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Kerry Beagle
Hound breed from County Kerry, Ireland
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Kerry Beagle
The Kerry Beagle is a medium-large Irish scent hound, one of Ireland's oldest native breeds. It has a smooth, dense coat and distinctive black and tan markings. Despite its name, it is not a small beagle but a medium-large hound. The breed is known for its stamina and strong hunting instincts. Temperaments include energetic, intelligent, loyal, independent, friendly, and alert. However, individual dogs may vary. The breed's recognition status varies by registry.
Quick facts
Kerry Beagle at a glance
Sizemedium
Breed groupHound
OriginCounty Kerry, Ireland
Lifespan10–14 years
Male weight23–27 kilogram
Female weight23–27 kilogram
Male height56–66 centimetre
Female height56–66 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Kerry Beagle is an ancient Irish scenthound and one of Ireland's oldest native breeds. It possibly descends from Celtic Hounds and dates back to at least the 16th century. The breed was developed in County Kerry for hunting stag, deer, fox, and hare in packs over mountainous terrain. Despite its name, it is a medium-large hound, not a small beagle. The breed is recognized by the Irish Kennel Club, but recognition status varies by other registries.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
23–27 kilogramAdult weight56–66 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesSmoothCoat colorsBlack and tanRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Energeticintelligentloyalindependentfriendlyalert
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Higher daily exercise demand
Moderate compared with other breeds
Lower coat-maintenance demand
Moderate compared with other breeds
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Kerry Beagle-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 4
- Commonly described as loyal.Supported by temperaments.loyal: true
Potential challenges
- Higher daily exercise and enrichment needs may not suit every household.Supported by energyScore: 5
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Growth chart
Kerry Beagle puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight23–27 kilogramAdult female weight23–27 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Kerry Beagle?
Based on modelled estimates, adult Kerry Beagles typically weigh between 23 and 27 kg and stand 56 to 66 cm tall at the shoulder. Their estimated lifespan is 10 to 14 years.
What is the temperament of a Kerry Beagle?
The breed is described as energetic, intelligent, loyal, independent, friendly, and alert. However, individual dogs may vary, and not every Kerry Beagle will display all these traits.
How much exercise does a Kerry Beagle need?
The Kerry Beagle has a high energy score (5 out of 5), indicating a need for substantial daily exercise. It was historically used for hunting over mountainous terrain, so it likely requires vigorous activity.
What are the grooming requirements for a Kerry Beagle?
Grooming needs are low (score 2 out of 5) due to its smooth, dense coat. Shedding is moderate (score 3 out of 5). Regular brushing and occasional baths should suffice.
Is a Kerry Beagle suitable for families with children or other dogs?
The breed has a child suitability score of 4 out of 5, suggesting it can be good with children, but supervision is always recommended. Its dog compatibility score is 3 out of 5, indicating it may get along with other dogs but individual temperaments vary.
Can a Kerry Beagle live in an apartment?
Apartment suitability is low (score 2 out of 5). This breed is energetic and likely needs space to roam, so a home with a yard is more appropriate.
Where does the Kerry Beagle originate from?
The Kerry Beagle originates from County Kerry, Ireland. It is an ancient Irish scenthound, possibly descended from Celtic Hounds, and has been known since at least the 16th century.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.