Beagle Price Guide (Puppies & Adults) & Ownership Costs

The Beagle is an adorable little dog with its soulful eyes and charming swagger. Available in two different sizes (13 inches and 15 inches), the Beagle is both athletic and active, designed for hunting rabbits alongside its owner. A lover of people of all ages and sizes, the Beagle makes a wonderful family companion. However, make no mistake, the Beagle can be very obstinate, making this breed a challenge to train.

If you’ve decided the Beagle is the ideal dog for you and your family, read on to learn more about how much you can expect to pay for your new canine pal.

How Much is a Beagle Puppy? $700-$2600+

So, you’ve decided to purchase a Beagle. The first step in the puppy process is researching how much you can expect to pay for your new family friend. A quick Google search is sure to unearth that there is a wide disparity in pricing for Beagle puppies. Though purchasing a Beagle puppy from a reputable breeder will cost you more in your initial expenditure, the benefits you reap from the relationship you gain cannot be measured in dollars and cents.

At present, dog breeding is an unregulated industry, leaving breeders the liberty of determining their own puppy prices. This means that there is no standardized pricing for puppies of any breed, thus explaining the wide range of price points across cities, states, and even the entire country.

How do breeders determine their prices?

There are many different considerations that go into the final price a breeder decides upon for their puppies. The price tag of a puppy is not necessarily an indication of quality. It is possible to find well-bred puppies for lower prices while the opposite can also be true: you may find a puppy that is not an excellent example of its breed for a very high price.

Still, bargain-priced puppies are rarely a bargain. As with most things in life, you get what you pay for. If a price for a Beagle puppy you are considering seems too good to be true, it likely is, and you should be concerned about what problems may lie ahead for you and the pup.

Most reputable breeders do sell their puppies for higher prices than pups available for purchase at a rescue, shelter, or from an online marketplace. However, the final price a breeder asks for their puppies is a reflection of their investment not just in the breeding, whelping, and proper raising of the litter but also in their breed as a whole. Factors that may play a role in this final number are things like appropriate health testing for both of the parent dogs, stud fees for the sire’s service, pre- and post-natal care for the mother dog, and the expenses involved in whelping and raising a litter well.

Reputable breeders place a high emphasis on striving to produce puppies that meet their breed standard. To accomplish this goal, the breeder first prioritizes the health of both the parent dogs and their subsequent offspring as well as such important things as proper structure and a sound temperament. These characteristics are vital not only to ensure the preservation of the breed but also to provide puppies that are suitable for life as cherished family companions.

The Beagle has been rated the 7th most popular dog breed in the American Kennel Club for the year 2020. This sweet-natured, happy pup is an excellent choice for families looking for a beloved pet, a hunting companion, or a dog to compete in performance or conformation events. However, when a breed becomes popular, many unscrupulous people take advantage of this by overbreeding and inflating puppy prices. Reputable breeders do not follow this practice, remaining status quo with their normal breeding plans and changing their prices only when their expenses rise substantially.

Though there is much diversity in pricing for Beagles today; as a general rule, you can expect to pay as little as $700 and as high as $2600 for a pet quality Beagle puppy. However, it is important to note that companion puppies, though equally as wonderful and healthy as their littermates destined for the show ring or whelping box, are most often priced slightly lower than their show quality siblings.

However, there are many more expenses to consider than simply the initial purchase price of your Beagle. Other costs you will need to keep in mind for the future include veterinary care, vaccinations, training, grooming, food, toys, and much, much more.

How Much Does a Beagle Cost? $700-$2600+

To purchase a Beagle puppy, you will most likely pay more than what you would for an adult, retired breeding or show dog, or a senior. However, Beagle puppies are one of the more affordable dog breeds, and this is especially true if you are looking primarily for a pup to be your beloved family companion and house pet.

On occasion, your local shelter or a rescue may have purebred Beagle pups/adults or Beagle mixes that can be adopted into a forever loving home. There are definite advantages to going this route which include dogs that are already up to date on vaccinations, and in some cases, fully housetrained as well. Adoption fees are also considerably lower than what you would pay to obtain a purebred Beagle puppy from a reputable breeder.

Many states also have Beagle specific rescues, and they can be an excellent resource for you.

Companion Beagle Puppies=$700-$2600

A few breeders list their Beagle puppies for as little as $700; however, this is not the norm for this particular breed. The average price you can expect to pay for a pet quality Beagle pup in any state across America is $1200-$1500.

