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Beagle Dog Breed Information Center

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What’s In This Guide To The Beagle

Is a Beagle on the horizon for your family?

Or are you still struggling to decide whether this is the best pet for you?

Let’s take a closer look at this beautiful breed and how they might fit into your lifestyle!

How long do beagles live?

Beagle FAQs

Beagles are very popular dogs, and we get asked a lot of questions about them.

Here are some of the most common queries, with links to their answers!

In this complete guide, we’re going to let you know the ups and downs of ownership.

From temperament to training, exercise to home life.

We’ll also give you the low down on their health, lifespan and plenty more besides.

Breed At A Glance

  • Popularity: 5th out of the AKC breeds
  • Purpose: Hunting Hound
  • Weight: 20 – 30 lbs
  • Temperament: Friendly, lively, loyal
  • Lifespan: 12.5 years

Let’s take a closer look a this bouncy breed!

Breed Review: Contents

Beagles might be popular pets now, but they started out as a hard working hunting hound.

History and original purpose of the Beagle

The traditional role of the Beagle is well known.

beagle and puppies

Bred for generations to work and hunt in packs, they are perhaps most commonly associated with fox hunting with horses.

Beagles love to use their noses, and they are very good at it.

Even if you are not interested in working your dog, this inquisitive pup will really benefit from some scent work training.

Beagles as a breed get huge enjoyment from following a trail or seeking out hidden items.

They can make fantastic search and rescue dogs or contraband sniffer dogs for this reason.

What do Beagles look like?

These are sturdily built, compact dogs.

And they have a very traditional hound-like appearance.

With long ears and a proud head, and a long proudly held tail.

beagle dog on a green grass outdoors

They have short coats which are normally tri-coloured, with a mixture of tan, black and white.

But they can come in a range of other colours, including blue, white and tan, pied or mottled.

Fun facts

Beagles are traditionally associated with a tri color pattern.

Predominantly colored in black, brown and white.

But they do come in other shades too.

Lemon Beagles are particularly popular, with their pale shade and less defined pattern.

Blue tick Beagles are a striking bunch.  With gorgeous flecks of color throughout their coat. For more facts about the Beagle, check out this article.

Beagle temperament

Beagles in general have really lovely temperaments.

This is largely down to their breeding, as they were selected for group work.

They are fantastically friendly to other dogs and human alike.

They are by nature very social creatures, and love to be around you.

The downside of their social natures is that they don’t like to be left alone.

They also require plenty of exercise as they are a fit and energetic breed.

Taking them out for a good long walk or a few sprints is a necessity.

Are Beagles ever aggressive?

Beagles are friendly dogs.

They tend to be tolerant of most humans and to get on well with the members of their family.

However, any dog when afraid can potentially become aggressive.

We recommend thoroughly socializing your puppy from the time he gets home.

Take him to meet lots of people, and have lots of people visiting your home for the first few weeks.

This will help him to see strangers as normal and a positive thing.

A confident dog is a friendly dog.

Are Beagles a noisy breed?

Life with this breed is unlikely to be a very quiet one.

Like most pack hounds, beagles like to ‘sing’.

the beagle

Noise is par for the course with this pup, but there are steps you can take to reduce it.

They are very friendly dogs who as we have seen love company, but they do have the classic hound howl down to a fine art.

If you have close neighbours or live in a quiet residential area, then this could cause issues for you at some point.

It is something to take into serious consideration before getting your puppy.

There are ways to reduce howling in hound breeds, but it takes time.

As well as an absolute dedication to avoiding and not rewarding the noise from the word go.

If you are concerned that you wouldn’t be able to follow through with this, then a Beagle might not be the best dog for you.

If you are up for the challenge, then you will have a wonderful, charming, companion to share your home with.

Training and exercising your Beagle

A Beagle puppy will have the instinct to chase and hunt, and so a great recall will be essential.

Beagles are hounds and as such bred to be rather interested in other animals.

Fortunately, they are also highly food motivated.

beagle training

Positive reinforcement training with treats from a young age is therefore essential.

You must make sure that your dog’s recall is proofed at each stage.

Building up slowly the levels of distractions you expect them to come back to you in the presence of.

Training and exercise can be combined, by teaching them tricks, fetching and even to hunt back and forth.

Keeping your Beagle fit will help to keep her healthy.

Beagle health and care

Beagles are relatively healthy and active dogs, but they are not immune to health problems.

Let’s take a look at a few conditions you will need to be aware of as a puppy parent.

Hip dysplasia

Like many breeds of dog, Beagles are prone to canine hip dysplasia.

This is where the hip joint is not properly formed, so that the femur does not rest properly in the socket.

Make sure both of your puppy’s parents have good hip scores.

This will reduce the chances of him developing it as he grows.

Canine Epilepsy

Canine Epilepsy is a cause of seizures in some Beagles.

Don’t buy a puppy with a family history of this condition.

