Beagle
A nose on legs with a cheerful soul.
- Weight
- 20–35 lbs
- Height
- 13–15 in
- Lifespan
- 11–14 yrs
In short
The Beagle is a hound-group scent hound bred in England to track hare and rabbit in packs, weighing 20–35 lbs and standing 13–15 in tall, with a merry, curious and food-motivated temperament. It needs 45–75 minutes of daily exercise, a secure yard, scent games and strict portion control.
Is it right for you?
A great match if you…
- want a merry, sociable family dog
- love sniff-heavy walks and exploring
- have other dogs or a busy household
Think twice if you…
- have close neighbors who'd mind baying
- want a dog you can trust off leash
- can't secure the trash and kitchen counters
The daily plan
- Exercise
- 45–75 min a day
- Training
- 3 × 5–10 min sessions × length
- Treat limit
- 50–80 kcal all treats, 10% rule
At a glance
TrainabilityWilling learner6.0/10
EnergyActive7.0/10
Calm at homeCalm indoors8.5/10
SheddingModerate shedder5.0/10
What sets it apart
-
01
Scent-tracking nose
Hundreds of millions of scent receptors make the Beagle one of the best noses in the dog world.
-
02
Long, folded ears
Low-set ears sweep scent upward while tracking and need weekly cleaning.
-
03
White-tipped tail
The raised white tip, or flag, lets hunters see the dog in tall cover.
Size & coat
| Specification | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 22–35 lbs | 20–30 lbs |
| Height | 13–15 in | 13–15 in |
| Daily calories | 630–1,000 kcal | 590–890 kcal |
| Lifespan | 11–14 yrs | |
| Coat | Short, dense, weather-resistant double coat | |
Personality
A merry, curious pack hound that follows its nose first and its owner second.
How it thinks
Smart but independent, with a scent drive that can override cues and make recall unreliable.
At home
Friendly with children, other dogs and visitors, but unhappy alone and prone to howling.
Training
-
How often
3 short sessions daily, 5–10 minutes each.
-
Socialize early (8–16 weeks)
Socialize between 8–16 weeks with people, dogs, noises and a variety of scents.
-
Self-control
Teach a strong recall on a long line and a leave-it; reward checking in before the nose takes over.
-
What it works for
High-value liver pieces compete with scent trails; use tiny, fast rewards because Beagles are intensely food-driven.
Exercise
Exercise a day
45–75 min
CouchModerateAthlete
Good outlets
- Leashed sniffing walks
- Secure-yard play
- Scent trails and tracking.
Brain work
- Scent games and nosework
- Hide-and-seek treat hunts
- Basic obedience refreshers.
Feeding
Food-obsessed and prone to obesity. Feed measured meals, use puzzle feeders and lock up food.
Puppy (4–12 Mos)
- Daily calories
- 540–1,240 kcal
- Protein
- 28%
- Fat
- 18%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 55–125 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 3–6 pieces a day
Adult Maintenance
- Daily calories
- 510–780 kcal
- Protein
- 26%
- Fat
- 15%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 50–80 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 3–4 pieces a day
Active / Working
- Daily calories
- 800–1,220 kcal
- Protein
- 30%
- Fat
- 20%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 80–120 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 4–6 pieces a day
Senior (8+ Yrs)
- Daily calories
- 440–670 kcal
- Protein
- 28%
- Fat
- 12%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 45–65 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 2–3 pieces a day
Compare every life stage
| Life stage | Daily calories | Protein | Fat | Treat limit (all treats) | Saylor's liver, suggested / day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy (4–12 Mos) | 540–1,240 kcal | 28% | 18% | 55–125 kcal | 3–6 pieces |
| Adult Maintenance | 510–780 kcal | 26% | 15% | 50–80 kcal | 3–4 pieces |
| Active / Working | 800–1,220 kcal | 30% | 20% | 80–120 kcal | 4–6 pieces |
| Senior (8+ Yrs) | 440–670 kcal | 28% | 12% | 45–65 kcal | 2–3 pieces |
The treat limit is the 10% rule for every treat combined. Saylor's liver is suggested at about 2% of daily calories, as a small topper: liver is very rich in vitamin A, so it should not become a staple. Check with your vet if your dog has a health condition or a special diet.
