Beagle

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, dense, weatherproof hound coat

A compact, sturdy little hound that looks like a scaled-down Foxhound, solid for its size and built for long days in the field. The close, hard coat is short and weather-resistant. Soft, fairly broad ears with rounded tips hang down and reach almost to the nose, the large brown or hazel eyes give a gentle, appealing look, and the tail is set high, carried cheerfully and tipped with white.15

Personality what they are like

Cheerful, bold and full of energy, the Beagle is a sociable dog that loves company and meets people and other dogs with enthusiasm. It is smart and curious but easily sidetracked by an interesting smell, and its independent streak comes from generations of working as part of a pack. Beagles make lively, affectionate family dogs and playmates for children, and they have a tuneful baying voice that they use when they pick up a scent.1243

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderate to high: around an hour of exercise a day. Beagles have lots of stamina and enjoy brisk walks, jogging and especially outings where they can sniff and explore. Keep them on a lead or in securely fenced areas, as a scent trail can lead them off on their own adventure.24

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Low maintenance: a weekly brush clears loose hair from the short, hard coat, and shedding is average. Training works best with short, upbeat sessions and food rewards, because Beagles are clever but easily distracted.24

Home where they are happiest

Adapts to town or country and to a smaller home, ideally with a small to medium garden. Secure fencing matters, since this curious hound will follow its nose if it finds a gap.24

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A complete, balanced dog food fed in measured portions. Beagles are very food-motivated, so keep an eye on treats and portion sizes to help them stay trim, and store food out of reach of that clever nose.4

Company who they like around

A true pack dog that thrives on companionship, whether from people or other dogs, and generally gets on well with other pets. Beagles are happiest when they are not left alone for long stretches and are included in family life.243

The story where it all began

Small hare-hunting hounds have been part of English life for centuries, with the breed established in England by the 15th century and the word 'beagle' first appearing in English writing around 1475. Tiny 'glove beagles' were kept in medieval times, and Queen Elizabeth I famously owned a pack of pocket beagles only about 8-9 inches tall that were said to sing at her table; FCI notes pocket-sized beagles in the reigns of both Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. The modern Beagle took shape from the 1830s, when the Reverend Phillip Honeywood built a pack in Essex from North Country Beagles and Southern Hounds, and Thomas Johnson later refined the type for both looks and hunting ability. In the 1870s General Richard Rowett of Illinois imported English hounds and laid the foundation of American lines; the first American standard followed in 1887, the National Beagle Club of America in 1888, and the UK Beagle Club and its standard in 1890. Traditionally hunted in packs with followers on foot, the Beagle became one of the world's best-known companion breeds and today also works as a detection dog.321

Recognised by the official bits

FCI

Standard no. 161, Group 6 Scent hounds and related breeds, Section 1.3 Small-sized hounds; standard published 13.10.2010, country of origin Great Britain.1

AKC

Hound Group, shown in two varieties: 13 inch (up to 13 in / 33 cm) and 15 inch (over 13 in, up to 15 in / 38 cm). Current standard approved 10 May 2024, effective 30 July 2024.5

The Royal Kennel Club

Hound group, classed as a small breed; not a vulnerable native breed.2

The Beagle Club (UK)

Formed in 1890, when the first breed standard was also drawn up.3

National Beagle Club of America

Founded in 1888; the first American standard dates from 1887.3

Popularity Ranked 7th of AKC-registered breeds in 2025.8