Show Potential Beagle Puppies=$2600+

Many breeders opt to sell puppies that are between the ages of 8 and 16 weeks as show potential. Since puppies take time to fully develop, it is possible that a puppy that appears to be show quality during these very early weeks may not develop as hoped for, making the pup unsuited to life as a show or breeding dog. For this reason, some breeders opt to sell these puppies as show potential and offer a slightly lower price for the pup to acknowledge the risk you are taking that the puppy may not mature as desired.

When breeders sell pups as show potential, they most often have a contract that stipulates what must happen if the pup does not turn out as expected. A typical contract for a show potential puppy requires that you return the puppy for a refund or replacement if the pup is not able to fulfill your desired activities. The pup is then rehomed in a suitable pet home at the breeder’s discretion.

Why do show potential puppies cost more than their companion littermates?

Puppies destined for the show ring are attached to the breeder by their kennel name. Each time a puppy enters the show ring, that breeder’s reputation and breeding program is being assessed by a judge. This means that a breeder must sell you one of the best specimens they have produced in order for you to potentially enjoy success in the show ring. For this to occur, the breeder must have and offer you one of their puppies that best meets the breed standard.

If you wish to purchase a Beagle puppy to show, you can expect to pay approximately $2,600 or more for this privilege.

Guaranteed Show Quality Beagles (Older Puppies and Young Adults)=$3000+

On rare occasions, you may be able to find a breeder that will sell you a guaranteed show quality Beagle. However, if you are fortunate enough to find a breeder willing to do this, you will pay a premium price for the opportunity. Most often, guaranteed show quality Beagles are older dogs as the breeder will need sufficient time to ensure the dog has no objectionable or disqualifying faults that could hamper the dog’s future success in the show ring. You can expect to pay approximately $3000 as a starting point for guaranteed show quality Beagle.

If you are permitted to purchase a dog of this caliber from a breeder, it is not uncommon for your breeder to expect you to show proof of your commitment to follow through with a proper campaign for the dog. Some breeders prefer to sell guaranteed show quality dogs on co-ownerships only. Co-ownerships can be excellent arrangements that benefit both parties. However, you will need to ensure ahead of time that you have a clearly outlined contract that details what is expected of both parties and what will happen if one or both people does not fulfill the agreed upon terms.

Retired Adult Beagles=$350-$1000

Many breeders make the decision to place their adult dogs in loving forever homes when they have completed their show or breeding careers. Prices for retired adult Beagles vary with some breeders selling the dogs for the purchase price of a pet quality puppy and others requiring only that you provide the amount the breeder paid for the dog’s spay or neuter. If the latter is the breeder’s choice, you will likely pay between $350 to $1000 for the dog.

Rescue or Shelter Puppies and Adults=$50-$1000

Sometimes you will find a Beagle or a Beagle mix at a shelter or rescue that is available for adoption. Most often, you can expect to pay between $50-$750 for adult dogs. Puppies are most often available for $750-$1000.

Senior Beagles (8+)=$350-$500

Beagles have an excellent life expectancy if proper cared for, living from 10-15 years. Though many veterinary professionals consider 8 to be the age a dog becomes a senior, the Beagle retains its playful ways throughout the majority of its life. Adopting a senior Beagle or Beagle mix is the perfect solution for many families since older dogs have lower energy levels and are already completely housetrained. The average price you will pay for a senior Beagle is $350 to $550.

Service Dogs=$2000 (plus $10,000 to $50,000 for training and certification)

The Beagle is a scent hound, making it well-suited to such jobs as scent detection for the police force as well as emotional support and therapy dogs. However, not all Beagles have the required personality and skill set required of working service dogs. You will need to find a breeder with the ability to carefully evaluate their puppies, looking for prospects that have all of the characteristics a good service dog needs.

At a minimum, you can expect to pay $2000 for a Beagle service dog prospect. However, buying the dog is just the beginning of this process. You will need to commit to several years of training to achieve the certification, something that will cost between $10,000 and $50,000.

Should I Get a Male or a Female Beagle?

Though the purchase of a male or female Beagle is largely a matter of personal preference, there is no doubt that are some differences you will note between the two genders. Male Beagles are typically more reserved and less active than their female counterparts, being less prone to playful behavior. Males enjoy their own company and don’t mind if you need to be away for work or to run errands. They easily keep themselves well occupied until you return.

