Beagle
Beagle: does it suit you?
11 quick questions, the same ones this page answers. After each answer you see what the breed needs, and at the end whether it fits your life.
Beagle: a good fit for you
Beagle: could work, with compromises
Beagle: probably not the right dog for you
Your answers match what the breed needs.
Most of your answers fit. Check the points below before you decide.
Some of your answers don't fit what the breed needs. The points below show where.
What to think about
What fits
A better match for your answers:
None of the 42 breeds on this site fits your answers better.
The Beagle is a British scent hound, said to have been bred down from the larger Foxhound to hunt, preferably hare, with people following on foot; packs of Beagles still hunt today, very often organised by institutions such as colleges and schools.[1] Its standard calls it a merry hound, bold, alert and of even temperament.[1]
- Size
- Small–medium
- Weight
- 9–14 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–15 years
Beagle: origin and history
The smallest of the British pack hounds, the Beagle was established in England by the 15th century, bred to hunt small game and to be followed on foot.[2] During the reigns of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I there were wire-haired Beagles, some small enough to be carried in the pocket of a hunting jacket; the breed has grown larger since, but small ‘pocket Beagles’ are still sometimes born.[1] The origin of the name is uncertain: some experts derive it from the Gaelic ‘beag’, meaning little, others from a French word for the sound hounds make while hunting.[3]
In the United States, the AKC registered its first Beagle, named Blunder, in 1885.[3] The Beagle sits in FCI Group 6 (Scent hounds and related breeds), Section 1 (Scent hounds), subsection 1.3 (Small-sized Hounds), with working trial.[1]
Fact sheet
- Origin
- United Kingdom
- Size
- Small–medium
- Height at withers
- 33–40 cm [1]
- Weight
- 9–14 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–15 years
- Coat
- Short
- Colours
- Tricolour, red and white
- Low-shedding coat
- No
Character and needs
Rated on a scale from very low to very high.
- Exercise needshigh
- Trainabilitylow
- Grooming needsvery low
- Sheddingmoderate
- Barkingvery high
- Good with kidsvery high
- Good with other dogsvery high
- Good with catsmoderate
- Apartment-friendlymoderate
- Copes with being alonevery low
- Watchdog instinctvery low
- Good for first-time ownersmoderate
- Affectionhigh
Beagle: questions and answers
Is it a good dog for first-time owners?
With good preparation. It rates 3 out of 5 for first-time owners. These dogs are independent and can be stubborn, so training takes longer (2 out of 5 for trainability).
How long can it be left alone?
1 to 2 hours, once the dog is an adult and has learned to be alone step by step. These dogs are very attached to their people and often struggle on their own (1 out of 5 for coping alone). More than 6 hours at a stretch isn't fair on any dog; plan for a dog sitter or daycare. Puppies need company: start with a few minutes and build up.
How much exercise does it need?
About 2 hours a day, spread over several walks. Plan for off-lead running or games, not just walks on the lead.
How long does it live?
12–15 years is the typical life expectancy. That is about the average of the 42 breeds on this site (12.6 years). Breed-typical health risks: weight gain, epilepsy, dental problems, ear infections.
How big does it get?
33–40 cm at the withers and 9–14 kg. Size class: small–medium.
Is it a good family dog?
Yes. It rates 5 out of 5 with children. With other dogs it rates 5 out of 5, with cats 3 out of 5. Never leave young children alone with any dog.
Does it shed a lot?
Moderately: 3 out of 5 for shedding. Grooming is quick: a brush once a week is enough.
Male or female?
Males are usually larger: they sit at the top of the range (up to 40 cm and 14 kg), females at the bottom (from 33 cm and 9 kg). Character differences between the sexes are smaller than between individual dogs; upbringing matters more. Unspayed females come into heat about twice a year, and unneutered males can be restless around them.
Beagle or Kooikerhondje?
Biggest difference: trainability (low vs. high).
| Beagle | Kooikerhondje | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small–medium | Small–medium |
| Weight | 9–14 kg | 9–11 kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–15 years | 12–15 years |
| Coat | Short | Medium length |
| Trainability | Low | High |
| Barking | Very high | Moderate |
| Good with kids | Very high | Moderate |
| Good with other dogs | Very high | Moderate |
Who it suits
A good fit if you…
- love being outdoors and have 2 hours or more a day for exercise
- have children
- want an easy-care coat
Beagle: the downsides
Every breed has a flip side. Before you decide, check that you can live with these:
- Needs about 2 hours of exercise a day
- Every day, in any weather, for 12–15 years. Without enough exercise and things to do, the dog gets restless and may start chewing or barking.
- Struggles when left alone
- 1 to 2 hours at most. If you work away from home, plan for a dog sitter or daycare from the start.
- Independent and stubborn
- 2 out of 5 for trainability. Recall can stay unreliable, so many owners use a long line outside fenced areas.
