What You Should Know Before Adopting a Beagle

Different breeds of dog have different proclivities. Some are extremely active, while others nap 18 hours a day. Some of them are prone to barking at the slightest noise, while others barely make a sound. Some shed all over every surface you own, and some you didn't know you had, while others cling to their fur like it's their retirement savings.

When you're considering adopting a new pup, it's absolutely essential to do your research and know what you're getting into. From the behaviors you'll have to handle, to the trouble they can get into, to the health problems that can crop up, knowing what's coming is much better for both you and your new canine family member.

I've been covering the most popular breeds in America for the last few months, and I'll be keeping it up for a while. Today's guide is all about the Beagle; those floppy-eared hounds we all love. If you're looking to adopt a new beagle puppy or even an older beagle from your local rescue, what should you know?

What is the History of the Beagle?

As always, let's start with the beginning. Where do beagles come from? The answer lies in Great Britain, as it does for many breeds. The history of the beagle is slightly muddled. All the way back in the Middle Ages, the word "beagle" was used as a kind of generic word just for "small hound." What was referred to as a beagle back then was any of a variety of different small hounds, like the St. Hubert Hound and the Talbot Hound, along with other foxhounds, harriers, and southern hounds.

By the 18th century, the Southern Hound and the North Country Beagle had both been more refined. Southerns were taller and heavier, and had a pretty strong resemblance to what we think of as a Beagle today. It was relatively slow but very good at tracking scents. The North Country Beagle (also known as the Northern Hound) was the counterpart of the Southern, and was a bit smaller, had a more pointed muzzle, and was faster but not quite as good at scents.

There was also a very small variety, under 10 inches at the shoulder, which was favored by Queen Elizabeth I, called the Pocket Beagle. This small breed is now extinct.

What about the modern Beagle? Well, this particular lineage is thought to be traceable back to a pack of beagles of various types maintained by a man named Philip Honeywood in the 1830s. This pack included both Northern and Southern hounds, as well as harriers. They were generally smaller, around ten inches at the shoulder.

Honeywood aimed to perfect a breed of hunting dog, so his breeding aims were to push for speed, endurance, and scenting ability. Over the course of the next decade, four primary varieties of beagle were differentiated: the Medium Beagle, the Lapdog Beagle, the Fox Beagle, and the Terrier Beagle.

In 1890, the first official Beagle Club was formed, and the breed standard for Beagles was developed. Even then, those beagles might not have had much in common with our modern dogs, which were more of an invention of Richard Rowett in Illinois. That breed standard was eventually drawn up in 1887, and is more or less what we think of as a Beagle today.

Interestingly, despite their long origins in Great Britain, purebred Beagles have been more popular in the USA and Canada. America's National Beagle Club was founded in 1888.

Back around 2013 or 2014, Beagles ranked #4 as the most popular breed in the USA. As of 2024, they've slipped a few spots and are now around #7 or #8.

Primary Breed Characteristics of Beagles

What makes a Beagle a Beagle? For much of its history, it depended on who you asked. The breed standard developed in 1887 was the start of the formalization of the Beagle, but it wasn't until the early 1900s, after more and more showings at dog shows, that the breed standard was fully formalized.

The Physical Characteristics

Beagles are a relatively small breed of dog, though not quite as small as the truly small breeds. They average around 12-15 inches tall at the shoulder, with some a little smaller, particularly the females. They tend to only weigh around 20-25 pounds, but can get up to 30 for larger specimens without being overweight.

Technically speaking, the American Kennel Club recognizes two different kinds of Beagles, with the dividing line being the size. If they're over 13 inches tall, they're a larger Beagle, and if they're under, they're a smaller Beagle. In contrast, the Canadian Kennel Club only recognizes Beagles in general.

Those familiar with hounds often compare a Beagle to a miniature foxhound, though other than general shape, the two aren't all that alike. Beagles have slightly rounded skulls and a square-cut muzzle, and large, floppy ears. Their tails are long and slightly curved, and often have a white tip known as a "flag" that was bred into them as part of their job as a hunting dog. They usually hold that tail straight up when they're active, hence the name.

Beagles are somewhat muscular for their size, and their skin and coats are smooth and free from most wrinkles other hounds may have.

As a scenthound, Beagles actually have one of the best senses of smell out of any dog breed, comparable to bloodhounds and basset hounds.

Some people may talk about English Beagles and American Beagles, due to their muddled history as a breed. This is as much folklore as it is anything, and there's no official difference between Beagles of either origin these days. Many of the more distinct varieties of Beagle, like the Pocket Beagle, went extinct in the early 1900s due to low interest in the breed.

Health and Wellness

When well cared for, a Beagle's lifespan is around 10-15 years. Fortunately, they aren't necessarily any more prone to serious health issues than other breeds, but they do have some conditions you'll want to learn about and know how to watch for.

