Beagle insurance
Is the Beagle the right dog breed for you?
Our guide to living with a Beagle
A cheerful and curious companion, the Beagle is one of the UK’s best-loved breeds. With a keen nose and a zest for life, Beagles make loyal family pets with bags of personality.
Beagle quick facts
- Size: Small to medium (33–41cm)
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Weight: 9–14kg
- Colours: Tricolour, lemon, red and white, chocolate, and black and white
- Temperament: Friendly, curious, stubborn
- Common health issues: Ear infections, obesity, epilepsy
- Country of origin: UK
Where do Beagles come from?
Beagles have a long and noble history in the UK, with roots stretching back to Roman times. They were originally bred for hunting hare and rabbit - the term ‘beagling’ means hunting with beagle hounds - where they were prized for their sharp sense of smell and pack mentality.
Today, while some Beagles still take part in traditional or mock hunts (where humans lay a scent for dogs to follow), their charm and gentle nature have made them beloved family pets all over the world.
Beagle temperament
Affectionate
Beagles are generally affectionate, outgoing, and full of fun. They love company - whether it’s from humans or other dogs - and aren’t shy about demanding attention.
Independent
Beagles are independent thinkers, which means training can be a challenge.
Highly driven
Beagles are highly driven by scent and will follow their nose anywhere, so secure gardens and long leads are a must. Left alone for too long, they can become noisy or destructive out of boredom.
Are Beagles good pets?
Absolutely, if you’ve got the time and patience then Beagles make sociable and playful companions, and they adore being part of the family. They don’t do well in lonely homes, and they thrive when given regular walks, games, and mental challenges. It’s worth noting that Beagles can be escape artists—so double-check your fences and keep them on a lead in unsecured areas. Even Beagles with otherwise good recall can forget their training if they pick up a scent!
Are Beagles good with kids?
Beagles are generally brilliant with children. They’re gentle, patient, and happy to join in with playtime. They’re small enough not to overwhelm little ones but sturdy enough to handle rough-and-tumble games. As always, supervise interactions and teach kids how to respect your dog’s space.
What do Beagles look like?
Beagles are sturdy and compact hounds with big brown eyes, floppy ears, and a tail that’s nearly always wagging. Their short coat is easy to care for and comes in a variety of colour combos—most commonly the classic tricolour (black, tan, and white).
Built for endurance, Beagles have strong legs, a deep chest, and a powerful nose that leads them into all kinds of mischief.
Beagle grooming
Beagles are pretty low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Their short, dense coat only needs a weekly brush to remove loose hair and keep it looking healthy. However, their floppy ears can trap dirt and moisture, so regular checks and gentle cleaning are essential to prevent ear infections.
Are Beagles hypoallergenic?
No, Beagles aren’t hypoallergenic. They shed moderately year-round and can trigger allergies in sensitive people due to dander and saliva.
Do Beagles shed?
Yes - they have short coats, but they do shed year-round. Weekly brushing helps keep it under control.
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Beagle training
- 1
Use positive reinforcement
Beagles are smart but can be stubborn. They typically respond well to positive reinforcement, especially if there are treats involved, but their independent streak can be a challenge.
- 2
Prevent boredom
Beagles can get bored quickly, so keep training sessions short and fun. Early socialisation and recall training are key - especially given their tendency to bolt if they catch an interesting scent.
- 3
Give them exercise
Beagles need at least an hour of exercise every day. They love long walks, sniffing games, and anything that keeps their minds and bodies active.
- 4
Keep up the energy
They’re not built for lazy sofa days - although they’ll happily snooze after a good outing. Without enough exercise, they can get noisy and destructive.
Beagle health issues
Beagles are generally healthy dogs but, like all breeds, they can be prone to certain conditions.
Ear infections
Their long ears don’t allow for much airflow, making infections more common.
Obesity
Beagles love food and can quickly gain weight if overfed or under-exercised.
Epilepsy
Some Beagles may suffer from inherited seizure disorders.
Hypothyroidism
A condition where the thyroid gland is underactive, leading to weight gain and lethargy.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
IVDD is a spinal issue that can affect active or older dogs.