Personality-wise, the male Beagle has a consistent temperament and is not prone to changes of moods. Steadfast and true, you can set your watch by your male Beagle’s actions and reactions. However, male Beagles do have one habit that some owners find particularly annoying: they howl and bark persistently at any moving object.

Male Beagles are more challenging to train, lacking focus. In addition to this, young male Beagles are easily distracted; however, as they age, they become more receptive to learning new things.

Female Beagles are exceptionally playful and are loving, affectionate, and highly social. Filled with immense amounts of energy, the female Beagle has the stamina to keep pace with you all day long. However, female Beagles require more activity and do not do well if left alone for long periods of time.

Female Beagles easily become bored and are only too happy to invent things to occupy them when you are away. Sadly, their idea of fun is usually something you won’t like. Unlike their male counterparts, female Beagles can be quite moody.

Why Purchase a Purebred Beagle?

There are lots of reasons why it’s a good idea to purchase a purebred Beagle from a reputable breeder. Reputable breeders take producing healthy puppies very seriously. Many provide written health guarantees on the puppies they sell, giving you confidence that they have done the appropriate health testing on their breeding dogs to help ensure not only the future health of your puppy but also the breed.

The purchase price of a Beagle puppy from a reputable breeder comes with many benefits. These include such things as lifetime support, a commitment to ethical breeding practices, optimal puppy raising conditions, and an investment in whelping and raising each puppy they produce to be healthy, well-adjusted canine members of society.

The breed standard is of utmost importance to a reputable breeder. This written document outlines what the “perfect” Beagle should look and act like. By striving to draw closer and closer to this standard, breeders are able to produce better and better specimens of the breed, ensuring each pup has proper structure and an appropriate temperament. These traits help promote Beagles that remain healthy throughout their lives and are unlikely to be plagued by illness or injury.

Unfortunately, all breeds are naturally prone to developing certain health conditions. Thankfully, there are pre-screening breeding tests available today that can evaluate a dog’s genetic material and physical health to determine suitability for use in a breeding program. These tests greatly reduce the chances of passing on heritable health problems to the offspring of any breeding pair.

The list of recommended tests for the Beagle are listed on the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals website. Another excellent resource for those considering purchasing a Beagle is The National Beagle Club of America, Inc. A passing score on the health tests recommended for the Beagle gives a vote of confidence that that particular dog can safely be used for breeding. Once the testing is completed, many breeders opt to list their dogs’ results on the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals website, a public database.

Beagle puppies borne from a pairing of two AKC registered Beagles are eligible to be registered with the American Kennel Club. Registering your puppy is not mandatory, but there are advantages for you if you choose to do so.

One of the most valuable services AKC offers is called AKC Reunite. AKC Reunite offers a microchip registry and database. Should your puppy ever become lost, missing, or stolen, AKC Reunite can provide a tangible help in relocating him or her. In addition to this, AKC offers many discounts on their different products and services including pet insurance.

Does Location Make a Difference When It Comes to Price?

Yes, location can most definitely play a role in the price you will pay to purchase your Beagle puppy. Beagles are a fairly popular breed in the United States, and they are readily available for purchase in most states. This means that prices will vary less than in breeds where there are fewer puppies available. As a general rule of thumb, puppies coming from a state where there are a lot of puppies for sale will typically cost less money than in areas where there are very few.

Another factor that can impact the cost of a puppy are the expenses the breeder must pay to breed, whelp, and raise the litter. Though some costs are standardized such as microchips and AKC registration, other fees are set by the city and state the breeder lives in. This means that a breeder in Utah may pay significantly more money for things such as vaccinations, microchip insertion, puppy food, veterinary care, health certificates, whelping expenses, and prenatal care than a breeder that lives in Idaho.

Beagle Price List by Location (US State)

Virginia	$1000-$2500
Pennsylvania	$1000-$2000
Michigan	$1600-$2500
New York	$2000-$2500
Ohio	$1000-$1500
Kentucky	$800-$2000
Indiana	$1500-$2500
Florida	$1500-$2000
Texas	$1600-$2600
Missouri	$700-$2500
Georgia	$1000-$2000
Idaho	$1600-$2000
Tennessee	$1200-$2000

Interesting Facts About Beagle Prices

Most expensive variations	Lemon
Rarest	Solid, single color
Most popular color	Tri (black, tan, and white)

Beagle Ownership Costs

Here is a breakdown of what you can expect to spend per month for these items for a Beagle:

Dog food (kibble)	$150
Dog food (raw)	$150
Dog treats and chews	$50
Toys	$50
Grooming	$100
Vet	$0-$200
Health insurance	$50-$75

The price you pay for your Beagle puppy is only a small expense compared to the costs you will face throughout the life of your dog. Since Beagles live from 10 to 15 years, you will have many years of fun, and many bills to pay, in your future.

