Breed Info

They're spunky, confident, goofy clowns, versatile, happy-go-lucky, and up for any adventure. They're great sport dogs once you figure out how to get them to work for you, which is often where people struggle with them. They're traditionally independent workers, which means you have to convince them that what YOU want them to do directly benefits them. They're highly food motivated (which gets them into trouble), and the majority of them are also toy motivated. 

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Show beagles (what I produce) are quieter than what people expect, but it's helpful to teach them to only bark when necessary and to stop barking when given a command. However, it's important for homes to realize that this is a naturally talkative breed and that is something you will need to live with. 

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They're great pack dogs and should get along with almost everyone. True aggression should not be an issue, but they can struggle with low frustration tolerance-related reactivity. Stud dogs and some bitches will be a bit full of themselves and can be "picky" about their friends. 

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CONTAINMENT is something you will always need to think about. If there is a 6" gap in a fence, they will either find it (and leave) or attempt to create their own. As a dog trainer I find that they naturally understand e-collars more than the average dog, and I use that to my advantage. All of my beagles have been reliable off-leash with correct e-collar conditioning. My puppy homes will need to prove their containment before I will send anyone home and provide proof of a trainer to assist if they want to go the off-leash route. 

Many beagles can be fans of swimming, but finding ones that like to jump off a dock is rare. 

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Their ideal home is one that can provide mental and physical enrichment, and extremely clear boundaries. One that is SUPER diligent about crating when unsupervised and leaving nothing on the counters. Secure trash cans with lids are also extremely important. Patience and a sense of humor will go a long way when living with beagles. They thrive in multi-dog households but can do fine alone if given proper socialization and enrichment. 

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Beagles have a double coat that sheds lightly-moderately (amount of shedding is subjective and line dependent. Less than a shepherd. more than a whippet) and will "blow coat" twice a year. With proper diet and grooming they will be cuddly soft with velvet ears. 

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Prevalent health issues in the breed are autoimmune thyroid (easily managed with medication), IVDD, Factor VII, PRA, MLS, idiopathic epilepsy, certain cancers, luxating patella, and the rare hip dysplasia. Getting a puppy from an ethical breeder that health tests and uses the information to make better decisions is extremely important, and will greatly reduce the risk of genetic issues passing down.