- Barks a lot
- 5 out of 5 for barking. With thin walls that can cause trouble with neighbours; training helps but rarely makes the dog quiet.
- Breed-typical health risks
- Epilepsy, dental problems, ear infections. Choose a breeder who screens the parents, and consider health insurance.
- Prone to weight gain
- These dogs love food. Weigh out meals and count treats; extra weight strains the joints.
Beagle: puppy price and monthly costs
£500 – £1,000 for a puppy from a breeder in the UK (Agria Pet Insurance, 2026). From £69 a month in running costs in the UK (PDSA, 2024). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, other costs.
| Country | Puppy from a breeder | Running costs per month |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | £500 – £1,000 [4] | from £69 [5] |
| United States | $500 – $1,000 [6] | $116 [7] |
| Canada | no data | CA$367 [8] |
| Australia | A$1,500–3,000 [9] | A$210 [10] |
| New Zealand | no data | NZ$100 [11] |
- Set-up costs at the start: £415 – £560 for basic equipment, first vaccinations, wormers and neutering (PDSA, 2024).
- Dog licence in Northern Ireland: £12.50 a year; England, Scotland and Wales have none (nidirect, 2026).
- Dog licence in the US: $5 – $20 a year, set by the city or county (American Kennel Club, 2021).
- Dog licence in Canada: CA$25–60 a year in Toronto, less for a neutered dog (City of Toronto, 2026).
- Dog registration with the council in Australia: A$20–200 a year, depending on the council and whether the dog is desexed (Mozo, 2026).
- Dog registration with the council in New Zealand: NZ$78–182 a year in Auckland, depending on the dog (PetMall NZ, citing Auckland Council, 2026).
- Puppies far below these prices often come without health checks or papers.
Health
Breed-typical health risks
- Weight gain [17]
- Loves food. Keep an eye on portions and exercise.
- Epilepsy [18]
- Can be inherited and is often well controlled with medication.
- Dental problems [17]
- Small jaws build up tartar quickly. Regular brushing helps.
- Ear infections [17]
- Floppy ears trap moisture. Check them regularly.
Health tests for the parent dogs
10 health tests appear in the breeding rules for the breed.
- No health test is required for breeding in the UK (The Royal Kennel Club); the table shows what is recommended.
- Needed for a CHIC number in the US (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals): hip X-ray (HD), eye exam, heart exam, thyroid test, and DNA tests (MLS).
- No health test is required for breeding in Canada (Beagle Club of Canada); the table shows what is recommended.
- No health test is required for breeding in Australia (National Beagle Council); the table shows what is recommended.
- No health test is required for breeding in New Zealand (Dogs New Zealand); the table shows what is recommended.
| Test | United Kingdom [2] | United States [19] | Canada [20] | Australia [21] | New Zealand [22] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hip X-ray (HD)Hip dysplasia | not in the rules | Required | Recommended | not in the rules | Recommended |
| Kneecap checkPatella luxation | not in the rules | Recommended | not in the rules | not in the rules | not in the rules |
| Eye examInherited eye disease, by a certified vet ophthalmologist | not in the rules | Required | Recommended | not in the rules | Recommended |
| Heart examInherited heart disease, by a cardiologist | not in the rules | Required | Recommended | not in the rules | not in the rules |
| Thyroid testAutoimmune thyroiditis | not in the rules | Required | Recommended | not in the rules | Recommended |
| DNA test: FVIIDFactor VII deficiency (bleeding disorder) | Recommended | Recommended | not in the rules | not in the rules | not in the rules |
| DNA test: IGSImerslund-Gräsbeck syndrome (vitamin B12 uptake) | Recommended | not in the rules | not in the rules | not in the rules | not in the rules |
| DNA test: LaforaLafora disease (late-onset epilepsy) | Recommended | Recommended | not in the rules | not in the rules | not in the rules |
| DNA test: MLSMusladin-Lueke syndrome | Recommended | Required | Recommended | not in the rules | not in the rules |
| DNA test: NCCDNeonatal cerebellar cortical degeneration | Recommended | Recommended | not in the rules | not in the rules | not in the rules |
● Required. ○ Recommended: advised, not required. – Not in the rules. The clubs and their rules are in the source list.
United Kingdom: the Royal Kennel Club’s Health Standard requires no test, so every test is ○ recommended.
United States: ● means the test is needed for a CHIC number from the OFA; taking part in CHIC is voluntary.
Canada and Australia: ● means the breed club’s code of ethics requires the test of member breeders; the kennel club registers litters without it.
New Zealand: the kennel club lists these tests as advice and requires none, so every test is ○ recommended.
What to ask the breeder
- Certificates for both parents: hip X-ray (HD), eye exam, heart exam, and thyroid test. A claim that the parents are “health tested” is not enough.
