Beagle
A friendly, curious, and energetic scent hound known for its loyalty and playful spirit. The Beagle is perfect for families withs kids and outdoor-loving owners.
Origin
England
Size
Small to Medium
Popularity
Top 10 in the United States
Low
Medium
High
The Beagle is a cheerful, curious, and intelligent small hound that loves companionship and adventure. With its strong sense of smell and playful energy, it thrives in active families and enjoys spending time outdoors. Beagles are social dogs that get along well with children and other pets, though their curious nature sometimes leads them to wander. Training requires patience and consistency, but their affectionate temperament makes them loyal and delightful companions for families and dog lovers alike.
13-15 inch
33-38 Cm
Short, smooth, and dense coat
20-30 lb
9-14 Kg
Great for beginners and families
12-15 years
Cheerful, Curious, Playful
History
The Beagle’s origins trace back to 16th-century England, where they were bred as scent hounds for hunting rabbits and small game. Valued for their keen noses, endurance, and cheerful temperament, Beagles worked alongside hunters for centuries. The modern Beagle developed in the 1800s and quickly gained popularity in the United States as both a hunting and family companion. Their expressive eyes, friendly personality, and strong pack instincts make them beloved pets worldwide. Today, they remain one of America’s favorite breeds, ranking consistently in the AKC’s top 10.
Temperament
Merry, friendly, curious, and gentle. Beagles are excellent with children and generally get along well with other dogs due to their pack mentality. They can be stubborn and easily distracted by scents, requiring patient and consistent training.
Training
Moderately easy to train but can be stubborn. Their strong sense of smell can cause distractions, so patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement work best. Scent-based games help keep them engaged.
Care & Grooming
The Beagle’s short coat requires minimal maintenance — a weekly brushing helps reduce shedding. Clean their long ears often to prevent infections, and keep nails trimmed. Regular dental care is also important.
Coat Looks
Short, smooth, and dense coat. Common colors include tricolor (black, white, tan), red and white, or lemon and white. Long floppy ears and big brown eyes make them irresistibly cute.
Health & Nutriton
Feed a high-quality, balanced diet and avoid overfeeding — Beagles tend to overeat. Common health concerns include hip dysplasia, ear infections, obesity, and hypothyroidism. Provide portion control and regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight.
Home and Apartment
Yes
Yes
Before Buying
Choose reputable breeders who test for common genetic health conditions. Spend time with the puppy’s parents to assess temperament. Be prepared to give your Beagle daily exercise and plenty of companionship — they don’t enjoy being left alone for long periods.
Activity Level
4 — High energy; loves playtime, outdoor walks, and sniffing adventures.