Beagle Breed Guide
Also known as: English Beagle
Friendly pack animals at heart, Beagles bring joy and curiosity to households, though their nose often leads them astray.
Quick facts about this breed
Size
Small
Weight
9-14 kg
Lifespan
10-15 years
Energy Level
Medium
Family Fit
Loves all ages
Shedding
Moderate
Size
Small
Weight
9-14 kg
Lifespan
10-15 years
Energy Level
Medium
Family Fit
Loves all ages
Shedding
Moderate
About Beagles
The Beagle has ancient origins but was refined in England during the 14th century for hunting hare and rabbit. These pack hounds were bred to work in groups with hunters on foot, developing their characteristic melodious baying voice and friendly pack mentality.
Beagles are compact, sturdy dogs with short coats in various colour combinations including tricolour, red and white, and lemon and white. They're known for their gentle expression, friendly demeanour, and exceptional scenting ability.
These dogs are excellent family pets, particularly good with children due to their patient, tolerant nature. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom-related behaviours. Their strong food drive makes them relatively easy to train but also prone to obesity. While generally healthy, potential concerns include hip dysplasia, ear infections, epilepsy, and certain eye conditions. Their pack mentality means they often do well with other dogs and may suffer from separation anxiety when left alone.
Complete Care Guide for Beagles
Expert advice on keeping your Beagle healthy, happy, and thriving at every stage of life.
Maintaining proper nutrition stands as a cornerstone of Beagle health and wellbeing. These energetic dogs require carefully balanced meals that provide adequate protein for muscle maintenance, healthy fats for sustained energy, and digestible carbohydrates to fuel their active lifestyle.
Given their notorious appetite and food motivation, establishing structured feeding routines becomes essential. Beagles benefit from measured portions served at consistent times throughout the day, helping prevent the weight gain this breed is prone to developing. A proper feeding schedule, combined with portion control, supports optimal weight management and overall health.
Quality ingredients play a vital role in meeting nutritional needs, with essential fatty acids deserving special attention. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids contribute significantly to maintaining healthy skin, promoting a lustrous coat, and supporting cognitive function in Beagles.
While treats serve as valuable training tools for this food-motivated breed, moderation proves crucial. Limiting treats to no more than 10% of daily caloric intake helps prevent excessive weight gain while still allowing for positive reinforcement during training sessions. Selecting nutritious, appropriately-sized treats further supports overall dietary goals while maintaining the joy of occasional rewards.
How healthy is your Beagle?
A two minute quiz for your personalised results and health plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about Beagles from our community of pet parents
Beagles are known for their friendly, gentle and outgoing nature. They are great with children and other animals, making them perfect for families. Beagles have a curious and determined disposition due to their hunting lineage. They can be stubborn at times, but they are also intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods.
Beagle Blog Posts & Guides
Expert advice and tips specifically for Beagle owners
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