But how do you know if your Beagle is overweight or underweight? How much should your Beagle weigh at different stages of their life? How can you help your Beagle maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity?
In this article, we will answer all these questions and more. We will provide you with a comprehensive Beagle weight chart that shows the average weight range for Beagles of different ages, sizes, and genders. We will also give you some tips on how to measure your Beagle’s weight and body condition, how to feed your Beagle a balanced diet, and how to keep your Beagle active and fit.
Beagle Weight Chart: Average Weight Range for Beagles
Beagles come in two different size varieties: the 13-inch variety and the 15-inch variety. The 13-inch variety includes Beagles that are 13 inches or less at the shoulder, while the 15-inch variety includes Beagles that are between 13 and 15 inches at the shoulder. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes both varieties as standard for the breed.
The size of your Beagle will largely determine their ideal weight range. However, there are other factors that can affect your Beagle’s weight, such as their age, gender, genetics, activity level, and health conditions. Therefore, the following weight chart should be used as a general guideline only, and not as a definitive rule.
The following table shows the average weight range for Beagles of different ages, sizes, and genders. The weights are given in both pounds (lb) and kilograms (kg).
Age | Male (<13 inch) | Female (<13 inch) | Male (13-15 inch) | Female (13-15 inch) |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 mo. | 2-3 lb (0.9-1.4 kg) | 2-3 lb (0.9-1.4 kg) | 3-4 lb (1.4-1.8 kg) | 3-4 lb (1.4-1.8 kg) |
2 mo. | 3-5 lb (1.4-2.3 kg) | 3-5 lb (1.4-2.3 kg) | 4-7 lb (1.8-3.2 kg) | 4-7 lb (1.8-3.2 kg) |
3 mo. | 7-10 lb (3.2-4.5 kg) | 7-10 lb (3.2-4.5 kg) | 8-11 lb (3.6-5 kg) | 8-11 lb (3.6-5 kg) |
4 mo. | 8-11 lb (3.6-5 kg) | 8-11 lb (3.6-5 kg) | 9-12 lb (4.1-5.4 kg) | 9-12 lb (4.1-5.4 kg) |
5 mo. | 9-12 lb (4.1-5.4 kg) | 9-12 lb (4.1-5.4 kg) | 10-13 lb (4.5-5.9 kg) | 10-13 lb (4.5-5.9 kg) |
6 mo. | 12-17 lb (5.4-7.7 kg) | 12-17 lb (5.4-7.7 kg) | 14-18 lb (6.4-8.2 kg) | 14-18 lb (6.4-8.2 kg) |
7 mo. | 14-16 lb (6.4-7.3 kg) | 14-16 lb (6.4-7.3 kg) | 16-20 lb (7.3-9.1 kg) | 16-20 lb (7.3-9.1 kg) |
8 mo. | 16-20 lb (7.3-9.1 kg) | 16-20 lb (7.3-9.1 kg) | 18-22 lb (8.2-10 kg) | 18-22 lb (8.2-10 kg) |
9 mo. | 16-20 lb (7.3-9.1 kg) | 16-20 lb (7.3-9.1 kg) | 20-26 lb (9.1-11.8 kg) | 20-26 lb (9.1-11.8 kg) |
10 mo. | 16-20 lb (7.3-9.1 kg) | 16-20 lb (7.3-9.1 kg) | 20-28 lb (9.1-12.7 kg) | 20-28 lb (9.1-12.7 kg) |
11 mo. | 16-20 lb (7.3-9.1 kg) | 16-20 lb (7.3-9.1 kg) | 20-30 lb (9.1-13.6 kg) | 20-30 lb (9.1-13.6 kg) |
>12 mo. | 16-20 lb (7.3-9.1 kg) | 16-20 lb (7.3-9.1 kg) | 20-30 lb (9.1-13.6 kg) | 20-30 lb (9.1-13.6 kg) |
As you can see, Beagles grow rapidly in their first six months of life, reaching about 80% of their adult weight by then. They continue to grow more slowly until they reach their full size by about one and a half years old.
How to Measure Your Beagle’s Weight and Body Condition
The best way to measure your Beagle’s weight is to use a digital scale that can accurately measure small increments of weight, such as ounces or grams. You can either weigh your Beagle at home or at your veterinarian’s office.
To weigh your Beagle at home, you can use one of the following methods:
- If you have a baby scale, you can simply place your Beagle on it and read the weight.
- If you have a regular scale, you can weigh yourself first, then weigh yourself again while holding your Beagle, and subtract the difference.
- If you have a luggage scale, you can attach a harness or a sling to your Beagle and hang them from the scale.
