With its gentle eyes, characteristic floppy ears, and cheerful disposition, the Beagle is simply irresistible. It’s no wonder that it is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. It stands for friendliness, curiosity, and pure joie de vivre, and is a loyal companion to families, couples, and individuals alike.
But don’t be fooled by its charming appearance: this small to medium-sized bundle of energy has the keen instinct of a true tracking dog and, at times, a healthy dose of stubbornness. Beagles are powerful, need exercise, and love challenges.
Would you like to make the most of your Beagle’s active life and experience more together? In this article, you will learn what makes this unique four-legged friend so special and why a dog backpack from TARIGS can be the perfect companion for your adventures.
Beagle
| Origin: | Great Britain |
| Weight: | 9 – 18 kg |
| Shoulder height: | approx. 33 – 41 cm |
| Back length: | 40 – 48 cm |
| Life expectancy: | 12 – 15 years |
| Fur: | Short, dense, weather-resistant |
| Color: | The most common color variation is tricolor (black, brown, and white). However, there are also bicolor (e.g., brown/white, red/white, lemon yellow/white) and pure white variations. The tip of the tail is always white. |
| Character: | Intelligent, fond of children, friendly, playful, hunting instinct! |
The Beagle: The six most fascinating facts
Hardly any other dog breed exudes as much joie de vivre, charm, and energy as the Beagle. Here are six fascinating facts that show why the Beagle is so special and why it is winning hearts all over the world.
1. Royal roots and a name with “big throat“
The history of the beagle is older than one might think: its ancestors were already known in ancient Greece. However, the modern breed has its roots in 11th-century England. It soon captured the hearts of the nobility, as one of its most famous admirers was none other than Queen Elizabeth I.
The queen appreciated the so-called “pocket beagles,” a miniature form of the breed that was so tiny that it fit comfortably in the saddlebags of hunters. They were bred specifically for hunting hares and rabbits and even then proved their tireless tracking skills.
The name itself is also revealing and hints at another typical characteristic: it is thought to be derived from the Old French word “bégueule,” which means “open mouth” or “big throat.” A fitting reference to the beagles’ barking and vocal nature, which they used primarily for signaling during the hunt.
2. A nose that beats everything: The “Beagle Brigade”
If there is one characteristic that really sets beagles apart, it is their phenomenal sense of smell. With around 225 million olfactory receptors, they are among the dog breeds with the most highly developed sense of smell (by comparison, humans have only around 5 million). They can detect smells with extreme precision and over long distances.
This extraordinary ability makes them excellent hunting dogs and valued employees in the security sector. The famous “Beagle Brigade” is deployed at airports around the world. The specially trained four-legged friends detect illegally smuggled food or plants. Their friendly and non-intimidating appearance is a great advantage, as they have a much calming effect on passengers than some other service dog breeds.
3. The song of the hunters and their distinctive white tail tips
Beagles are true masters of communication, and not just with their eyes or body language. They have an amazingly versatile repertoire of sounds: they bark, howl, and “sing” with a characteristic howl as soon as they pick up an exciting trail. This so-called “beagle singing” has a very practical origin: it used to help hunters find their dogs in dense undergrowth or difficult terrain, even without visual contact.
Speaking of finding: another distinctive feature of many Beagles is the white tip of their tail. This trait was deliberately bred into the breed so that the dogs could always be kept in sight when hunting in tall grass or thickets, a signal that could never be overlooked.
4. The most famous beagle? Definitely Snoopy!
When you think of a beagle, you often think first of Snoopy, the charming, imaginative, and somewhat stubborn dog from the world-famous “Peanuts” comics. Even though his appearance in the drawings is not entirely typical of a beagle, Charles M. Schulz, the creator of the series, himself confirmed: “Snoopy is a beagle.”
With his unique personality, his daydreams of being an ace pilot, and his unwavering loyalty, Snoopy has had a decisive influence on the public image of this breed. So it’s no wonder that he continues to contribute to the breed’s enduring popularity and is probably its most famous representative.
