In this article, we will cover the lifespan of these wonderful family pets as well as what their life cycle is like from beginning to old age. Whether you are hoping to adopt one of these hunting dogs into your life or if you are simply curious, learn all about beagles now.
How Long Do Beagles Live?
Beagles live an average of 12-15 years. They are considered a relatively hardy breed of dog, as well as being on the smaller end. All small dogs tend to live longer lives than large dogs, even though this isn’t true for many other animal species. With their compact size, large ears, and generally playful personality, the beagle ranks highly on the AKC’s top breed list. Not only are they popular with families, they are still used as hunting dogs to this day given their keen sense of smell. Given how playful and friendly this dog breed is, you may be wondering what they are like when they are young. Let’s take a moment to discuss the average beagle life cycle.
The Average Beagle Life Cycle
From blind newborn to dignified senior, this is what life is like for a beagle. Their life cycle is very similar to many other breeds of dog, though their large ears are a sight to behold during puppyhood!
Newborns
Newborn beagles are born to their mother in a litter of at least three puppies. They are born without the use of any of their senses, including sight and sound, and their keen sense of smell is not yet developed either. If you are taking care of a newborn litter of beagles, it is important to handle them with care, but get them used to human touch. The first three weeks of a baby beagle’s life is all about eating and sleeping. They are incapable of doing much else, and they are completely reliant on their mother or on a human hand to feed them during this time. Their sight begins to develop at roughly three weeks of age.
Beagle Puppies
Beagle puppies gain the use of all of their senses after 4 weeks of age, and by this point they are ready to explore the world around them. They will become increasingly more vocal during the stage of their life as well, and many beagle puppies learn from one another during playtime. A beagle puppy is more responsive to training and commands from 3 to 4 months of age. They grow steadily during this time as well, more than doubling in size from their infant weeks. They are ready for adoption, properly socialized and ready for anything. Beagle puppies are notoriously mischievous and active, causing many dog owners pain if not properly exercised and observed. They will begin to respond to your commands more and more as they age, and most beagles are no longer puppies after 12 months.
Adult Beagles
Beagles are fully grown at a year-and-a-half of age. Their mass and weight will remain steady after this point. They will have dropped many of their unfortunate puppy habits as well. However, they will remain curious and eager to explore. They also need an abundance of exercise for the majority of their life. While most beagles live an average of 12 to 15 years, the oldest beagle on record lived to be nearly 28 years old. The most important thing to consider for any adult beagle is the amount of exercise they receive. Their overall diet is also important. If you have a pet beagle and are wondering how you can extend the life of your new family member, read on to learn more. There are many things you can do!
How to Extend the Life of Your Pet Beagle
Your pet beagle is an important member of your family and should be treated with the utmost love and care. Whether you plan on using your beagle to hunt or simply want a loyal family companion, here is what you can do to extend the life of your pet beagle:
Make sure your beagle gets plenty of exercise. Many working or hunting breeds of dog require more exercise than the average dog. This is true for beagles, as they were bred to hunt rabbits and have very active needs because of this. You want to give your beagle a good walk daily, to allow them to exercise their nose and other senses. Your beagle may also require additional exercise in the form of cardio or running. This depends on the age and energy level of your dog. Feed your beagle a robust diet. All dogs deserve to be fed quality food, and your beagle is no exception. From puppyhood to adulthood, your beagle should be fed a high quality diet, and be sure to not overfeed your beagle. Many beagles are very treat motivated, and this can be very useful while training. However, be sure to limit the amount that your beagle eats so that they do not gain too much weight.See a veterinarian regularly. Establishing a relationship with a vet that gets to know your puppy through the entirety of its life is important to establishing routine care. Your vet can help you whenever your beagle is feeling unwell. They will be more familiar with your dog than any other vets.
