Key Takeaways
- Beagles typically live 10 to 15 years and are a generally sturdy breed.[1]
- Ear infections and weight gain are the two problems to watch. Beagles are among the breeds most affected by ear infections, and they'll eat almost anything.[1][2]
- Other common issues are allergies, cherry eye, epilepsy, low thyroid, and back and joint problems.[1]
- There are two sizes: under 13 inches and under 20 pounds, or 13 to 15 inches and 20 to 30 pounds.[1]
- They need at least an hour of exercise a day and a leash or secure fence, because they follow their noses.[1]
Beagle Quick Facts
| Lifespan | 10 to 15 years[1] |
| Size | Two varieties: under 13 inches, or 13 to 15 inches at the shoulder[1] |
| Adult weight | Under 20 lb for the smaller variety, 20 to 30 lb for the larger[1] |
| Coat | Short, dense double coat. Moderate shedding, weekly brushing.[1] |
| Exercise | At least 1 hour a day, plus things to sniff and puzzle over[1] |
| Top health watch-outs | Ears, weight, allergies, eyes, seizures, thyroid, back |
How Long Do Beagles Live?
Beagles typically live 10 to 15 years.[1] That fits their build. In a study of more than half a million UK dogs, small, long-nosed breeds had the longest median lifespan of any group, at 13.3 years, compared with about 12½ years for dogs overall.[3]
The biggest thing you control is weight. Beagles gain weight easily, and staying lean lowers the strain on the back, joints, and heart.
Beagle Size and Weight
| Variety | Height at the shoulder | Adult weight |
|---|---|---|
| 13-inch Beagle | Under 13 inches | Under 20 lb |
| 15-inch Beagle | 13 to 15 inches | 20 to 30 lb |
These are typical ranges.[1] Frame matters more than the number on the scale. On a Beagle at a healthy weight, you can feel the ribs easily under a thin layer of fat and see a waist from above. "Pocket" or "teacup" Beagles aren't a recognized variety, and very small size can come with extra health risks.
Common Beagle Health Problems
| Problem | Signs to watch for | What helps |
|---|---|---|
| Ear infections | Head shaking, scratching, redness, a bad smell, dark discharge | Regular ear checks and cleaning, and finding the underlying allergy.[1] See ear infections. |
| Obesity | No visible waist, ribs hard to feel, tiring easily | Measured meals, no free-feeding, treats under 10% of calories.[1] See overweight dogs. |
| Eating things they shouldn't | Vomiting, diarrhea, belly pain after raiding the trash | Secure bins and food. Repeated vomiting can mean a blockage or pancreatitis.[1] See vomiting. |
| Allergies | Itching, paw licking, red skin, repeat ear infections[1] | Flea control and vet-guided allergy care. See skin allergies. |
| Cherry eye | A pink or red lump in the inner corner of the eye | Often needs surgery to put the gland back.[1] See cherry eye. |
| Epilepsy | Seizures, often starting between ages 1 and 5[1] | Daily medication if seizures are frequent. |
| Hypothyroidism | Weight gain, dry coat, hair loss, low energy[1] | A blood test and a daily pill. See hypothyroidism. |
| Back and joint problems | Back pain, wobbly walking, limping, skipping on a back leg | Slipped discs (IVDD), hip dysplasia, and loose kneecaps occur in the breed.[1] See IVDD and hip dysplasia. |
| Limber tail | A tail that suddenly hangs limp, often after a lot of wagging | Rest. It usually clears in a day or two.[1] |
See a vet promptly if your Beagle has:
- A seizure for the first time, a seizure lasting more than a few minutes, or several in a day. Long or repeated seizures are an emergency.
- Repeated vomiting, a swollen belly, or belly pain, especially after getting into food or trash.
- Sudden back pain, wobbliness, or weak back legs.
- A painful, smelly ear, a head tilt, or loss of balance.
- A red, cloudy, or squinting eye.
Why Beagles Get So Many Ear Infections
Those long, soft ears cover the ear canal, hold in moisture, and limit airflow.[1] In a study of 22,333 UK dogs, about 1 in 14 had an ear infection in a single year, and the Beagle was one of the five breeds at highest risk. Dogs with hanging ears had 1.76 times the risk of dogs with upright ears.[2]
- Check the ears weekly. Healthy ears are pale pink, with little wax and no smell.
