The Beagle is a small to medium-sized dog breed. The name relates it to the Celtic word ‘beag,’ meaning small. Beagles were bred to hunt rabbits.

The Beagle breed is a member of the hound group. It is similar in appearance to the foxhound but smaller with shorter legs and longer, softer ears. Beagles are scent hounds, developed primarily for tracking hare, rabbit, deer, and other small game.

Though the earliest references to Beagles were in 15th-century writings, some believe this breed dates back to 400 BC when similar small hounds were used for hunting by the ancient Greeks. Beagles are thought to have descended from dogs brought from France at the time of the Norman Conquest in 1066.

Beagle FAQs Frequently Asked Questions:

Let us seek some answers related to the Beagle dog breed. Are they hypoallergenic (non-shedding), or do they shed a lot? Do they bark a lot? Are they good guard dogs? Are they good family dogs? Good with children? And many more questions that a potential Beagle owner may be concerned about.

Is the Beagle a hypoallergenic (non-shedding) breed?

No. Beagle is not a hypoallergenic dog breed. Beagles do shed. But because they’re relatively small dogs, it’s not as noticeable. However, shedding may become intense when they shed their thick double coat after winter. With proper brushing, bathing, and nutrition, Beagle’s shedding can be minimized. If you suffer from allergies, here is a list of hypoallergenic dog breeds.

Do Beagle dogs bark a lot?

Generally, Beagles are not yappy dogs. However, they are capable of being very loud! Beagles have been known for their loudness. They can be incredibly noisy and use their barking to communicate more often than other dogs. A Beagle may bark a lot due to separation anxiety.

If you want to control your Beagle’s barking, teach your dog the QUIET command. This command complements the SPEAK command, as it gives the beagle a cue to stop barking. Give your dog a command of QUIET when he is barking and reward him with a treat when he stops. Make sure you are looking directly at your dog when you give the command.

Is Beagle a good family dog?

Yes. Beagle is a good family dog. Beagles are a very adaptable dog breed. Being a companion dog, they want to be with you. Beagles are incredibly curious and sweet dogs. They can make terrific family dogs because they are good with children and are very playful. Usually, a house full of his family and constant play companions is exactly what Beagles are looking forward to.

Are Beagles affectionate? Good with kids?

Yes. The Beagle is a cheerful, affectionate dog and prefers to be by your side as a companion. They are very playful and good with kids. Beagles love to cuddle. Beagles love to be around people, in general. In fact, Beagles are actually known to have separation anxiety if left alone for too long because they love being with people so much.

Are Beagles good guard dogs?

No. Beagles are not good guard dogs due to their size and temperament. Beagles are very friendly. Please don’t depend on them to guard your house. Beagles love humans and will bark in playful excitement when anybody approaches. They do have a loud bark and may serve as watchdogs.

Are Beagles aggressive dogs? Do they bite?

The beagles are not aggressive. Beagles were bred to be hunting scent hound dogs. This makes them prone to hunting behaviors, guarding food, and playful biting that can sometimes be misunderstood as aggression towards humans.

Beagle puppies tend to bite a lot while playing. Biting, chewing, and nipping are some of the most common Beagle problems, but this should be resolved by holding your puppy down and saying NO. Be firm but never shout. Shouting and screaming ‘ouch’ can be misunderstood as weakness or playful behavior! If your puppy thinks he can bite you without being punished, he will.

Can Beagles swim? Do they like it?

Beagles can swim. But Beagles typically do not enjoy swimming, at least in the beginning. In fact, some don’t even like being in the water. So if you want your Beagle to swim, start young, introduce them gradually, and never force them into the water.

How much do Beagles cost? How much is a Beagle puppy?

Beagle puppies cost about $800 to $1,200 from a reputed breeder. Some breeders may charge more for a Beagle with top breed lines and a superior pedigree. The cost to buy a Beagle varies greatly and depends on many factors. Expect to pay less for a puppy without papers. Expect to pay a premium for a puppy advertised as show quality with papers.

The cost to adopt a Beagle is around $300 to cover the expenses of caring for the dog before adoption.

How long do the Beagles live?

Beagles are a generally healthy breed, and a typical life expectancy is 12 to 15 years.

Ok, so let’s assume you have chosen the Beagle as the best dog breed suitable for yourself. You have decided to find yourself a Beagle puppy as your next family member. How will you choose the best pup? Let us look at some standard characteristics of the Beagle dog breed, which will help you select the right puppy. Keep reading.

Choosing a good Beagle puppy

The definition of the best Beagle puppy depends on your requirements. Your expectations from an adult Beagle can be broadly categorized as follows: Confirmation for show or breeding; obedience; smart guard dog; companion; homely pet.

