Average Lifespan Of A Beagle (& How To Increase It)

When you are preparing to adopt a new dog into your family, many people want to know the lifespan of that dog and what types of health conditions or issues they should be aware of. Knowing the average lifespan of a Beagle before you choose to adopt can help you be prepared and ready for anything that may come up once you have your furry friend in your home. In this article, we will take a deep look into the lifespan of a Beagle and what things you can do to help keep your companion around for a very long time.

What’s The Average Lifespan Of A Beagle?

Beagles are fairly healthy dogs that will live to be around 12-15 years old as long as they are properly cared for. With that said, there are a few different factors that can cut the life of a Beagle down by a few years.

What Are The Different Stages Of A Beagles Life?

Like most other animals on the planet, there are multiple maturity phases in the life of a Beagle.

Newborn (Birth to 8 weeks old)

When a Beagle puppy is born, it will typically weigh about one pound or just under. Until they are about three weeks old, your puppy will not have any sense of smell or sight. These little pups are 100% reliant on their mother for everything, especially nutrition and warmth. At three weeks of age, they will start to open their eyes and even attempt to move around on their own, even learning to whimper and whine. From week four to eight, these puppies are going to become more independent and active. They will start learning how to play with each other while also exploring the home.

Puppy (8 Weeks to 6 Months)

At eight weeks old, puppies are finally reaching an age where they can survive with no issues without their mothers. These Beagles are able to eat, drink, and explore the world on their own. It is in these few months training your Beagle is vital and should be done ASAP. Starting the training young and following through as they get older is going to help make commands easier for your puppy to understand. By six months old, your puppy is becoming more mature and should be fully potty trained and able to hold it longer than before. It is also at six months old that you can start to switch your Beagle from eating puppy food to eating adult kibble. Now that your pup is getting older, their nutritional needs are changing.

Teenager (6 Months to 1 Year)

These months will show a significant change in the size of your puppy, and they are going to start filling out and growing into their skin. By this time, your dog should understand basic commands and follow its owner’s cues and signals. This is also the ideal time for hunters to start training their dogs if they are adopting a Beagle to hunt. Hunters believe the puppies should be taught basic commands before being taught hunting commands and alerts.

Adult (18 months) 

By 18 months, your Beagle is an adult; they have probably stopped growing and have settled down with chewing. Although these dogs are now considered adults, they are still going to have a lot of energy and will still act like puppies from time to time. It is still very important to be patient.

Young Adults (2-8 Years Old)

Depending on your specific dog, Beagles will reach full maturity in these years. At 3 years old, a beagle is at the stage in life as an 18-year human. They will slowly start to calm down and chill out a little, and they may stop being as vocal as they once were.

Seniors (9+ Years)

Once your Beagle hits nine years old, it will be considered a senior dog. You are going to notice their mobility declining, and they may start to suffer from more health conditions, including joint and hip issues or dementia. These seniors may also start to become a little more irritable and aggressive.

What Do Beagles Usually Die From?

It is so hard to lose your pet at any age. But losing them before their time should be up is an even tougher pill to swallow. For Beagles, old age is not even near the top of the list when it comes to the most common causes of Beagle’s deaths. The ways in which Beagles die can differ depending on their age at the time of their death.

Puppies

There are medical and environmental ways that Beagle puppies have died from; these include:
  • Parvo-  Parvo is an extremely contagious virus that can be passed through litter and onto other dogs in the area if contact is made.
  • Distemper- This is a viral disease that can be compared to measles by attacking organs throughout the entire body and can be hard to treat.
  • Bacterial Infections- These infections can attack your puppy’s vital organs, and without quick care, it is very lethal.
  • Trama- Sadly, a big cause of Beagle puppy death is accidental trama. This is usually from being dropped, stepped on, or getting into places they shouldn’t be.
  • Congenital- Congenital disorders are problems passed from the parents to the puppy. Common congenital issues that can kill Beagle puppies include spina bifida, globoid cell leukodystrophy, pyruvate kinase deficiency, pancreatic hypoplasia, and epilepsy.

