Beagle breed guide

For a curious adventurer with a face full of expression – and big, floppy ears – look no further than the beagle!

Read our guide to find out more about the brilliant beagle breed…

Beagle breed history

The beagle’s origins are shrouded in mystery and steeped in legend…

But it’s believed by many that beagles were written about in Ancient Greece!

Something sources confidently agree about is that beagles were descended from hounds who were bred for hunting as a pack. Those original beagles were assumed to be just 10 inches in height though, as they were bred for hunting rabbits. It’s also thought that beagles were the dog of choice for hunters on horseback in England, Wales, and France because they were small enough to fit in coat pockets.

Another theory as to the origin of the delightful beagle breed is that they were developed by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. Some sources say that William the Conqueror crossbred the St Hubert bloodhound and Talbot hound with a greyhound to create the beagle.

Then, it’s rumoured that Elizabeth I kept ‘pocket beagles’ who stood at around 8-9 inches in height and could be carried in her saddlebag while horse riding. Elizabeth I is also said to have entertained her guests by introducing them to her ‘singing’ beagles!

Nowadays, the beagle breed has become a popular choice for families wanting an active yet friendly canine companion.

Common characteristics of the beagle breed

Please remember that the following characteristics are considered ‘average’ for beagles, and since each dog is a unique individual, your beagle’s characteristics may differ.

Average height for a beagle

Many sources agree that the average height for a beagle is 33-40cm (at the shoulder).

Average weight for a beagle

Most beagles usually weigh around 9kg-11kg, though some are known to weigh up to 15kg.

Average lifespan for a beagle

The average lifespan for a beagle tends to be around 12-15 years.

Typical beagle appearance

Beagles are cheerful, small sized dogs who are part of the ‘hound’ group.

They have a regal face, big, beautiful eyes, and large, triangular ears. A beagle tends to have a sturdy tail and long back with shorter legs, too.

Their coats are short and dense, which makes the coat pretty weatherproof. Although their grooming requirements are lesser than dogs with more fur or long hair, they should still be groomed at least once a week.

Here are some of the coat colours a beagle could have:

• Tricolour (white, brown, and black).
• Tan (pale brown) and white.
• Red (orange-brown) and white.
• Lemon (pale, sandy colour) and white.
• Blue (pale grey), tan, and white.
• White.

Many beagles have the above coat colours with a ‘mottle’ pattern, which describes black, brown, or lemon-coloured speckles on white markings.

Typical beagle temperament

As well as being fun-loving and boisterous, beagles are loyal companions who are curious about everything. In fact, beagles are known to be escape artists – so you’ll need to make sure your garden is completely pet-proof!

Additionally, thanks to their instincts to protect their pack, your beagle is likely to bark at anyone and anything that passes your home. You might want to check out our article about how to manage barking for some training tips if you’re having noise problems with a barking beagle.

Although they’re very intelligent, beagles are sometimes known to struggle with recall training, which can be linked to their keen sense of smell alerting them to every possible distraction. It’s important to turn training into an entertaining game if you want to keep your beagle’s attention on you.

At least one hour of exercise is needed each day for a beagle.

Top tip: Regularly including scent work in your beagle’s exercise routine will help them learn in an enjoyable way.

Beagle health conditions

It’s not unusual for pedigree breeds to be prone to certain health concerns, and, unfortunately, beagles are no exception. Here are a few health conditions commonly seen in beagles:

• Ear infections.
• Cherry eye.
• Epilepsy
• Hypothyroidism.
• Obesity.

Remember: Keep an eye out for any health issues your beagle may develop, and make sure your canine companion is checked by a vet if you have any concerns. If you are considering pet insurance, be sure to read our guide on insuring your Beagle

Fun facts about beagles

Fact 1 – The popular cartoon character ‘Snoopy’ is a beagle!

Fact 2 – Beagles were bred to have white-tipped tails because that made it easier for hunters to see them while they were running through long grass.

Fact 3 – Thanks to their instincts as a pack animal, beagles usually love being part of a family instead of a ‘one person dog’ and happily share affection with everyone.

Fact 4 – Despite their history as a hunting dog, the beagle is known to get along well with cats (provided there’s been a safe introduction).

Fact 5 – When suffering from separation anxiety, beagles tend to ‘howl’ instead of bark.