Beagle

Breed Type: Hound
Coat: Smooth
Hypoallergenic: No, they will likely trigger allergies.
Temperament: Social, affectionate, energetic, vocal
Life expectancy: 10-15 years
Color & patterns: Black, white, and tan
Hero image
Beagle - Black, white, and tan
Beagle - Black, white, and tan
Beagle - Black, white, and tan
Beagle - Black, white, and tan
Beagles are the perfect companions for those who love dogs who are full of energy and spunk. These small-to-medium-sized pups usually weigh 18 to 30 pounds, stand about 13 to 15 inches tall, and have short, sleek coats that can be a variety of colors, including black, tan, and white. One of the most distinctive features of Beagles is their long, droopy ears, which give them an almost comical appearance, but also serve an important purpose. Beagles were bred to hunt by scent, and their long ears help to trap scent particles and direct them toward their powerful noses. Beagles also make great family pets — they are great with children and other dogs — and are known for their happy-go-lucky personalities and love of playtime. Their energy and enthusiasm can be contagious, and they will keep you on your toes with their playful antics.

Beagle characteristics

Learn about about Beagle basics like their fur colors, shedding levels, how much grooming they need, and other Beagle facts.

Average height

13-16 inches (33.0-40.6cm)

Average weight

17-37 pounds (7.7-16.8 kg)

Average lifespan

10-15 years

Exercise needs
Low-key activityHigh-energy workouts
Grooming needs
OccasionallyFrequently
Full-grown size
Teeny tinySuper size
Good with cats
Likely to chaseHey, new pal!
Good with kids
Needs lots of supervisionReady to play
Training aptitude
HeadstrongEager to please
How big do Beagles get?

Beagles typically weigh between 17 to 37 pounds and stand at about 13 to 16 inches in height at the shoulder. Beagles are a small to medium-sized breed, and their size can vary slightly depending on factors such as genetics, diet, and exercise.

What is the rarest Beagle color?

The rarest Beagle color is often considered to be “blue,” which refers to a bluish-gray coat. However, it’s important to note that “blue” Beagles are not officially recognized within the breed standard, and this color is more commonly associated with other breeds.

What is the rarest type of Beagle?

The rarest type of Beagle is often considered to be the “Blue Beagle,” which has a bluish-gray coat. However, it’s important to note that the term “Blue Beagle” is not officially recognized by breed standards, and these dogs are not typically found within the standard Beagle breed.

What colors do Beagles come in?

Beagles primarily come in tri-color (black, white, and tan), lemon (pale yellow and white), and red and white colorations. While these are the standard color combinations, Beagles can occasionally exhibit other color variations, such as blue or chocolate, but these are less common and not typically recognized within the breed standard.

Do Beagles shed?

Yes, Beagles shed. They have a short, dense, double coat that sheds moderately year-round, with seasonal increases in shedding during spring and fall. Regular grooming and brushing can help manage a Beagle’s shedding and keep their coat healthy.

How long do Beagles live?

Beagles have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, although individual longevity can vary. Providing your Beagle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and routine veterinary check-ups can contribute to a longer and healthier life. Genetics and responsible breeding practices can also influence their overall health and longevity.

What breeds make a Beagle?

The breeds that make up the Beagle we know today include the Talbot Hound, Northern Hound, Southern Hound, and Harrier. These different breeds, known as “scent hounds,” gave Beagles an amazing sense of smell, which makes them exceptionally good at finding and hunting rabbits and small animals.

Are Beagles hypoallergenic?

No, Beagles are not hypoallergenic. They have a short, dense, double coat that sheds throughout the year, and this shedding can release allergenic dander into the environment. People with allergies to pet dander may experience allergic reactions when in close contact with Beagles.

How many types of Beagles are there?

There are two types of Beagles: the smaller 13-inch Beagle and the larger 15-inch Beagle. These distinctions are based on the height of the dogs at the shoulder. While these two types are the most commonly recognized, unofficially, there is mention of English Beagles and North American Beagles.

Beagle history

Learn about where this Beagle came from!

Where are Beagles from?

Beagles originated in England, where they were selectively bred for their hunting abilities, particularly for tracking small game such as hares. The breed’s lineage can be traced back to ancient hounds used for hunting in the Roman and medieval periods, with further refinement in the 19th century. Beagles were brought by English settlers to the United States and mixed with local scent hounds to create the smaller American Foxhound-looking Beagle we have today.