Adults

Just like puppies, adults are affected by health conditions and factors that come from the outside world.
  • Hit By Cars– One depressing but eye-opening statistic all dog owners should hear about is that 1.2 million dogs are killed in the United States each year after being hit by cars. It is extremely important that dogs are trained from a very young age to steer clear of the road.
  • Canine Cognitive Disorder- This is comparable to dementia in humans. This disease will slow the brain functioning down in your pet, making them lose memory and motor functions.
  • Spinal Cord and Brain Disease– Beagles commonly develop inflammation in their spinal cord causing brain inflammation and seizures.
  • Cancer– Cancer is the #1 killer in Beagles. 23% of Beagles will develop some type of cancer in their lifetime, with the most common forms being lymphoma, osteosarcoma, and bladder.

How Do You Know When A Beagle Is Dying?

There is very little that is more heartbreaking than having to say goodbye to your dog. Watching your pet pass away is very hard to do. However, they need you with them and need your support. It is common for dogs to hide away when they are in the are at the end stages of life, so it is important for their owners to understand the signs and symptoms so they are able to be there and make them as comfortable as they possibly can.

Loss of Interest in Things They Use to Enjoy

It is hard to go for walks or car rides alone once your Beagle has stopped getting excited to do the things you once enjoyed doing together. When a dog is getting ready to pass away, it will stop doing most of the things they used to do and no longer have an interest in enjoying the world.

Stopped Eating or Drinking

It is very common for dogs to stop eating and drinking towards the end of life. This is because their organs are starting to shut down, and they no longer feel the need to fuel their bodies any longer. Once the body starts to shut down and there is no longer the feeling of hunger or thirst, it is only a matter of days before it will be time to say your goodbyes.

Having Difficulties Breathing

You will notice that once your dog starts to enter the final stages of death, they are going to have a hard time breathing, or their breaths will sound weird and uneven. Their respiratory system is starting to fail and is no longer working properly.

Can No Longer Control their Bladder or Bowels

Your Beagle is also going to start to show signs of incontinence when they are starting to die.  This is due to their organs shutting down and no longer functioning properly. It is also because your pup is becoming too weak to get up from their spot to go to the door.

Walking into Walls or Getting Lost Frequently

A dog who is suffering from dementia could be a sign that they are nearing the end stages of life. Their memory and motor functions are going to start to give way and will lead to death.

Chronic Fatigue

If your dog is lying around and sleeping constantly, they are probably starting to struggle with everyday life. Getting up, moving around, and even staying awake is becoming too hard to do, and it may even be affecting their mood.

How Can You Help Your Beagle Live As Long As Possible?

Try a few of these tips at home to help keep your Beagle alive well beyond his years.

Giving them Proper Nutrition

When your dog is being fed the proper diet and getting all the vitamins and nutrients they need, it will help reduce disease and obesity. This is going to help your dog live a longer, healthier life. (If you’re not sure what dog food to get your beagle, I’d suggest Nutro Ultra Adult Dry Dog Food.)

Having Them Neutered or Spayed

The best thing you can do for your dog is to have them fixed as soon as they are old enough. One way this can help keep your dog alive is because they will no longer be able to go into heat or be desperate for a mate. Thanks to that, your dog is less likely to escape your yard, possibly getting hit by a car. For males, being neutered will also reduce the chances of them developing prostate disease and will eliminate the chances of them developing testicular cancers. Both of which have a very high fatality rate. For females, being spayed will greatly reduce the chances of uterine infection and breast cancer, as well as deaths caused by complications during pregnancy or births.

Keep Them Vaccinated and Gets Annual Vet Checks

Getting your Beagle vaccinated and keeping up on its medications is vital to helping your dog live long, healthy lives. By providing vet care, you can help reduce or eliminate the chances of them developing life-threatening medical conditions, as well as catching any medical problems early in hopes of treating it before it becomes fatal.

Be Responsible And Use Your Leash

Always have your dog on a leash when you are not at home or you are outside unless you are in a secured, fenced area. Even the best-trained pups can be persuaded to run across the road if they are tempted by something good enough.

Give Them Plenty of Exercise

Obesity can cause many types of terminal illnesses if left untreated. Making sure your Beagle is getting plenty of exercise is crucial to keeping them healthy. Another reason it is extremely important to make sure your beagle has plenty of exercise is due to the fact that it will keep them from feeling bored, causing them to get into something dangerous or leave the yard.

