The Beagle makes a loving family companion and is always keen to be part of the action. A brave, athletic dog that needs a strong hand in their early training. They love to follow a scent and can jump walls and dig under fences in pursuit of its quarry – and can be very vocal when doing so!
| Size: | Small to medium, 34cm – 40cm |
|---|---|
| Coat: | Short, glossy coat means that needs grooming about once a week. |
| Exercise: | 2+ hours a day for adult dogs |
| Life span: | 12 - 15 years |
| Breed group: | Hounds fall into two key categories: those that hunt by scent and those that hunt by sight. The former tend to be more outgoing, while the latter are longer-legged and more agile. |
Beagles are adaptable, versatile dogs with loving, curious natures.
Ideal for first time owners, they’re even-tempered and love to get involved in whatever the household is up to. Owning a Beagle is great fun, as they are sociable and mischievous, and their natural desire to please makes them easy to train. They get on well with other pets and people but may need some supervision when playing with small children, as they can get carried away with playfulness.
Vets recommend that the best food for Beagles is a high-quality pet food and, as the breed can be prone to putting on weight, it’s worth keeping an eye on their portion sizes. Check the back of your pet's food packaging for guidelines, keeping in mind their age, size and activity levels.
Beagle puppies can occasionally have tummy trouble, but sticking to a feeding schedule within a good daily routine will help to keep your pet healthy and avoid any mishaps. If you do change your Beagle’s diet, at any stage of life, aim to introduce small portions of the new food to their existing diet. Slowly increase the amount over the course of a few weeks, making sure to decrease their previous food accordingly to help avoid any problems.
It’s ideal to start Beagle training while your puppy is between three and six months old. Use our puppy training tips as a guide to help lay the foundations for good behaviour. Socialising Beagle puppies from an early age is important, and safely introducing your pet to as many new people and experiences as possible can be a great way to do so. Because Beagle puppies are still growing, they need short sessions of daily playtimes and walks. That way they’ll avoid overexerting themselves and putting too much pressure on their developing joints and bones. To ensure your pet is getting just the right amount of exercise, watch out for signs of tiredness such as excessive panting and thirst.
Beagles are scent-hounds, meaning they like to be led by their nose, so they need plenty of stimulation to stay inquisitive and happy. Fully grown Beagles need at least two hours of exercise a day. To make walks or playtime even more fun for your pet, allow them lots of time to sniff about. Scent-based games, such as asking your Beagle to sniff a toy and then hiding it for them to find, are also good ways to keep both their body and mind fit.
Beagles thrive on attention and companionship. If you’re going to be away for a few hours, leave them with plenty of scent games or arrange for someone to check in with them. While the breed is known for a strong impulse to bark, good training and lots of age-appropriate play can help ensure they stick to barking at more appropriate times.
Beagles commonly have mottled coats, with a mix of white, black and light brown colours throughout. Beagle grooming is low-maintenance, as their fur is short and waterproof, providing protection from the elements.
While a Beagle’s coat is easy to clean and care for, your pet should still be groomed at least once a week. Luckily, most Beagles enjoy being brushed as they adore the extra contact and attention from their owners. With this in mind, it can be a good time to check your pet’s body for any lumps or signs of parasites, as well as their ears for signs of infection such as brown or black wax and a strange smell. It’s also important to brush your Beagle’s teeth regularly to reduce the build-up of tartar, and prevent gum disease and bad breath. Find out more dog health tips to help your pet stay in the best condition.
Ensure your Beagle gets the protection they need, including cover for hereditary and congenital conditions with Petplan dog insurance.
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