Here is an approximate breakdown of what you can expect to pay for your dog:

Puppy supplies=$650+

Puppy supplies is a term that refers to such items as training treats, a leash and collar, a crate, pee pads, and toys.

Puppy vaccinations=$250

The two sets of vaccinations remaining in your pup’s puppy series plus an additional two dewormings will cost you approximately $250.

Puppy training=$100-$600+

Puppy socialization and manners classes range in price from $25 to $100 per class and are taught in blocks of 4-6 weeks.

Ongoing adult training/dog sports=$500-$2500+

From dog performance sports to conformation, scent work, tracking, and more, the sky’s the limit when it comes to fun things to do with your dog. As an average, you will pay from $500-$2500+ per year for additional training and/or participation in dog sports.

Veterinary fees=$100-200+ annually

An annual health exam is a must for every dog. This number should be increased to twice yearly during the senior years.

Because accidents and illnesses can occur, it is wise to budget an additional $3000-$5000 for emergency vet care.

Insurance=$50-$75 per month

The average pet insurance policy costs approximately $50-$75 per month. Over a lifespan of 15 years, that total comes to $13,500. Bear in mind that your premiums may increase as your dog ages. Also, most insurance plans also have deductibles which must first be satisfied before you receive any refunds for monies paid out for veterinary care.

Food=$150+ per month

A dog food suited to the needs of the Beagle will cost between $100-$150 each month.

Grooming=$100

Beagles do shed rather profusely; however, they have only minimal grooming requirements. You can keep your dog’s coat in good condition by brushing it several times a week to remove excess hair. The tools you will need to keep your Beagle looking its best will cost you approximately $100.

What to Know Before Buying a Beagle

Exceptionally sweet-natured, the Beagle fits in well in any home. The breed is naturally very comical and prone to mischief. The Beagle has an immense appetite and will eat far beyond the point of satiation if allowed to do so. For this reason, the Beagle should never be free fed, and all food and treats should be carefully measured and monitored.

Because the Beagle is a scent hound, the breed is prone to wandering. A fenced yard is an absolute must with this breed to keep the dog safe. The Beagle should be taught basic obedience commands; however, this dog type has a short attention span and is not particularly interested in learning new things. Using positive reinforcement and tasty treats is the best way to encourage the Beagle to be a happy and willing participant in training sessions.

Smart and energetic, the Beagle requires regular daily exercise to remain physically and mentally content. As the dog ages, the duration of the activity will lessen some, and the dog will become a little more sedentary.

Beagles can easily become obese. They are masters at stealing food and treats, so it is best to keep things under lock and key. This also means your garbage as Beagles will knock over trash cans and go foraging if they think there is something tasty in there for them to sample.

Though the Beagle’s grooming requirements are low, its double coat should be brushed several times per week. The Beagle generally stays quite clean, so bathing is on an as needed basis. A drop-eared breed, Beagles can be predisposed to ear infections, so it is important you clean your dog’s ears every couple of weeks to remove wax, debris, and any bacteria.

Nails should be trimmed once per week. To keep the Beagle’s teeth in good condition, it is best to brush them a few times weekly.

Beagles get along very well with people of all ages and especially children. They are also good with others household pets including both dogs and cats.

The final thing to keep in mind before committing to purchase a Beagle is the health issues that can plague this sweet, happy breed.

Among the health problems that can plague the Beagle are:

• Intervertebral Disc Disease
• Hip Dysplasia
• Cherry Eye
• Glaucoma
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy
• Distichiasis
• Epilepsy
• Hypothyroidism
• Beagle Dwarfism
• Chinese Beagle Syndrome
• Patellar Luxation

Summary

Thinking the Beagle is the dog for you? Whether you choose to purchase your dog from a reputable breeder, a rescue, or shelter, it’s important to note that prices can vary quite widely. As an average, you can expect to pay $700 to $2600+ for a puppy and $50 to $1000 for a rescue.