The beagle is a low-maintenance breed. Beagles are hunting dogs and should be kept in a secured yard

or on a leash to keep them from running after real or imagined quarries.
 
  
   
1.   Follow your veterinarian's recommendations for vaccinating your beagle when you first get him,

then get booster vaccinations for him as needed. Consult your veterinarian about flea and tick

control products, heartworm medications and worming your dog. 
 
2.   Feed your beagle high-quality dry dog food, not "people food" like table scraps. If you use

treats as rewards while training, break each treat into three or four small pieces and give one

piece at a time. Beagles love to eat and are good beggars. 
 
3.   Brush your beagle several times a week. This breed sheds moderately. Use a hound glove to keep

your dog's coat shiny, and a fine-tooth flea comb to remove dirt and excess hair. 
 
4.   Wipe out your beagle's ears whenever you brush him to prevent odors and infections. 
 
5.   Bathe the dog infrequently. A beagle doesn't require special grooming and can be washed at

home. 
 
6.   Make sure you or someone in your home is willing to spend 30 to 60 minutes a day playing with

and exercising your dog. Beagles are very people-oriented and like to be around you. 
 
7.   Remember that beagles tend to be stubborn, which means you must be consistent, patient and

positive while training them. Praise works better than punishment. 
 
8.   Keep your beagle's weight down. Overweight dogs will have more health problems, including heart

trouble and arthritis. 
 
9.   Learn what health problems are associated with this breed: hypothyroidism, cherry eye (swelling

of the gland in the third eyelid), dry eye, back problems, epilepsy, glaucoma, cataracts, retinal

dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, kidney failure, cancer and heart disease. 
 
10.   Be prepared to enjoy 12 to 15 years with your dog - this is the beagle's average life

expectancy. 
 
 

 Your beagle should be an inside-outside dog, sleeping indoors at night. 
 
 Keep your beagle in a secured yard with locked gates, plenty of fresh water and safe toys. Avoid

stuffed animals, as beagles can tear these apart and swallow the stuffing or choke on small parts. 
 
 
 Beagles will bark or howl if left alone for extended periods of time. Avoid giving a young beagle

the run of the house when no one is home. 
 
 Explain to your children that beagles play by grabbing things with their mouths. This is not biting

but can be scary for a child.