Beagle
A nose with a happy dog attached.
The Beagle is a small to medium scent hound with a merry temperament and a world-class nose. Sociable and sturdy, it is a wonderful family dog for owners who can handle its love of a trail.
Great points
- Cheerful, friendly and great with kids
- Sturdy and low maintenance coat
- Sociable with people and dogs
- Compact but robust
Things to consider
- Follows its nose and ignores recall
- Loud bay and howl
- Stubborn and food obsessed
- Hates being left alone
The story
Bred in England as a pack scent hound for chasing rabbits, the Beagle's world-class nose now works in airport detection squads, while its musical howl and bottomless appetite keep families thoroughly entertained.
Training
Beagles are smart but independent and easily distracted by scent. Use high-value food rewards, keep a secure yard, and train recall on a long line.
Grooming
The short coat is easy, just a weekly brush. Check and clean the long ears regularly to prevent infections.
Food & diet
About 1 to 1.5 cups a day. Beagles are relentless food thieves, so store food securely and measure every meal.
Exercise
Needs scent-led walks and a securely fenced yard. Once on a trail a Beagle goes deaf to recall.
Health to watch
Obesity, ear infections, epilepsy and disc disease. Keeping them lean and busy prevents many problems.
Fun fact. A Beagle has around 220 million scent receptors, compared with about 5 million in a human nose.
