What is a Beagle?

Outgoing and friendly, the Beagle is a great family dog which gets on with adults, kids and pets alike. They do need a lot of exercise, and should have early recall training to stop them chasing their nose for miles. While generally healthy, they can be prone to certain health conditions, including ear infections and epilepsy. Oh, and they love a good bark or howl.

A guide to owning a Beagle

Originally bred for hunting, Beagles still retain a powerful sense of smell, tracking prowess and pack instincts. When not chatting to small yellow birds or chasing The Red Baron, they’re very happy being sociable, loyal family pets. But their curious minds and strong scent drive means they need attentive ownership.

As with all breeds, it’s best to do some research before committing to a Beagle. Here we look at what you need to know, such as their common health issues, temperament, exercise and grooming needs.

Are Beagles good family dogs?

With proper socialisation, they’re great family dogs. They’re friendly, outgoing and gentle. Plus they love their family enormously, getting on well with kids and other pets. Play can be energetic and occasionally boisterous, so a family which matches this energy may work best.

Beagle size and appearance

The Beagle is a small-to-medium-sized sturdy dog with a classic hound-like look. They’re usually about 33-40cm tall at the shoulders, weighing between 9-14kg, with males usually being slightly larger than females.

Beagles have long drooping ears, and a broad head with large expressive brown eyes. Their tail is usually carried high and has a white tip, which was originally bred into them to help hunters spot them in tall grass.

Their short, dense coat that is weather-resistant, coming in a few colours:

• Tricolour (black, white and tan)
• Pied (a white base coat with coloured patches), eg:
  • Badger pied (with dark patches)
  • Hare pied (tan/red patches)
  • Lemon pied

Other colours are recognised by the Kennel Club, but these are among the most common.

What were Beagles bred for?

Beagles were bred for hunting rabbit and hare, which is actually known as beagling. They’ve got an incredible sense of smell, and are great trackers.

What is the Beagle’s temperament?

The Beagle’s personality is:

• Friendly and outgoing: They’re good pals, who do best when in company – whether that’s human or other dogs.
• Loving and loyal: Beagles are big fans of their family, and will stick by them no matter what.
• Independent: They’re strong-willed, and can be stubborn, which can make training a challenge.
• Inquisitive: Beagles have a big curious streak, always wanting to sniff out what’s going on.
• Strong hunting instinct: The scent of blood is strong with these pups, so be mindful when they’re around smaller pets.
• Talkative. Beagles are naturally vocal, so be prepared for some persistent barking or howling.

Can Beagles be left alone?

Not for extended periods, no. They’re a pack animal, used to being surrounded by other beasts – you included. Leaving them alone can lead to separation anxiety, boredom and destructive behaviours. And did we mention the howling? Lots of that.

No dog should be left for longer than four hours. If you do need to leave your Beagle alone for any length of time, be sure they have access to fresh water, plus familiar and comforting items such as their favourite toys and blankets.

How much exercise does a Beagle need?

Lots. With their hunting background, Beagles are super energetic and active, having a strong need for physical and mental stimulation. They’ll need at least an hour of exercise daily, including walks, playtime and scent-based activities.

On this point, be aware that their keen noses can get them into trouble. They’re easily distracted by smells, and may follow a scent trail for miles if they’re not secured. This is why early recall training is absolutely essential. Plus you’ll need to make sure your garden is escape-proof.

Can Beagles swim?

While Beagles can swim, they’re not naturally strong swimmers, and many don’t like being in the water. If you do take them in, start slowly in the shallows, and keep them under constant supervision. If you’re a family of water babies, consider getting your Beagle some form of float.

Our expert says…

“Beagles often lead the charge on family adventures, but they are predisposed to several health conditions that can slow them down.

“Epilepsy is seen in the breed, including Lafora’s disease – a rare, inherited and progressive form for which pre-breeding testing is recommended. Beagles are also known to develop meningitis (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord) and intervertebral disc disease (slipped disks).

“Their long, floppy ears make ear infections (otitis) relatively common, especially when moisture, grass seeds or allergies irritate the delicate ear canal. Cherry eye – where the tear gland pops into view in the corner of the eye – often needs surgery.

“Hip dysplasia and cruciate ligament injuries can affect Beagle joints. Hypothyroidism is well-recognised in the breed, leading to weight gain, lethargy and skin problems.

“Several serious but thankfully rare genetic conditions should be screened for before breeding:

• Factor VII Deficiency (affecting blood clotting)
• Imerslund-Gräsbeck Syndrome (vitamin B12 malabsorption)
• Musladin-Lueke syndrome (developmental issues)
• Neonatal Cerebellar Cortical Degeneration (balance and coordination problems).

“Buying a Beagle from a breeder who does all the necessary screening can remove several things from your worry list. And ear care and weight control help with a great many more.”

Dr Nicole Olewinski BVSc MRCVS

Meet our pet experts

How long do Beagles live?

They’re generally pretty healthy dogs, with an average lifespan of around 12-15 years.

What are the common health issues for a Beagle?

Like all dogs, they’re prone to certain health conditions. These can include hip dysplasia, epilepsy, hypothyroidism and ear infections.

They also have a strong appetite, meaning they can become overweight if you don’t stay on top of their diet. As much as they should get a lot of exercise, a well-balanced diet is important too, to help prevent worsening other health issues.

Beagle grooming and hygiene

Beagles have short, dense coats that are relatively low-maintenance. But regular cleaning of their floppy ears is a habit you’ll need to get into, as their shape can trap moisture and lead to infections. Nail trimming, dental care and occasional baths should also be part of their grooming routine.

Do Beagles shed?

Beagles do shed moderately all-year round, and especially during the change of season. A quick weekly brush will help remove loose hair and keep their coat in good condition.

Are Beagles hypoallergenic?

Nope. While their coats are short, they do shed fur regularly, and also dander (dead skin) and saliva. As such, those who are particularly sensitive to allergies may struggle to live with one. It’s also worth noting that no dog is truly hypoallergenic.

How to train a Beagle

As with training any dog, patience and consistency are key. While Beagles are intelligent and capable of learning loads of commands, they can be stubborn and easily distracted. Especially by smells.

Here are a few pointers to get you started:

• Positive reinforcement is the way forward with a Beagle. They respond well to rewards like treats, praise and play during training sessions.
• They have a fairly short attention span, so keep sessions short and engaging.
• Beagles have a stubborn streak, so be firm. Be consistent and regular with your training sessions, so they become baked into your dog’s routine.
• As mentioned, focus on their recall early. So important that we put it in bold. Their strong scent drive can make them wander, so it’s best to establish a strong recall as soon as you’re able.
• Other early training should focus on impulse control and basic obedience. Plus it’s important to get them socialised from a young age, which will help them grow into well-adjusted adults.

How much do Beagles cost in the UK?

Getting a Beagle puppy in the UK can cost anything from £500 to £1,500. It’s likely to be cheaper from an individual breeder, whereas for a puppy from a licenced breeder you can expect to pay anything from the £1,000 mark.

Adoption is generally cheaper, starting from £100. This usually means rehoming a dog which is no longer a puppy, although it’s a big-hearted thing to do.

What insurance do I need for my Beagle?

The level of dog insurance you choose for your Beagle will largely come down to your individual circumstances and budget. So you know exactly what you’re paying for, read our guide to whether pet insurance is worth it.

We believe all dogs deserve the most comprehensive level of cover as possible, which is why we only sell different types of lifetime cover. We could also cover your Beagle for any pre-existing conditions they may have with our Lifetime Plus policy, subject to acceptance*.