Beagle
比高犬
Updated 2026-09-11
At a glance
The Beagle is a small, sturdy scent hound with a merry disposition, long soft ears and a nose that rules its life. Beagles are gentle with children and sociable with other dogs, but they follow scents relentlessly, are vocal, and hate being left alone for long, so they need secure fencing, on-lead walks and company.
Facts
| Size | Medium |
|---|---|
| Height | 33–38cm |
| Weight | 9–14kg |
| Life expectancy | 10–15years |
| Breed group | AKC: hound FCI: 6 |
| Role | Hound |
| Coat | Short coat |
| Shedding | 3/ 5 |
| Exercise | 30–120min/day |
| Can be left alone | up to 4 hours |
| Companionship need | 4/ 5 |
| Trainability | 3/ 5 |
| Barking | 4/ 5 |
| Good with children | 5/ 5 |
| Good with other dogs | 5/ 5 |
| Heat tolerance | 4/ 5 |
| Cold tolerance | 2/ 5 |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
Back and disc problems are commonly reported in the breed. Ask your vet about protecting the spine (weight control, avoiding jumping from heights) and seek help fast for sudden pain or weakness.
Hip dysplasia
Commonly reported in the breed; breeders screen hips by X-ray. Ask your vet about hip screening and about keeping your dog lean and fit.
Inherited eye conditions
Various inherited eye conditions are reported in the breed; annual eye examinations by a veterinary ophthalmologist are recommended for breeding stock. Ask your vet about eye screening.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is reported in the breed. Ask your vet about thyroid testing if you notice weight gain, lethargy or coat changes.
Epilepsy
Idiopathic epilepsy is reported in the breed. Ask your vet promptly if your dog has a seizure.
Patellar luxation
Patellar luxation (slipping kneecaps) is commonly reported in small breeds; breeders screen for it. Ask your vet if your dog skips or holds up a hind leg.
Neuroaxonal dystrophy / neurological DNA-tested conditions
Inherited neurological conditions are reported in the breed and DNA tests exist for some. Ask your breeder which tests were done.
Behaviour
Gentle pack dog, good with children
The CKC calls the Beagle an endearing family pet, especially good with children, and notes that having worked in packs they tend to get along well with other dogs. The AKC says they are happiest with company and become unhappy when left alone for long periods.
The nose leads — keep them on lead
The CKC warns Beagles will inevitably follow their noses if a scent leads them away, so they should be exercised on lead or in securely enclosed areas; the AKC recommends at least an hour of exercise a day and reward-based training, as Beagles do not respond well to harsh methods.
Energy and exercise
Energy level is rated 4/5 (high) on the AKC breed-trait chart. The Royal Kennel Club puts its exercise need at "up to 1 hour per day".
Training and barking
AKC trait chart: trainability 3/5, barking level 4/5. Individual dogs vary; early socialisation and reward-based training are recommended for every breed.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
American Kennel Club — Beagle
Breed overview, breed-trait chart, history, official standard summary and health notes from the AKC and the national parent club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Canadian Kennel Club — Beagle (Hounds)
Origin, temperament, activity level, height/weight, coat and grooming as described by the Canadian Kennel Club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
The Royal Kennel Club — Beagle
Breed characteristics (size small, exercise up to 1 hour per day, lifespan over 12 years), plus the recommended pre-breeding health schemes and DNA tests.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
FCI nomenclature — Beagle (standard no. 161, group 6)
FCI breed nomenclature entry with the official breed standard PDF in English, French, German and Spanish.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
What owners say
Owner advice is quoted from public community posts and reflects those owners' opinions, not PocketPaw's position. It is unverified and not a substitute for professional advice. Each item links to where it was said.
“The parent club advises that a Beagle puppy may not suit a home with very young children (an adult Beagle is often the better choice), that a properly fenced yard and on-lead walks are essential because invisible fencing is not enough for a scent hound, and that a Beagle left alone eight or nine hours a day tends to develop barking or destructive habits — four to five hours alone is the realistic maximum.”
— The National Beagle Club of America — About the Breed via breed clubWorldwide2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]Beagle — Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]Beagle — Choosing a Breed — Canadian Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [3]Beagle — Breeds A to Z — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [4]Beagle — FCI standard no. 161 — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [5]How do I help my dog adjust to spending time alone? — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [6]Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016 (Hall, Carter & O'Neill, Scientific Reports 10:9128) — Nature / Scientific Reports (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [7]About the Breed — The National Beagle Club of America, Inc. — The National Beagle Club of America — About the Breed (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [8]Intervertebral Disc Disease — American College of Veterinary Surgeons (Accessed 2026-09-11)
Still have questions?
Ask owners on the PawMunity forum — every breed has its own board.
Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.