Beagle temperament

Learn about about the Beagle temperament and how well they fit into your lifestyle, home environment, and family.

Are Beagles good with kids?

Yes, Beagles are known to be good with kids. Their friendly and sociable nature makes them a popular choice as a family pet. Beagles often have a gentle temperament and can form strong bonds with children, enjoying playtime and companionship.

However, it’s essential to supervise interactions between Beagles and young children to ensure that both the dog and the child are comfortable and safe. Proper socialization and training are also key factors in promoting a positive relationship between Beagles and kids. Teaching children how to safely interact with dogs can also help prevent any potential misunderstandings or accidents.

Are Beagles good family dogs?

Yes, Beagles are good family dogs. They are known for their friendly, outgoing, and affectionate nature and often get along well with both children and adults. However, pet parents should always supervise interactions between dogs and kids to ensure that both understand how to behave appropriately around each other. Their adaptability and moderate size also contribute to their popularity as family pets.

Are Beagles easy to train?

No, Beagles are not considered easy to train, given their independent and sometimes stubborn nature. They have a strong nose and can easily get distracted by scents, so consistent, patient, and positive reinforcement-based training methods work best. Early socialization and basic obedience training are essential to help Beagles become well-behaved pets.

Training any dog takes substantial time and effort, regardless of breed. While Beagles may require more effort and consistency in training compared to some other breeds, Beagles can become obedient and well-trained with the right approach and dedication from their pet parents.

Do Beagles bark a lot?

Yes, Beagles bark a lot. They are known for their vocal nature and tend to bark, howl, and bay frequently. Their hunting instincts and communication style involve using their voice to signal various things, including the presence of strangers, animals, or their desire for attention. While their vocal tendencies make them excellent tracking dogs, they may not be the best choice for those seeking a quiet or noise-sensitive environment. Training can help manage their barking, but it’s important to be prepared for their natural inclination to vocalize.

Is a Beagle a high-maintenance dog?

No, Beagles are not considered high-maintenance dogs, but they do require regular exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction to thrive. Their energetic nature and strong sense of smell mean daily walks and playtime are a necessity. Beagles can also be quite stubborn and may require consistent training and supervision, especially when it comes to obedience and following scents. Overall, Beagles require a moderate amount of maintenance. 

Are Beagles good with cats?

Yes, Beagles are typically good with cats and are friendly to other animals. However, their strong prey drive and hunting instincts may pose challenges. Early socialization and training are key to fostering a positive relationship between Beagles and cats. Some Beagles may have a higher tolerance for cats and adapt well, while others may require more supervision and gradual introductions to ensure the safety and comfort of both the dog and the cat.

Is a Beagle a good house dog?

Yes, Beagles can make good house dogs because they are social and affectionate animals, often getting along well with families and other pets. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and potential behavioral issues. However, their strong sense of smell may lead them to follow their noses, so a secure yard or leash when outside is crucial. 

Beagle health

Learn about about the Beagle health outlook and what diseases they may be prone to at various stages of their life.

Do you need to groom a Beagle?

Yes, you need to groom a Beagle but it is very minimal. Regular brushing can help control shedding and keep their coat in good condition. While they are not high-maintenance in terms of grooming, it’s important to clean their ears, trim their nails, brush their teeth, and maintain good overall hygiene.

What diseases are Beagles prone to?

Beagles are prone to a few diseases, including:

  1. Intervertebral Disc Disease: Intervertebral disc disease causes a bulge or rupture in the discs between the vertebrae. When that happens, it can cause pain, nerve damage, and paralysis. Sometimes IVDD is mild and may be relieved through crate rest and medication, but dogs with severe cases could need surgery or the use of a wheelchair cart. If a Beagle is having trouble walking, refuses to jump, is incontinent, won’t eat, or appears anxious, they should be taken to the vet as soon as possible.

  2. Beagle dwarfism: Also known as chondrodystrophy, Beagle dwarfism is a genetic disorder that causes extremely short legs. Dwarfism can also affect the spine and cause it to degenerate prematurely. Dwarfism in dogs can eventually lead to IVDD.

