Beagle
MediumCurious, friendly, and merry - Beagles are compact, medium-sized hounds with an excellent nose for tracking. They're beloved family pets known for their gentle nature and boundless energy.
Super Sniffer
Family Friendly
High Energy
Vocal
At a Glance
Height
Weight
Life Span
Origin
Characteristics
About Beagles
Beagles are among the most popular hound breeds, originally developed in England for hunting hare. Their compact size, friendly disposition, and excellent scenting ability make them ideal family companions as well as working dogs in various detection roles.
These merry little hounds are known for their gentle nature with children and their ability to get along with other pets. However, their hunting instincts mean they may chase smaller animals, and their powerful nose can lead them astray if not properly contained.
Beagles are pack animals at heart and thrive on companionship. They don't do well when left alone for long periods and may express their displeasure through howling or destructive behavior. Their famous "bay" is a distinctive sound that neighbors should be prepared for!
Perfect For
- • Families with children
- • Active individuals or couples
- • Multi-pet households
- • Those who enjoy outdoor activities
- • People wanting a loyal companion
Consider If
- • You live in an apartment (vocal breed)
- • You're away from home frequently
- • You want a guard dog
- • You have small pets they might chase
🎯 Training & Exercise Tips
Beagles are intelligent but can be stubborn. Their scent drive is incredibly strong, so training requires patience and consistency.
- • Use high-value treats for training
- • Keep sessions short and engaging
- • Always use a leash or secure fence
- • Provide mental stimulation through scent games
Care Guide
Exercise Needs
- • 60+ minutes of daily exercise
- • Long walks and sniffing opportunities
- • Secure, fenced yard for free play
- • Mental stimulation through puzzle games
- • Avoid off-leash areas (strong scent drive)
Grooming
- • Weekly brushing (more during shedding)
- • Regular ear cleaning (floppy ears trap dirt)
- • Nail trimming every 2-3 weeks
- • Occasional baths as needed
- • Daily teeth brushing recommended
Training Focus
- • Recall training is essential
- • Use food motivation effectively
- • Practice "leave it" command frequently
- • Socialize early and often
- • Crate training for alone time
Health Considerations
- • Hip dysplasia screening
- • Eye examinations (cherry eye, glaucoma)
- • Weight management (prone to obesity)
- • Ear infection prevention
- • Epilepsy awareness in some lines
Ready for a Beagle?
Find available Beagles near you or take our quiz to see if this energetic, family-friendly breed matches your lifestyle.