Friendly and Social

Beagles are known for their friendly, outgoing nature and tend to get along well with people, other dogs, and even children, making them great family pets. 

Compact Size

Their small to medium size makes them adaptable to a variety of living environments, including apartments, as long as they receive enough exercise. 

Low Maintenance Coat

Beagles have short coats that require minimal grooming, making them relatively easy to care for. 

Great with Kids

Beagles are playful and patient with children, making them excellent companions for families with young kids.

High Energy and Exercise Needs

Beagles are active dogs that require regular exercise to stay healthy and prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviours. 

Strong Prey Drive

Due to their hunting background, Beagles have a strong prey drive and may be inclined to chase small animals, requiring secure fencing and supervision. 

Prone to Howling/Barking

Beagles are vocal dogs and may bark or howl frequently, which can be problematic in close living quarters. 

Can Be Stubborn

Beagles are intelligent but independent and can be stubborn during training, requiring patience and consistency. 

Exercise Needs

Beagles are energetic dogs that require regular exercise to stay physically and mentally stimulated. They enjoy activities like walking, running, and playing, and they love to follow scents, so be prepared for some exploring! 

Walks

At least one to two walks per day, along with playtime, is recommended to meet their exercise needs. Beagles enjoy sniffing and tracking, so allowing them to follow scents during walks is a great way to engage them. 

Training

Beagles are intelligent but can be stubborn and easily distracted by scents, which can make training a bit challenging. Positive reinforcement and consistent training methods work best. Early obedience training is essential, especially for recall and leash walking. 

Purchase Price

$1,500 - $3,000 AUD depending on breeder and lineage. 

Initial Setup

Around $400 - $600 AUD. (crate, bed, toys, etc.) 

Food

Approximately $600 - $900 AUD per year, depending on the dog’s size and dietary needs. 

Grooming

Minimal grooming costs, typically around $100 - $200 AUD per year, as Beagles have low grooming needs. 

Vet Bills

Initial vaccinations, microchipping, and desexing can cost around $500 - $1,000 AUD. Ongoing annual check-ups and preventive care could be around $300 - $500 AUD per year. 

Total Lifetime Cost

Over a 12–15-year lifespan, the total cost of ownership can range from $15,000 - $30,000 AUD, depending on health and lifestyle factors. 

Size and Weight

Beagles typically stand 33-40 cm (13-16 inches) tall and weigh between 9-13 kg (20-30 lbs), with females being slightly smaller than males. 

Coat

Beagles have a short, dense coat that sheds moderately year-round but is easy to maintain with regular brushing. They shed more during seasonal changes. 

Colour Options

Beagles come in a variety of colour combinations, including tricolour (black, tan, and white), lemon and white, red and white, and more. 

Temperament

Beagles are friendly, curious, and playful. They are known for their joyful, energetic nature and love to explore their surroundings, often following their noses wherever a scent leads them. 

Good with Children

Beagles are generally excellent with children, thanks to their playful, patient, and affectionate personalities. However, supervision is recommended around very young children to ensure gentle play. 

Socialisation

Early socialisation is important to help Beagles become well-adjusted, confident adults. They are naturally social dogs but benefit from exposure to different people, animals, and environments. 

Indoors vs. Outdoors

Beagles can live indoors but enjoy outdoor activities due to their high energy levels. They are best suited to homes with access to a yard, but they can adapt to apartment living as long as they receive enough exercise. 

Apartment Living

Beagles can adapt to apartment living if they get plenty of outdoor exercise. However, their tendency to bark or howl and their need for regular activity can be challenging in small spaces. 

Time Alone

Beagles do not do well when left alone for long periods. They are social dogs that enjoy being with their families and can develop separation anxiety or destructive behaviours if left alone for too long. They are best suited for homes where someone is around much of the day or with another pet for companionship. 

Common Health Issues

Beagles are generally healthy, but they can be prone to certain conditions, including hip dysplasia, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, and eye conditions such as glaucoma and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). They are also prone to obesity, so managing their diet and exercise is important. Regular vet check-ups are essential for monitoring their health. 

Guarding Ability

Beagles are not natural guard dogs, but they may bark to alert their owners of strangers or unusual activity. They are generally friendly with most people. 

Affectionate Nature

Beagles are affectionate dogs that enjoy spending time with their families. They are known for their love of cuddling and being involved in family activities. 

Suitability for Dog Parks

Beagles are generally friendly with other dogs and enjoy socialising at dog parks. However, due to their strong prey drive, they should be supervised around smaller animals. 

Climate Adaptability

Beagles can adapt to a variety of climates, but their short coat means they may need extra warmth in colder weather. In hot weather, providing plenty of water and shade is important to keep them cool during outdoor activities. 

Ethical Breeding Considerations

Ensure you purchase from a reputable breeder who conducts health screenings to minimise the risk of hereditary health issues. Ethical breeding practices help ensure the well-being of the puppies and reduce the likelihood of genetic disorders.