  3. Hip and/or elbow dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs. They are similar diseases in which either the hip or elbow joint has grown abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from properly meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Unlike in hip dysplasia, where the main problem is joint instability, the abnormalities seen in elbow dysplasia often result in pieces of bone and/or cartilage breaking loose and irritating the joint tissues. Over time, the rubbing from dysplasia can cause a variety of issues such as pain, lameness, and secondary osteoarthritis.

  4. Chinese Beagle Syndrome (CBS): The scientific term for Chinese Beagle Syndrome is Musladin Lueke Syndrome (MLS). This syndrome is characterized by a flat head and slanted eyes. A Beagle with CBS will also have turned out toes that make them look like a ballerina. Though their different look won’t have much of an effect on their lives, dogs with CBS are more likely to have heart problems.

  5. Distichiasis: This condition occurs when eyelashes (known as distichiasis) grow in an abnormal location on the eyelid. In some cases, a dog may have an entire row of extra eyelashes. Eyelashes can also grow near an oil gland in the dog’s eye and stick out along the edge of the eyelid. The extra eyelashes and abnormal location can irritate the eye, and you may notice your Beagle squinting or rubbing their eye(s). Distichiasis can be treated by freezing the excess eyelashes with liquid nitrogen and then removing them.

  6. Eye problems: Corneal ulcers, cherry eye, cataracts, glaucoma, and scratched corneas are all issues that may affect a Beagle.

  7. Others: Skeletal disorders, patellar luxation (dislocated kneecap), epilepsy, thyroid disorders, and ear infections commonly affect floppy-eared breeds. To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may recommend skeletal and eye tests for your Beagle.

Popular Beagle mixes

A few common Beagle mixes include:

  • Puggle (Pug + Beagle)

  • Borkie (Beagle + Yorkshire Terrier)

  • Beagleman (Beagle + Doberman Pinscher)

  • Jack-A-Bee (Jack Russel Terrier + Beagle)

Beagle Mixes picture

Find Beagle puppies near you

Adopting a Beagle

Learn about acquiring a Beagle - the pros and cons of adopting versus going through a breeder, and associated costs.

Photo of Samuel L Jackson

Samuel L Jackson

Beagle

Male, 1 yr 7 mos

New Albany, OH

Color
Black - with Brown, Red, Golden, Orange or Chestnut
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids
Good with dogs
House-trained
Spayed or Neutered
Shots are up-to-date
Story
Dog's Name: Samuel L Jackson Gender: Male Current Age: Around 12-18 months Current Age Range: Young Adult (6 months to 1 year) Current Weight: 28lbs Expected Adult Size: Medium (25-50 lbs) Breed: Beagle Energy Level: Medium- High Dog Friendliness: Yes, and requires another dog in the home. Requires a slow introduction but definitely needs another dog, especially if he will be left alone. Cat Friendliness: Unknown Kid Friendliness: Yes any age Apartment Friendly: No Physical Fence: Physical fence required, any height Crate Trained: No and cannot be in crate Potty Trained: Yes Ideal Home / Adopter: Sam would do best in a home with another dog and people that are home a lot. He has a lot of happy energy and loves to explore all the smells in the yard. For a beagle he is relatively quiet but will sometimes howl when he is chasing an interesting smell. Sam has injured himself escaping from a crate so crates aren't for him. Likes: Sam would do best in a home with another dog and people that are home a lot. He has a lot of happy energy and loves to explore all the smells in the yard. For a beagle he is relatively quiet but will sometimes howl when he is chasing an interesting smell. Sam has injured himself escaping from a crate so crates aren't for him. Dislikes:Sam has been fine when left alone for 3-4 hours with another dog in the house but would probably not do well if left without another dog. He is generally not a chewer but if left alone for too long he gets bored and can get himself in trouble. He has an aversion to the crate and is not crateable but will gladly snuggly you in bed. Sam is a bit of an escape artist so caution when opening doors and fences is a must. He has not shown any interest in jumping our fence but he does have some impressive jumping skills. Sam is a fun dog and loves people and dogs. He may need a slow introduction to other dogs but once he meets them, he loves them. Sam gets along great with the resident dogs and will happily lay on them and wiggle into their space. If you're looking for a silly dog with a lot of spunk and personality, same is your guy! Samual's adoption fee is $350. All fees include spay/neuter, microchip, vaccinations, worming, flea and heartworm current. All dogs over 6 months of age have been tested and are heartworm negative. If you are interested in adopting, apply at rescuedohio.org to become an approved adopter and a meet & greet can be set up once approved. ##2163595##
Photo of Ruger

