Scent hound Small size 9-11 kg

Beagle

A merry, kid-proof scent hound that follows its nose over your commands - and tells the whole street when left alone.

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Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Small
Size
9-11 kg · 33-40 cm
High
Exercise needs
1-2 hours of active exercise daily
Low
Alone-time tolerance
About 4 hours max, or problems follow
Independent
Training
Trains on its own terms - motivation first
Minimal
Coat care
Occasional brushing is enough
Excellent
Fit with kids
Patient even with chaotic small kids
Good
Other pets
Pack breed; good with early socialization
Lighter
Health burden
Epilepsy, thyroid, ears

The Beagle typically weighs 9-11 kg, stands 33-40 cm, and lives 12-15 years.

Consider this breed if…

you want a friendly, sturdy family dog that is great with kids,
you can give it 1-2 hours of real activity and sniffing time daily,
you keep a secure, fenced yard - this nose will follow a trail,
someone is home for much of the day.

Do not consider this breed if…

the dog would regularly be alone 8+ hours (expect howling and complaints),
you want reliable off-leash recall - a scent can override every command,
you can't secure a yard and hate constant leash walks,
a vocal, food-obsessed dog would drive you up the wall.

A typical day with a Beagle

  1. 7:00 · Morning
    30-45 min walk with plenty of sniffing time
  2. 9:30 · Midmorning
    Food puzzle or scatter-feeding, then a nap
  3. 12:30 · Noon
    Short walk or backyard play in a secure fence
  4. 16:00 · Afternoon
    Nosework games or training with high-value treats
  5. 18:30 · Evening
    Second longer walk and family play
  6. 21:00 · Night
    A tired, well-fed Beagle settles and sleeps

Temperament and training

Friendliness Very high
Prey / scent drive Very high
Trainability Low
Independence High
Vocalness High
Guarding tendency Low
Common owner mistakes
Trusting off-leash recall - a fresh scent beats any command · Free-feeding a chow-hound that will happily eat itself overweight · Underestimating the howling and boredom of a dog left alone all day

Family and environment

Kids Excellent
Sturdy, patient, and playful - a classic family dog.
Dogs Excellent
A true pack breed; usually loves canine company.
Cats Conditional
Can live with cats raised together; strong prey drive otherwise.
Apartment Conditional
Possible with hard exercise, but the voice can upset neighbors.
House with a yard Suitable
Needs a secure, dig-proof fence - Beagles escape to follow a trail.
City Manages
Copes with enough walks; noise can be an issue in shared buildings.
Countryside Ideal
Space and scents to explore, on leash or in a fenced area.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Lighter

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Idiopathic epilepsy Documented in the breed
Hypothyroidism Manageable with medication
Chronic ear infections Long ears trap moisture

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

Same nose-led scent hound, lower energy
Basset Hound
A gentle, low-slung scenthound that is wonderful with kids but stubborn on the trail and prone to ear, back, and weight issues.
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Essentially a larger, more athletic Beagle
Harrier
A sturdy, sociable pack hound like a bigger Beagle - cheerful and good with company, but energetic with a nose that pulls it away.
View profile →
Another sturdy, kid-friendly family dog
Labrador Retriever
A friendly, forgiving all-rounder that tolerates family chaos - if you keep its weight and exercise honest.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Beagle cost?
Expect roughly $500-$1,500 for a Beagle puppy from a reputable US breeder, with health-tested lines at the higher end. The purchase price is minor next to lifetime cost: food, routine vet care, parasite prevention, and pet insurance add up over 12-15 years, and this is a breed that needs watching for weight-related and ear problems. Budget for ongoing care, not just the puppy.
Are Beagles good with kids?
Yes - this is one of the reasons the breed is so popular with families. Beagles are sturdy, playful, and forgiving of the chaos small children bring, and they rarely show aggression. As with any dog, teach children to respect food and rest, and supervise young kids so play stays gentle both ways.
Can a Beagle be left alone during the day?
Around 4 hours is a realistic ceiling for most adults. Beagles are pack animals that bond closely and get bored easily, so long daily stretches alone often lead to howling, chewing, and complaints from neighbors. If your home is empty 8+ hours every day, plan for a dog walker, daycare, or a different breed.
Why does my Beagle ignore me on walks?
Because it was bred for centuries to follow a scent independently, sometimes for hours, without waiting for instructions. That nose is hardwired to override you. Keep a Beagle on leash or in a securely fenced area, use high-value food rewards for training, and treat reliable off-leash recall as the exception rather than the rule.