Fetch Finder

Breed guide

Beagle

Cheerful, curious and great with kids. Beagles are a manageable size but follow their nose everywhere and are known for howling.

A Beagle
Photo: Unknown author · CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
SizeSmall
Weight20–30 lb
Lifespan10–15 years
Yearly cost$1,000–$2,000*
👪 Great family dog Patient, gentle and affectionate with kids.

At a glance

Energy level
Shedding
Grooming needs
Apartment-friendly
Handles cold
Affectionate / cuddly
Good with kids
Good for first-time owners
Easy to train
Good with other dogs
Good with cats
OK being left alone
Reliable off-leash
Protective / watchdog
Barking
Drooling

Great for

  • Families with kids
  • Homes with a fenced yard
  • People who want a medium-energy small dog

Watch out for

  • Loud: barks and howls
  • Follows scents and can wander off; keep on a leash
  • Food-motivated and prone to weight gain

Daily care

Exercise: About an hour a day.

Grooming: Weekly brushing.

Cold weather: Fine for moderate cold; a coat helps on subzero days.

*Yearly cost covers food, routine vet care, preventatives, toys and supplies. It doesn't include the purchase or adoption fee, emergencies or grooming beyond basics.

Gear for a Beagle

Some links are affiliate links: if you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Find a Beagle near you

We're building a list of trusted Beagle rescues, breeders and trainers. Rescues are listed first.

Listings coming soon. In the meantime:

Run a Beagle rescue, training or grooming business? Get listed free.

Not sure a Beagle is right for you? Take the 3-minute quiz to see which breeds fit your home and lifestyle.

Take the breed quiz

Similar breeds

Compare: Beagle vs Basset Hound