The Beagle, also known as the English Beagle, is a dog breed from the Hound Group. Beagles are instantly recognizable by their miniature foxhound look, and the most well known of all Beagles was Snoopy: Charlie Brown’s friend and companion. Beagles were recognized by the AKC in 1885 and AKC approved in 1957.
Beagles have a smooth, somewhat domed skull with a medium-length, square-cut muzzle and a black or occasionally liver, gumdrop nose. The Beagle's eyes are large, hazel or brown, with a mild hound-like pleading look. The large ears are long, soft and low-set, turning towards the cheeks slightly and rounded at the tips. Beagles have a broad chest that narrows to a tapered abdomen and waist and a short, slightly curved tail tipped with white.
The Beagle has an even temper and gentle disposition. Described in several dog breed standards as "merry", Beagles are amiable and not generally aggressive or timid. They enjoy company and, although they may initially be stand-offish with strangers, are easily won over.
The median longevity of Beagles is 12 years, a typical lifespan for a dog breed of their size. Beagles may be prone to epilepsy, but this can be controlled with medication. Hypothyroidism and a number of types of dwarfism occur in Beagles.