Whichever method you use, make sure to weigh your Beagle at the same time of day, preferably before feeding them, and record their weight regularly using our free dog weight tracker and weight predictor tool.
However, weighing your Beagle is not enough to determine if they are overweight or underweight. You also need to assess their body condition by looking at their shape and feeling their ribs, spine, and waist.
To do this, follow these steps:
- Look at your Beagle from above and from the side.
- From above, you should see a slight indentation behind the ribs, forming a visible waist.
- From the side, you should see a slight tuck-up of the abdomen behind the ribs.
- Feel your Beagle’s ribs with your fingers.
- You should be able to feel the ribs easily, but not see them.
- Feel your Beagle’s spine and hips with your fingers.
- You should be able to feel the bones, but they should be covered by a thin layer of fat.
Based on these criteria, you can assign your Beagle a body condition score from 1 to 9, where:
- A score of 1 means that your Beagle is extremely thin and emaciated.
- A score of 5 means that your Beagle is ideal and healthy.
- A score of 9 means that your Beagle is obese and at risk of serious health problems.
How to Feed Your Beagle a Balanced Diet
One of the main causes of obesity in Beagles is overfeeding. Beagles have a strong appetite and a tendency to beg for food, which can make it hard to resist giving them extra treats or table scraps. However, these extra calories can quickly add up and lead to weight gain.
To prevent this, you need to feed your Beagle a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs and keeps them satisfied. Here are some tips on how to do this:
- Choose a high-quality dog food that is appropriate for your Beagle’s age, size, and activity level. You can consult your veterinarian or use our free dog food calculator to find out how much and how often to feed your Beagle.
- Measure your Beagle’s food portions carefully and stick to them. Do not free-feed your Beagle or leave food out all day, as this can encourage overeating.
- Avoid giving your Beagle human food, especially foods that are high in fat, sugar, salt, or spices. These foods can be harmful to your Beagle’s health and can also spoil their appetite for their regular food.
- Limit your Beagle’s treats to no more than 10% of their daily calories. Choose low-calorie and healthy treats, such as fruits, vegetables, or lean meats. Avoid giving your Beagle bones, chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, or anything that contains xylitol, as these can be toxic to dogs.
- Feed your Beagle at regular times and in a designated area. This will help your Beagle establish a routine and avoid begging for food at other times or places.
- Do not feed your Beagle from the table or from your plate. This will only encourage bad habits and make your Beagle more likely to overeat.
- Do not feed your Beagle more than they need. If your Beagle leaves food in their bowl, do not force them to finish it or add more food. This will help your Beagle learn to self-regulate their intake and prevent overfeeding.
How to Keep Your Beagle Active and Fit
Another key factor in maintaining your Beagle’s healthy weight is keeping them active and fit. Beagles are energetic dogs that need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Exercise can help your Beagle burn calories, build muscle, improve cardiovascular health, reduce stress, and prevent boredom.
Here are some tips on how to keep your Beagle active and fit:
- Provide your Beagle with at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise every day. This can include walking, jogging, running, playing fetch, swimming, hiking, or any other activity that gets your Beagle moving and panting.
- Vary your Beagle’s exercise routine and try new things. This will keep your Beagle interested and motivated and also challenge their muscles and mind.
- Incorporate some training sessions into your Beagle’s exercise routine. This will help your Beagle learn new skills, obey commands, and bond with you. You can use positive reinforcement techniques such as praise, treats, or toys to reward your Beagle for their good behavior.
- Provide your Beagle with interactive toys and games that stimulate their brain and keep them entertained. You can use puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, hide-and-seek games, or scent-tracking games to engage your Beagle’s natural instincts and curiosity.
- Do not let your Beagle become sedentary or lazy. If you notice that your Beagle is spending too much time sleeping or lying around, encourage them to get up and play with you or with other dogs. You can also join a dog club or a dog park where your Beagle can socialize and have fun with other dogs.
Conclusion
Beagles are wonderful dogs that can bring joy and companionship to any family. However, they also require proper care and attention to stay healthy and happy. One of the most important aspects of caring for your Beagle is ensuring that they have a healthy weight.
By following the tips in this article, you can help your Beagle achieve and maintain their ideal weight range according to our comprehensive Beagle weight chart. You can also use our free dog weight tracker and weight predictor tool to monitor your Beagle’s weight progress and adjust their diet and exercise accordingly.
Remember that every Beagle is different and may have different weight needs depending on their age, size, gender, genetics, activity level, and health conditions. Therefore, always consult your veterinarian before making any changes to your Beagle’s diet or exercise routine.