Beagles were bred in the UK as hunting dogs to drive small game back to hunters. They are ranked 5th on the American Kennel Club’s list of most popular dog breeds in the USA. They’re boisterous, playful and fun-loving dogs who like nothing more than a good romp with their family.
Beagles are intelligent working dogs who respond well to positive reinforcement-based training – you will need high value rewards, however, to keep that nose off the ground.
While most beagles live with loving families, some are surrendered to animal rescue organisations such as Beagle Welfare Scheme. So, before you go through a list of registered breeders to find beagle puppies, why not consider adopting an older puppy or adult dog from a rescue group – you could save a life.
Beagle Facts & Information
Group: Beagles belong to the scenthound group of hound dog breeds.
Life expectancy: 12 – 14 years
Size: Medium. Height: 13 – 16 in. Weight: 17 – 35 lb.
Temperament: Friendly, adaptable, playful, curious and confident.
Exercise: Beagles like to be out and about so that they can give their nose a good workout. They don’t need long walks but they do need time for a good sniff around, so 1 – 2 medium length walks a day will suffice. They’ll also enjoy interactive play sessions and respond well to training and dog sports, like agility, flyball and field trials.
General care: Beagles’ relatively short, unfussy coats don’t require a lot of grooming and maintenance. However, the occasional brush will be appreciated.
Health concerns: Beagles suffer from breed-specific health problems. These include Beagle Pain Syndrome (meningitis), feet deformities, and other canine health problems. These include obesity, epilepsy, heart disease, and musculoskeletal problems.
Get a quote for pet dog insurance now and find out how all the benefits can help you keep your dog in good health.
Final word
Beagles are friendly, social dogs who love spending time with their families and most other pets. They can adapt to a variety of situations and living conditions. However, they need opportunities to exercise their nose, legs and brains. Rambling exploratory walks, positive reinforcement training and family fun and games are essential. Beagles make excellent canine companions, but do your research to find out if owning a beagle is right for you and your family.