Is there anyone who doesn’t know what the adorable Beagle looks like? These hunting hounds would follow an interesting scent no matter how far, and because of their pack animal mentality, they will make the other dogs in your household follow them along. These aren’t the right dogs for people who don’t appreciate at least a little bit of naughtiness as these dogs love to spice up your life. However, at the end of the day when they are tired enough, they will roll up on the couch with you and even reward you with some kisses.
These pups love spending time with their human friends, but you have to be prepared for their baying howl. It may be the loudest noise you ever experienced coming from a pooch (unless you’ve owned a Husky). These dogs are also obsessed with eating and make the sneakiest food thieves. So make sure you hide your human food from them. Especially the ingredients that can be dangerous for our canine companions.
While they do have short legs, they are still incredibly fast. So no small rabbit or squirrel at the dog park will be safe from them. That’s why it’s so important to train your pup as soon as you bring him home. These dogs are unbelievably stubborn, and if you are a first-time dog owner, it might not be a bad idea to even seek out some professional dog training or enroll your Beagle in puppy school.
History
No one knows where or when the Beagle breed came from, and there are different ideas about it. The NBCA says that there are records of dogs like Beagles living in England as early as 200 A.D. In other stories, it is said that the Beagle’s ancestors lived in ancient Greece.
The breed’s name says something very different. “Little” in Gaelic is “beag,” and “be’geule” is the French word for the sounds hounds make when they are hunting. Though most people think that the modern Beagle is the result of centuries of breeding between European and British hounds and that it is related to the foxhound and the Southern hound, which is now extinct.
English aristocrats used small hounds from the past to find rabbits and hares. Since that kind of prey is often hunted on foot instead of by horse, the Beagle quickly became a favorite among common trackers. Queen Elizabeth I even kept packs of “pocket beagles,” which are 9 inches tall, to keep her company and occasionally go hunting.
England and Scotland worked in the 1800s to make beagles better and more uniform, which led to the beagles you see today. After the Civil War, American breeders started bringing in English beagles. This is when the breed we know today really started to take shape. People liked the breed right away on this side of the pond. In 1885, the Beagle was recognized by the American Kennel Club. It is now the seventh most popular breed of dog in the United States, and has its own National Breed Club.
Source: Instagram (@beagle_deagle)
Physical Characteristics
Beagles are small, but compact and sturdy dogs. There are two types of Beagles. Those that stand at 13 inches and under, and those that stand between 13 and 15 inches. Smaller Beagles (under 13 inches) weigh around 20 pounds, while the larger ones (13-15 inches) weigh between 20 and 30 pounds.
Beagle’s coat is dense, smooth, and rain resistant. As for the color of the coat, the most common are Black Tan, and White, Black, and Tan, Blue Tan, and White, Brown White and Tan, Red and White, Lemon and White. Generally, any hound color is acceptable.
Personality & Temperament
Beagles are sweet, funny, and gentle. They’ll make you laugh, but that’s only when they’re not making you cry with their often naughty behavior. People with Beagles spend a lot of time trying to outsmart their dogs, and they often have to use treats to get their Beagles to obey for a short time.
The Beagle, like all dogs, needs to meet many different people, see many different things, hear many different sounds, and do many different things when it is young. Socializing your Beagle puppy helps make sure that he or she grows up to be a well-rounded dog.
Most people think that Beagles are good with kids and other pets. They are happy dogs who like to be petted. They like to be with people, though, and if left alone, they may howl and do damage. Beagles also bark the most, and they can be hard to housebreak and train to do what you want.
Because Beagles tend to bark, they can be good alert systems, letting their owners know as soon as a neighbor or delivery man starts walking up to the house. Just don’t expect anything more than a friendly wag of the tail after they bark. Because of how loud they are and how much they want to hunt, this breed can be a handful if it isn’t trained and cared for properly. These pack hounds are also happier when they have other dogs around, so you shouldn’t leave them alone for too long.
Health & Lifespan
Beagle is generally a healthy dog. However, like all dog breeds, they are prone to certain health issues. Just like with any other dog breed, the best way to prevent these health issues is to buy your puppy from a reputable breeder. Reputable breeders do the needed health tests and screenings and will make sure that your pup is free of inherited conditions such as hip dysplasia.
