Let's talk Beagles

All you need to know about the breed

With their hangdog expression, droopy ears, and expressive eyes, it’s no wonder Beagles are one of the best-loved dog breeds around. Gentle and easy-going, they also have a lovely temperament—and, with a bit of training, Beagles are great with children and other animals too.

Although the origins of the Beagle are not precisely known, they are thought to have been with us for many hundreds of years. Believed to descend originally from the hunting hounds of the Romans, they became popular in Britain during the 1800s. In 1890, The Beagle Club was established and the standard followed soon after.

Today, the Beagle is one of the top 10 most popular dogs in the world, according to the American Kennel Club. Also a regular fixture on our screens, they’ve had a starring role in everything from the claymation series Wallace and Gromit and hit TV show The Wonder Years to children’s movie Shiloh. Notably, there was also Snoopy, the most famous Beagle of all, who appeared in the comic strip Peanuts.

With their russet, black, and white coat, the Beagle is similar in appearance to the Foxhound—though the latter is much larger. Also, within the Beagle breed itself, there are two different varieties. The American Kennel Club makes the distinction between those under 13 inches at the shoulder and those between 13 and 15 inches—though in the U.K. they can be slightly larger.

With a fairly robust constitution, the Maltese is a healthy breed of dog with a good lifespan. Indeed, many Malteses live well into their teens—and, occasionally, even beyond.

Active and energetic, Beagles will require at least an hour of exercise every day, but ideally more. Bred to hunt in packs, they also do better with company and are not good at being left alone.

One other word of warning before choosing a Beagle: they like the sound of their own voice and can be known to bark and bay quite frequently. They also tend to be a little more challenging to train than some breeds, but nothing that can’t be overcome with a few treats and a bit of patience.

Overall, these faithful animals make a marvelous companion. In fact, with a bit of effort invested, you’ll soon be rewarded with a new best friend.

Despite much conjecture among dog-lovers, the origins of the Beagle remain somewhat shrouded in mystery. In all likelihood, though, they probably descended from Roman hunting dogs who were used to catch rabbits and the like. Latterly, they have popped up in paintings and literature ever since Elizabethan times.

Back then, there were smaller, wire-haired Beagles—some of which were so small they could be carried in the pocket of a hunting jacket. The Beagle size has increased over the years but smaller versions of the breed, known as "Pocket Beagles," still exist today.

While the exact origins of the Beagle name are lost in time, many believe the word derives from the Gaelic term "beag" (little). Others suggest it comes from the French term for the blast of hunting horns ("be’geule").

In any event, the modern breed of Beagle is thought to have emerged in Great Britain around the 1830s. Believed to be a cross between several breeds—including possibly the Talbot Hound, the North Country Beagle, and the Southern Hound—the Beagle personality seems to combine the best features in one.

In 1890, The Beagle Club was founded in the U.K. and the breed standard followed soon after. Today, the Beagle appears regularly in lists of favorite breeds all over the world.

Given the Beagle’s good behavioral characteristics, their size, and docile temperament, they are also the favored breed for laboratories. Luckily, many charities work on offering them a home. Thinking of getting a Beagle? Why not turn a lab dog into a lap dog?