How Fast Can Beagles Run? Breed Facts & FAQ

Beagles might not be well-known for racing like the Greyhound is, but they can hold their own against many of the fastest dog breeds. Originally bred to chase prey during a hunt, Beagles can reach speeds between 20 and 30 miles per hour over short distances. That said, a Beagle’s highest speed can vary among individual dogs due to health, age, and weight, along with the terrain that they’re racing on.

Beagle Overview

Pack hounds like Beagles have accompanied hunts all over the world for centuries. Bred to be a smaller alternative to larger hunting dogs, the Beagle was a favorite of hunters who couldn’t afford a horse. Short but quick, they have a keen sense of smell to help them handle all types of hunts. They are also natural sprinters over short distances.

Due to their loyalty, happy-go-lucky nature, and cute expressions, the Beagle has become one of the most popular dogs in the world. Their history as excellent hunters of small game, particularly rabbits, quickly gained them favor with American rabbit hunters after the Civil War. Since then, they’ve become a favorite companion for families with children.

Can You Take Your Beagle Running?

Beagles have a great deal of energy to burn off, and exercising them regularly is the best way to curb some of their exuberance. They do well with multiple walks a day, but you can also take them with you on your morning or afternoon run, provided that it’s not a long one.

Despite their love of running, Beagles don’t have much stamina and can only manage a few miles before they get too tired to continue. Some Beagles might be able to run farther or not far at all, depending on the specific dog, so you’ll have to learn your dog’s capabilities before you try to run with them.

If you’ve just started letting them join you on your run, you should slowly build up to longer distances. It is important to watch them carefully for any signs of fatigue, such as stopping frequently, panting heavily, sluggishness, and dehydration. Dogs can be susceptible to heatstroke on hot days too, so make sure the temperature isn’t too high.

The total distance that you should run with your Beagle should be tailored to their abilities but likely won’t be longer than 2–4 miles.

A final thing to consider when you take your Beagle running is their nose. Hounds have some of the best noses in the canine world, and your Beagle’s natural hunting instinct will convince them to follow all sorts of interesting scents. If you do take your Beagle out of the house for a walk or a run, always keep them on a leash to prevent them from taking off.

What Affects a Beagle’s Running Speed?

Most Beagles are cheerful and love clowning around, but they also have individual personalities and traits that set them apart from each other. This individuality also plays a part in their running ability. Here are a few things that can affect how fast and how far your Beagle can run.

Aerodynamics

Compared to the dogs that are often used for racing, like the Greyhound, the Beagle doesn’t look like a speedy dog. They’re short and somewhat stocky, unlike the tall and slender Greyhound. While this does play a part in their inability to keep up with the fastest dog breeds, the Beagle has its particular strength: They are renowned for their short bursts of speed.

They are excellent sprinters and will use their quick feet to chase down a fleeing rabbit during a hunt. This power comes from their muscular legs and strong paws.

Age

As your Beagle ages, they’ll slowly become less active. When dealing with the common joint issues that older dogs can be prone to, such as arthritis, your senior dog is much more likely to enjoy taking long naps.

In comparison, a puppy will be a boundless source of energy, even if they’re too small to keep up with their fully-grown counterparts.

Distance

Beagles don’t have the highest stamina in the dog world. Built for sprinting, they’re a breed that does best over short distances. If you push them too far during your run and they’re not able to keep up with you, they’ll quickly start to tire.

Even if they’re used to running with you, if you push them farther than a few miles, they’ll slow down or stop completely.

Health

The healthier your Beagle is, the happier and more mobile they’ll be. Being healthy overall ensures that your dog’s heart, lungs, and muscles are up to the task of keeping them moving, even while they’re running.

Regular exercise will help keep your Beagle in shape, and the more active they are, the faster they’ll be. This is why it’s important to build up to longer runs, especially if you and your Beagle have taken a break from physical activity or are just getting into the habit of regular exercise.

Terrain

Beagles might have been bred to accompany people on hunts over a variety of terrain, but their surroundings still play a part in how fast they can be. Over a flat, open space, like your local dog park, they’ll snatch up that tennis ball with ease. In a dense woodland, though, they’re more likely to be hindered by the foliage around them, even if they’re not distracted by rabbit trails.

Weight

As you’d expect, the heavier your dog is, the slower they’ll be. Beagles are likely to become obese with the wrong diet and too little exercise. The bigger and heavier they are, the more difficulty they’ll have while running.

How Do Beagles Compare to Other Animals?

While it’s easy to say that Beagles are capable of short bursts of speed, it’s difficult for many people to picture exactly how fast they can go. This brief comparison chart shows you how the Beagle compares with other animals that are known for their feats of speed.

Conclusion

Despite their stocky build, the Beagle is one of the fastest dog breeds in the world. They’re capable of reaching speeds between 20 and 30 mph over short distances. While the Beagle might not be able to keep up with the Greyhound, they can more than hold their own against rabbits during hunts.

They can also keep up with you during your morning jog, provided that the run is short and that you continually check on how they’re managing.

See also:

• Why Are Beagles So Stubborn? 3 Reasons & Breed Facts
• How Fast Can My Australian Shepherd Run? The Surprising Answer!

Featured Image Credit: eAlisa, Shutterstock