Do Not Feed Them Scraps

Besides the obvious reason (gaining excessive amounts of weight), there is another important reason you should place your scraps into the trash and not your dog’s dish. There are many foods that you may oftentimes give your dogs that can actually be dangerous to their health. Some foods you should never feed your dog include:
  • Avocados
  • Coffee
  • Grapes
  • Onions
  • Caffeine
  • Chocolate
  • Salts
  • Raisins

What Can Shorten Your Beagles Lifespan?

There are a few different situations that can play a big role in shortening your dog’s life span.

Obesity

Obesity, as previously mentioned, is very dangerous for dogs. This is a killer that very few owners really realize. People tend to overfeed their dogs out of love and are unintentionally slowly killing their pets.

Not Well Trained

If your dog isn’t well trained from day one, you are setting them up for disaster. Without being taught the dangers of the world and what is okay and what is not, your dog won’t understand what can hurt them. It is also important to make sure your dog knows to come as soon as they are called and how to walk right next to you when on or off a leash.

Lack of Dental Care

Not having your Beagle’s teeth clean and regularly checked can cause bacterial infections in their gums and mouth witch can spread to their organs.

Not Seeing A Vet

Many pet owners feel like they do not need to take their dogs to see a veterinarian until there is something wrong. Unfortunately, by the time they get their Beagles to the vet, it can be too late. Seeing a vet annually can keep you on top of all your dog’s possible issues so you can start any necessary treatments right away.

Loneliness

Although it may seem a little far-fetched, dogs are social creatures and need to have friends, family, and loved ones around. If your beagle is closed off from the world, it can negatively impact its health.

Not Vaccinating 

Many different vaccines are vital to your dog’s life expectancy. Missing any of them can eliminate years from the time you get to spend with your furry friend.

Necessary Vaccinations Your Dog Needs

From the moment they are born until they are old and immobile, your dog needs shots and vaccinations in order to maintain their health. Some of the most crucial vaccinations to get your Beagle to include:
  • Rabies
  • Distemper
  • Parvo
  • Parainfluenza
  • Bordetella bronchiseptica
  • Borrelia burgdorferi
  •  Leptospira bacteria

What Are Common Health Problems Beagles Have?

Beagles are susceptible to most of the common health problems other dog breeds develop. However, there are a few that they are a little more prone to.

Obesity

Because Beagles were originally hunting dogs, they were designed to expend a lot of energy, which would require more food to sustain. When Beagles are not hunting and not exercising as much but still eating the same amount, they will gain an unhealthy amount of weight.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes chronic seizures. These seizures can come out of nowhere and can happen often.

Allergies

Beagles are famous for developing allergies throughout their lives. This can result in skin rashes usually seen on their bellies, feet, and ears. You will notice if your Beagle is suffering from allergies because they will frequently lick their paws, rub their paw over their faces often, and may even develop chronic ear infections.

Cherry Eye

Cherry eys is a prolapsed gland in your dog’s tear duct. It will become red and inflamed, and although usually not extremely painful, it may make your Beagle uncomfortable, and they will start to paw at their faces.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a common disease in dogs and more common in the Beagle. It is a disease where the thyroid is underactive and will result in your dog’s body functions slowing down dramatically. Luckily, if caught in time, most of these issues can be treated by a vet through mediation and proper management.

FAQ

Here are some popular frequently asked questions, and their answers, regarding the life of a Beagle.

Can A Beagle Live For 20 Years?

Although seeing them hit 20 years old is not common, beagles are actually a fairly healthy breed of dog that is definitely capable of living for a long period of time. As long as they are taken care of properly and no traumatic accidents happen, it is possible to see beagles live 15-20 years.

What Is The Longest A Beagle Has Lived?

Incredibly Butch the Beagle lived to the ripe old age of 27 years. Although this is amazing, and the family was probably overcome with joy having the ability to spend all that time with their pet, living with such an aged dog isn’t an easy task. If this breed was only meant to live around 15 years or so, then imagine how many health conditions and care Butch probably received for his extra ten years on earth. If you were ever so lucky to have your pet live this long, it would be crucial to schedule frequent visits with their vet, give them a comfy spot to rest and sleep that will support their bones and joints, and feed them vitamins and nutrients, creating a strong and healthy body.