Although it is tempting to look for all these qualities in one Beagle puppy you are planning to buy, it is seldom possible to find all qualities in a single pup.

If you want your Beagle puppy to grow up to be a champion in the show ring, you should look for confirmation of the Beagle dog breed standards. We have put together a general guideline for selecting an all-around good puppy for you. Our guideline includes breed standards and gives importance to temperament, appearance, physical details, gait, health issues, grooming needs, and maintenance.

Look for the following characteristics while choosing a Beagle puppy.

Beagle’s General Appearance

Beagle is like a miniature Foxhound, solid and big for his inches, with the wear-and-tear look of the hound that can last in the chase and follow his quarry to the death.

Beagle’s Size

There are two varieties: 13 inches (33 cm) Beagle – for hounds not exceeding 13 inches in height, and 15 inches (38 cm) Beagle – for hounds over 13 inches but not exceeding 15 inches in height.

Beagle’s Coat and Color

A close, hard, hound coat of medium length. Any true hound color.

Beagle’s Head

The skull should be fairly long, slightly domed at occiput, with cranium broad and full. The muzzle of medium length – straight and square-cut, the stop moderately defined. Nostrils are large and open. Jaws level. Lips free from flews. Eyes large, set well apart – soft and hound-like – expression gentle and pleading; of a brown or hazel color. Ears set on moderately low, long, reaching when drawn out nearly, if not quite, to the end of the nose; fine in texture, fairly broad – with an almost entire absence of erectile power – setting close to the head, with the forward edge slightly in-turning to the cheek, rounded at the tip.

The Beagle’s Neck

Neck rising free and light from the shoulders, strong in substance yet not loaded, of medium length. The throat clean and free from folds of skin; a slight wrinkle below the jaw angle, however, may be allowable.

Beagle’s Forequarters

Shoulders sloping – clean, muscular, not heavy or loaded – conveying the idea of freedom of action with activity and strength. Forelegs straight, with plenty of bone in proportion to the size of the hound. Pasterns short and straight. Feet close, round, and firm. Pad full and hard.

Beagle’s Body

Back short, muscular, and strong. Chest deep and broad, but not broad enough to interfere with the free play of the shoulders. Loin broad and slightly arched, and the ribs well sprung, giving an abundance of lung room.

Beagle’s Hindquarters

Hips and thighs strong and well-muscled, giving an abundance of propelling power. Stifles strong and well let down. Hocks firm, symmetrical, and moderately bent. Feet close and firm.

Beagle’s Tail

Set moderately high; carried gaily, but not turned forward over the back; with a slight curve; short compared with the size of the hound; with a brush.

Faults that are observed in the Beagle breed.

A short, thin coat, or of a soft quality. A very flat skull, narrow across the top; excess of dome, eyes small, sharp and terrier-like, or prominent and protruding; muzzle long, snipey, or cut away decidedly below the eyes, or very short. Roman-nosed, or upturned, giving a dish-faced expression. Ears short, set on high, or with a tendency to rise above the point of origin. A thick, short, cloddy neck carried on a line with the top of the shoulders. Throat showing dewlap and folds of skin to a degree termed “throatiness.” Straight, upright shoulders. Out at elbows. Knees knuckled over forward or bent backward. Forelegs are crooked or Dachshund-like. Feet long, open, or spreading. Very long or swayed or roached back. Chest disproportionately wide or with lack of depth. Flat, narrow loins. Flat ribs. Cow-hocks or straight hocks. Lack of muscle and propelling power. Open feet. A long tail. Teapot curve or inclined forward from the root. Rat like tail with absence of brush.

Disqualification: Any Beagle measuring more than 15 inches (38 cm) should be disqualified.

Beagle Videos

Kentucky Afield host Tim Farmer heads to Harrison County with Al Stakelin and Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Commissioner Gregory Johnson for an exciting rabbit hunt. Al has great dogs that have us on the bunnies all morning!

Beagles are the best hunting partner anyone can have while hunting rabbits. They jump the brush for you and let you know where the rabbits are with their distinctive howl and yelp. Rabbits are great for eating and a fun reason to get into the woods. Learn how to Rabbit hunt with Beagles in this amazing video.

Check out this video of 200 Beagle barks and howls from all over the world!

We hope you enjoyed reading about the Beagle dog breed. You may consider sharing your views in the comments section below. Inputs and priceless experiences from dog owners, Beagle breeders, and dog lovers, in general, help us better understand the Beagle breed. Thank you for your interest.