How Big Is a Beagle?

Beagles are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, known for their friendly, curious, and merry personalities. But how big is a beagle? How much do they weigh and how tall do they grow? In this article, I will answer these questions and more.

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Beagle Size Chart

Beagles come in two main varieties: those standing under 13 inches at the shoulder, and those between 13 and 15 inches. They come in different colors, such as lemon, red and white, black and tan, and tricolor.

The average beagle size usually ranges between 15-30 pounds, which is a fairly wide estimate. In fact, the weight of a beagle depends on several factors, such as their gender, genetics, nutrition, and exercise. Generally, female beagles are slightly smaller than males.

According to the AKC breed standard, the ideal weight for a 13-inch beagle is between 22 and 30 pounds, while for a 15-inch beagle it is between 25 and 35 pounds. However, these are not strict rules, and some beagles may weigh more or less than the average.

To get a better idea of how big your beagle will get, you can use a puppy growth chart and calculator that takes into account your puppy’s age, weight, and breed. This way, you can estimate your puppy’s adult size and plan accordingly.

Beagle Growth Stages

Beagles are considered small or medium-sized dogs that reach their full height faster than their full weight. On average, a regular beagle will reach their full-grown height at around 8 months of age and will finish growing in weight at around 18 months¹.

However, this may vary depending on the individual dog and their growth rate. Some beagles may grow faster or slower than others. To monitor your beagle’s growth, you can use a growth chart or consult your veterinarian.

Here are some general guidelines for beagle growth stages:

Newborn: Beagle puppies are born blind, deaf, and helpless. They weigh around 5 to 10 ounces and depend on their mother for warmth and nourishment.
2 weeks: Beagle puppies open their eyes and ears and start to explore their surroundings. They weigh around 10 to 16 ounces and begin to crawl and play with their littermates.
4 weeks: Beagle puppies develop their teeth and start to eat solid food. They weigh around 1 to 2 pounds and become more active and curious.
8 weeks: Beagle puppies are ready to leave their mother and go to their new homes. They weigh around 3 to 6 pounds and have learned some basic social skills from their mother and siblings.
12 weeks: Beagle puppies have received their first vaccinations and can start socializing with other dogs and people. They weigh around 5 to 10 pounds and have a lot of energy and enthusiasm.
6 months: Beagle puppies have reached half of their adult height and weight. They weigh around 10 to 20 pounds and have developed their adult coat color. They are also ready to be spayed or neutered.
12 months: Beagle puppies have reached about 80% of their adult weight. They weigh around 15 to 25 pounds and have matured physically. They still have a playful personality and need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
18 months: Beagle puppies have reached their full adult size. They weigh around 15 to 30 pounds and have settled into their adult temperament. They are loyal, friendly, and fun-loving dogs that make great companions for families.

Pocket Beagles

Pocket beagles are a smaller version of the regular beagles that stand around 7 to 12 inches tall and weigh around 7 to 15 pounds. They are also known as mini beagles or teacup beagles.

Pocket beagles are not recognized by the AKC or any other major kennel club as a separate breed. They are either bred from runts of the litter or from crossing beagles with smaller breeds.

Pocket Beagle Health Problems

Pocket beagles may look cute and adorable, but they are not without health risks. Smaller dogs are more prone to genetic defects, developmental disorders, and skeletal problems than larger dogs.

Some of the most common health conditions pocket beagles face include:

Heart and eye problems
Epilepsy
Dwarfism
Hypothyroidism
Hip dysplasia
Patellar luxation
Intervertebral disc disease
Obesity
Cancer

Some of these health issues are inherited from their beagle parents, while others are caused by irresponsible breeding practices that aim to produce smaller dogs at any cost. For example, dwarfism is a genetic mutation that affects the growth of bones and cartilage, resulting in deformities and pain.

To avoid buying a pocket beagle with health problems, you should always ask for health certificates from the breeder and check the parents health history. You should also avoid buying from puppy mills or online sellers that offer cheap or “teacup” beagles.

Pocket Beagle Care

Pocket beagles may be smaller than regular beagles, but they still have the same needs and personality. They are energetic, playful, and curious dogs that require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They also need socialization and training from an early age to prevent behavioral problems.

Here are some tips on how to care for a pocket beagle:

Provide them with at least 30 minutes of daily exercise, such as walks, games, or agility courses. Beagles love to sniff and explore, so make sure they have a secure leash or harness and a fenced yard.
Feed them a high-quality diet that meets their nutritional needs and prevents obesity. Beagles are prone to overeating, so measure their food portions and limit treats. You can also use puzzle toys or slow feeders to make them work for their food.
Groom them regularly to keep their coat clean and shiny. Beagles have a short, dense coat that sheds moderately. They need brushing once or twice a week and bathing once a month or as needed. You should also check their ears for dirt and wax buildup and trim their nails every few weeks.
Train them using positive reinforcement methods, such as praise, treats, or toys. Beagles are intelligent and eager to please, but they can also be stubborn and independent. They need consistent and patient training to learn basic commands and manners. You should also socialize them with other dogs and people to prevent aggression or shyness.
Provide them with a comfortable and safe environment that meets their needs. Beagles are social dogs that don’t like to be left alone for long periods. They need companionship and attention from their owners or other pets. They also need toys and chew items to keep them entertained and prevent boredom or destructive behavior.

Pocket Beagle Pros And Cons

Pocket beagles are not for everyone. They have some advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before getting one. Here are some of the pros and cons of owning a pocket beagle:

Pros:

They are adorable and cute
They are friendly and affectionate
They are good with children and other pets
They are adaptable and suitable for small spaces
They are easy to groom

Cons:

They are prone to health problems
They are hard to train
They are noisy and vocal
They are high-energy and need exercise
They are food-driven and can become obese

Conclusion

Beagles are adorable and popular dogs that come in two main sizes: under 13 inches and between 13 and 15 inches. They also have a smaller version called the pocket beagle, which is not recognized by the AKC or any other major kennel club. Pocket beagles are created by various breeding methods that may result in health problems and challenges.

If you want a beagle, you should do your research and find a reputable breeder that can provide you with a healthy and happy puppy. You should also be prepared to provide them with proper care, exercise, training, and socialization.

Beagles can make wonderful companions for people who love the beagle breed and prefer a smaller size. However, they are not suitable for everyone, so make sure you know what you are getting into before you bring one home.