| Height | 13 inches & under, 13-15 inches [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | under 20 pounds (13 inches & under), 20-30 pounds (13-15 inches) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 10–15+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Curious / Friendly / Merry [1] |
| AKC group | Hound Group [1] |
| Origin | England [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 7 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
Beagles are active, energetic dogs who need at least an hour of exercise every day. This doesn't mean just letting them out in the backyard. Beagles were bred to work in packs and are happiest when they have company. [1]
Grooming
The Beagle has a smooth, dense double coat that gets heavier in the winter, so spring is shedding season. Beagles also shed moderately year-round. Weekly brushing with a medium-bristle brush, a rubber grooming mitt or tool, or a hound glove will remove the loose hair, and promotes new hair growth as well. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Responsible breeders will screen their breeding stock for health conditions such as hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, luxating patella (a dislocated kneecap), and eye disorders. As with all breeds, a Beagle's ears should be checked weekly, and the teeth should be brushed regularly. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Cardiac Exam, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Thyroid Evaluation, Musladin-Lueke Syndrome (MLS) - DNA Test. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a small dog (median $508) | $273 – $1,110 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, small dog | $352 – $1,258 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, small dog | $435 – $1,484 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Beagle in 1885. [1]
- It ranked No. 7 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 5 in 2015. [2]
- The AKC lists England as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC includes it in its “Best Family Dogs, Best Dog Breeds for Kids” breed lists. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 5 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Hip Evaluation, Cardiac Exam. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 5/5)
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 4/5)
- ✅ Multi-dog homes (AKC good-with-other-dogs 5/5)
- ⚠️ Think twice: Close neighbors or thin walls: AKC rates barking 4/5
Common questions
How long do Beagles live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 10-15 years.
How big does a Beagle get?
AKC breed information lists height 13 inches & under, 13-15 inches and weight under 20 pounds (13 inches & under), 20-30 pounds (13-15 inches).
How much are vet bills for a Beagle?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For small dogs like the Beagle, a typical vet bill runs $273 – $1,110 (median $508). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.