How Much Does a Beagle Cost?

If you are looking for a small-sized, friendly, and loving furry companion, then you won’t go wrong with a Beagle. Once bred as scent hounds to trap rabbits and other small animals, the Beagle is now considered North America’s most popular dog breed. 

Beagles are people pleasers. They will go out of their way to please the person they love. They are also extremely intelligent and fairly easy to train. All these factors have increased the Beagle’s popularity. From apartment-dwelling singles in the city to couples and families in townhomes in suburban areas, this purebred hound has been deemed a great choice as a pet.

The word Beagle comes from French ‘begueule’ which means ‘wide mouth or howler’. So be warned that these dogs are very vocal. 

Beagles measure between 13-16 inches at withers and weigh between 20 and 33 lb. You can get them in colors like lemon and white, tricolor(black-tan-white), red and white, white and chocolate, orange and white, and white & tan. This small-sized dog is ideal for small homes but they still need plenty of activity and exercise to prevent boredom.

Now that you have decided that a Beagle is right for you, it is time to consider whether you want to adopt one or buy one from a breeder. Adoption is an excellent choice as it is a lot cheaper although finding a purebred Beagle will be less likely than finding a Beagle mix.

Here is a summary of costs to consider when you buy/adopt a Beagle:

Knowing what sort of costs are involved in dog ownership is an absolute must. In this guide, we will cover how much a Beagle costs in the United States?

How Much Does a Beagle Cost in the USA?

Beagles are highly appealing dogs and in the past few years, they have consistently ranked in the top 10 list of AKC’s most popular dog breeds.

This has significantly increased the Beagle’s cost in the USA. Most breeders charge $500 to $1000 for their purebred Beagle puppies. Some pups from champion lineages can even cost around $6000!

Here are the factors that can impact your Beagle’s price:

Where you buy

If you buy your Beagle from a reputed Beagle breeder registered with the AKC, then expect to pay anywhere between $500 and $1000 for your pup. On the other hand, a Beagle from a shelter will cost around $300 (which is the shelter’s adoption fee). 

Pet stores often sell Beagle puppies without their AKC papers and they charge around $200-$500 for each puppy.

We recommend buying a healthy Beagle puppy from a reputed breeder having the AKC Merit Badge. Sure, some of them might charge between $1500 and $6000 for their pups but that is because their breeding programs are geared towards the breed’s betterment. This means that their dogs undergo several health checks before the actual breeding. This goes a long way in creating a healthy litter.

The season

Buying a dog is a lot cheaper in the cooler months from fall to winter. This is because of the higher demand for Beagle puppies in summer and spring. This makes it tough to find Beagles from reputed breeders in those warmer months. 

Age of the pup

Beagles younger than 2 months of age are usually more expensive than those above this age. Ex[ect the price to drop further if you go for a pup older than 6 months.

Colors

Certain Beagle colors cost more. The tri-color Beagle (Black-Tan-White) is generally more expensive due to the higher demand.

Pedigree and bloodlines

Some breeders can charge nearly $6000 for puppies from champion/winner bloodlines and pedigree and registered dogs. They are generally healthier too owing to the health checks conducted by the breeders prior to mating.

Here is a table showing the different Beagle prices

Cost of Basic Supplies for Beagles

While planning to bring home your Beagle puppy, be sure to keep the following supplies at home:

Bowls

Your pup will feed 3 to 4 times a day, so it will need sturdy, tip-proof bowls. You can buy either stainless steel bowls or ceramic bowls. If you opt for plastic bowls only choose the food-grade ones. You must also keep a supply of fresh drinking water for your pet every day. The cost of food and water bowls is about $20.

Lead and collar

Once your Beagles immunizations are done, your vet will allow you to take it out for walks. Use a sturdy lead and collar or harness made from nylon or leather. The cost is around $30.

Crate and bed

Your Beagle will appreciate having a place of its own for some much-needed ‘downtime’. A crate provides it with security and also comes in handy during potty training. The cost of a collapsible crate with crate pads is about $75. Add in a bed for about $40.

Training tools, toys, and accessories

Some training tools that will be useful during your Beagle’s training include a clicker, some potty pads, and pee deterrent sprays. You’d also need training treats, some dental chews and toys, and other accessories like poop bags. The cost of these is around $50.

Grooming tools

Basic grooming tools for short-haired dogs like Beagles are brushes, shampoos, ear cleaners, eye wipes, nail clippers, etc. The cost of these is around $50-$75.

Here is a table of basic supplies and approximate costs:

Beagle Training Costs

You and your Beagle don’t speak the same language so that is where training will help. Training your Beagle with some basic commands can help you develop a healthy relationship with your pet.

There are numerous options before you when it comes to training.