- DNA results of both parents for MLS, or proof that both are clear by descent.
- To see the puppies with their mother, at the breeder’s home.
- The pedigree papers (United Kingdom: Royal Kennel Club registration certificate; Canada: CKC certificate of registration; Australia: Dogs Australia pedigree, issued by the state body; New Zealand: Dogs NZ certificate of registration). [23] [24] [25] [26]
- 8 weeks: the youngest age at which a puppy may leave its mother in the UK, in Canada (Quebec), and in Australia (New South Wales). [27] [28] [29]
- Advice on buying a puppy: The Royal Kennel Club, The Canadian Kennel Club, Dogs Australia, and Dogs New Zealand. [30] [31] [32] [33]
Similar breeds
Sources
- FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale): Breed standard No. 161: Beagle (2026)
- The Royal Kennel Club: Beagle
- American Kennel Club: Beagle Dog Breed Information
- Agria Pet Insurance (UK): Beagle Pet Insurance - The UK's Most Trusted Pet Insurer (2026)
- PDSA (People's Dispensary for Sick Animals, UK veterinary charity): The cost of owning a dog (2024). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, other costs.
- PetMD: Beagle Dog Breed Health and Care (2024)
- ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals): Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021). Covers food, vet visits, preventive medicine, insurance, toys and treats, boarding, dog licence, grooming supplies.
- Pets Plus Us (Canadian pet insurer; figures from OVMA 2024 Cost of Care research): HOW MUCH IS THAT DOGGY? (EN-DOG_PPU_Cost-of-Care_Aug2024_v3.pdf) (2024). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, dog tax, accessories.
- Lyka: Beagle breed insights: care, personality & expert tips (2026)
- Animal Medicines Australia (survey by Sweeney Research/SNR): Pets in Australia: A national survey of pets and people (Pet Ownership Study 2025) (2025). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, parasite treatment, vet medicines, supplements, grooming, training, accessories, dog walking, boarding, transport, memberships, alternative healthcare.
- Companion Animals New Zealand (NZ Companion Animal Council): Companion Animals in New Zealand 2016 (section 6.3 Dogs, Fig 50) (2016). Covers food, vet visits, dog tax, boarding, equipment, grooming, healthcare products, insurance, training, other costs.
- nidirect (official government website for Northern Ireland): Dog licensing and microchipping (2026)
- American Kennel Club: Are You Financially Prepared for a Puppy? Explore Costs of Owning a Dog (2021)
- City of Toronto: Pet Licensing Fees (2026)
- Mozo: How much does it cost to own a dog or cat in Australia? 2026 (2026)
- PetMall NZ, citing Auckland Council: Auckland Dog Registration 2026–27: Late Fees Now Apply — Full Fee Table (2026)
- Canine Medicine and Genetics (VetCompass, Royal Veterinary College): Beagles kept as companion animals in the UK - demography, disorders and mortality (2025)
- BMC Veterinary Research (Hülsmeyer V.-I. et al., International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force): International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force's current understanding of idiopathic epilepsy of genetic or suspected genetic origin in purebred dogs (2015)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA): CHIC Program Requirements: Beagle
- Beagle Club of Canada: Breeder/Kennel Directory
- National Beagle Council (Australia): Genetic diseases in beagles
- Dogs New Zealand: Accredited Breeder Health Tests for the BEAGLE (former Accredited Breeders Scheme test list)
- The Royal Kennel Club: What should the breeder give me?
- The Canadian Kennel Club: By-Laws (incl. Code of Ethics (2025)
- Dogs Australia: Getting a Dog: Importance of Pedigree Papers
- Dogs New Zealand (New Zealand Kennel Club Inc.): Registration Regulations (Section 4, Reg. 24: Litter Registration Limitations (2026)
- UK Government (legislation.gov.uk): The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/486), Schedule 6 (breeding dogs) and Schedule 3 (selling animals as pets) (2018)
- Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ): Guide d'application du Règlement sur le bien-être et la sécurité des animaux domestiques de compagnie et des équidés (reproduces CQLR c. B-3.1, r. 0.1, art. 36) (2023)
- NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), State of New South Wales (fact sheet hosted by Dogs NSW): New laws for dog breeders in NSW (fact sheet on the 2024-25 amendments to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 and Companion Animals Act 1998) (2025)
- The Royal Kennel Club: Questions for the breeder
- The Canadian Kennel Club: Finding an Accountable Breeder
- Dogs Australia: Getting a Dog: Choosing a Breeder
- Dogs New Zealand: How do you go about purchasing a pedigree pure bred dog?
Breeding rules, health sources and breed standards checked October 8, 2026.
Prices as published by the sources; collected October 8, 2026.
Breed traits describe typical tendencies. Every dog is an individual, shaped by genes, upbringing and training.