunters and trackers. A Beagle’s distinct and loud bay can be heard deep in the forest, alerting hunters of small game. This breed’s determination and stamina also make them dependable hunting companions.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has also utilized the Beagle’s keen sense of smell through the Beagle Brigade. Founded in 1984, this program uses Beagles to detect food, plant, and animal products prohibited in the U.S. Along with their superior sniffers, Beagles are the preferred breed for this initiative due to their gentle demeanor, high food drive, and smaller size.

Beagles became a popular source of creative inspiration, especially in mid-20th-century pop culture. Iconic American illustrator Norman Rockwell often opted for a Beagle as his dog of choice when depicting American life. In 1950, Cartoonist Charles M. Schulz gave the breed a huge boost with the creation of Snoopy in the debut of his comic strip Peanuts. Later in 1978, Jim Davis created Odie, a yellow-furred, brown-eared Beagle, to be Garfield’s best friend (and often unknowingly victim).

The Beagle’s adorable, long, floppy ears make them more prone to ear infections. To prevent this issue, clean your dog’s ears regularly and watch for signs of infection, such as head shaking, scratching or pawing at the ears, redness or swelling, or a foul odor emanating from the ears.

Along with ear infections, Beagles are prone to both environmental and food allergies. Medicated shampoos, wipes, and sprays can provide relief. You can also talk to your vet about prescribing oral medications like Apoquel if your Beagle is particularly itchy.

Beagles are chow hounds and obsessed with food. Ensuring your Beagle isn’t overeating and gets enough exercise is a crucial step in maintaining a healthy weight. If they need help slowing down to feel more satiated at mealtimes, consider offering their dinner in a slow feeder or food puzzle.

Epilepsy is particularly common among the Beagle dog breed, with seizures typically beginning between 18 months and 5 years. This neurological condition is often managed with anti-seizure medication.

Beagles are moderate shedders year-round, shedding a bit more heavily during the spring as they get rid of their winter coats. Weekly brushing, regular bathing, and frequent ear cleaning can also combat loose fur and the musky “Beagle smell.” To further tackle their infamous odor, dry their coat immediately after bathing them, as wet fur strengthens the smell.

Bred to have boundless energy on the hunt, Beagles require at least an hour of daily exercise to meet their physical needs. Breaking up activities throughout the day, like walks, playtime, and training, will help keep your Beagle engaged (and make things more manageable for you).

Because Beagles follow their nose above all else, they tend to get distracted and wander off when they catch a whiff of an interesting scent. This independent nature can be challenging to train, but with patience and consistency, you can teach them to engage with you through the distractions. (A long line will also come in handy when out with this independent breed.)

The good news? Beagles are highly food-motivated. Positive reinforcement methods are incredibly effective for this breed. The bad news is that your Beagle is likely to beg for your food. Implementing management techniques (such as blocking access to the kitchen with dog gates) and teaching your dog a new behavior (such as going to a bed, mat, crate, or other specific place) while you eat can help curb this habit.

Beagles are a smart breed with a phenomenal sense of smell who thrive on opportunities to channel their instinctual hunting and tracking abilities. Along with daily exercise, ensure your Beagle is getting enough mental enrichment through activities like long, sniffy walks, and scent games and puzzles, such as snuffle mats and hide-and-seek.

Depending on their size, Beagles should eat small or medium-breed dog food that’s appropriate for their age. Since they’re prone to obesity, it’s essential to monitor the amount of food they consume to maintain a healthy weight. 

Beagles adapt to most climates, though they may need extra care in extreme hot and cold conditions. Due to their short hair, they may require an additional layer of protection, such as a jacket or sweater, to stay warm during the winter months. In hotter weather, enforce shade and water breaks to help them stay cool, as Beagles may have trouble finding their “off button” when there are interesting sniffs around.

This energetic breed does best in active households that can provide daily mental and physical stimulation. Beagles may also require extra training in small apartment spaces due to their tendency to be more vocal, especially when left alone. 

Daily walks and the ability to take time to sniff and explore the world with their noses will go a long way with this breed. Other favorite activities include nosework and scent games, hiking, and interactive play. Beagles also excel in dog sports such as Barn Hunt and Lure Coursing.

When out and about with your Beagle, their scent-tracking instincts can take over, so it’s often not a good idea to take them off-leash. 

Beagles are playful, happy-go-lucky dogs. While they tend to form close bonds with their humans, they also do well with meeting strangers. 

Beagles are good with children and other pets (though cats may take more training and early socialization due to their prey drive). “Beagles standardly do well with other dogs and often thrive in homes with canine companions,” adds Cox.