5. Born team players: Beagles are true pack dogs
The Beagle was originally bred for hunting hares and rabbits in packs, and this is precisely what characterizes its nature to this day. It is an extremely social dog that loves the company of humans and other dogs above all else and feels most comfortable in groups. Being alone is therefore not its thing at all.
However, its pack instinct is not only evident in its social behavior, but also when it comes to eating. In a group, the motto used to be: “Be quick or go hungry!” No wonder, then, that many Beagles wolf down their food as if there were no tomorrow. For owners, this means keeping a close eye on food rations, but also using food as motivation for training. Because when food is involved, Beagles usually listen particularly well.
6. Runaway artist with tunnel vision: When the nose takes command!
What makes the Beagle a pro at hunting can be a real challenge in everyday life: its strong hunting instinct. Once it picks up an exciting scent, it tunes out everything else around it. Calls, treats, or even the person on the other end of the leash don’t exist anymore. This so-called “tunnel vision” can make going for a walk a real adventure.
This immense focus, combined with their determination and endurance, has earned Beagles a reputation for being true escape artists with a built-in escape plan. Once their nose is to the ground, they have only one goal: to follow the trail. It is not uncommon for them to dig under fences or slip through the smallest gap if an enticing smell awaits somewhere.
Therefore, beagle owners should remember: better safe than sorry! A securely fenced yard, a sturdy leash, and a watchful eye are essential for enjoying relaxed adventures together. And, of course, a sense of humor when your sleuth wants to bang its head against the wall again!
With the TARIGS dog backpack: Flexible and safe on the go
The Beagle is an active and loyal companion who loves company above all else. However, its strong hunting instinct and famous “tunnel vision” can lead to challenges in everyday life. Once this keen-nosed dog picks up a scent, it often ignores everything around it.
That’s exactly why the TARIGS dog backpack is the perfect addition to your team! It is the ideal solution for all situations in which your Beagle cannot or should not walk on its own, either for long periods of time or at all.
Why a dog backpack is useful for beagles:
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- Safety in busy areas and traffic: In crowded places, on busy roads, or when traveling by public transport (train, bus, cable car), a backpack offers a safe and relaxed alternative to a leash.
- Protection from overexertion: Beagles are persistent, but the hard asphalt of a long city trip or the alpine demands of a hiking tour are not their specialty. The backpack protects against overexertion
- Flexibility when traveling: With a backpack, you are more flexible when traveling on many forms of transport where leashes or muzzles are otherwise required.
- Suitable for every beagle: Even if your beagle is older or injured and no longer as mobile, thanks to the backpack, they don’t have to miss out on your adventures together.
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Flexible, safe, and relaxed: the TARIGS dog backpack is the key to shared adventures. Whether you’re going on a city break or a hike, your beagle can come with you everywhere, comfortably and close to you, thanks to the backpack.
Which TARIGS model is suitable for my Beagle?
With their compact size, most Beagles fit perfectly into the medium or large sizes of the MountainRock Backpack and PeakStone Backpack. The Bulldog Backpack and ROOFPACKER are also good choices, depending on your dog’s build and intended use.
Important for the perfect fit
Your dog’s measurements are crucial for finding the right model and size. Please measure your Beagle’s shoulder height, back length, and weight.
We are happy to help you personally with your selection! Alternatively, you can fill out our size quiz to receive a recommendation.
A cheerful sniffer with a big heart
The Beagle is a loving, intelligent, and lively dog with a strong character. Its royal history is impressive, its sense of smell legendary and its charm simply irresistible.
When you choose a Beagle, you get a loyal companion for life. But keep in mind: this dog needs exercise, clear rules, and above all, lots of closeness to its family.
Beagle & TARIGS: The perfect duo for on the go
Are you a Beagle fan and often on the go with your four-legged friend? Then the TARIGS dog backpack is the ideal addition to your adventures!
With a TARIGS backpack, you can travel flexibly, safely, and relaxed, whether your Beagle is tired, not allowed to run everywhere, or you want to explore new places together. The combination of functionality, comfort, and design makes it the perfect companion for all Beagle fans who want to have their dog with them at all times.
Put on your backpack, grab your beagle, and let the adventure begin!
And don’t forget: tag us on your adventures! #tarigs