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Beagles are cute, smart, and friendly dogs that fit families well. Even though they were bred for hunting, they get along well with other pets and are loyal to their humans.
Despite being one of the most popular breeds in the US today, many people still don’t know much about these howling hounds.
Without further ado, here’s a list of 15 interesting Beagle dog facts that may surprise you, and what you can expect with this cute breed.
15 Fascinating Beagle Dog Facts
1. Beagles were originally bred to hunt
Beagles were originally bred to hunt hares and other small animals in England long before the Romans even arrived in 55 B.C.
Back in the day, they were even called the ‘foothound of our country,’ which means they were suited for hunting on foot, without needing a horse.
By the 1500s, it was common for Englishmen to have packs of these smaller hounds for hunting small game.
While a few people still use Beagles for hunting today, most are now beloved family pets and companions.
2. Beagles come in two sizes
Did you know that Beagles come in two size varieties? The smaller ones are under 13 inches tall, while the larger ones can be up to 15 inches, but no taller.
Interestingly, the height limit for Beagles varies in different countries. In the US, the AKC caps it at 15 inches, but in the UK, Beagles can be a little taller, up to 16 inches.
3. The earlier pocket beagles are now extinct
Back in Medieval England, there was a miniature version of the beagle called the ‘Pocket Beagle’. These tiny pups were only 8 or 9 inches tall, small enough to fit in a hunter’s saddlebag.
Sadly, the Pocket Beagle became extinct by the late 1800s. This was mainly because they had a lot of genetic health problems, which meant many of them didn’t live very long.
4. Beagles have an exceptional sense of smell
Beagles have one of the best senses of smell among dog breeds. When it comes to sniffing and tracking, they’re second only to the bloodhound and are on par with the German Shepherd.
These little guys have a whopping 225 million scent receptors. That’s 45 times more than humans and way more than most other dog breeds.
This makes them exceptional scent hounds, used by law enforcement agencies for detecting contraband and even in airports for sniffing out products in transit.
5. Beagles are known for their love of food
Beagles love food more than most other breeds. They’re notorious for snatching food and will happily gobble up anything they can get their paws on.
This high food motivation can be a bit of a problem if they get their teeth into something they shouldn’t ingest.
On the flip side, their love of food makes them easy to train. They’re highly motivated by treats, so they’ll be eager to learn new commands and tricks if there’s a tasty reward involved.
6. Beagles are prone to obesity
Due to their insatiable appetite, Beagles can easily add too much weight. They’ll try to sneak any food they can find, and that can lead to overeating, obesity, and other health problems.
It’s important to make sure your Beagle stays at a healthy weight and gets plenty of exercise so they don’t develop weight-related issues.
7. Beagles have a distinct bark and howl
Beagles are a highly vocal breed. They are known for their bark and howl, often known as ‘bay’. Back in the day, hunters would keep in touch with their Beagles using this baying sound.
Modern-day Beagles are still chatty pups, using their voices to let you know how they’re feeling or if something’s going on that they think you should know about.
The good news is that you can train your Beagle to stop barking or at least tone it down. It takes some dedication and consistent training.
You’ll probably hear their signature baying sound if they’re chasing something or following a scent. But they also bark, yap, howl, whine, and whimper to communicate.
Professional dog trainers even train some Beagles to make specific sounds when they pick up certain scents.
8. The white tip on Beagles’ tails serves a purpose
Did you know that little white tip on Beagles’ tails isn’t just for beauty? It was selectively bred to become a visual marker for hunters.
Back when beagles were mainly used for hunting, that white tip helped hunters keep an eye on them as they dashed through the woods or tall grass.
9. Beagles have been used in scientific research
It’s really unfortunate when you think about it, but Beagles are commonly used in animal testing, thanks to their gentle and trusting nature.
These howling dogs tend to submit when they’re scared or stressed, making them easier to manage in a laboratory environment.
They might be used for medical research or even to test cosmetics for the beauty industry.
10. Beagles are a relatively intelligent breed
Beagles are energetic and smart dogs, so they need lots of activities to keep their bodies and minds engaged.
They rank well in terms of working and obedience intelligence, though their independent nature can sometimes be mistaken for stubbornness.
This playful spirit makes them fun to be around and easy to train, but it also means they can get bored quickly if they’re not challenged enough.
It’s important to give your Beagle plenty of toys, puzzles, and even little tasks to do around the house to keep them entertained and out of trouble.
11. Beagles are prone to separation anxiety
Beagles get attached to their humans, so much that they might develop separation anxiety if left alone too long.
In mild cases, this might just mean a lot of whining, but it can get worse and lead to destructive behaviors like chewing, digging, or having accidents in the house.
It’s a good idea to crate-train your Beagle puppy early on. This teaches them to be more independent and helps prevent destructive behaviors and separation anxiety issues.
12. Beagles can be stubborn
Now, one thing that most Beagle owners can relate to is their stubbornness. Some might call it independence, but at the end of the day, Beagles can be pretty set on doing their own thing.
Luckily, there’s a way around this. A lot of Beagle parents have found that turning training or commands into a game can make their dog much more willing to participate and listen.
13. Beagles are good with kids
Beagles are a great breed for families with children. They’re gentle, playful, and have a ton of patience, even if kids accidentally handle them a little roughly.
Of course, it’s still important to be careful whenever dogs and kids are playing together, no matter how gentle the breed, just to make sure there’s no scuffle.
14. Beagles shed quite a lot
Beagles might have short hair, but that doesn’t mean they don’t shed. They have a double coat, so they shed fur all year round.
Most Beagles are tri-colored, which makes those loose fur even more noticeable on your clothes and furniture.
We strongly recommend regular brushing to keep your Beagle’s coat healthy and prevent them from getting matted.
15. Beagles are a relatively long-lived breed
A lesser-known fact about Beagles is they tend to live quite a long time compared to other dog breeds, usually around 12 to 15 years.
Like most dogs, though, they can experience some health problems as they age or if they gain too much weight.
Chronic canine conditions like arthritis, heart disease, and cancer can unfortunately shorten their lifespan.
If you’re worried about your Beagle’s health, it’s always a good idea to learn more about common issues and keep an eye out for any changes.
Conclusion
Beagles are friendly, always up for a game, and relatively easy to train, which makes them ideal for active owners.
They may have some little quirks, like being vocal and a bit stubborn at times, but their stable temperament and those big, soulful eyes will create good memories.
Did any of these 15 Beagle dog facts surprise you? Share your thoughts with our community, we’d love to hear what caught your attention.
Related Read:
10 Good Reasons Why You Should Own a Beagle Dog
Laura is the founder of Furs'n'Paws. She is a also a pet writer and expert with more than 20 years of experience of working with dogs and cats. She developed a very strong love for animals at a young age. Her passion led her to establish a thriving pet sitting and dog walking business in Dubai. As an expert in pet training, behavior, and nutrition, Laura is committed to helping pet owners and pet lovers by offering high-quality information on a wide range of topics.
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