With big eyes and floppy ears, Beagles are hard to resist. Luckily they make loving and sociable housemates, who tend to get along with kids. Just remember to give them loads of exercise!
Personality and temperament
Beagles are fun-loving and curious, but they are ruled by their nose. Bred as scent hounds, they will sniff out any morsel of food in your backpack. They will also ‘counter surf’ your kitchen for snacks, which is a good incentive to keep your surfaces clean! Beagles carry their puppy enthusiasm well into their adulthood and they love a bit of adventure with their pack. They like to be included in all the happenings of the household, at all times, and tend to get along well with children.
Size and appearance
Sporting the classic ‘hound’ look, Beagles have long ears, expressive eyes (with adorable worry-lines) and a ‘flag’ tail that rarely stops wagging. They are considered a medium-sized dog, but they actually come in two sizes – small (33cm and around 10kg) and standard (33cm and around 12kg). Both have easy-to-look after short fur and a study, athletic build. One of their most loved features is their cheek-to-cheek ‘smile’ when they pant. It’s contagious. While their most impressive feature is their nose which contains around 220 million scent receptors (we only have 5 million). It can detect animals (and treats) way before you can.
History
These little fellows have a history that’s mysterious and ambiguous. The Ancient Greeks may have had Beagles (or Beagle-like hounds), and it’s thought Roman brought small, hunting hounds to England in 55 BC. By the 1500s however, Beagles had gained in popularity, especially with the nobility and Henry VIII and Elizabeth 1 both held a special place on their hearth for a Beagle. They were used as rabbit-hunting hounds and gun dogs. In the 1700s, farmers in England valued their Beagle packs for hunting rabbits and hares, and in the 1800s breeders in England and America further refined the breed to the happy chappy we see today. Beagles are a hugely popular pets in Australia and New Zealand.
Health conditions that can affect this breed
This upbeat breed is fairly robust, however they can be prone to the following health conditions.
- Ear infections (due to floppy ears)
- Obesity (they love food
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland)
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) (spinal disc problems)
- Allergies and skin sensitivities
- Epilepsy
- Eye conditions (glaucoma, cherry eye)
Regular vet check-ups and care can help manage these conditions and keep your Beagle healthy.
Food and exercise
Beagles are enthusiastic (and sometimes sneaky) eaters, so watching portion control is a must. A nutrient-dense diet that’s rich in protein should be served up two or three times a day. For Beagles who are guzzlers, slow their eating down with a slow feeder bowl to avoid vomiting or indigestion.
This is a breed who loves their exercise – both physical and mental. Whether it’s playing scent games like hide and seek or playtime with other hounds, Beagles will never say no. They love long, sniffing walks, playing fetch and even off -leash running sessions in fenced dog parks. They’ll need about an hour a day of high-octane activity for them to avoid being naughty and escape-prone.
Grooming and maintenance
While Beagles are low-maintenance, they do tend to shed year-round. Regular brushing (and a killer vacuum cleaner) is the trick.
- Bathe: every 4-6 weeks
- Professional groom: occasionally, if needed
How to groom your Beagle
- Fur: brush weekly with a soft bristle brush or rubber mitt
- Nails: trim every 3-4 weeks
- Ears: clean weekly (Beagles are prone to ear infections)
- Eyes: wipe gently if discharge appears
Training and space requirements
These smart hounds are fun to train as they can quickly pick up recall, loose-lead walking, impulse control and crate training (if needed). However, their uber-strong sense of smell can distract them from any task at hand. Keep that in mind when you choose your training location – next to the kitchen won’t work, but neither will a dog park. A quiet corner of the house or backyard is best. Like most doggos, they like short bursts of training, lots of ‘good boy/girl!’ and constant treats.
With enough regular exercise, these hounds can adapt to apartments, townhouses and small space living. However, securing any outdoor areas is a must as they nose will carry them off to distant places if they can escape. They prefer if you’re home to entertain them but can be left alone for short periods of time.
Best suited for…
If you’re looking for a quiet, calm dog to warm your lap and soak up your cuddles, Beagles aren’t for you. While they do love their cuddles, they love their walks and games more. They make great housemates for active families with kids, households with other friendly hounds, and humans who love the outdoor life.
