Beagle

Good to know

• Nose-led: bred to hunt rabbits by scent in packs, they will follow a scent wherever it leads, so a leash or secure fence is a must.
• Vocal hounds: they bark, howl and bay, especially when bored or on a trail.
• Sociable pack dogs: merry and friendly, they usually get on well with other dogs and children, and don't like being left alone a lot.
• Food-motivated: food drives them, which helps with training but also means counters and bins need guarding.
• Easy coat: the short coat sheds moderately and needs only weekly brushing.

Getting out with a Beagle

They need daily exercise beyond a stroll: longer trails, games of fetch and time to run at the park.

Common health considerations

Inherited conditions to ask your vet about

• Epilepsy
• Hip dysplasia
• Hypothyroidism
• Cherry eye

Common issues

• Obesity
• Ear infections
• Dental disease

Not every Beagle will have these. Good breeders screen for inherited conditions, and your vet can advise on testing and check-ups.

Explore more breeds in the Hound group