The most common health issues in Beagles are:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Glaucoma
- Intervertebral Disk Disease
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Epilepsy
- Chinese Beagle Syndrome
- Patellar Luxation
- Beagle Dwarfism
- Cherry Eye
- Distichiasis
Beagle lifespan
The average lifespan of the Beagle is between 12 and 15 years. Which is considered pretty long for dogs. To make sure your dog lives as long as possible, you have to feed him a healthy and balanced diet and give him enough exercise. In addition to that, regular visits to the vet are an absolute must.
When it comes to life expectancy, the Beagle’s lifespan is pretty long. There are some dogs that have a shorter life expectancy and others that have longer ones. But, a general rule is that smaller dogs tend to live longer than larger dogs. While the Beagle isn’t super small, they are still considered a small to medium dog breed. We already explained that there are two varieties of the Beagle, and their lifespan will depend on their size as well.
Source: Instagram (@beagle_life_of_lili)
Caring for a Beagle
Beagles were made to follow scents and hunt in groups. They are known for always having their heads down, looking for the next best scent to follow. Because of this, beagles need to live in a home with a strong, well-secured fence or have a lot of time outside for long, meandering walks on a leash. Because their nose goes where it wants, you should always keep an eye on your beagle when they are outside and get them microchipped. They might just follow a scent right out of your backyard.
Even though beagles are smart, they are known for being slow to learn how to use the bathroom. It can take up to a year for them to stop having accidents. Crate training a Beagle and staying positive, patient, and consistent during any training is highly recommended.
A Beagle is happiest when she has an owner who knows how to use her sense of smell to hunt, compete, go on long hikes or walks around the neighborhood, or just spend a lot of quality time with her. Beagles get lonely easily, and if she or he is left alone for too long or don’t get enough exercise and training, they may start to act in bad ways. Before deciding on a dog, you should think about how you live. Talk to a Beagle breeder or rescue group to find out if this dog is a good fit for your family.
Exercise
Beagles are energetic dogs bred for work in the field. Therefore, Beagle needs plenty of exercise and physical activity during the day. Also, remember that Beagles are very social dogs bred to hunt in packs. Therefore, it’s not enough to let your dog into the yard and let him play. If left alone for long periods, Beagle will become destructive.
So, make sure that your Beagle, besides walking, has at least one hour of exercise every day. Also, never walk your Beagle without a leash. Due to their hunting instinct and excellent sense of smell, Beagles will run away to find prey.
Grooming
Because of their dense double coat, Beagles shed moderately throughout the year. Therefore, a weekly brushing will help remove dead hairs and make a place for new ones. Also, there is no need to bathe Beagles too often. When bathing a Beagle always cleans his ears and makes sure there is no water left in them.
Beagles have drop ears, which means the air doesn’t circulate well inside them. Lack of air circulation combined with moisture inside the ears creates a perfect platform for the development of bacterial infections.
Trimm the Beagle’s nails once or twice a month and brush his teeth every day. Brushing their teeth will help prevent dog teeth problems, and it will keep their breaths smelling nice. Also, clean your dog’s ears from time to time to avoid ear infections.
Nutrition
Beagles need high-quality, nutrient-rich food to satisfy their needs and ensure the proper functioning of their bodies. Therefore, make sure you find quality food your dog loves and stick with it. Feed your Beagle 3/4 to 1.5 cups a day divided into two meals.
Beagles also like to eat a lot and are often overweight because of it. It’s important to make sure you measure each meal correctly and account for training treats and snacks in between. This breed has a lot of energy and needs at least an hour of exercise every day. Long walks help them stay physically and mentally fit.
Trainability
When training a Beagle, focus on positive reinforcement and treat-driven training. Generally, Beagles won’t respond well to harsh training methods. However, with a lot of patience, persistence, and a bit of creativity you will succeed.
Conclusion
After learning so much about this popular breed, and the two Beagle varieties, it’s up to you to decide if these energetic hounds can fulfill your companionship needs. Don’t let their small size fool you, these curious dogs have big personalities and serious exercise needs. They need to stay active in order to live a happy life.
