• Hound

• lean, small to medium size dog, slightly longer than tall
• strong neck (good for sniffing the ground while walking), broad chest with at narrow waist
• longish, drop ears and a naturally short tail
• medium-length, smooth, hard coat
  

• outgoing and friendly (however, possibly stand-offish with strangers at first)
• good natured with children and other animals if well socialized
• intelligent
• independent minded and determined (especially when tracking a scent); this can also lend to stubbornness and a tendency to be distracted
• a tendency to bark, howl, or bay especially when in strange situations

This dog needs a moderate level of activity, i.e., you need to get him out of the house regularly, but you don’t have to run him for 45 minutes to tire him out. Beagles are bred for low-key but steady exercise (like spending hours tracking a rabbit). They are happy with just a bit of high-energy exercise—chasing Frisbees—or slightly longer low-key sessions—a nice 20 minute walk—for mental and physical stimulation.

• Walks – Pleasant strolls, leisurely or brisk, are fine with these dogs
• Fetch – Active games like this are good for 15 or 20 minutes.
• Hiking – a great/horrible activity for Beagles. Great because Beagles are built for walking a long time. And there are enough new sights, sounds and scents (especially scents) in the woods to interest this dog and stimulate his brain. These are the same reasons why a hike could be horrible—an overstimulated dog. Make sure your Beagle is trained for obedience or be sure to use a lead.
• Dog parks – Beagles tend to be social animals. If yours is, a romp in the park with some friends can give him a little workout.
• Agility – a mental challenge and fun because of the different activities involved. If your dog is distractable, train for fun. See Obstacles to Your Dog’s Health – Agility Training.

Suggested exercise plan

• 1x / day for 15-30 minutes

A good routine: a 20-minute walk in the evening.

Because this breed is prone to obesity, regular exercise will helps maintain a healthy weight. Beagles do well with an active family and a fenced yard.