If you’re thinking of getting yourself a furry companion to keep you company, a beagle is always a great option to consider. They’re full of life and energy, they’re friendly, and easy to get along with. They make for a perfect family pet as they’re also fine with kids.
Speaking of kids, just like they don’t stay young for ever, neither do beagles, and unfortunately, old age comes for us all.
To that end, if you’re considering getting a new dog, how long they live for is an important consideration. So, how long do beagles live for, and what do beagles usually die from? Let’s take a look.
Average Life Expectancy – How Long do Beagles Live?
What many will appreciate about the beagle is that due to its relatively small size, its life expectancy is quite long.
For those that didn’t know, smaller dogs generally live longer than bigger dogs, due to biological reasons. Beagles aren’t that big, usually topping out at just over 20 pounds, putting them on the lower end of the spectrum as far as dog size is concerned.
To put this in perspective, a very small dog like a chihuahua may live for up to 20 years whereas the massive Irish Wolfhound rarely lives past 7 or 8 years.
On that note, you can expect a beagle to live for 12 to 15 years, well into their teens. The median or average lifespan of a beagle is 13.5 years. Therefore, if you get a beagle, be ready to make a commitment of at least 12 years, and likely longer.
Common Beagle Health Problems – What do Beagles Usually Die From?
Although beagles have relatively long life expectancies as far as dogs are concerned, they are prone to suffering from a variety of health issues that may prove fatal over the long run. Let’s take a look at the most common causes of death in beagles.
Cancer
At this time, the number one leading cause of death in adult beagles is cancer. Up to 23% of beagles will develop cancer, with bladder cancer, osteosarcoma, and lymphoma being the three main types. If your beagle has bumps, lumps, abnormal discharges or odors, appetite loss, pain, lower energy levels, or difficulty breathing, it may be suffering from cancer.
Neurological Conditions
There are a few neurological conditions that can affect beagles, with a good deal developing issues such as idiopathic epilepsy and wobbler syndrome, among others.
Many neurological issues can be mitigated through proper treatment, although there is often no cure for these. If you notice your beagle looking weak and wobbly, having tremors, experiencing seizures, and being excessively lethargic and tired, it may have a neurological condition.
Congenital Issues
Although the list is far too long, there are many congenital issues that a beagle may inherit from its parents. Just some of the most common ones include Musladin-Lueke Syndrome, neonatal cerebellar cortical degeneration, and degenerative myelopathy. Although many congenital issues are not inherently fatal on their own, beagles are often euthanized if they have severe cases due to quality-of-life issues.
Trauma
Trauma, such as being hit by a car, is a leading cause of death in dogs. In fact, physical trauma claims close to 20% of all dogs across the board. It may not have to do with the beagle breed specifically, but the numbers are the same regardless.
How Long Do Beagles Live – Conclusion
Beagles have long lifespans, and by bringing them in for regular checkups, feeding them well, and making sure they get plenty of exercise, you can ensure a long and happy tenure for your furry friend!