Beagle

Beagle dog

Cheerful, curious scent hound with a powerful nose and love of exploring.

Size Weight Height Lifespan
Medium 20 - 30 lbs 13 - 15 inches 10 - 15 years
(These are estimates and may vary.)

Origin: United Kingdom



Own a Beagle? Share what activities they enjoy to help other dog owners.

Running Digging Swimming Exploring Playing with Toys Obedience Training Tracking Herding Fetch Hiking Socializing Tug Of War Frisbee Chewing Agility Training Cuddling Guarding Hunting

Know a Beagle? Share their personality traits to help other dog owners.

Clever Protective Affectionate Stubborn Confident Fearless Friendly Docile Energetic Calm Patient Aggressive Gentle Sociable Adaptable Playful Independent Clever Agile Loyal

May be a good fit if you:

  • Want a dog that is generally responsive to consistent, positive training.
  • Are looking for a breed that generally does well with children.
  • Want a dog that generally gets along well with other dogs.

Things to consider:

  • This breed may not do well when left alone for long periods.
  • This breed may be less suited to smaller living spaces.

Small scent hounds have been used to hunt hare and rabbit in Britain for centuries, although the exact ancestry of the modern Beagle is difficult to trace. References to small hunting hounds appear long before today's breed was standardized, and by the 1500s English hunters commonly maintained packs of smaller hounds for pursuing hare. Some historical varieties were remarkably small, including so-called Pocket or Glove Beagles associated with the English court. The modern Beagle emerged much later as breeders organized and standardized the type during the 19th century. Unlike hunters who followed faster hounds on horseback, people could follow Beagles on foot, making this style of hunting accessible without requiring a horse. Beagles worked together in packs and were selected for scenting ability, stamina, and a voice hunters could follow across the countryside. Those traits remain obvious today: even a household Beagle can quickly forget everything else when an interesting scent crosses its path.

Frequently Asked Questions About Beagle

The Beagle is not generally considered hypoallergenic. Individual allergy reactions can vary.

The Beagle tends to have a moderate level of shedding.

The Beagle generally has relatively manageable grooming needs.

The Beagle is generally a high-energy breed that tends to enjoy an active routine.

The Beagle tends to need plenty of regular physical activity and mental stimulation.

The Beagle is generally highly trainable and tends to respond well to consistent, positive training.

The Beagle generally tends to do well with children when properly socialized and supervised.

The Beagle generally tends to get along well with other dogs when properly socialized.

The Beagle is generally considered relatively approachable for first-time dog owners.

The Beagle may be less suited to apartment living and may benefit from more space.