Sorry, we couldn't find any results matching
Please:
Sorry, we couldn't find any results matching
Please:
10 – 15 years
20 – 30 lbs
13 – 15 inches
Yes
Personality:
Friendly, patient, affectionate with family, aloof to strangers
Health Problems:
Hip dysplasia, epilepsy, eye disorders, hypothyroidism, luxating patella
The most popular hound dogs in America, beagles are loved for their kind eyes, floppy ears, and soft coats. Beagles are active dogs with strong, short legs. Their tails match their compact size, are usually white-tipped, and stand at attention when they find their prey.1
Beagles are traditionally tricolored. Puppies are often born with only brown and white coloring, with black spots coming in as they age. Senior beagles often lose their darker spots — their black and brown fading to white or gray as they enter their golden years. Here are some common variations of their coloring:1
Typically, beagles don’t drool unless they’re excited.1
This dog’s long, floppy ears may be cute, but they do get dirty. Be sure to clean their ears and inspect them for critters that may be hiding on their skin. It’s recommended to check their ears weekly to help them avoid ear infections.1
Beagles have smooth, dense coats that are pretty low-maintenance. Professionals recommend brushing these dogs once or twice a week, with more grooming needed during the winter as their coats thicken. Their nails need to be trimmed regularly, and they also need to be bathed occasionally.1
Beagle: Personality Traits
What My Adoption Bio Would Say:
I’ve got beauty, brains, and a cuddly side you won’t be able to get enough of! I know I’m smart, and sometimes I get a little distracted, but I promise I’ll be your favorite companion. I like to be attached to my owner’s hip, so I’ll be your best buddy for sniffing adventures on a walk or a snuggly night on the couch.
Beagles were bred as hunting dogs who enjoy roaming and searching. Beagles love adventuring. So if you love exploring, hiking, or being outside, this dog may be for you. Pay attention to young beagles and train them well — their curious nature can get them into areas of your home or garden that you don’t want them sniffing around in.1
To keep your beagle healthy, expect to spend a minimum of 60 minutes of vigorous activity each day. A fence is recommended to ensure your dog has a safe area to run around in. Ensure the fence extends underground to avoid tunneling.1 Beagles benefit from mental engagement with their humans and plenty of running to keep their muscles strong. Consider training classes to learn the best way to keep your best friend at optimal health.
Historically, beagles are great with other dogs.1 Their ancestors were hounds and hunted with larger dogs and people on horseback. Keep in mind that every individual dog is different, but you should expect your beagle to adjust well to other pets in the home.
The beagle can be extremely stubborn and easily distracted, making them difficult to train in comparison to other breeds. Throughout training, it’s necessary to be assertive, but positive, to train them successfully.
The American Kennel Club recommends keeping beagles on leashes to avoid them running off to whatever scent their powerful nose takes them.1 To avoid losing your dog, train them well with commands such as “to me” or “leave it.”
The beagle is very good with children and can become extremely affectionate with their family. If properly exercised, they can also prove to be real cuddle buddies.
Barking and howling can be the largest problem found with this breed. Beagles tend to whine, bark, or howl excessively if they’re bored or left alone for too long. Be sure to exercise your beagle often to avoid this becoming a habit you can’t break.
Beagles aren’t the most expensive breed, but the cost can vary widely. If you’re looking to adopt a beagle from a shelter, it generally costs between $25 and $500. If you’re looking for a beagle from a breeder, costs generally range from $500 to $2,000. Working-class beagles are generally cheaper and are recommended for most regular pet owners as they’re bred for their personality, not just how they look.2
You’ll also need to care for them over the course of their lives. Smaller dogs are generally less expensive than larger dogs. Lifetime costs for small dogs average around $19,840 but can vary depending on the health and exact size. This includes costs like food, vet visits, and medication.3
Your beagle should be seen by a veterinarian for routine check-ups to keep them healthy. Even though these are generally healthy dogs, beagles may experience a variety of health issues, including:1
Treating common beagle health issues can be a costly proposition. Here’s what it costs on average to treat some of the most common conditions.
Medical Issue | Average Treatment Cost |
Hip dysplasia | $3,500 - $10,000 (per hip)4 |
Epilepsy | $200 - $500 (per seizure)5 |
Eye conditions | $200 - $2,0005 |
Hypothyroidism | $850 (first year)6 |
Luxating patella | $1,000 - $5,000 (per knee)7 |
MetLife Pet Insurance could help you cover some of the costs of treating these issues. You can learn more about our beagle insurance here.
The modern beagle hails from England. Originally bred for hunting hares and small game, beagles are scent hounds that quickly became favorites of nobility and royals alike because their compact size made hunting without a horse easier.1
Beagles were brought to the U.S. in the 19th century to hunt game and assist on farmlands. Today, they are prized show dogs and family pets. These dogs are extremely intelligent and may be stubborn, but training them is extremely rewarding.1