A friendly, sociable pack hound with a strong nose and hunting drive, which also makes a pleasant family pet for active households.1
how to spot oneKerry Beagle coat and colours
short, smooth coat
Despite the name this is a sizeable, athletic hound built for speed and stamina, with a broad head, long ears and a short, close coat.1
Coloursblack and tantan and whiteblue mottled and tanblack1
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Kerry Beagle. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
how busy a day looksKerry Beagle exercise needs
High: two or three walks a day plus regular off-lead runs in safe areas.1
where they are happiestKerry Beagle at home
An active home, ideally rural or with secure access to open ground.1
who they like aroundKerry Beagle with people and other pets
A pack animal that enjoys company, both human and canine.1
the hands-on bitsKerry Beagle grooming and care
The short coat is easy to keep; a regular brush and ear checks are enough.1
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Kerry Beagle, and at what times?
Adult Kerry Beagles should be fed at least two meals a day, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests feeding at consistent times each day to help with digestion and routine. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.2Pet Wiki plan
What should a Kerry Beagle eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, as well as alcohol, caffeine, and raw bones. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a complete list.3
How often should I bathe a Kerry Beagle?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests bathing every 8 weeks, but the ASPCA recommends at least once every three months. Bathe more often if they get very dirty or have skin issues, but avoid over-bathing to keep their coat healthy.4Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Kerry Beagle need brushing?
Brush your Kerry Beagle weekly with a soft brush to keep their short, smooth coat shiny and remove loose hair. Pet Wiki's starting plan includes weekly brushing, which is easy and helps with bonding.14Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Kerry Beagle's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Use a dog nail trimmer and cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part). If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.4Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Kerry Beagle need?
This active hound needs high exercise: two or three walks daily plus regular off-lead runs in safe, secure areas. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily walks and play to keep them happy and healthy.1Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Kerry Beagle's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture or dirt, especially since floppy ears trap moisture. Pet Wiki suggests daily tooth brushing and weekly ear checks, drying ears gently without pushing anything inside.4Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Kerry Beagle live?
The typical lifespan for a Kerry Beagle is around 12 to 15 years, though this can vary with care and genetics. Regular vet check-ups and a healthy lifestyle help them live a long, happy life.1
Is a Kerry Beagle good with children and other pets?
Yes, they are friendly, sociable pack hounds that make pleasant family pets for active households. They enjoy company of both humans and other dogs, but always supervise interactions with young children and other pets.1
Can a Kerry Beagle be left alone?
As a pack animal, they prefer company and may become anxious if left alone for long periods. If you must leave them, provide plenty of exercise beforehand and consider a dog walker or companion pet. For specific advice, ask your vet or a good breeder.1
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
per year, in your countryWhat a Kerry Beagle costs
Running costs for a Kerry Beagle, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Kerry Beagle legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Kerry Beagle in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
'Beag' means small in Irish; the hound was small only compared with the wolfhounds it worked alongside.1
2
Irish emigrants took these hounds to the Americas, where they helped shape coonhounds and the American Foxhound.1
3
The black-and-tan colour of the Scarteen hounds is linked to the 'Black and Tans' nickname given to police recruits in 1919-21.1
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
Despite its name, the Kerry Beagle is not a small hound. 'Beag' is an Irish word for 'small', given because it is smaller than other hounds such as the Irish Wolfhound. Its Irish name is An Pocadán Ciarraíoch.1
stars of the breedFamous ones
Scarteen pack The famous Kerry Beagle pack of the Ryan family in County Limerick, which kept the breed going when its numbers dwindled in the 1800s and still exists today.1
The day starts with a chorus of yawns. My humans take me and my canine sibling for a walk. I put my nose to the ground - a rabbit crossed here! I follow the trail, tail high. They call me back, but I'm a hound, I must investigate. After a good run in the field, we all regroup. I check on everyone, making sure the pack is together. Back home, I flop on the cool floor, dreaming of scents. Evening: another walk, more sniffing. Life is a series of fascinating smells, and I'm here to enjoy every one.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganKerry Beagle history
The Kerry Beagle is thought to date to the 16th century, and pedigrees survive from 1794. It began as a staghound and later hunted hare and fox; by the 1800s only a few packs remained, notably the Scarteen pack in County Limerick, which still hunts today.1
Beagle
American Foxhound
Black and Tan Coonhound
Harrier