Beagles live about 12 to 15 years.
Lifespan
Beagles live 12 to 15 years on average.
Health issues
- Obesity (they love food).
- Ear infections.
- Epilepsy.
- Hip dysplasia and intervertebral disc disease.
- Cherry eye and glaucoma.
Size
13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder, 20 to 30 lb.
Care to extend life
- Keep a healthy weight.
- Regular exercise (an hour a day).
- Dental care and vet visits.
- Clean ears.
Facts
The AKC ranks the Beagle in the top 10 most popular breeds.
Oldest
Some beagles live past 20.
Lifespan data
Beagles live about 12 to 15 years on average. Surveys of pet dogs find that smaller breeds on the whole outlive larger ones, and beagles, at 20 to 25 pounds, sit in the long-lived middle. Female and male beagles have similar lifespans, and neutered dogs tend to live somewhat longer in several studies, though the effect varies by breed and sex.
Size and weight
Beagles come in two size varieties recognized by the American Kennel Club, those under 13 inches tall and those 13 to 15 inches tall. Adult weight is 20 to 30 pounds. Obesity is common in the breed because of its constant appetite, and the extra weight shortens life. A 2002 study of Labradors found lean dogs lived about 1.8 years longer, and similar findings apply to other breeds.
Common health problems
- Obesity, which strains the joints and heart.
- Ear infections, because of long floppy ears that hold moisture.
- Epilepsy, which often starts between 2 and 5 years of age and is controlled by medication.
- Hypothyroidism, which causes weight gain, dull coat and low energy.
- Intervertebral disc disease, a spine problem seen in long backed dogs.
- Cherry eye and glaucoma.
- Musladin-Lueke syndrome, a rare inherited disease causing stiff skin and a tight gait.
Ways to help a beagle live longer
- Feed measured portions. Adults typically need about 500 to 700 calories a day, depending on activity.
- Provide at least an hour of exercise daily, split into walks and play.
- Keep up with dental care, since gum disease is linked to heart and kidney problems.
- Schedule yearly vet checkups, and twice a year for older dogs.
- Keep vaccines and parasite prevention current.
- Use a harness and secure fence. Beagles follow scents and are often lost or hit by cars.
Senior beagles
Beagles are considered seniors at about 8 to 10 years. Signs of age include gray muzzle, slower movement, cloudy lenses, hearing loss and weight changes. A senior diet, joint supplements as advised by a vet, and blood tests twice a year help catch kidney disease, diabetes and thyroid problems early. Gentler, more frequent walks protect the joints.
Record holder
Butch, a beagle from Virginia, is often cited as one of the longest-lived of the breed at 27 years, and Guinness lists the oldest dog ever as Bluey, an Australian cattle dog who lived to 29 years and 5 months. Records of this kind are rare, and a beagle reaching 20 is unusual.
Feeding and weight control
Beagles love food and gain weight easily, and obesity shortens a beagle’s life by up to about two years in studies of dogs. A 13 inch beagle should weigh roughly 20 to 30 pounds. Measure meals, usually about 1 to 1.5 cups of quality dry food per day split in two meals, and limit treats to under 10 percent of daily calories. Beagles are prone to scavenging, so secure trash and pantry doors. Regular walks of 30 to 60 minutes support weight and joints. Check the waist: you should feel ribs with light pressure and see a tuck behind the ribs.
Dental and routine care
Small breeds including beagles often develop dental disease by age 3. Brush teeth several times a week, and schedule annual vet exams and dental cleanings. Ears with folds trap moisture, so cleaning weekly with a vet-approved solution helps prevent ear infections. Beagle vaccinations include rabies, distemper and parvovirus on the schedule your vet recommends.
Based on data from the American Kennel Club and the American Veterinary Medical Association