Musladin-Lueke Syndrome (MSL)

This nasty disorder is characterised by deformities of the feet and face in Beagles.

Although not all affected pups will have these noticeable signs, many will.

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It can result in problems walking and potentially in seizures later on in life.

Make sure your pup’s parents are DNA clear.

Steroid Responsive Meningitis (SRM)

SRM is a disease seen in a few breeds of dog, including Beagles. 

An immune response triggers and inflammation of blood vessels supplying the brain and spinal cord.

It can cause pain in the head and neck, lethargy and a fever.

Your puppy’s parents should be clear for this disease.

Factor VII deficiency

This condition is characterised by blood clotting problems.

Cases range from mild to severe, with increased clotting times seen when Beagles undergo surgery.

Your dog will only be affected if it receives the mutated gene from both parents.

It is a recessive gene, so they can be a carrier without showing any symptoms.

Make sure your pup’s parents are tested clear.

Neonatal Cerebellar Cortical Degeneration (NCCD)

NCCD is a more recently observed worrying disease.

This is a genetic disease that impacts a puppy’s development from birth.

It is sadly not treatable, and puppies seen to be affected will normally be euthanized.

Fortunately, there is a DNA test for this too.

How long do Beagles live?

Beagles live on average 12 and a half years, which is a pretty good length of time for a purebred dog.

You can give your pup the best chance at making this milestone by buying him from

Grooming & Caring for your Beagle

Although active and noisy dogs, Beagles don’t require much in the way of special care.

There main needs include plenty of exercise and a good amount of your company.

They are fairly small in size and have a neat short coat length.

You will not have to groom them too frequently, unless they are moulting or have rolled in something grubby!

However, it is still a good idea to get them used to the brush from an early age so that they are used to it.

Above all else, she needs companionship in a loving home.

Preferably that doesn’t have neighbours who mind the odd howl or two!

Do Beagles make good family pets

Beagles can make excellent family pets for the right homes.

Homes where a family member is home for much of the day are ideal.

And those where someone is always keen to get some exercise in are preferable.

Are Beagles good with children?

Very small children might not be compatible with their need for attention.

are beagles good family dogs

And all puppies go through a chewing and biting stage which doesn’t go well with lots of kids’ toys on the floor.

But their generally cheerful temperament is a great fit for an active family.

As long as they don’t mind a bit of noise, or are able to stop the kids accidentally encouraging it!

Rescuing a Beagle

Rescuing is a great idea for a family with plenty of time to commit to training.

This might well be a longer road with an adult dog that has learned to enjoy running off or chasing the wildlife.

But if you have the time to give, then they are likely to pay you back with a whole lot of love.

However, for many homes the preference is to start with a puppy.

Finding a Beagle puppy

Make sure that your breeder have carried out appropriate health tests before you decide whether to commit to one of their puppies.

Most breeders will only test for NCCD and MLS.

It’s up to you to decide whether you are happy to run the risk of Factor VII Deficiency, or whether you will wait for a breeder who tests for this too.

Due to the early signs of NCCD, you are unlikely to suffer the consequences of this unless you intend to breed from your pup when it is an adult.

Understanding the potential health conditions that could affect your puppy is an important part of the responsibility of choosing your new friend.

But it’s not the only part.

 

The Perfect Companion For Life With A New Puppy

 

You can find out how much you should expect to pay for a Beagle pup here.

Also choose a breeder that has a clear bond with the mother of the pups.

They should have as many questions for you as you have for them.

And offer ongoing support to you even after you have brought your pup home.

Raising a Beagle puppy

Puppies are great fun, but they are also hard work.

Fortunately, we’ve got several guides to help you along your way:

You can find these and lots more helpful information in our Puppy Care section.

Popular Beagle breed mixes

Beagles are very popular pets, but there has also been a growing interest in their mixes.

One Beagle parent, and a parent from another breed.

Find out about some of the most popular mixes here:

When you have brought home your Beagle or Beagle mixed breed you will need the right kit.

Products and accessories

Here are some great products, hand picked for Beagles and their owners:

Pros And Cons of Getting A Beagle

Beagles are great family pets, for the right homes.

But before you make your final choice, let’s see how those pros and cons stack up.

Cons

Beagles can be very noisy, and howl rather than bark.

They need a lot of exercise and training.

As a breed they can become distressed or destructive if left alone too frequently.

They have a high prey drive.

Pros

They are intelligent dogs that respond well to positive reinforcement training.

Their loyalty and love towards their family makes them an easy dog to bond with.

They will always want to spend time together, and be a constant companion.

This is a friendly but not overly pushy breed, who gets along well with people.

Similar Breeds

Love the breed but not sure it’s quite right for you or your family?

Here are some breeds with similar traits that you might like to consider:

Beagle Breed Rescues

Here are some Beagle rescue centers you might like to check out if you are searching for an adult to join your family:

References And Resources

 

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