Online training

Thanks to the Pandemic, more and more dog trainers are offering basic lessons in dog training over Skype and other online video platforms. The rates vary based on the contents of each session, your location, as well as the trainer. Most charge around $50 per lesson.

Private training

In private dog training, the trainer will visit your home and provide you with the tools and know-how to train your dog. Most of these sessions can cost between $40 and $120 per hour depending on what is covered. Some dog trainers also provide behavior/issue-specific training for dogs having behavioral problems like anxiety, fear, aggression, biting, etc. This type of training is costlier – it can cost between $400 to $1000 for the entire package.

Group training classes

You can find affordable group training classes at the local PetSmart, PetCo, or your local dog park. These cost between $20 and $80 per class although some may be priced on a weekly basis or the entire package. This type of training can help your Beagle socialize with other dogs but it may not be very effective if your dog gets distracted.

Board-and-train

Some dog trainers have a boarding facility and will train your dog for potty training, basic commands (Sit, Stay, Heel, Come, etc.), and even some advanced commands. This type of training can cost between $500 and $1250 per week.

Service dog training

Beagles are often employed by cops, K9 units, and airport security for detecting drugs and other hazardous items. You can train your pet in this but it is a long and expensive procedure and can cost almost $10,000 or more.

Beagle Food Costs

Beagles do not eat as much as some of the larger dog breeds, but they do need high-quality food which can be expensive. 

A puppy will need to eat 3-4 times a day whereas an adult Beagle needs two meals per day.

An adult Beagle weighs between 18 and 30 lb. and needs between 600 and 1000 calories per day based on its activity, age, and overall health.

After 10 weeks, feed your adult Beagle at least 1.5-2 cups of high-quality kibble per day. You can spread this over 2-3 meals. Beagles should not overeat because they are prone to weight gain and can become obese. Obesity can result in joint issues and other health problems.

Based on your pet’s age and weight, it could eat anywhere between 350 and 700 cups of food per year. The cost of food varies greatly depending on what you feed but most Beagle owners are known to spend over $500 per year on food and treats alone. Here is a table showing the approximate Beagle food costs per month:

Beagle Dog Food Cost Comparison

For puppies, it is best to feed the same food as the breeder, since any dietary changes can lead to diarrhea. If you want to make any dietary changes, then do them gradually. 

When it comes to feeding your Beagle, you have the option of dried food, semi-dried food, and canned or wet food. But it is always best to speak to your vet regarding the right diet for your Beagle. This will depend on many factors- mainly its overall health, age, and also its activity levels. Dried kibble is the preferred choice as it is cheaper than canned food and also has the ability to reduce plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth.

Some Beagle owners even prefer to make their dog’s food at home. Homemade diets are great as long as they are prepared properly. The downside to homemade meals is that they can be time-consuming to prepare.

Whichever diet you choose for your Beagle, make sure to discuss it with your vet. Many Beagles are sensitive to certain ingredients like grains and certain proteins. So, learn to read food labels before choosing. 

Here are some great food choices for Beagles:

Beagle Medical Costs

Every Beagle needs a series of immunization shots to protect against hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza, leptospirosis, and parvovirus. Your pet will also need a rabies shot around the age of 6 months. 

After these initial vaccinations, your adult Beagle will also need booster shots for added protection. Other immunizations your Beagle will need include Lyme Disease, kennel cough, and Rattlesnake vaccine – if your area so demands.

The cost of the above vaccines can vary based on your location and also the veterinary practice. Most vets charge between $35 and $100 for basic vaccines. Also, every year after the first, you can expect to pay between $30 and $120 for booster shots.

The following table shows the cost of vaccines and the age to administer them:

Spaying/neutering cost

If you do not plan to breed your Beagle or enter it in dog shows, it is best to have it spayed/neutered. This will not only prevent unwanted pregnancy but also certain canine cancers and infections like pyometra. Spaying or neutering is a one-time cost and amounts to $50 to $100 for neutering and $300 for spaying.

Flea and tick prevention

Flea/tick prevention and deworming are some other important medical costs to consider. These parasites can drive your Beagle nuts and could create serious health issues. Flea bites can give rise to patchy hair loss, intense itching, skin blisters, etc. 

The cost of preventing fleas and ticks is between $50 to $200 per year depending on the method you use. Remember: the cost of prevention is a lot less compared to treatment.

Emergency Medical Costs

A routine veterinary checkup can cost around $40 to $100 per visit. Your Beagle will need at least 2 such visits every year to ensure it is in the proper weight range.