Which Breed Of Dog Lives The Longest?

The answer depends on what sources you look at. However, the most noted response is smaller breeds. The larger the dog gets in size, the shorter the life span seems to be. Here is a list of the top 10 longest-living dogs. (and yes, the Beagle is on it.)
  • Yorkie- 16 to 20 years
  • Lhasa Apso- 14 to 20-years
  • Chihuahua- 14 to 20 years
  • Toy Poodle- 14 to 20 years
  • Dachshund- 14 to 20 years
  • Cockapoo-12 to18 years
  • Beagle-12 to 17 years
  • Pomeranians- 12 to 16 years
  • Shih Tzu -10 to16 years
  • Jack Russell- 10 to 16 years
As long as these breeds are well cared for, given the proper diets, and plenty of exercises, your family will be able to enjoy them for many, many years.

What Breed of Dogs Have the Shortest Life Spans?

As you can imagine, the larger the dog breed, the shorter their life expectancy becomes. Here is a list of the top 10 dogs who have the shortest years in this world.
  • Scottish DeerHound- 8-11 Years
  • Saint Bernard- 9 ½ -10 years
  • Bullmastiff: 9-10 years
  • Newfoundland- 9- 9 ½  years
  • Great Dane- 8 ½ -9 years
  • Greater Swiss Mountain Dog- 8 -9 years
  • Mastiff: 8-9 years
  • Irish Wolfhound: 7-8 years
  • Bernese Mountain Dog- 7-9 years
  • Rottweiler- 7-9 Years

Can Beagles Get the Coronavirus?

One of the biggest questions being asked frequently is the chances of your dog getting Covid-19. The answer may actually shock you. Scientific studies suggest that it is possible for humans to pass the Corna Virus to their pets. Due to the lack of studies and information out there, it is unknown at this time how serious the virus can affect your dog and whether or not animals can spread the virus to other animals, or even if dogs can spread the virus to a human. Nonetheless, there have been multiple reports in the last year of dogs testing positive for Corna, and the CDC suggests that those infected should try and stay away from their pets while they are still contagious.

Want To Train Your Beagle With Peace Of Mind?

If you haven’t trained your Beagle properly, then this is the perfect time to start. Whatever bad behavior your shepherd has, whether it’s barking at night or other bad behaviors, using the right training program is the key to having an obedient and happy pup. The training program I love and highly recommend is Brain Training For Dogs. With Brain Training For Dogs you’ll save yourself a ton of time and effort. Instead of banging your head against the wall trying to figure out why your dog won’t listen, you’ll follow a path that has been tried, tested, and most importantly, that’s given proven results. Not to mention the fact, you’ll be able to fit the course around your schedule, not fit your schedule around a trainer or obedience class. So instead of worrying about whether they’re going to be well-behaved or not, you’ll only have to worry about how much fun you’ll have with them! And in most cases it’s still going to be:
  • Cheaper than hiring a professional.
  • Cheaper than replacing everything they might break.
  • And definitely cheaper than a lawsuit against you, if they decide to bite someone.
Just imagine how great it will feel to finally be able to trust your Beagle completely and never worry whether they’ll be naughty or not. Instead, you’ll have the peace of mind that you have a well-behaved pup, and the boundaries you set for them, will always be there, EVEN IF YOU’RE NOT. And the best part is it also has a 60-day money-back guarantee! So there’s no reason not to give Brain Training For Dogs a try! So if you’re tired of your dog’s bad behavior, or how they react around other people and pooches, then give it a try! You’ll be amazed by the results! (You can also check out a full review here, to learn exactly what the course has to offer!)

Conclusion

There is so much to consider when you are discussing the lifespan of a Beagle. Unfortunately, it is more often than not this bred meets their fate way before their time. Many times uneducated owners will unknowingly do things that can shorten the lifespan of their Beagle. As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to make sure you have obtained all the information necessary to offer your Beagle the longest, healthiest life possible.