Beagle
Trait scores are tendency indicators from 0-100. Example: 42% alone tolerance roughly maps to around 4 hours alone.
Beagles are merry scent hounds bred to hunt rabbits in packs, and their nose rules their world. These friendly, outgoing dogs are wonderful with children and other dogs, but their powerful hunting instincts make them challenging to recall off-leash, prone to baying and howling, and driven to follow their noses into trouble despite their owners' best training efforts.
Verified source: American Kennel Club profile (2026-02-10)
Quick Facts
AKC VerifiedGroup
Hound
Life Expectancy
10-15 years
Height
13-15 in
Weight
13-30 lb
Alone-Time Tolerance
About 5 hours
Exercise
60 min/day
AKC popularity rank: #7
Hound context: Hounds were bred to track scent or chase game. They often have strong noses, prey drive, and independent streaks.
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (verified 2026-02-10)
Finding Your Beagle
🏠Consider Adoption First
Many wonderful Beagles are waiting in shelters and breed-specific rescues. Adoption saves lives and gives deserving dogs a second chance.
Adoption Resources
Search for Beagles in shelters and rescues near you.
Responsible Breeder Checklist
- Provides health clearances for both parents
- Allows you to visit the breeding facility
- Offers a written health guarantee / contract
- Provides references from previous buyers
- Asks you screening questions about your home
- Breeds only one or two breeds
Whether you adopt or buy from a breeder, always prioritize the dog's health and well-being. Avoid puppy mills and pet stores that source from irresponsible breeders. For Beagles, ensure health testing for common breed-specific conditions.
Life Stage Simulator
Who This Breed Fits
Watch Out For
A Day in the Life
A purposeful walk and short training game helps them settle for the day.
Most do best with another activity block before winding down near their people.
Longer outings and enrichment games noticeably improve behavior and sleep quality.
People often underestimate how quickly behavior slips when routines are inconsistent.
Exercise & Activity
Plan on around 60 minutes of daily activity split between walks and mental games. Consistency matters more than occasional long outings.
High
High
Mental Enrichment Ideas
Health
Long-term outcomes improve with weight control, regular preventive care, and condition-specific monitoring for known breed risks.
Known Health Concerns
Abnormal hip joint development can lead to pain and arthritis over time.
Environmental allergies can cause chronic itching and recurrent skin or ear issues.
Plaque and periodontal disease are common without consistent home dental care.
Size, exercise demand, and care complexity determine boarding availability and price.
Behavior Reality Check
Good news! This breed typically has manageable behavior traits with proper training and socialization. Of course, individual dogs vary, but Beagles generally don't present severe behavioral challenges.
Temperament & Traits
All traits rated on a 0-100 scale representing tendency scores.
Lifestyle & Activity
High
High
~8h alone capacity
High
Social & Compatibility
Moderate
Very High
Very High
Moderate
Moderate
Training & Behavior
Moderate
High
Low
Very High
Maintenance & Care
Low
Moderate
High
Very Low
Environment & Adaptability
Low
High
Moderate
Low
Moderate
Grooming & Coat
Low
Moderate
High
Very Low
Coat care needs depend on coat type, but weekly brushing and routine nail, ear, and dental care are baseline requirements. Professional grooming frequency rises sharply for curly, silky, and wire coats.
Shedding varies by coat type; double-coated breeds and many mixes shed heavily during seasonal coat changes.
Common Barking Triggers
Lifestyle Planner
PROInteractive Cost Calculator
Adjust the options below to see how your choices affect ownership costs.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Annual Cost Summary
Estimates based on breed size, grooming needs, and health risk. Actual costs vary by location, individual dog health, and lifestyle choices. Emergency vet visits and unexpected health issues not included.
10-Year Cost Calculator
PRONeighborhood Compatibility
Breed History
Origin
The Beagle originated in United Kingdom.
Original Purpose
Beagle lines were developed for scent/sight hunting. That working role still shows up today in temperament, stamina, and day-to-day needs.
Breed Group: Hound. Hounds were bred to track scent or chase game. They often have strong noses, prey drive, and independent streaks.
In modern homes, this history matters because it predicts what helps the dog thrive: enough movement, clear structure, and outlets that match their original instincts.
Fun Facts
Beagles have 220 million scent receptors (humans have 6 million), and they're so obsessed with smells that they'll ignore a steak in front of them if they catch a whiff of something 'better.'
The breed was originally called 'pocket beagles' because some were only 8–9 inches tall and English nobles kept them in—literal—pockets while hunting.
Beagles have a stubborn streak so notorious that dog trainers call them 'velcro noses' because once they're on a scent, they'll drag their owners anywhere without stopping.
A Beagle was immortalized in the 1960s as the first dog in space (aboard a NASA flight), surviving radiation exposure and re-entry—all for science.
Beagles' baying howl is distinct from regular barking and was specifically bred into them to signal to hunters across long distances; it's genetically loud.
Famous Beagle Dogs
Snoopy
One of the most recognizable fictional dogs in the world from Peanuts.
Uno
First Beagle to win Best in Show at Westminster (2008).
Practical Next Steps
First-Month Supplies Checklist
Breeder Red Flags
Preparation Timeline
Week Before
Purchase all supplies, puppy-proof your home, choose a veterinarian, and set up training schedule.
Day 1
Gentle introduction to home, establish crate/bed location, first bathroom break routine, quiet time to adjust.
Week 1
Vet checkup, start basic training, establish feeding routine, begin socialization carefully.
Month 1
Continue consistent training - patience is key with this breed. Regular vet visits for vaccinations, establish grooming routine.
Training Priorities for Beagles
- • Early "quiet" command training to manage barking
- • Extensive socialization with people and other dogs
- • Patient, consistent training - this breed needs extra time
Recommended Products
Dental Care
Regular dental care prevents costly vet bills and keeps your dog healthy long-term.
Shop Dental Care →Is Beagle right for you?
Use our breed matcher to see how Beagle compares to other breeds based on your lifestyle.
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Quick facts for Beagle are cross-checked against publicly available American Kennel Club breed pages.
AKC source: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/beagle/ (verified 2026-02-10)
AKC sync coverage: 188/188 non-mix breeds as of February 10, 2026.
Last updated: February 10, 2026
Sources: American Kennel Club (AKC) breed profiles, Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) breed standards, United Kennel Club (UKC) breed standards, Merck Veterinary Manual (canine health references), Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) screening guidance, AKC: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/beagle/