Beagles are generally joyful and funny companion dogs. Their happy-go-lucky personality is one of the breed’s greatest draws, and they excel at interacting with humans. They are often friendly towards members of the household as well as strangers, and they love to be around other dogs. 

It’s rare to see a Beagle that’s a couch potato, as their love of play often comes before all other considerations. They thrive when given tasks to perform, and as scent hounds most of these tasks will involve sniffing around. You’ll typically see Beagles with their nose to the ground, constantly exploring the world around them. 

As social animals, Beagles need the love and attention of their human companions. They don’t do well when left alone for long periods, and will make their displeasure known with attention-getting vocalizations. They can get along with other animals such as cats, so long as they are socialized and trained early on. 

As a working dog, Beagles have very high energy levels and the exercise needs to match. Most Beagles will require around an hour of exercise per day, split up into walks or play sessions. Beagles are sturdy and muscular despite their small size, and are athletic when given the proper exercise regimen. 

Since they are scent hounds, an option for their exercise can be nose work, which is easy to do even indoors. This type of activity offers a great deal of mental stimulation, and can help to expend some of a Beagle’s energy. 

Beagles also excel at agility courses, which can be done at home in a fenced yard, even if you aren’t planning to have your dog join competitions. It’s important to have a secure space to do this, as Beagles may get distracted by scents outside and end up running away. They are bred to follow a scent until they find the source, so getting them to stop will be challenging. 

Beagles generally have very low maintenance and grooming needs. They have a short to medium-length double coat that sheds only a small amount throughout the year, with occasionally more shedding during spring. 

Brushing your Beagle regularly can help to control their shedding. A couple of times a week is usually sufficient for most Beagles. You can use a medium-bristle brush or slicker brush to reach the undercoat and get rid of shed fur and dander. 

Bathing can be done every couple of months, as Beagles aren’t particularly dirty dogs unless they’ve rolled around outdoors. Ear hygiene is more of a concern, and you should check your dog’s ears regularly for any irritation or discharge that can indicate an infection. Clean your dog’s ears every week with a damp cloth or pet wipe, taking care not to touch inside the ear canal. 

Nail trimming can be done once a month, and tooth brushing should be performed daily, since Beagles may be prone to tooth and gum diseases. You may also consult your veterinarian regarding professional tooth cleaning. 

Since modern Beagles are more likely to be kept as house pets instead of being put to work, novice owners have sometimes been surprised by how independent and stubborn some Beagles can be. This is mostly due to them being distracted by scents that humans can’t or don’t notice. Proper motivation has to be provided to your Beagle to get the best results.

We advise using positive reinforcement when training a Beagle, as they are sensitive animals and don’t respond well to punishments. If your Beagle finds your training sessions fun and rewarding, they’re much more likely to follow your commands. Beagles tend to be food-oriented, so treats are a good motivator, but be mindful of how many treats your Beagle is getting. 

They’re intelligent dogs, so they can occasionally try to outsmart their owners or do things their own way. Consistent and patient training is required to teach them that they will only get rewarded for behaving properly. 

Beagles are generally healthy animals and can live up to 10 to 15 years. Beagles may be prone to:

• Hypothyroidism – a disorder of the thyroid gland that may cause weight gain, lethargy, and hair loss
• Dental disease – any one of a number of tooth and gum diseases, which may eventually lead to loss of teeth and other health consequences
• Cherry eye – a condition where a dog’s third eyelid slips out of place, bulging out of the eye socket 
• Epilepsy – a neurological disorder that can cause seizures

As a small breed, Beagles don’t take up too much space in a home. They stand between 13 to 15 inches at the shoulder. Both male and female Beagles will weigh between 18 to 30 pounds when fully grown.

Beagles are adaptable dogs and fit into most households, whether in urban settings or rural homesteads. However, their tendency to be vocal may not be appreciated by nearby neighbors. If you are able to control your Beagle’s tendency to bark or howl, they can live comfortably even in smaller homes. 

Beagles need time for outdoor play, and often do not appreciate being stuck indoors all day. Access to outdoor spaces is a key requirement for Beagle owners, so apartment living may not be a good fit for a Beagle.