- Clean them as your vet advises, and dry them after baths and swimming.
- Look for the cause. About half of ear infections are linked to allergies, so a Beagle with repeat infections needs an allergy workup, not just more ear drops.[1]
Keeping a Beagle at a Healthy Weight
Beagles were bred to hunt all day, and they are strongly driven by food. In a home with regular meals and treats, that adds up to weight gain.[1]
- Measure every meal and feed two or three times a day. Don't leave food out.[1]
- Keep treats under 10% of daily calories. Use part of the regular food ration for training.[1]
- Lock up food and trash. Beagles are skilled at finding both.
- Give at least an hour of exercise a day.[1]
- Weigh him monthly, and ask your vet about thyroid testing if he gains weight on a careful diet.
Daily Care
- Exercise and sniffing time: at least an hour a day, with scent games or puzzle feeders for mental work.[1]
- Leash or secure fence: a Beagle on a scent will wander off.[1]
- Grooming: weekly brushing, and a bath about every four weeks.[1]
- Teeth: brush daily if you can. See dog dental care.
- Noise: barking, baying, and howling are normal for the breed. Exercise and company reduce it.[1] See how to stop dog barking.
Choosing a Healthy Beagle Puppy
- Ask about the parents' health, including hips, eyes, thyroid, and any history of seizures in the family.
- Meet the mother and see where the puppies are raised.
- Look for clean ears, clear eyes, and a lean, active puppy.
- Consider adoption. Beagles and Beagle mixes are common in shelters and breed rescues.
See tips for choosing a breeder.
What the Research Shows
- Beagles are a top-five breed for ear infections. In a study of 22,333 UK dogs, the breeds at highest risk were the Basset Hound, Shar Pei, Labradoodle, Beagle, and Golden Retriever.[2]
- Ear shape matters. Hanging ears carried 1.76 times the risk of upright ears.[2]
- Their build favors a long life. Small, long-nosed breeds had the longest median lifespan, 13.3 years, in a study of more than half a million dogs.[3]
More breed guides: Dog Breed Health Guides.
Have a question about your Beagle's health?
You can ask a licensed veterinarian online now. For seizures, repeated vomiting, or sudden back pain, see a vet in person.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Beagles live?
Beagles typically live 10 to 15 years. Keeping your Beagle lean, exercised, and on top of ear and dental care gives the best chance of reaching the upper end of that range.[1]
What health problems do Beagles have?
The most common are ear infections and obesity. Beagles can also have allergies, cherry eye, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, slipped discs, hip dysplasia, and loose kneecaps.[1]
How big do Beagles get?
There are two varieties. The smaller is under 13 inches tall and under 20 pounds. The larger is 13 to 15 inches tall and weighs 20 to 30 pounds.[1]
How much should a Beagle weigh?
Under 20 pounds for a 13-inch Beagle and 20 to 30 pounds for a 15-inch Beagle. You should be able to feel the ribs easily and see a waist from above.[1]
Why does my Beagle keep getting ear infections?
Long, hanging ears trap moisture and limit airflow, and Beagles are one of the breeds most affected. About half of ear infections are linked to allergies, so ask your vet to look for an underlying cause.[1][2]
Why is my Beagle always hungry?
Beagles are scent hounds bred to work all day, and they are strongly food-motivated. Constant hunger is usually normal for the breed, but sudden increases in appetite or weight gain on a careful diet deserve a vet check, including a thyroid test.[1]
Are Beagles prone to seizures?
Epilepsy is seen in the breed, with seizures often starting between 1 and 5 years old. See your vet after a first seizure, and treat a seizure lasting more than a few minutes, or several in one day, as an emergency.[1]
Do Beagles shed?
Yes, moderately. Their short double coat sheds year-round. Weekly brushing and a bath about every four weeks keep it under control.[1]
References
- Paul T. Beagle. PetMD. Reviewed by Jennifer Coates, DVM. Updated October 14, 2026.
- O'Neill DG, et al. Frequency and predisposing factors for canine otitis externa in the UK: a primary veterinary care epidemiological view. Canine Medicine and Genetics. 2021.
- McMillan KM, et al. Longevity of companion dog breeds: those at risk from early death. Scientific Reports. 2024.
This guide is for general information and is not a substitute for an exam by your veterinarian. Dog Health Guide is owned and operated by Web Ventures of New York, Inc.