Ruger

Beagle

Male, 1 yr 2 mos

New Albany, OH

Color
White - with Black
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids
Good with dogs
House-trained
Spayed or Neutered
Shots are up-to-date
Story
Ruger Gender: Male Current Age: 1 year old Current Age Range: Young Adult (6 months to 1 year) Current Weight: 31 lbs Expected Adult Size: Medium (25-50 lbs) Breed: Beagle-Hound Mix Energy Level: High Dog Friendly: Yes, and would love to have other dogs in the home. Cat Friendly: Unknown Kids: Yes, but best with kids 12 years old or older Fence Requirements: Physical fence preferred but not required with regular walks/exercise Crate Trained: Can do crates at night but prefers to cuddle in bed instead. Would prefer not to be in a crate during the day as he loves to be around his people! Potty Trained: Yes Ideal Home / Adopter- Did someone say PLAY?! Ruger is ready to play whenever and with whoever! He is not dog selective and would thrive in a home with another high-energy doggie sibling. Ruger is food-motivated and a quick learner, so having a sibling around to help him learn the ropes would be ideal. He would do great in a home with a fenced-in yard where he can run his little heart out. Although he's full of energy, he's also full of love! Give Ruger a comfy bed, cozy blanket, and some cuddles, and he'll be snuggling with you all day. He’s the perfect companion for someone who works from home—happy to lay by your feet while you work and ready to play when you’re off the clock! Likes: Out of everything in the world, Ruger loves his humans the most! He loves being around people and interacting with them, whether it's through long walks, playing tug-a-war, tossing a ball around or lazing on the couch/bed cuddling all day and getting belly rugs, as long as he's with his humans, he's in! Ruger also loves being around other friendly, active dogs - he's ready to wrestle all day with any dog who wants to take him on and run with him. With such a little body, it's also amazing how much food Ruger can eat and put away! This hungry pup is highly food motivated, making him easy to train with any treats and is happy to spend the day licking away at a Kong if it's filled with the good stuff (peanut butter, fruit, literally anything). Dislikes: Ruger appreciates his time with his humans so he doesn't like being in the crate or being alone very much, when he knows his humans are out and about doing fun things without him. Ruger takes medicine which helps him build up the courage to be alone. At night however, Ruger is more than happy to sleep in the crate, as long he knows his humans are in bed next to him (though he prefer if he got to cuddle in bed with you instead)! Do you need a personal bodyguard? A playmate? A snuggle buddy? Then look no further—Ruger is your guy! Within that little body is a whole lot of heart. Ruger just wants to be with you all day, every day, making sure you’re feeling your best. He’s always ready to cheer you up with a toy, a cuddle, or even sharing a snack. He gets along well with other dogs and adores humans (though he’s still learning not to jump in excitement). With his sweet manners, dashing good looks, and love for everyone he meets, Ruger is sure to steal hearts wherever he goes! Ruger's adoption fee is $350. All fees include spay/neuter, microchip, vaccinations, worming, flea and heartworm current. All dogs over 6 months of age have been tested and are heartworm negative. If you are interested in adopting, apply at rescuedohio.org to become an approved adopter and a meet & greet can be set up once approved. ##2269784##
Photo of Maisie (Dove’s Girls)

Maisie (Dove’s Girls)

Beagle Shepherd (Unknown Type)

Female, 3 mos

Lewis Center, OH

Color
Tan/Yellow/Fawn
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Story
These are Doves babies! All females Dove was trapped in Marion Ohio after being on the run for several months (and having puppies). A few of the shy puppies also had to be trapped. They are all loving indoor life, playing with toys, cuddling with foster parents and playing with the house dogs! Mama Dove was so sweet, that she was immediately adopted by one of the girls that works with our vet.Mama Dove (pictured at the end) is thought to be a puggle mix. You can see the Beagle in the pups. They are mixed with something cute and fuzzy! Out of the litter of 5 girls, Miss Maisie is the last one needing to find her wonderful forever home. She is 11 weeks old. She will more than likely be around 30ish lb full grown. Shes great with small and large dogs, cats and loooves her people. Shes great at going potty on the potty pad, when she isnt playing with her fur buddies, her favorite thing to do is cuddle up with her favorite human. Apply to meet them at ricopetrecovery.org! Adoption fee is $350 and includes 1st 2 sets of vaccines spay and microchip. Owner will cover 3rd and 4th set.
Photo of Dale of Dale and Brennan

