Average age of beagles: A guide to extending your beagle’s lifespan 

Average age of beagles – what is a beagle’s lifespan? 

Most beagles live around 12 to 15 years, although this number can vary greatly depending on genetics, upbringing, and environment. Read on to learn more about the average age of beagles, and how to increase your beagle’s lifespan.

In this article, we’ll cover: 

Beagle lifespan: Factors to consider

Many things influence a particular beagle’s lifespan. 

• Genetics – just like humans, some beagles are born with a disease that decreases their lifespan. As well, beagles are a dog breed that are prone to certain diseases, like obesity. Make sure you’re well aware of any medical conditions your beagle may have, and get them the proper medication and treatment for it. 
• Environment – a beagle that has a comfortable home, space to play, will naturally grow into a healthier adult dog and live a happier, longer life. 
• Routines – keeping your beagle on regular walking, eating, and sleeping schedules will help keep them healthy for longer. 
• Socialization – beagles that frequently socialize with other dogs and humans are happier and healthier overall. 
• A healthy diet – feeding your beagle high quality dog kibble will help increase their lifespan. 

Types of beagle that live longer 

There are two types of beagles – the first type are under 13 inches at the shoulder and the second type are between 13 to 15 inches at the shoulder. Smaller beagles tend to live longer because of their reduced risk of cancer. This pattern is found in many other dog breeds as well, with many smaller dog breeds living on average longer than their larger counterparts. 

How to keep your beagle healthy and increase their lifespan 

Keeping your beagle healthy is essential in extending their lifespan. Follow these principles to keep them healthy and happy: 

1. Exercise 

Keep your beagle well exercised – this is vital for their energy levels, fitness, and mental health. Adult beagles should get at least two walks a day. 

2. Mental fitness

Make sure your dog is getting mental stimulation as well. It’s also good for their mental health and sharpness, and overall emotional health. Get them some puzzles to play with while you’re gone. This helps reduce laziness and boredom. Also make sure to practice commands with them and that they are socializing with new dogs and humans every few days. 

3. Diet 

Feed your beagle high quality dog kibble to keep their energy up. High quality food provides a great return on your investment, as you can’t put a price on your beagle’s good health. While the cheaper dog food might be tempting, you’ll pay for it down the line in expensive health problems that come up as a consequence of their poor diet. 

4. Supplements 

Check with your vet to see if your beagle has any deficiencies in their diet that need to be made up with in other food or vitamin supplements. 

5. Sleep 

Make sure your beagle is getting enough sleep daily and they aren’t constantly being disturbed by loud noises and commotions. 

6. Training 

Use a system of rewards to teach your beagle to behave well. If they are growling or misbehaving, put them in a crate or in a dog bed in a separate room, and when they do a trick properly, give them a treat. This teaches them what behaviors are good and what behaviors are bad. 

Stages of Beagles Maturity

As well, I wanted to outline the stages of beagle maturity as this will help you gauge what size bed to get. It depends on how old your beagle is and how much growing they have to do. You should also consider getting a more durable bed if they’re in a hyper stage of their life. 

Most beagles will be in one of the below five stages of maturity: 

Young puppy (0 to 4 months old) – hyper

At this stage, your beagle is excitable and very energetic. It’s near impossible to train them for most of this stage. Get them a comfortable bed that is machine washable. 

Growing puppy (4 to 12 months old) – very hyper 

Beagle puppies at this stage have grown and have more strength to vent their excitability. That’s why they often appear even more excitable at this stage than when they were younger. Consider getting them a bed that is washable or you don’t mind replacing in a few months, once they become fully potty trained. 

Adolescent beagle (1 to 2 years old) – Still hyper, but getting more controlled 

Your beagle should look full grown by now, however their brains are still in the puppy/teen years. If you’ve been diligently training them, it should be paying off by now. But they’ll still have a lot of energy at this stage. Many people are confused because their beagle looks full grown but is still acting like a puppy. Don’t worry, the calm period is just around the corner. 

Adult beagles (2 to 8 years old) – Calming down 

This is when beagles have calmed down because they’re entering adulthood, both physically and mentally. You’re fully enjoying living with them and they’re obedient and following commands like clockwork. Their tantrums and indoor accidents are a thing of the past. You can get them a comfortable bed, and maybe even one in your bedroom. 

Elderly beagles (8 year+) – Very very calm 

Your beagle is a wise old soul now. They’re entering their older years and are just enjoying life now, not exploring as much. Note: beagles live on average for 12-15 years. Comfort is absolutely key at this stage of their life. 

Grief when you lose your beagle 

It’s never easy losing your dog. When the time comes to say goodbye to your beagle, give yourself time to grieve this deep loss. You will feel many things: shock, anger, depression, rage, sadness. 

I’ve found what helps me if burying my beloved pets in my backyard, so I can commemorate them on their birthdays. Many people choose to create some emblem for them – just a few examples include a photograph on their mantel, necklace with photo of them, and a bracelet engraved with their name. 

Talk with your family and friends about your grief and move through the feelings together. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): 

At what age is a beagle considered old? 

Beagles begin slowing down around age 8, and this can be considered them entering their elderly years. 

What is the leading cause of death in beagles? 

The leading cause of death in beagles is cancer. 

Can a beagle live 20 years? 

Yes! Beagles can and do live to 20. Just like the humans amongst us who live to 100 and beyond, it happens more than you think and is a result of genetics and environment. 

What age do Beagles slow down?

Beagles tend to slow down between the ages of 8 and 10. 

What is the life expectancy of a female Beagle?

Female beagles live on average for 12-15 years. 

What was the oldest living Beagle? 

The oldest living beagle on record lived to 27 years. 

How old in human years is a 12 year old Beagle?

A 12 year old beagle is a 69 year old human. 

What dog has the shortest life expectancy? 

The French mastiff has a lifespan of 5-8 years. 

What breed of dog lives the longest on average? 

Smaller dogs live longest, so dogs like toy poodles, chihuahuas, and yorkshire terriers live the longest on average, between 15 to 20 years. 

Recap: Average Age of Beagles

• Beagles live on average for 12 to 15 years. 
• Keeping your dog healthy, happy, and in a nice cozy home environment helps increase lifespan. 

Many people considering getting a beagle ask “Why Beagles Are The Worst Dogs?.” There are a lot of misconceptions and myths around beagle behavior, but I’m happy to report that they have a relatively long lifespan, making them a great companion for you and your family. 

Related articles: 

• Are beagles good with cats?
• Why are beagles always hungry?
• Why do beagles sleep so much?
• Can beagles be left alone?
• Do Beagles smell?