The most important thing for these pack dogs is that they are trained early on. You have to establish yourself as the pack leader, and use their love of food in positive reinforcement training. They will obey as soon as treats are involved! When well trained, they make excellent family dogs. Because of their compact size, the fact that they are a people dog, love to get plenty of playtime, and have the most adorable big brown or hazel eyes, your kids will adore them as well.
All in all, there is a reason why the American Kennel Club titled the Beagle one of the most popular dogs in the United States While these dogs can be a bit too much for some people, their sassy characteristics can also make them the ideal pet for others. So if you are thinking about getting this popular hound dog, prepare yourself for a lot of training, but also for even more kisses and cuddles.
Commonly Asked Questions
Are Beagles good house pets?
Beagles are primarily hunting dogs. However, their independent nature, low maintenance, and good temperament make them good house pets.
Why do Beagles stink?
Yes, the Beagles can sometimes stink really bad. This is because hair follicles produce oil which protects their coat from water. Unfortunately, this oil has a pretty bad smell.
How come Beagles make so much noise?
Beagles are known for how much noise they make, especially their bay, which sounds more like a howl than a bark. Some Beagles bark when they’re bored, but a lot of them do it just because they can.
Do Beagles get along well with little kids?
They are great with kids as long as the kids are old enough to know how to treat a dog with respect and can deal with the beagle’s high energy. Also, these dogs are known to be mouthy, which means they may play by biting a child’s arm, which can be scary. But if you train them well, this shouldn’t be an issue.
Are beagles dogs that behave well?
Beagles are usually well-behaved, but they can be stubborn, and they are known for not giving up, especially when they smell something interesting. They will dig hard under a fence to find a way out so they can catch what they see.
Do Beagles like to cuddle?
Yes, Beagles love to cuddle. In fact, Beagles enjoy the company of humans and other dogs.
Not sure this is the right breed for you? Why not consider a crossbreed?
German Shepherd Beagle
This mixed-breed dog comes from two breeds that are both very smart. This dog can learn new tricks quickly and will always do what its master wants. As long as you play with and talk to your dog every day, it will learn from you and trust you. You could also sign your dog up for professional training to make it smarter and better behaved.
If you want a dog to train with, a Beagle and German Shepherd mix is your ideal choice. Your furry companion will always be there to help you work out. It will get you going with its boundless energy and friendly personality. You and your workout buddy can jog, run, ride bikes, or just get up and move.
Dachshund Beagle Mix
Doxles are great family dogs, watchdogs, and companions all in one. Both Dachshunds and Beagles are hunting dogs, so they are curious and pay close attention. This is often a cute trait, but you may want to give them a spot in the yard that you don’t mind if they dig up. They are very active, which is good because it helps you get in your daily steps and keeps them from becoming overweight.
Doxles have so much love in their hearts that they can get lonely if they are left alone for too long. Before adding one to your family, make sure you or another dog spend enough time at home during the day. You might also have to get used to having a cute shadow since your Doxle will probably want to follow you around and watch everything you do.
Beagle Dachshund Mixes have many nicknames, including Doxle, Doxie Beagle, Beaschund and Beweenie.
Golden Retriever Beagle Mix
The Golden Beagle mix got the best qualities from both of its parents. They are very calm, like a Beagle, but they are also eager to please, like a Golden retriever. When they are young puppies and just starting to learn, they tend to be a bit stubborn. But don’t let this bring you down. They learn quickly and change how they act quickly.
They know what to do in social situations and what to expect from their people. The Beago gets along with almost everyone, and they love being around other people. But when they are young, they tend to bark at strangers. The Golden retriever-Beagle mix can live between 10 and 15 years. This depends a lot on how well you care for your dog and how healthy it is.
Beagle Poodle Cross
The Poogle is a very nice dog. No matter what happens, they are always happy. They can teach us a lot. They like to have fun and play, and they don’t take life too seriously. Poogles are always looking for something to do and will do their best to make you laugh. You’ll need to play with them and keep them busy. If not, you might need to get some new furniture.
