Beagle: Breed Field Guide Cards

This week's breed is the Beagle: a compact scent hound with a cheerful, social streak and a nose that can rewrite the walk plan.

The Beagle’s official FCI standard places it in Group 6, Section 1.3, as a small scent hound from Great Britain, originally used to hunt hare by scent while people followed on foot. 1

AKC recognizes two Beagle height varieties: hounds not exceeding 13 inches, and hounds over 13 inches but not exceeding 15 inches; over 15 inches is a disqualification. 2 FCI gives a desirable height range of 33-40 cm. 1 The Royal Kennel Club lists the breed as small, with up to 1 hour of exercise per day, once-a-week grooming, and a lifespan over 12 years. 3

FCI describes the Beagle as merry, bold, alert, intelligent, even-tempered, and amiable, with no aggression or timidity. 1 AKC's profile says Beagles were bred to hunt in packs, so they enjoy company and are generally easygoing. 4 The Royal Kennel Club adds a practical owner note: secure surroundings help because a Beagle's keen nose may pull it toward an interesting scent. 3

Breed-standard markers to look for: long low-set ears, large soft houndlike eyes, a short dense coat, and the white-tipped tail noted in the FCI standard. 1 2 AKC allows hound colors but disqualifies merle and brindle color patterns. 2