These conditions include:

• Ear infections. Like other dogs with large, droopy ears, Beagles are prone to ear infections. Those ears can trap moisture and grime, and since they're active dogs, water can get into them easily as well. Learning the signs of an ear infection is one of the easiest things you can do to prepare yourself for adopting a Beagle pup.

• Obesity. Above, I mentioned that Beagles top out around 30 lbs. That's the top end of the healthy range. Unfortunately, Beagles are voracious and, due to their sense of smell, can find things to eat from a mile away – literally. Beagles need to be carefully regulated in terms of food to avoid obesity.

• Pica. Some beagles will eat anything, including things they really shouldn't, which can include everything from dirt and rocks to bits of clothing to paper and a whole lot else besides. This can easily end with them choking on something, so learn those signs and also how to respond quickly and appropriately.

• Tail Strain. Formally known as "limber tail syndrome", this is a strain of the muscles around the tail, which causes a Beagle's tail to droop and, often, a bit of a hind limp. It's not serious, but it can be painful, especially for a dog that wants to be wagging their tail 24/7.

• Allergies. Beagles are more prone than other breeds to allergies, particularly environmental and food allergies. Many Beagles end up needing a special diet to avoid common food allergens, and you may have to consider seasonal allergies to pollen and stuff in the air.

• Cherry Eye. When a gland in the eye prolapses and hangs out in a swollen and unsightly lump, the red appearance makes it look like a cherry. It's not painful, but it can cause problems like eye infections and often requires surgery to correct.

• Epilepsy. Beagles are more prone than other dogs to epilepsy, which tends to start when they're young, around 2-5 years old. Seizures can be short or longer, and can be mild to severe. It can be frightening, but if it's well-managed, it doesn't have to be dangerous. It can, however, result in accidents and injuries because of the seizure, so keep that in mind.

• Hypothyroidism. Many dogs end up with some kind of issue with their thyroids, and Beagles are no exception. These Beagles show signs through a coarse and dry coat, hair loss, chronic infections, weight gain, and lower energy levels. Fortunately, it can be well controlled with medication.

The good news is, most of these aren't deadly or overly dangerous. Beagles are a fortunate breed in that respect.

Mentality and Personality

One of the main reasons Beagles are such a popular breed is just how loving and affectionate they are. There's no love quite like Beagle love.

Puppies are very energetic, but older Beagles tend to slow down and calm down. They'll still be more than happy to run, hike, or be active, but they aren't going to be zooming back and forth all day while you're trying to relax. They'll be just as happy to hang out with you on the couch or by your desk as you work.

Because of their extremely good sense of smell and their voracious appetite, Beagles can be little troublemakers, especially if they think there's food somewhere. They're adept at getting into things they shouldn't, from unzipping your bag to grab your lunch, to working their way into the pantry, or finding their way up onto a counter to hunt for treats.

They love following scents, too, so when you take them outside, you need a good harness and leash to make sure they aren't going to run off and get themselves into trouble.

Beagles can be noisy, which some people consider one of their biggest drawbacks. They have a long, baying kind of bark-howl, and they aren't afraid to use it when they're confronted with something new and strange.

Fortunately, Beagles are somewhat easy to train if you do it right. They're smart and receptive to learning commands, and they're food motivated, so the reward is easy. But, because of that smell and prey drive, they're easily distracted, so training needs to be consistent.

Potty training is usually the one stumbling block. If they have an accident inside, even if you use a urine smell remover, there's a good chance they'll still be able to smell the residue and might keep going back to the same place.

Tips for Caring for a Beagle

Caring for a Beagle can be a lot of work, but it is also immensely rewarding. If you want one of the most loving pups you'll ever see, a Beagle might be right for you. So, what should you keep in mind to properly care for a new Beagle baby?

Be prepared to control their diet.

Food motivated, keen smell, cleverness, and prone to obesity? It's a recipe for disaster if you aren't careful.

Get them on a strict diet as soon as you can, and keep them there. Likewise, be prepared for them to be staring at you with those pleading hound eyes every time you're eating. Harden your heart and don't give in and give them your food.

Be mindful of the noise.

The long baying call of a Beagle might not bother you, but if you're in close housing or an apartment, definitely be aware of that and do your best to handle it.

It's all but impossible to train a dog not to bark, any more than it's possible to train yourself not to blink, but you can help cut down on it for the sake of your neighbors.

Consider crate training if you have to leave them alone.

Many people who work long hours and have to leave their Beagle home find that their pup is prone to separation anxiety and can be destructive or troublesome while they're away.

Crate training might not feel good, but it's for their own good, and for your own peace of mind.

Keep those health issues in mind.

In particular, know the signs of epilepsy and how to handle a seizure, keep care of their ears and watch for ear infections, know the signs of allergies and how to deal with them, and learn how to unblock a dog's throat in case they get into something they can't handle.

If you keep all of this in mind, you're in for a wonderful experience with your new Beagle. Adopt, don't shop, and you'll have the time of your life.

If you have any questions about Beagles that I haven't covered in this article, be sure to let me know in the comments section, down below! I'd be more than happy to help!