How Long Do Beagles Live? Here’s Everything You Should Know About the Beagle’s Life Expectancy
Friendly, happy-go-lucky, adventurous, and vocal: these are the top four words that come to mind when we think of the Beagle.
Beagles — estimated to weigh between 20 and 30 pounds — are descendants of now-extinct scent hounds that were used by hunters in Ancient Greece. The development of the modern-day Beagle soared in Great Britain in the early 18th century, as breeders in the region focused on creating a smaller hound dog with enhanced hunting capabilities; a dog that could easily track and hunt small game such as hares and rabbits through dense underbrush.
Beagles were introduced in America shortly after the Civil War and, in 1885, received official breed recognition by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Besides their remarkable hunting skills, Beagles quickly won hearts for their good looks and wonderful temperament, qualities that saw this loveable breed attain popularity as incredible family pets. Today, the Beagle takes the eighth spot as the most popular dog breed in the USA.
Admired for its long, floppy ears, keen sense of smell, short, low-maintenance coat, and outgoing personality, the Beagle is truly one of the most fun dogs you could ever own. This playful, sociable breed gets along with kids and adults alike and has a strong eagerness to please its owners. Because of their high energy levels, Beagles are best suited for active owners willing to put in the time and effort to give them adequate mental and physical stimulation every day.
Not to mention, Beagles are known to be escape artists once they get a whiff of an enticing smell. This is why it’s essential for Beagle owners to have fully-fenced yards.
If you’re entertaining the idea of welcoming a Beagle into your home, you’re likely curious about this breed’s lifespan. So, if your mind is flooded with thoughts like “beagle life expectancy,” “average lifespan Beagle,” “average life expectancy of a Beagle,” or “life expectancy for a Beagle,” you’ve come to the right place.
Average Lifespan of a Beagle Revealed
Small dog breeds like the Beagle enjoy a fairly long lifespan compared to large breeds. According to Beagle Pro, the Beagle’s average life expectancy between 12–15 years.
But as with any other breed, it’s not unusual for a healthy, well-cared-for Beagle to live beyond the estimated 12 to 15 years. You’ll be surprised to learn that the longest-living Beagle on record was a dog named Butch from Virginia. According to Oldest.org, Butch died in 2003 at the age of 28.
The internet is also filled with more real-life cases of dog owners whose Beagles have crossed the 12–15 years average lifespan.
“I’ve had two Beagles over the years, who both lived to 16 years of age with no major health issues,” wrote one user in a Reddit discussion on older Beagles.
“Just a 20-year-old Beagle lovin’ life!” shared another user@indiyyoggi44 on Reddit alongside a photo of their senior Beagle.
In other words, expect your Beagle to live a longer life if you faithfully play your part in giving them a high quality of life.
5 Common Health Issues that Affect the Beagle’s Life Expectancy
As with any other dog breed— whether a crossbreed or a purebred dog — Beagles are prone to specific health conditions, which, without timely treatment, can shorten their quality of life and, ultimately, lifespan.
Here are five health problems prevalent in this loveable, energetic breed:
- Epileptic seizures
Beagles are susceptible to developing epileptic seizures at an early age. In fact, a 2018 study found that the Beagle is among the top six dog breeds with a high prevalence of seizures. Thankfully, with medication and proper care, your Beagle can lead a much healthier life.
“My eldest Beagle boy Biggie was diagnosed with epilepsy at 2 y/o shortly after I adopted him. He takes phenobarbital 2x daily and hasn’t had a seizure since,” wrote user @Sample_Wild in a Reddit discussion on seizures in Beagles.
- Ear Infections
Beagles are adored for their big, floppy ears. Sadly, these gorgeous ears — if not well cared for — can put your Beagle at risk of persistent yeast and bacterial infections that can lower their life quality.
- Eye Disorders
Beagles are prone to developing a number of eye conditions, including cherry eye, which can gradually affect their quality of life if not timely addressed.
- Hypothyroidism
Unfortunately, Beagles are among the top breeds susceptible to hypothyroidism, a progressive condition characterized by malfunctioning of the thyroid gland. Luckily, this healthy issue can be medically managed under your vet’s guidance.
- Brain and Spinal Cord Disorders
Last but not least, Beagles are prone to disorders of the brain and spinal cord, such as Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) and Steroid Responsive meningitis (SRM).
6 Essential Tips to Help Your Beagle Live Longer
As a beagle owner, you have great influence over your dog’s lifespan, and it all starts with a commitment to giving them the best possible life. Here are a few tips that will help ensure your Beagle bestie remains by your side longer than you expect:
- If you decide to purchase instead of adopt, make sure you get your Beagle from a reputable breeder.
- Ensure your Beagle is on a balanced, high-quality dog food approved by your veterinarian.
- Be sure to prioritize regular vet visits so that any developing health issues are caught and addressed early.
- Establish a consistent exercise routine for your Beagle to help them remain in great shape throughout their life.
- Provide daily mental stimulation to keep your dog healthy and happy.
- Remember that proper dental hygiene is essential to your dog’s overall health. For this reason, ensure your Beagle has a regular dental care routine.
