Beagle

The Beagle breed has long been a popular family companion around the world. Originally bred in Britain as hunting dogs, today these hounds are as valued for their spunky personalities as their keen noses and strong signaling barks. The quality of cooperation and teamwork that made Beagles good hunters’ helpers is now more commonly reflected in their role as enthusiastic participants in domestic life. Pet parents value Beagles for their loyalty, pluckiness and outgoing nature, as well as their playful enthusiasm when interacting with children.

Beagles are known for their compact size, floppy ears and expressive eyes. They’re equally renowned for their pack instincts, love of family life and outsized personalities. Beagles are typically great with kids and other dogs and thrive on attention and inclusion. Though Beagle’s characteristic hunting barks and howls make them a great living alarm system, they’re usually friendly and outgoing with both strangers and loved ones alike. Because Beagles are curious and energetic, frequent exercise is recommended, but strenuous activity isn’t necessary. Several brisk walks a day or backyard play sessions are usually sufficient for the fitness needs of a Beagle.

A Beagle typically benefits the most from a high-quality, commercially available dog food appropriate for their life stage. Dogs’ nutritional needs change throughout their life as they grow from developing puppies into active adults and finally into slower-paced seniors. Most Beagles should eat puppy food until they’re about 12 months old, at which point they can be switched to an adult formula. Your veterinarian may recommend a to senior dog food when your Beagle is around seven to nine years old.

When purchasing Beagle food, make sure to choose those with an AAFCO statement of nutritional adequacy displayed on the label. This certification ensures that a particular food has been carefully formulated to meet a dog’s dietary needs. Also pay attention to the life stage, lifestyle and dog size for which a food brand has been formulated. Even high-quality dog food can be the wrong choice for your Beagle if it doesn’t suit their age, activity level or other wellness factors.

Though there are many ways you can provide personalized care for your dog, commercially available dog food may be more beneficial than homemade. This is because reputable dog food manufacturers utilize ingredients and supplements—as well as scientific and veterinary supervision—that many pet parents may not have access to.

It’s important to pay attention to the amount of calories in any dog treats and chews offered—treats should make up no more than 10% of your Beagle’s diet. Only feed your Beagle the amount of food that will keep your pup slim but not overly skinny. Your dog’s age, size, activity level and other factors will determine the proper amount. Typically, overweight dogs or those with other health problems have unique nutritional needs. Your veterinarian can help you choose the right type and amount of food to give your dog and answer any other dietary questions you might have.

The curious, energetic Beagle temperament makes these dogs fun companions and valued family members. Though their hunting dog instincts and love of adventure may occasionally lead Beagles to headstrong behavior, there are some dog supplies that help Beagles and their families share a harmonious living space.

While Beagles don’t require rigorous exercise, they love to explore. You’ll likely spend plenty of quality time with your Beagle on walks, jogs or hikes. Properly fitted dog collars, leashes and harnesses can help keep your curious dog comfortably and safely close at hand. Remember, Beagles are hounds—they may become particularly excited about chasing small animals if they catch a scent.

Beagles are energetic, and if they don’t receive enough playtime, unchanneled enthusiasm can sometimes turn into destructive chewing. Toys and chews that reduce boredom and provide enrichment give your Beagle a far better alternative to your shoes and furniture. Dental treats can help remove plaque and tartar from your Beagle’s teeth and gums while also providing a good outlet for pent-up energy. Just make sure to select toys and chews appropriate for a Beagle’s size and life stage.

Because Beagles typically love to spend time outside, they are prime targets for bugs. One of the most important ways to protect your dog is through flea & tick solutions. Preventive care is key when it comes to parasitic pests, and it’s important to choose a flea & tick treatment that you’ll be able to stick with consistently. Our flea & tick options include appropriately sized collars and topical liquids that stop active infestations and help prevent future ones.

Another form of protection you can offer your dog—and your carpet—is protection from the elements. Booties and raincoats can help keep your adventurous dog warm and dry during outdoor excursions and avoid tracking mud and water onto your floors when it’s time to come inside.

The Beagle breed is highly favored in part due to their bright and expressive personalities, adventurous attitudes and love of being around other pets and people. These favorable traits can also create some unique challenges. Like many hounds, Beagles can be stubborn and their wide range of vocalizations can turn into excessive barking. Their need for companionship can also lead to separation anxiety if they’re left alone too long, which can result in destructive chewing.

All these issues are manageable with proper positive reinforcement Beagle training. You can learn to work with your dog’s breed-specific traits in a way that creates a trusting, loving bond between you and your dog. Effective communication and consistency will help your hound respond favorably to your cues.

