Dog breed · Hound
Beagle
A cheerful pack hound built to follow a scent for hours. Delightful company, but recall and food security need real work.
Small12–15 yearsEnglandNeeds more space
Breed characteristics
- Group
- Hound
- Origin
- England
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 9–14 kg (20–30 lb)
- Height
- 33–41 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
- Coat
- Short, hard, weatherproof
- Temperament
- MerryCuriousNose-ledSociable
History
Small scent hounds hunting hare in packs have existed in England for centuries; the modern type was standardised in the 1800s.
Appearance
Compact and square with long soft ears and a white-tipped tail, usually tricolour or lemon and white.
Exercise and activity
At least an hour of walking plus daily scent games; a securely fenced garden is essential.
Care and grooming
Check ears weekly, brush the short coat weekly and monitor weight closely — Beagles are relentless scavengers.
Health considerations
- Obesity
- Ear infections
- Epilepsy
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Hypothyroidism