A beagle is a friendly, robust and hardworking dog. It is first and foremost a hunting dog, which flourishes when it is allowed to hunt. When hunting, it can utilize one of its greatest gifts, namely its impeccable sense of smell. The beagle also naturally fits into families that know how to take care of it. Read more about the beagle's characteristics below.
Quick facts
Family friendly
Activity level
Fur care
Training needs
Clearing
Size
Facts about the breed
The Beagle is one of the oldest dog breeds known today. It was originally bred to hunt hares and rabbits and has long been valued for its ability and desire to work. The Beagle belongs to the group of so-called scent hounds, which includes breeds such as the Drever and the Dunker. Due to its hunting instinct and strong sense of smell, it is prone to wander off if it catches a scent of something enticing. You must therefore always keep your Beagle on a leash, both when walking in the city and when hiking in the mountains.
Psst! Did you know that the popular cartoon character Snoopy is a Beagle?
What can you expect as a beagle owner?
Personality
Personality
A beagle is an intelligent dog that loves to use its keen sense of smell. It is happiest when it can use it to explore. It is also a friendly family dog, neither aggressive nor shy. It loves children and other dogs, but demands your full attention. If it doesn't get attention immediately, it might well get up to mischief to entertain itself. It's not uncommon for it to howl or dig a hole in the ground. In other words, it can be quite stubborn.
Activity level
Activity level
The dog needs daily stimulation, where it can sniff freely and explore. Sports or tracking work are ideal activities to include your beagle in. If it isn't stimulated, it becomes destructive. Because it is energetic and affectionate, you must set aside enough time for playing with your beagle. Feel free to take it on hikes or jogs, and of course hunting if you can.
Training
Training
A Beagle is cooperative and malleable, which means it can be well-trained – but it requires effort. For example, it can take time to house-train it. In some cases, it can take up to a year before you can safely leave it alone. To have the best conditions for a quick process, you should socialize it early. In training, your Beagle needs positive reinforcement (treats are invaluable!), and you should be creative when planning the training. One suggestion for creative dog training is to practice obedience with music and rhythms.
Health
Health
Weight and size
It is a robust and compact dog, measuring approximately 33 to 40 cm in height. The Beagle weighs about 10 kg.
Lifespan
The average lifespan is 12 to 15 years.
Hereditary diseases
The Beagle is a healthy dog, but diseases can naturally occur. In the list below, you will find the most common diseases that can affect a Beagle:
- Hip dysplasia.
- Steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA).
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD).
- Chinese Beagle Syndrome.
- Beagle dwarfism.
- Epilepsy.
- Hypothyroidism.
- Patellar luxation (dislocated kneecap).
- Eye diseases: Glaucoma, PRA.
It is important that you talk to the breeder about what examinations have been done on your dog. Feel free to contact A-Vet's small animal clinic in Larvik if you want to speak with a veterinarian and get more information about the diseases.
Fur
Fur
The coat of a beagle is tricolor, short and dense. It is very resistant to weather and wind, and therefore does not require much grooming. However, you should brush it at least once a week. This is a dog that sheds, but because the coat is short, you do not notice it very much. The beagle sheds more in the spring, because the coat is thicker in the winter, which means it has more to shed in the next season.
Food and nutrition
Food and nutrition
Beagles are very fond of food. Because their sense of smell is excellent, they also enjoy their meals. Some would even say they are obsessed with food. Therefore, make sure that trash cans are properly closed and that there is no food in sight. That being said, a balanced diet is important. You must not let your dog become overweight, which is why it is important to choose the right dog food.

Beagle
Are you considering getting a beagle? Then it's important that you take the time to learn about the breed and find reliable breeders. You need to do research and choose a breeder who can provide you with information about, for example, pedigree and medical history. We want you to avoid ending up in a situation where you acquire a sick dog or a dog that has been a victim of poor breeding.
If you want more specific information about the beagle breed, you should read up on the valuable tips and information on The Norwegian Hound Club Federation. This is a joint breed club for all hounds. It is also worth knowing that a beagle costs approximately 20,000 kroner.
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