Dog Breed

Beagle

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Primary image of Beagle dog breed
Full Name
Beagle
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Life Span
13 - 16 years
Weight
20 - 35 pounds
Description

Beagles are small-sized dog breeds and are probably the most amiable of the dogs within the hound family. These guys really need a lot of love and attention. They are curious and enthusiastic, and they need their daily exercise to be able to truly relax. They like to adventure and can serve as excellent hunting dogs. If you are looking for a hunting dog who can also be an excellent home companion, the beagle is your dog.

Origin
England
Bred For
Rabbit, hare hunting
Attachments
    Family Considerations
    Child Friendly

    Is the Beagle good with children?

    Yes! The Beagle is naturally friendly with children. As always, socialization is always important, but the Beagle is an excellent dog for anyone with small children.
    Stranger Friendly

    Is the Beagle friendly with strangers?

    Yes, the Beagle is very friendly with strangers. We still recommend early socialization while the Beagle is a puppy to introduce them to various new people, but in general they are friendly with everyone.
    Dog Friendly

    Is the Beagle friendly with other dogs?

    Yes! The Beagle naturally loves other dogs. As always, socialization is always important, but the Beagle typically gets along with every dog it meets
    Likes to Cuddle

    Does the Beagle like to cuddle?

    The Beagle loves physical affection and cuddles. If you're looking for a cuddle partner you may have found the one!
    Playfulness

    Does the Beagle like to play?

    The Beagle is always ready for play! It's important to keep in mind, as they need to be stimulated with games and affection throughout the day.
    Service Dog Ability

    Does the Beagle make a good service dog?

    The Beagle would not be a great fit as a service dog for several reasons.
    Overall Ease of Breed
    Ease for Novice

    Is the Beagle good for first-time owners?

    The Beagle is not the easiest breed for first-time owners, but can certainly still work out if the owner is willing to put the time into training and exercise.
    Training Potential

    How well can the Beagle be trained?

    The Beagle is about average when it comes to training potential. The Beagle can be seen in competitions and can have advanced training, but it would require much dedication and oftentimes professional training.
    Amount of Shedding

    Does the Beagle shed a lot?

    The Beagle is an average shedder. Beagle owners will probably still tell you it's a lot of shedding, but certain breeds shed even more.
    Ease of Grooming

    Is the Beagle easy to groom?

    The Beagle requires an average amount of grooming. Taking your Beagle to the pet salon will make your life easier, but its possible to groom a Beagle on your own as well.
    Exercise Need

    Does the Beagle need a lot of exercise?

    The Beagle needs a daily exercise partner! The Beagle is best suited for a family where it will get plenty of daily exercise; it has so much energy that exercise is mandatory to avoid destructive behaviors.
    Personality
    Intelligence

    How smart is the Beagle?

    The Beagle has average intelligence. They are smart and witty, but do not need to be constantly challenged mentally, as some other breeds.
    Amount of Barking

    How much does the Beagle bark? Does the Beagle bark too much?

    The Beagle barks all the time. They are big talkers, and want to show it! In general, barking and being expressive can be beneficial, such as for guarding property or livestock. But it is important to consider whether heavy barking suites your lifestyle.
    Guard Dog Ability

    Is the Beagle a good guard dog?

    The Beagle is not typically used as a guard dog, although they can be alert and oftentimes notify you if there is a stranger at the door or otherwise something to be concerned over.
    Tolerates Being Alone

    Is the Beagle good at staying alone? Is the Beagle independent?

    The Beagle does not enjoy being left alone for extended periods. They can do well for a couple of hours alone, but may have anxiety for time beyond that.
    Home and Environment Considerations
    Good for Apartment Living

    Is the Beagle a good apartment dog?

    The Beagle is not a good dog for apartment living for several reasons. It is still possible to make it work if the owner is dedicated to plenty of training and daily exercise, but it may be challenging.
    Size

    How big is the Beagle?

    The Beagle is below average when it comes to size. They are not a "toy" breed, but it is still significantly easier to travel with them.
    Tolerates Heat

    How much does the Beagle tolerate hot weather? When is it too hot for a Beagle?

    The Beagle can tolerate hot weather well. They still prefer having some variation and a cool space to sleep, but overall they can do well in warm climates.
    Tolerates Cold

    How much does the Beagle tolerate cold weather? When is it too cold for a Beagle?

    The Beagle can tolerate some cold, but should not be over-exposed to cold weather. In general, they can live in cold weather climates, but may need clothing on particularly cold evenings or in snow.
    Potential to Run Away

    Does the Beagle try to run away?

    It is natural for the Beagle to run away. They are easily distracted and excited, so the urge to run away should be expected and prepared for- a fenced yard is important.
    Physical Characteristics
    General Health

    Is the Beagle a healthy dog? The health of a Beagle should be measured not just by how many years they live, but also by how many health issues they've had. It is important to know which health conditions your breed is prone to- hip problems, eye problems, bloating, and arthritis are all common dog health problems.

    The Beagle is very healthy, but it is still important to feed the Beagle high-quality food and to live a healthy lifestyle.
    Energy Level

    How energetic is the Beagle?

    The Beagle has a lot of energy and this needs to be considered before bringing the Beagle into your home. Can you give your Beagle enough exercise? They will need several small daily walks, or a large dog park trip to get all of the energy out.
    Amount of Drooling

    How much does the Beagle drool?

    The Beagle drools very little, typically to where it's never a concern.
    Prey Drive

    Does the Beagle have a large prey drive? Does the Beagle like to chase birds, cats, and other small animals?

    The Beagle has a high prey drive and has a natural tendency to chase after any small animal. Every case is unique, but the Beagle may not be the best dog for living with other cats or small animals.
    Athleticism

    Is the Beagle atheltic?

    The Beagle is athletic and has average levels of endurance. They need a lot of exercise, and can be an exercise partner as long as it's nothing too extreme.

Breed Variations

  • Image for the Pocket variation for dog breed

    Pocket

  • Image for the Bluetick variation for dog breed

    Bluetick

  • Image for the Lemon variation for dog breed

    Lemon

  1. Hound
  2. Scenthound
  3. Beagle
The Beagle is a purebred dog that belongs to the Scenthound sub group, which falls under the larger Hound dog breed group.
Hound group: The hound has traditionally been used alongside hunters to track or chase prey. Unlike retrievers who are bred primarily to retrieve and bring back the prey, hounds were typically bred to have excellent vision, scent, or speed to pursue the prey. Because of the Hound's excellent vision, scent, and focus, they are a common police and secret services dog. Hounds are typically categorized into either "scent hounds" or "sight hounds". Both exercise and mental stimulation is important for hounds because of their history. They want to feel they have a "job" and want to go to bed feeling they have done their day's duty.
Scenthound sub-group: The scenthounds were the original hunting dogs. Many go back thousands of years, and their exceptional scent is something that has been passed down through the generations. Typically people think about dogs using their amazing smell for hunting, but it is also used for drug detection, and even finding people lost in the woods. Certain scenthounds have such amazing scent, that they can distinguish an injured person or animal from a non-injured one. Scenthounds can be trained very well, but may need a firm leader. They are used to working a job outside, so are not the ideal apartment dog.

Beagles for adoption

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