Beagle Lifespan and Common Health Issues

These friendly, curious, and cheerful dogs are on the smaller side of the dog spectrum, weighing in between 20lbs-30lbs. Small, but sturdy, beagles are known for their floppy ears and big hearts. While beagles are affectionate with their families, they do have an independent streak to their personalities. Beagles are considered to be excellent family dogs since they are rated as very good with young children. They are also very friendly towards other dogs and love to play with their new friends. Whether you’re already a proud beagle owner or are considering adopting one of these noble animals, you may be wondering about how long a beagle’s life span is, and if there are any beagle health problems you need to know about. We’ll discuss both of these topics along with ways to keep your beagle healthy and happy.

What is the Life Expectancy of a Beagle?

The beagle’s lifespan is between 12-15 years. That is quite a range and is evidence that in general, smaller dogs tend to live longer lives. While there is nothing you can do about your dog’s genetics, many factors that affect your dog’s health are under your control. We’ll discuss how to extend your beagle’s life expectancy in a later section.

Common Beagle Health Issues

The good news is that beagles tend to be healthy dogs. However, every breed has health problems. Here are some of the common beagle health problems.

Patellar luxation

This is a common condition seen in dogs where the patella, or kneecap, moves sideways. It could also be called a dislocated kneecap. Beagles with the condition will often skip when walking. The limp can come and go. In most cases, the cause of this condition is genetic, although trauma can also dislocate the kneecap.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye disease that increases pressure in the eye. This is caused by poor drainage of fluid in the eye. The pressure causes damage to the retina and the optic nerve. Signs of glaucoma include eye pain, watery discharge from the eyes, and swelling of the eye.

Epilepsy

This is the most common neurological disorder found in dogs. Epilepsy is a seizure condition and can be inherited or caused by problems with the brain. Sometimes there is no known cause of epilepsy. A vet will diagnose the type of epilepsy a dog has and start treatments from there.

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)

This is a group of degenerative eye diseases that affects a dog’s retina, which contains the eyes photoreceptor cells. With PRA, these cells break down over time which will eventually lead to blindness. There is an early onset version that affects puppies between 2-3 months old and a late-onset type that affects adult dogs.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when a dog’s thyroid is underactive. Two causes are when the body attacks the thyroid (lymphocytic thyroiditis) or when the gland itself starts to atrophy (idiopathic thyroid gland atrophy). There is a genetic role in this condition as well. This disease can be treated with thyroid hormone medication.

How to Improve Your Beagle’s Health and Lifespan

There are many ways to improve your beagle’s health, prevent health issues, and support longevity.

Responsible breeding

If you don’t have a beagle already and are considering adopting one, the best way to ensure you have a healthy dog is to work with a responsible, ethical beagle breeder. Responsible breeders not only produce healthier dogs, but they are also supporting the whole breed. Here are a few ways to know you’ve found a good breeder.

1. They have their breeding animals tested appropriately. Different breeds need to be screened for specific genetic issues. Good breeders will never breed animals that are unfit and might produce unhealthy puppies or puppies prone to health issues later in life.
2. Reputable breeders are knowledgeable about their dogs and will take the time and effort to educate you on their proper care.
3. They will interview you and put you through a rigorous screening process before allowing you to adopt one of their puppies. Good breeders will never adopt out to unfit homes because they put their dogs’ welfare above profits.
4. Their dogs seem happy, healthy, and content. Even if you cannot meet the father, good breeders will introduce you to the mother dog and her puppies. The dogs’ living area will be clean, warm, and safe. Mother dogs who seem content and are interacting with their puppies are a sign of a good breeder. If the puppies and mother are kept outside, then good breeders will be bringing the puppies into the house regularly for socialization and will visit the puppies outside often.
5. Good breeders will start socializing their puppies before adoption, and will never, ever adopt before the puppies are ready. Puppies need time with their mother and littermates to learn good canine manners. Waitlists are common with good breeders.
6. With a reputable breeder, you will sign a contract with them stating that the breeder will take the dog back from you if you’re unable to house it properly for any reason.

Nutrition

A healthy diet plays a key role in helping your dog stay active, energetic, and resilient. While many commercial dog foods are designed to meet basic nutritional standards, not all formulas are created equal — and some dogs may require more targeted nutrition than what’s offered in standard diets.

Look for dog foods that prioritize high-quality protein sources and list real meat among the first few ingredients. Be mindful of ingredient splitting, where similar components (like different forms of corn) are broken down into smaller parts to appear lower on the ingredient list. It's also helpful to avoid foods with excessive fillers or byproducts.

While premium dog foods may cost more upfront, they often provide more complete nutrition and may help support your dog’s overall well-being in the long run. Your veterinarian can help you choose a formula that aligns with your dog’s age, breed, and specific health needs.

Exercise

Daily exercise is essential to your Beagle’s health and happiness — and it plays a key role in supporting their longevity. Beagles are naturally energetic and curious, so they benefit from at least an hour of physical activity each day. Without enough stimulation, especially for solo pets, they may develop unwanted or destructive behaviors.

Because Beagles were originally bred as scent hounds, they have a strong instinct to follow scents and may try to chase after small animals. For that reason, it's best to keep them leashed on walks and ensure outdoor areas are secure. Beagles are also known for being escape artists, so fences should be at least five feet tall and extend underground to prevent digging. With regular, engaging activity, Beagles can thrive physically and mentally.

Grooming

Beagles have smooth, dense double coats that shed moderately throughout the year, with heavier shedding in the spring. During peak shedding seasons, daily brushing can help manage loose fur and keep their coat healthy. Outside of those times, a weekly brushing with a medium bristle brush is usually sufficient to remove dead hair and maintain skin and coat health.

Because of their floppy ears, it’s important to check your Beagle’s ears regularly — about once a week — to ensure they’re clean and free of debris or signs of irritation.

Oral care is also a crucial part of your dog’s overall wellness. Daily brushing or consistent dental care can help prevent gum disease, which has been linked to more serious health concerns affecting the heart, kidneys, and other organs. While it may take some getting used to, regular dental care is one of the most impactful habits for supporting your dog’s long-term health.

Veterinary care

Taking your beagle to their regular vet visits is an essential part of their health and longevity. Your vet will likely be able to spot any health issues before or as they arise, which means that any needed treatment can begin sooner rather than later.

Supplements

Nutritional supplements can be a helpful addition to your Beagle’s wellness routine, especially when tailored to their individual needs. There are many types of supplements available that support areas like digestion, skin and coat health, and joint function. When choosing supplements, consider looking for options that are certified by organizations like the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) and made with high-quality, thoughtfully sourced ingredients.

As always, it’s a good idea to consult your veterinarian before introducing any new supplement to your dog’s routine to ensure it’s a good fit for their age, lifestyle, and health goals.