For dog breeders and puppy buyers, it’s also important to note that The Kennel Club recommends checking the puppy’s mum for a number of specific genetic conditions.
Beagle puppy FAQs
What are Beagle puppies like?
Beagle puppies are curious, vocal, and endlessly entertaining, but they can also be a bit of a handful. They’ll chew, dig, and howl their way through puppyhood, so you’ll need patience, consistency, and a good stash of chew toys. Start training early and keep them busy to help shape a well-rounded adult dog. Here are some FAQs about Beagle puppies:
How to train a Beagle puppy
Beagles are clever but can be stubborn, so patience and consistency are key. Use reward-based training with lots of treats and praise. Keep sessions short, upbeat, and engaging - this breed loves a challenge but gets bored easily. Early socialisation with people, dogs, and different places helps shape a well-behaved adult dog.
How long can you leave a Beagle puppy alone?
Beagles are social dogs and don’t like being left alone for too long. As puppies, try to limit alone time to an hour or two max. Adult Beagles can be left a bit longer, but they do best with company and stimulation.
How far can a Beagle puppy walk?
For puppy walks, a good rule of thumb is 5 minutes of exercise per month of age. So, a 4-month-old Beagle should only walk for around 20 minutes at a time. For Beagle puppies, you can do this twice a day. Don’t go overboard while they’re still growing—gentle, controlled walks are best.
How often to worm a Beagle puppy
Beagle puppies should be wormed every 2 weeks until they’re 12 weeks old, then once a month until 6 months. After that, switch to a three-monthly schedule. Your vet can recommend the most effective treatment.
How much are beagle puppies?
In the UK, a Beagle puppy typically costs between £500 and £1,000+, depending on the breeder, bloodline, and location. It’s essential to choose a responsible breeder who focuses on health and temperament over looks. Many puppies come with vaccinations, microchipping, and even starter training included.
Beagles are also available for adoption. Rehoming fees are usually around £150–£300. Organisations like Beagle Welfare specialise in rescuing and rehoming Beagles and offer plenty of helpful advice too.
Thinking of getting a Beagle puppy?
What to expect week-by-week from your first year
We've laid out what to expect from your first year with your new puppy with a series of videos and helpful guides, so you can stay on top of your training, keep your pup healthy, and help them settle in to their new life.
What we love most about Beagles
Nose for fun
Their amazing sense of smell makes life one big adventure.
Cheeky charm
Beagles have a mischievous side that’s impossible not to love.
Pack players
They’re loyal, loving, and happiest when they’re part of the gang.
Things to consider before getting a Beagle
Beagles can be brilliant pets, but they aren’t for everyone. Here are three things to keep in mind when deciding if they’re right for you:
- 1
Busy noses
Beagles will follow scents anywhere - so a secure garden is a must.
- 2
Escape artists
Their curiosity often gets them into trouble - training and vigilance are key.
- 3
Strong scent drive
Their strong scent drive means recall can be a challenge, your Beagle may need to be kept on a lead.
Overall, if you’re ready for a fun-loving, clever, and endlessly entertaining companion, a Beagle might be the dog for you.
Beagle insurance with Agria
With Agria, it's lifetime, every time
At Agria, we believe pet insurance should last your pet’s lifetime. Our policies provide lifelong vet’s fees cover for illnesses and injuries. This means that, provided your policy is renewed each year, your maximum benefit will be refreshed, providing cover for ongoing conditions.
So, whatever happens throughout your Beagle's life, we’ll always be there for you and your dog!
Up to £20,000 towards vet bills every year
So your dog can get the care they need.
We pay 98% of claims*
And we can pay your vet directly, so you can focus on your dog.
No increase in your premiums when you claim
So you don’t have to worry about the cost of insurance when you go to the vet.
Free vet video calls, 24/7
Which means help is always on hand if you’re worried.
Dotty about dogs? Get a 5% multi-pet discount when you insure more than one pet with us.
*Based on all Agria Pet Insurance claims received between November 2023 and May 2024.
Want to know about our insurance policies? From multi-pet coverage to pre-existing conditions, we have lifetime insurance options for cats, rabbits, horses, and dogs, including older dogs.
Beagle FAQs
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