Beagle
Hound Group (AKC) / Hound Group (UKC) · United Kingdom — developed primarily in Great Britain from older hound breeds during the 19th century. · Small to Medium
Also known as: English Beagle
Breed Group
Hound Group (AKC) / Hound Group (UKC)
Size
Small to Medium
Height
13 to 15 inches at the shoulder
Weight
20 to 30 lbs, though the dog in the image appears significantly overweight and exceeds standard weight limits.
Life Expectancy
10 to 15 years
Origin
United Kingdom — developed primarily in Great Britain from older hound breeds during the 19th century.
Energy Level
High energy; requires regular daily exercise and mental stimulation, though individual dogs may become sedentary if overweight.
Trainability
Moderate; intelligent but independent-minded with a strong tracking instinct, requiring patient and consistent positive reinforcement.
Description
The Beagle is a compact, sturdy scent hound known for its incredible sense of smell, gentle disposition, and soulful expression. With its droopy ears, pleading eyes, and classic hound markings, it is one of the world's most popular family companions.
Key Features
Long drop ears, domed skull, broad muzzle, black nose, soulful brown eyes, solid muscular frame, and a tail typically carried high with a white tip.
Coat Type
Short, hard, and double coat of medium density, providing natural protection against weather and briars. Sheds moderately year-round.
Coat Colors
Classic tricolor (black, tan, and white), but also found in bicolor combinations like lemon and white or red and white.
Temperament
Friendly, curious, merry, and easygoing. They are social pack animals that can be stubborn or easily distracted by scents.
Good with Children
Excellent; playful, sturdy, and remarkably patient with children.
Good with Other Dogs
Excellent; generally very sociable with other dogs due to their pack-hunting background.
Grooming Needs
Low maintenance; weekly brushing with a hound mitt or rubber curry brush is usually sufficient to control shedding.
Exercise Requirements
Requires at least an hour of daily exercise, such as brisk walks or secure off-leash play, to prevent obesity and boredom.
Health Considerations
Prone to obesity, hip dysplasia, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, and ear infections due to their long, drooping ears.
Living Conditions
Adaptable to apartment or house living as long as daily exercise needs are met and outdoor areas are securely fenced.
History & Origin
Descended from smaller hounds used for rabbit and hare hunting in England centuries ago, the modern Beagle was standardized in Great Britain in the 1800s and later exported worldwide.
Interesting Facts
Famous for pop culture icons like Snoopy from the Peanuts comic strip, Beagles possess roughly 220 million scent receptors compared to a human's 5 million.
Similar Breeds
Basset Hound, American Foxhound, Harrier, and Treeing Walker Coonhound.