How Much Should a Beagle Weight?

owner loving her beagle

Adopting a new Beagle puppy is an exciting experience, especially as you watch your young pet grow into a healthy, thriving dog. As you raise your pup into an adult Beagle, you’ll likely observe their development and check in with your veterinarian often to ensure they’re growing properly.

One of the top concerns many dog owners have is how much their Beagle should weigh once their pup is fully grown or if they are developing within the healthy range of weight and size through each stage of life.

If you think your Beagle is growing too quickly, not fast enough, or tends to fall below or above the regular weight range, it’s essential to visit your veterinarian to ensure your pup isn’t becoming ill or may have a condition that can lead to serious problems.

When you know the ideal weight of your Beagle, especially during its early life, you’ll have a better idea of the size your dog should be until they reach adulthood.

Standard Weight for Beagles

This cheery breed typically reaches a weight between 20 and 24 pounds. Male Beagles tend to weigh more, between 22 and 24 pounds, while female Beagles weigh between 19.8 to 22 pounds. While most adult Beagles reach this healthy weight range with proper diet and exercise, some Beagles are prone to overeating, which can increase their weight, especially as they age.

Beagle dogs are well known for their joyful, gentle, and friendly personality, and while they make excellent companions and are easy to train, they love to eat and can quickly gain excess weight. For this reason, choosing a well-balanced diet, including puppy food and dog formula rich in nutrients and protein, is essential.

How to Prevent Your Beagle From Overeating

As your Beagle ages, you may notice they become less active and consumes more, contributing to weight gain. While a slight variation in weight isn’t severe, excessive weight gain, or obesity, can lead to other health issues, such as heart conditions, diabetes, and kidney disease.

Since this dog breed can gain a few extra pounds in adulthood, it’s essential to regularly assess their size, weight, and other signs of suffering from a health condition or energy loss.

There are a few steps you can take to help prevent your Beagle from becoming overweight or reduce its size if needed:

  • Check your pup’s upper torso to determine if it’s changed in size or shape. You can perform this weekly, giving you an idea if your Beagle is gaining extra weight. When you check your pet’s torso, you should be able to find its ribcage. If not, this may be a sign of excessive weight gain.
  • Review a Beagle growth chart to ensure that your pup is developing correctly and within the weight and size guidelines. Your veterinarian can provide you with resources to measure and track your dog’s progress and determine whether your pet is underweight or a little over the acceptable range.
  • If a change in dog food or diet is the suspected cause of weight gain, check with your vet to find a proper diet plan or switch to a formula best suited for your pet’s age and activity level.
  • Increase exercise and play with your dog, which can help them develop stronger muscles and joints and prevent weight gain.
beagle puppy getting treats

Following Your Beagle Puppy’s Progress With a Weight Chart

A weight chart is a great way to track your puppy’s progress and development stages. While many charts are available online, it’s best to consult your veterinarian to find the most accurate chart to track your pet’s growth in size and weight.

Generally, most puppies from birth to twelve months will weigh between 7 and 10 pounds, with a height between 8 and 11 inches. If your puppy is slightly out of range, weighing 11 or 12 pounds, and stands a bit taller, this is often because of a growth spurt or quicker development.

It’s important to remember that all dog breeds grow slightly differently, with some Beagles reaching a specific goal a month or two ahead while other Beagle puppies are slower.

Also, specific breed types, such as the Pocket Beagle or a Beagle mix, may grow at a different rate, which may not match each milestone on a standard Beagle growth chart. If your puppy appears healthy, active, and enjoys a good appetite, a few extra or fewer pounds is usually not a significant issue.

When Beagles Reach Their Optimal Weight

Beagle puppy growth tends to become more consistent once your dog reaches twelve months, and your dog will reach their full size and weight by 18 months. At this stage, your dog requires at least one hour of exercise daily and between one and one and a half cups of dog food each day. Two cups of food daily are ideal if your Beagle is very active.

beagle on sofa

How to Avoid Weight and Health Issues

Choosing a reputable breeder, learning about your Beagle’s family and medical history, and understanding your dog’s needs are all critical in ensuring your pup grows into a healthy and happy adult.

There are several preventative measures you can take, from before the adoption process, to becoming familiar with your Beagle’s health and lifestyle needs:

  • Research the Beagle breed, including puppy information and how to provide your pet with a loving home and companionship.
  • Avoid unregulated breeders, puppy mills, and other places that are not USDA-licensed commercial breeders. This is especially important if you’re looking to adopt a purebred Beagle with pedigree details.
  • Separation anxiety, a new home, and other changes in your pet’s life, especially after you bring them home, can impact their eating habits and weight loss or gain. It’s essential to monitor your pet to ensure they are eating correctly and getting enough exercise.

Summary

As a new Beagle owner, you’ll enjoy these incredible dogs’ affectionate, playful, and loyal nature. These cheery dogs make ideal pets, and with the proper care, exercise, diet, and attention, they can grow into beautiful dogs that live a long and happy life.

Leave a Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.