Dale of Dale and Brennan

Beagle

Male, 1 yr 8 mos

Lewis Center, OH

Color
Tricolor (Tan/Brown & Black & White)
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Story
Meet Dale and Brennan The Ultimate Dynamic Duo!Weve seen a lot of bonded pairs, but Dale and Brennan take the cake (and probably your snacks, too). These two 1.5-year-old beagle brothers were found as strays, taken to a shelter, and never claimedprobably because they completely flunked 'Beagle 101.' No rabbit hunting for these twojust wrestling, snuggling, and being the goofiest best friends youve ever met.They were adopted but are now being returned. Why? Because as much as they liked their new family, they love each other more. Their bond is unbreakable, and they need a home where their brotherly love is celebrated, not challenged. Dale and Brennan need a foster or forever homeASAP! These boys are: Kid friendly Dog friendly Cat friendly Basically, just ridiculously friendly!They love to wrestle, snuggle, eat, repeatand they promise to keep you laughing every single day. If youve got room in your home and heart for these lovable goofballs, theyll pay you back in endless entertainment and unconditional love. They are being returned this weekend, so theres no time to waste! Apply to foster or adopt at ricopetrecovery.org.Two beagles are better than oneespecially when theyre Dale and Brennan!
Photo of Brennan of Dale and Brennan

Brennan of Dale and Brennan

Beagle

Male, 1 yr 8 mos

Lewis Center, OH

Color
Tricolor (Tan/Brown & Black & White)
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Story
Meet Dale and Brennan The Ultimate Dynamic Duo!Weve seen a lot of bonded pairs, but Dale and Brennan take the cake (and probably your snacks, too). These two 1.5-year-old beagle brothers were found as strays, taken to a shelter, and never claimedprobably because they completely flunked 'Beagle 101.' No rabbit hunting for these twojust wrestling, snuggling, and being the goofiest best friends youve ever met.They were adopted but are now being returned. Why? Because as much as they liked their new family, they love each other more. Their bond is unbreakable, and they need a home where their brotherly love is celebrated, not challenged. Dale and Brennan need a foster or forever homeASAP! These boys are: Kid friendly Dog friendly Cat friendly Basically, just ridiculously friendly!They love to wrestle, snuggle, eat, repeatand they promise to keep you laughing every single day. If youve got room in your home and heart for these lovable goofballs, theyll pay you back in endless entertainment and unconditional love. They are being returned this weekend, so theres no time to waste! Apply to foster or adopt at ricopetrecovery.org.Two beagles are better than oneespecially when theyre Dale and Brennan!apply to meet them at ricopetrecovery.org.
Photo of Daisy

Daisy

Beagle

Female, 2 yrs 1 mo

Lewis Center, OH

Color
Tricolor (Tan/Brown & Black & White)
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids
Good with dogs
House-trained
Shots are up-to-date
Story
Daisy is approximately 2-3 yrs old. Shes a beagle mix and is about 25 lbs.Daisy adores people of all ages and will charm anyone she meets. Daisy loves her people so much that she can get jealous when other dogs take her persons attention away from her. With a little training, time, and reassurance, we think this behavior will pass. She has tested well with other dogs in her foster home and with new dogs at the dog park!Daisy cannot wait to give you her whole heart! Daisy loves being outdoors and would love a fenced yard or a human who loves going for walks. Daisy had a rough life prior to coming into Rico care. She was found pregnant as a stray. Daisy can be crated but prefers to be by your side. She is house-trained and has not been destructive when left uncrated. She walks nicely on her leash and wants to say hello to every person and pet she meets. Daisy would love to shower you with unconditional love and kisses! She loves going for car rides and cannot wait to start her next adventure with you!You can apply to meet her at ricopetrecovery.org.