Hound Group
Beagle
Champion Pedigree
Cheerful
Curious
Scent Hound
A small, sturdy scent hound bred in England to track hare in packs, the Beagle combines a merry disposition with an insatiably curious nose. Compact enough for apartment life yet always ready for a walk, it remains one of the most popular family breeds.
Lifespan
10–15 years.
Did You Know?
A Beagle’s nose contains around 220 million scent receptors, among the most of any hound breed relative to its size.
Breed Traits
Size
13–15 in. tall, 20–30 lbs.
Energy Level
Moderate to high — needs daily walks and scent-based enrichment.
Coat & Grooming
Short, dense coat; moderate shedder, easy to groom.
Good With Families
Friendly, gentle, and excellent with children; sociable with other dogs too.
Registry Record
Also Known As
English Beagle
Origin
England, developed from older hound stock by the 1830s.
Typical Litter Size
4 to 8 puppies.
Club Recognitions
AKC, FCI, KC (UK), CKC
Disposition
Cheerful and sociable, but its nose can override recall entirely mid-walk — a securely fenced yard is a must.
Coat Colors
Tricolor (black, tan, white), red and white, lemon and white.
Working Roles
Historically a pack hunting hound for hare; today primarily a companion, also used in detection work at airports.
Health & Wellness
Generally healthy and long-lived, though obesity, ear infections, and epilepsy are the main concerns worth screening for.
Notable Beagles
Snoopy
One of the most famous cartoon dogs of all time is a Beagle.
Uno
The first Beagle to win Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, in 2008.
Registry Champions
A consistent top-ranked breed in national registries for decades.
Related Reading
Beagle Gifts
Copyright © 2005–2026 Dog Pound. All rights reserved.