Health & grooming
| Watch for | Ask the breeder or vet for | When |
|---|---|---|
| Obesity | Body-condition scoring | Every vet visit |
| Intervertebral disc disease and epilepsy | Neurologic exam | Yearly |
| Ear infections and eye disease (cherry eye, glaucoma) | Ear and eye exam | Yearly |
| Hip dysplasia | OFA or PennHIP hip evaluation | Once. OFA final results from 24 months |
| Musladin-Lueke syndrome (MLS) | DNA test (results registered with the OFA) | Once (a DNA result does not change) |
| Heart disease | Heart exam by a veterinary cardiologist | Before breeding; ask for the latest result |
| Autoimmune thyroiditis | OFA thyroid panel | From 12 months; repeat periodically |
Official health tests for breeding dogs
The OFA's CHIC program asks Beagle breeders to test for these. Ask to see the results before you buy a puppy.
- Hip evaluation
- Eye exam (ophthalmologist)
- MLS (Musladin-Lueke Syndrome) DNA test
- Heart exam
- Thyroid panel
Also recommended
- Advanced heart exam
- Kneecap (patella) check
- Lafora Epilepsy
- Factor VII deficiency
- Neonatal Cerebellar Cortical Degeneration
Grooming Moderate year-round, with seasonal increases
Brush weekly, and more during sheds. Bathe as needed, clean ears weekly and trim nails every 3–4 weeks.
History
Origins
English Pack Hounds
Small scent hounds were bred in England to track hare and rabbit in packs.
Standardization
Breed Standardization
British and American breeders set the 13-inch and 15-inch varieties in the 1800s.
Modern Companion
Companion and Detection Dog
Beagles are popular pets and work as detection dogs at airports.
Questions owners ask
Are Beagles easy to train?
Moderately. Beagles are smart but scent-driven and stubborn, so short, food-rewarded sessions and a long line for recall practice work best.
How many calories does a Beagle need per day?
An active adult Beagle (20–35 lbs) typically needs about 590–1,000 kcal per day (1.6–1.8× resting energy requirement), while a neutered, low-activity adult needs about 510–780 kcal and a working dog up to 800–1,220 kcal. Adjust to body condition and your vet's advice.
What is the best diet and training treat for a Beagle?
Small, fast-eaten, high-value pieces. Keep every treat inside the 10% limit: about 50–80 kcal a day in total for an adult Beagle of typical size. If you use Saylor's freeze-dried liver, keep it to a small share of that, roughly 3–4 pieces a day: liver is very rich in vitamin A, so it should stay a topper, not a staple. Adjust for your own dog's size and body condition, and ask your vet if there is a health condition or special diet.
Are Beagles good for apartments or first-time owners?
Possible, but baying can bother neighbors and Beagles dislike being alone. They suit first-time owners who can provide exercise and company.
How much exercise does a Beagle require daily?
Most adults need 45–75 minutes daily, with sniff-heavy walks and secure play. Always use a leash or secure fence.
What health issues are Beagles prone to?
Beagles are prone to obesity, ear infections, disc disease, epilepsy, hypothyroidism and eye problems. Keep them lean and check ears weekly.
Freeze Dried Beef Liver Dog Treats
Back in stock soon
We're restocking. When it's back, a Beagle needs only 3–4 pieces a day, well inside the 50–80 kcal treat limit.
See the productWhere the Beagle ranks
Health tests follow the OFA's CHIC program. The treat limit is 10% of daily calories for all treats combined. Every dog is different, so use this as a starting point and ask your vet about yours.
Breeds like the Beagle
Closest in size, energy, trainability, calm at home and shedding.
