IN MY EXPERIENCE IN THE PAST 16 YEARS I'VE RAISED BEAGLES IN AN APARTMENT, TOWNHOUSE AND NOW IN THE COUNTRY. THEY WILL SOUND THE ALARM WHEN THERE ARE VARMINTS AROUND THE CHICKEN COOP, IF DEER ARE IN THE GARDEN, AND IF ANYONE IS IN THE DRIVEWAY. THEY ARE HAPPY WITH A CAT OR ANOTHER DOG AND LOVE HAVING OTHER BEAGLES TO PLAY WITH. THEIR PERSONALITY IS VERY CLOWNISH AND THEY WILL MAKE YOU LAUGH. THEY ARE A JOY TO HAVE! Temperament
Beagles are happy-go-lucky and friendly, making them a wonderful family pet. They are also favored for their compact size and short easy to care for coat. Since they lived in packs for hundreds of years, they naturally enjoy the company of other dogs and humans. Curious and comedic, they often follow their noses, which can lead to some mischief if they are not provided with daily activity. BEAGLES are described as the Peter Pan of dogs, they never grow up! BEAGLES generally never meet a stranger and although they may bay (bark/howl) at visitors, they don't make good guard dogs. Beagles are overall a healthy breed with low grooming requirements.
Size The American Kennel Club (AKC) BEAGLE Breed Standard calls for BEAGLES not to exceed 15 inches at the withers (shoulders). BEAGLES may vary in height from much smaller than 13 inches to 16 inches (or more) in height. Both 13 inch and 15 inch BEAGLES can be bred together and BEAGLE PUPPIES may vary in height drastically from their parents depending upon their genetics.
Coloring
The BEAGLE may come in any hound color. These include the traditional Tricolors (black, white & tan) in varying patterns and shades (saddleback, open marked, faded etc), Red and whites in varying shades (red, tan, lemon),and they may or may not have Ticking (tricolor with ticking, bluetick, redtick etc).
Life Expectancy BEAGLES generally live an average of 10 to 15 years, however this depends upon their genetics and some environmental factors - such as avoiding excessive weight gain.
Exercise The average BEAGLE can be high energy indoors and may need an outlet for this energy. This can be through walking, jogging, playtime in a fenced area, play with other dogs, mental stimulation through training, or another canine companion. BEAGLES can do just as well in an apartment as they do in a country environment if they are provided with an outlet for their energy. When outdoors BEAGLES should always be kept on a leash or in a securely fenced area as their desire to follow their nose will get them into trouble.