A merry, nose-first scent hound who will follow a smell anywhere โ including away from you.
Origin
England
Size
Medium
Weight
9โ14 kg
Lifespan
12โ15 years
Apartment-friendly
Not ideal
Energy
Grooming needs
Trainability
Affection
Beagles were bred to hunt hares in packs, following scent for hours. That gives them a friendly, sociable nature and a legendary nose โ and a tendency to ignore you when a good smell appears.
They are cheerful family dogs but can be vocal and are escape artists. Secure fencing and a long lead are essential.
With children: Excellent โ cheerful and sturdy; a pack-oriented dog that enjoys company.
The full profile
Temperament, exercise, grooming, training, feeding, health watch-list, and the ideal home โ unlocks with a short ad.
๐ Temperament
Friendly, curious, and merry. Beagles generally get on well with other dogs. They howl or "bay" and can be noisy if bored or left alone.
๐พ Exercise
An hour or more of daily exercise, with lots of sniffing time. Scent games and tracking activities are ideal.
๐ชฎ Grooming
Short, weatherproof coat; weekly brushing. Their long ears need regular checks for infection.
๐ Training
Intelligent but independent and easily distracted. Use high-value food rewards and patience. Recall training is a long-term project; many Beagles should stay on lead in open areas.
๐ฅฃ Feeding
Measured meals and limited treats โ Beagles will always act hungry.
Health watch-list
Obesity
Beagles are notorious food thieves. Secure bins and measure meals.
Ear infections
Check and clean ears regularly.
Epilepsy
Idiopathic epilepsy occurs in the breed and is usually manageable with medication.
Hypothyroidism
Can cause weight gain and lethargy; diagnosed with a blood test.
The ideal home
Active families with secure gardens and patience for a nose-driven, sometimes noisy companion.
Fun fact
Beagles' sense of smell makes them one of the most widely used breeds for airport detection work.
Breed profiles describe general tendencies โ every animal is an individual. Health information here is
general and not veterinary advice. Ask your veterinarian about screening, diet, and care for your own pet,
and choose breeders or rescues who health-test and can answer your questions openly.
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