Get an early start

Beagle puppies as young as eight weeks old can begin to learn basic cues, but you should keep your expectations realistic. Even if it’s a slow start, your puppy can learn to associate helpful cues such as “sit” and “stay” with specific behaviors. You can also start socializing your puppy with people and other pets to help them become comfortable and confident in their environment. Puppyhood is also a great time for your Beagle to begin learning when and where to go potty, as well as when and where it’s appropriate to bark. Since Beagles can be stubborn, you’ll appreciate getting an early start on teaching your pup how to be a considerate family member.

Curb boredom

Beagles were originally bred to hunt in packs, and most Beagles retain a strong affinity for pack life and adventure. If left alone for too long or not provided with outlets for their energy, Beagles can engage in destructive behaviors. Digging, chewing and other nervous habits can quickly make a mess of your yard, furniture and other belongings—and can also create safety hazards for your dog. Positive Beagle training should include teaching your pup which items are okay to chew on and which are not. Provide your dog with appropriate size and life stage chew toys for enrichment and boredom relief. Not only can curbing boredom help save your couch, but it will also help keep your pup alert, focused and more apt to respond to cues when it comes time for positive training sessions.

Balance the bark

Beagles are hounds—barking is simply a way of life for many in this group. From yips to bays to howls, Beagles use a full range of sounds to express themselves. This ability was once highly prized by hunters who relied on their Beagles to alert them to the presence of prey animals. Today, many pet parents find their Beagle’s vocalizations entertaining and take comfort in having their own little canine alarm system. To help your Beagle learn what times might not be appropriate to use their voice, it’s recommended to start positive reinforcement training early. Choose a word—like “hush” or “quiet”—as the cue for silence and reward your dog when they stop barking. Consistency is key to ensuring your pup understands how to respond to their cue.

Suggested Beagle training services

Whether you’re a first-time pet parent or a longtime dog lover, you may find that a little guidance goes a long way. At Petco, our personalized positive dog training options let you choose group or individual classes and lessons that can be joined either in person or online. You might find it beneficial to let our certified trainers guide you through positive reinforcement training methods to help teach your Beagle desired behaviors. Training is possible, and we’re here to help you.

Beagles are considered to be generally healthy dogs—but like any breed, they can experience certain health problems that occur at higher-than-average rates. For instance, Beagles tend to be energetic by nature and can develop weight problems if they don’t get enough exercise. And those long Beagle ears are cute, but they can also trap water, debris and bacteria inside the ear, leading to infections. Genetic conditions—such as hypothyroidism and hip dysplasia—affect Beagles at elevated rates. Before bringing home a Beagle, be sure to only work with reputable breeders and rescues willing to perform all the recommended Beagle health screenings and provide you with the results.

Do Beagles shed? They do, but their smaller size and shorter hair mean you’re unlikely to find the same volume of fur drifting across your floor as you might with a Golden Retriever. Like many dogs, Beagles have a double coat consisting of a short insulating inner layer of fur and a longer protective outer layer. Both the glossy outer hairs and fluffy inner hairs are shed regularly. Beagles are considered moderate year-round shedders, though there may be a little extra fur flying during seasonal changes. Proper grooming can greatly reduce the amount of excess fuzz you might find clinging to soft surfaces. Read on for tips about making Beagle grooming a regular part of your routine.

It’s easy to understand why so many pet parents want to adopt a Beagle. It’s not just the beautifully distinctive Beagle coloring or adorably floppy ears—it’s the Beagle’s genuine love for companionship and easy integration into families of many sizes and types. Beagles make great companions for families with kids and pets. Though playful and energetic, they tend to be gentle and easygoing with children, other dogs and even cats. And their characteristic vocalizations can be endearing, while also giving many pet parents a sense of security.

Beagles may not be the best choice for busy pet parents who don’t have a lot of extra time to spend with their pets—they are pack dogs who crave connections. When they’re bored or experiencing separation anxiety, they can suffer—and so can the furniture—as Beagles tend to chew when anxious or under stimulated. This breed also requires patience and consistency in positive reinforcement training, particularly around issues like barking and potty habits. Though Beagles don’t need vigorous exercise, they must get at least a couple of brisk walks per day. Pet parents who love long walks or hikes might find a particularly good companion in the Beagle dog. Also keep in mind that Beagles are natural small prey hunters, meaning households that include small pets such as rodents or rabbits may not be the best environment for them.

Adoption is a wonderful way to help a dog in need. If you love dogs and are interested in ways to make the future brighter for pets, check out Petco Love. You can help us change pets’ lives by donating, fostering or adopting through Petco Love.