Emergency and special medical costs can run into thousands of dollars. Some approximate procedures and their costs are:

• Fracture/broken bone treatment – $200 to $1000+
• Allergy testing – between $195 and $300 for a skin test
• Dental cleaning – $70 and $400
• Fecal exam – between $25 and $45
• Hospitalization – $1000 per day

Common Health Issues in Beagles

Specific health issues in Beagles include:

Cataracts

Most cataracts in Beagles are age-related however, some may be inherited. Signs and symptoms include eye cloudiness, redness, watering, pain, and pawing the eyes. The cost of treating cataracts is very high – almost $2700-$4000.

Hypothyroidism

Beagles with Hypothyroidism will need medication throughout their life. They will also need annual re-testing. This can cost $850 in the first year and an additional $500 per year to treat.

Entropion

In Entropion, the lashes turn inwards and cause pain and redness along with constant watering. The only treatment for canine entropion is surgery. This can cost between $500 and $1800.

Cardiomyopathy

The exact cause of cardiomyopathy or DCM in dogs isn’t known but genetic factors may contribute to it. That is why it is important to buy your pet from a reputed breeder. The condition can be managed with diuretics and medicines to lower blood pressure but may need thousands of dollars worth of tests and medicines.

Pet Insurance: Does Your Beagle Need It?

Whether for a human or a pet, medical treatment is expensive. If anything happens to your beloved fur baby, you want the assurance that it can get the medical help it needs. Diagnosis, blood, or other tests, along with treatment or hospitalization can run into thousands of dollars. 

Pet insurance can help cover some or all of these costs. It works the same way as insurance for humans works – by helping cover the cost of diagnosis or an illness and treatment for accidents, injuries, and medical conditions. Some plans also cover wellness and preventive treatments, immunizations, etc. Be aware that not all plans are made the same: some only cover accidents and illness costs while others may cover vet office visits and annual treatments.

When selecting a pet insurance company for your Beagle, look for one that offers a wider coverage for cancer, emergency visits, hereditary conditions, blood test, body scans, surgery, etc.

There are more than 15 pet insurance companies in the United States. They all have different offerings, so do your homework and read all documents carefully before committing to one.

Here is a table showing different pet insurance companies and their pros and cons and monthly costs:

Additional Costs of Beagle Ownership

In addition to the Beagle’s purchase price, cost of food, medical bills, and basic supplies, you also need to consider the following costs:

Travel and boarding costs

Even if you travel just twice a year, you’d need to consider boarding your dog or taking it along. Both options are fairly expensive and can cost hundreds of dollars depending on what you choose. Pet boarding facilities in the United States can charge nearly $50 per day. If you choose to travel with your buddy, then airfare can be as high as $250 one way. You also need to buy a special aircraft-approved crate.

Grooming

Grooming is another expense to consider. Thankfully, Beagles do not need too much grooming but you may want to go for special baths once every few months. Medicated baths for fleas and ticks can cost $30 while full-service grooming (nail clipping, anal gland expression, etc.) can cost nearly $50-$75 depending on where you live.

Homeowner insurance

If you live in a rented home, then set aside pet fees to be paid as a deposit to the landlord. Many of them charge nearly $200 per year to cover the damage caused by pets.

In case you own your home, then you may want to make some structural changes for your buddy’s safety such as the addition of a fence. This can amount to $500-$1000.

Dog Walking

This energetic and active dog breed does need a fair amount of exercise. Without exercise, they can get extremely bored and destructive. Take your pat for walks two-three times a day. If you’re too busy, then hire a pet walker. Most charge between $10-$40 for a 30-minute walk.

Key Takeaways – How Much Does a Beagle Cost?

As can be seen, owning a Beagle isn’t cheap. Aside from its purchase price, there are many other costs to consider. Here is a summary of what most Beagle owners spend:

Initial cost/first-year cost

This includes the purchase price, food cost, basic supplies, immunization cost, spaying/neutering cost, other medical costs, monthly pet insurance, training fees, flea-tick prevention, worming, and other miscellaneous costs. If you buy your Beagle puppy for $1000 then the first-year costs can go up to $3000 to $5000. Some Beagle breeders even charge up to $6000 for pedigree pups!

Monthly costs

Most Beagle owners will spend on food, treats, grooming, pet insurance, some medical costs, etc. on a monthly basis. This can come to $200-$300 a month.

Annual cost

After the first year, the cost of dog ownership will reduce slightly. For most owners, it might come to $1000-$1500 a year depending on your style of pet parenting. Most of this will be on food, travel/boarding, medical care, etc.

Lifetime cost

Beagles live for 12-15 years on average. If your annual cost of Beagle ownership is $1000, then over its lifetime, you can spend between $12,000 and $15,000. This cost will be even higher if your pet develops some health issues in its golden years.

There is no limit to what you can buy and how much you spend on your Beagle. But nothing will compare to the love, affection, and loyalty that you get in return. We hope this guide helps you plan financially for your buddy.