Poogles also enjoy being noticed. If you don’t give them a lot of attention, they will act like spoiled brats. But you also get a trustworthy friend. Someone who is a real friend and will always be there for you. And they expect you to do the same. Poogles are healthy dogs that usually live between 10 and 16 years. In general, you don’t have to worry about any major health problems.
Corgi Beagle Cross
The Corgi-Beagle mix is also a great choice for families with active kids. They will be able to run and hike with you because they have a lot of energy. Like their Corgi parents, they like to get lots of attention. For them, living with kids who will give them lots of attention is like a dream come true. They are also very loyal, so they will do anything to make you happy and show how much they love you.
One thing you might not like about them is how sassy they are. Both the Corgi parent and the Beagle parent are stubborn and like to be in charge. So it’s likely that your Beagi puppy will be too. A Corgi Beagle mix can live for about 12 to 15 years. They are also pretty healthy dogs. There is no doubt that some health problems can be passed down from one breed to another.
You’ve never seen a dog quite like the Corgi Beagle Mix
Beagle Chihuahua Mix
The Beagle and the Chihuahua are two dogs that don’t seem like they would work well together, but they do! Cheagles are active, loyal dogs that get along well with everyone. Cheagles love to have fun, play, and, most importantly, stick by their owners. Aside from that, their size might make them look like lapdogs, but they are actually little balls of fur that are full of energy! They will definitely choose to play fetch over snuggling on the couch.
Many people who own a Beagle-Chihuahua mix agree that this dog is very stubborn. This means they are a little hard to train. But if you are patient and give your Cheagle treats, it will learn any trick or command. Even though these dogs love their families, they tend to choose one person as their favorite and cling to them.
Beagle Labrador Cross
Beagadors are friendly, people-loving dogs who like to take part in everything the family does. They do best in big families or homes that are never empty, so your dog won’t be home alone very often, if at all. The Blebbe retriever is not the right dog for you if you travel a lot or work long hours. They need attention and company, and if they are left alone at home, they can easily act out.
The Lab-Beagle mix is a great pet and friend for people who are active and for families with kids. This mix loves people and is loyal. It needs company and can’t stay at home alone all day, every day. This isn’t the right mix for you if you work a lot and don’t have the time or energy to fully care for a dog.
Pitbull Beagle Mix
The Pitbull-Beagle mix is a great dog for a family because it is very friendly and affectionate. The breed is a good mix of being friendly and playful while also being protective and devoted. But you have to learn how to do this right. If your family is looking for a dog for your kids to play with, a pitbull-beagle mix is a good choice because they get along well with kids and are very loyal and friendly.
There shouldn’t be a problem if the family can give the dog the attention and exercise it needs. If you play your cards right and train your dog well, a Pitbull-beagle mix can get along with almost anyone, including your other pets. A smart dog like a beagle-pitbull mix is a great addition to a family that wants a loyal friend who can keep up with their busy lifestyle.
Beagle Bulldog Cross
Beabulls are friendly and don’t get angry easily. Because they are friendly, they make great family dogs. You won’t have to work hard to get this dog to love you. It gets along well with adults, kids, older people, big families, and even other pets. But because they are smart and interested, they do need a lot of attention and mental stimulation. So, try to spend as much time as possible with them as a family.
Bulldogs are good pets because they are friendly and loyal, but they can also be stubborn. If your Beabull gets these bossy genes, training from a young age may take more time, patience, and hard work. This breed likes to show off how smart it is and isn’t afraid of a good challenge. To keep your Beabull happy, all you have to do is give it puzzle toys and games.
Beagle Husky Mix
The Husky-Beagle mix can get along well with other dogs and children if it is trained and socialized early on. The Husky Beagle is a mix between a Husky and a Beagle. It is a sweet dog with a friendly personality, so kids would love it. Just make sure to keep an eye on them because this breed can be easily upset and end up acting aggressively.
In general, a Husky-Beagle mix can be a great family pet. It all depends on how you’re going to raise your dog. Be a good dog parent by feeding them well, getting them to know other people, and giving them enough exercise and training. If you did all of these things right, you can expect your Husky Beagle to be very loving and loyal to you.