How Much Exercise Do Beagles Need? Guidance, Facts & FAQs
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The Beagle is, traditionally, a hunting dog. Deployed as one of a pack of dogs, he would track and chase prey—typically small animals like rabbits. The breed’s lovable, friendly, and playful nature means that it has also become one of the most popular pet breeds.
A Beagle makes a good companion for any owner that can give it the attention it craves and the exercise it needs. But how much exercise does a Beagle need? Experts generally agree that this energetic breed needs at least 60 minutes of exercise a day, but ideally 90 minutes or more. This should combine walks and exercise that require greater physical exertion.
Read on to find out how much exercise you need to provide this little hound dog, as well as a list of ways that you can provide the physical and mental stimulation that your Beagle needs.
Top 4 Activities to Stimulate Your Beagle
Dog walks not only provide physical exercise for a dog, but they are also a great way to get out and experience the world around us. This is especially important for breeds like Beagles because they have an incredible sense of smell and enjoy using it.
Walks also allow for socialization. Your Beagle will probably befriend other dogs and turn the heads of dog walkers and passers-by. However, the Beagle is not only built for walking and is genetically accustomed to running off-leash.
Here are four activities that you can enjoy with your Beagle that will provide them with the more intense exercise they crave.
1. Agility
A dog agility course is, essentially, a dog obstacle course. The dog navigates a series of challenges, ranging from tunnels to slaloms and see-saws, all the while following their handler’s directions around the course.
The Beagle’s relatively small size combined with its athleticism and enjoyment makes it a great choice for this kind of activity. As well as enrolling for agility classes, you can also buy some agility obstacles and set them up in your own garden for practice.
2. Scent Work
Scent work is a canine sport that tests your dog’s sense of smell, and this is one area where the Beagle is especially strong. Scent work typically uses essential oils but requires the same skills as detection dogs.
Beagles are often used to detect narcotics and other substances because they are very good at not only being able to track smells but being able to discern different smells as well.
3. Flyball
Flyball is like an intense and demanding game of catch. The dog is taught to retrieve a tennis ball and is then required to run down a track, jump on a platform that releases a tennis ball, catch the ball, and then run back down the track.
As well as having to be fast and responsive, the dog needs to be able to run on a track next to other dogs or with other dogs running in the opposite direction. It requires focus as well as physical prowess.
4. Tracking
Tracking is another activity that relies heavily on your Beagle’s sense of smell and another class that Beagles can excel in. Essentially, dogs are expected to pick up and track the scent of a human being while also finding objects along the route. The classes use positive reinforcement training, and they engage your dog’s brain as well as its olfactory senses.
How Much Exercise Do Beagle Puppies Need?
It is generally recommended that a Beagle gets 5 minutes of exercise for every month of its life until reaching adulthood. This means that a 6-month-old puppy should get 30 minutes of exercise, while a 10-month-old should be getting 50 minutes.
This can be split up into two periods, giving your puppy more exercise periods to look forward to and ensuring that you don’t wear them out too much in one session.
Do Senior Beagles Need Less Exercise?
Senior Beagles tend to have less energy and will probably be less interested in strenuous exercise. Your 10-year-old Beagle probably won’t be able to run as hard or as long as he could when he was 3 years old.
You will still need to provide between 30–60 minutes of exercise a day, once again broken up into two or more sessions to ensure that your dog gets the most benefit.
How Much Should I Feed My Beagle?
Puppies will usually eat up to about 2 cups of food per day, while adults will consume approximately 1 cup of food per day. Especially active dogs may require a little more, while inactive dogs need less.
If you are feeding canned or wet food, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. If your vet has given any feeding recommendations, follow these before any other guidelines.
Summary
The Beagle is a skilled hunter and working dog, as well as a prized family pet. Its years in the field mean that the breed does need plenty of exercise to sate its desire for physical exercise, so you should expect to provide 60–90 minutes of exercise each day. This exercise should consist of walks as well as more intense exercise. Possible activities include agility classes and flyball.
See also:
- Do Beagles Have Separation Anxiety? Is it Common?
- Do Beagles Have Webbed Feet? The Interesting Answer!
Featured Image Credit: Ross Stevenson, Shutterstock
