The Beagle´s actual size and look differ quite significantly from country to country and, consequently, there are different recognized varieties of Beagles. The common features are an elegant appearance, overall muscular body with a topline straight and a moderately deep and broad chest narrowing to a tapered abdomen and waist. Loin broad and slightly arched, and the ribs well sprung, giving abundance of lung room. Shoulders sloping, clean, muscular, not heavy or loaded.Powerful head without being coarse, finer in the bitch, free from frown and wrinkle. The skull, somewhat oval, is moderately wide and fairly long, slightly domed at occiput. The muzzle is medium-length, square-cut with a broad nose and wide nostrils. The large eyes, not deep set or prominent, of brown or hazel color, are set well apart with an amiable and pleading expression. The long ears with rounded tip, set on moderately low, reach nearly to end of nose when drawn out. They are fine in texture and hang gracefully close to cheeks, with almost entire absence of erectile power. The white-tipped tail is moderately long and sturdy and is set on high. The coat is close, hard, medium length and  waterproof which makes them drip-dry in the most showery weather. They come in a range of colors: white, lemon, very light tan, red, reddish and orangish brown. The single colour (white)  is less common. Normally they come  bicolour and tricolour.

The Beagle  is an extremely intelligent, very active, amiable and alert dog, showing no aggression or timidity. This breed has a robust character and despite its independent personality, it has a very affectionate nature and enjoys being part of the human “pack”. Beagles’ low degree of aggression turns them into great companions for the children and animal alike. They are keen to please and very tidy, but are stubborn and not always easy to housetrain, requiring patient, firm training. Despite their active temperament they accomodate easily to a household, providing they are given plenty of exercise for they are playful and energetic animals who enjoy long walks. As they tend to follow a scent endlessly or try to chase after other dogs, they should never be let off their leash outside a fenced area. They are best in pairs if they have to be alone for long periods of time for they are prone to separation ansiety.

Beagles are not prone to veterinary problems, but they may occasionally suffer frm ear infections (their ears are long and floppy, and can trap warm moist air or prevent air from reaching the ear canals)  distichiasis, and hip dysplasia.

The Beagle is used to detect food items in luggage being transported into the U.S.A The force is called the Beagle Brigade and the Beagles wear a green jacket.