National Beagle Day 2024: Date, Origin, and Ways to Celebrate

Need an excuse to spoil your beagle? National Beagle Day gives you a reason to give your four-legged friend extra treats or a brand-new toy without judgment. It is an official holiday after all. Keep reading to learn more about National Beagle Day and the best ways to celebrate.    

When Is National Beagle Day? 

National Beagle Day is celebrated every year on April 22. This particular day is dedicated to one of the most vocal dog breeds because it’s the day Beaglelandia shattered the Guinness World Record for the Largest Dog Walk of a Single Breed. Beagle Day continues to serve as an opportunity for beagle lovers worldwide to celebrate this unique breed online and in person.

The History of National Beagle Day

National Beagle Day was started by Sean Parkinson in the United Kingdom. His idea to establish an annual Beagle Day became a reality in 2019, following the biggest recorded beagle gathering. He campaigned to make it official through his Facebook groups, Beaglelandia and A Beagle Life.

In 2018, Beaglelandia and Merseyside Beagle Club organized the largest single-breed dog walk in the world. The event was dubbed “Beagle World Record 2” because it was their second attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the Largest Dog Walk of a Single Breed. A whopping 1,029 beagles and 2,500 people came to Capesthorne Hall in Cheshire, England, from around the country to break the world record.

In fact, they held the Guinness World Record until 2023. Together, they walked the 1.2-mile park course to raise money for Beagle Welfare and Unite to Care. Over 10,000 pounds were raised through ticket and merchandise sales. Those who participated brought documents verifying the breed and age of their beagles to break the world record.

Mexico City previously held the title, but the 783 Yorkshire terriers that arrived were no match. However, dachshund owners in Melbourne, Australia broke the Guinness World Record again with 1,385 dachshunds in June 2023. They broke the record with 356 more dogs. Now, that’s a lot of sausage.  

The last Beagleandia event was in September 2021. The fun-filled event included product stalls, hurdles, off-leash areas, and a dog show. The event supported the Woodgreen Pets Charity and several other charities committed to providing care and shelter to rescue pets all over the UK. Although smaller in scale, beagle lovers gather worldwide throughout the year to celebrate their favorite dog breed! 

Ways to Celebrate National Beagle Day

There are countless ways to celebrate National Beagle Day. But here are a few of our favorites.  

Spoil Your Beagle

Spoil your beagle on National Beagle Day with a new toy or extra time outside. You can even shake up your routine and take them somewhere new to discover more fragrant scents. Spend some extra time in the kitchen and make them a homemade treat. Even if they gobble it up in seconds, they can tell when you put in the extra effort. Dogs are thankful for our undivided attention, even if it means just sitting around together.   

Join a Beagle Group

Beaglelandia is only one beagle group out of thousands worldwide. Other counties in the UK or cities in the US have local groups that host similar meetups on smaller scales. Beagle groups in your area may also fundraise for local rescues and shelters. Or simply get together for local meetups at a park. 

If your area doesn’t already have a beagle group, you can start one or join one online. Groups on Facebook and Instagram are great ways to connect with fellow beagle owners. Members from other states or countries share pictures of their four-legged friends and exchange advice. 

Educate Yourself 

Holidays are the perfect time to learn something new. National Beagle Day is no different. Beagles are one of the most popular dog breeds. They were made famous in American culture partly due to the Peanuts comic strip and their depiction as man’s valiant best friend by famous painter and beagle lover, Norman Rockwell.

But before they were Snoopy and American folk heroes, they were hunting and hound dogs descended from Talbot Hounds that accompanied William the Conqueror in 11th-century Britain. The first written record of the beagle’s name traces back to Chaucer and Shakespeare. Queen Elizabeth I was also a beagle enthusiast, owning different variations of the breed. Learning about the breed’s background is interesting and can give you more insight into their bold and quirky personalities.        

Raise Awareness

In 2022, 4,000 beagles were released and put up for adoption after they were rescued from a breeding and research facility in Virginia. Unfortunately, this lab was only one of many that has kept beagles confined to cages in deplorable conditions for animal testing. Dogs, especially beagles, are commonly used for animal testing because they are small, docile, and trusting.

Raising awareness about animal rights issues on National Beagle Day leads to state legislature changes, such as the right to release. These bills give animals a second chance at a happy life after testing. However, more facilities are facing closure because of Animal Welfare Act violations. Getting involved in animal rights issues can help you find your passion and potentially save the lives of animals across the country. Even small changes can have a positive impact.   

Adopt a Beagle

One of the greatest gifts you can give to a beagle is your unconditional love. Opening your home to a rescue beagle will save their life and change yours. But do your research to ensure a beagle is the right match for you before committing.  

In addition to testing and overbreeding, many beagles end up in shelters and local dog rescues because owners lack the knowledge and ability to properly care for them. Despite their charming and playful personalities, beagles require a lot of attention and exercise. They are challenging to train, aren’t suitable for apartments, and are prone to severe separation anxiety. As a result, they’re not ideal for many first-time dog owners. However, a little patience will go a long way. 

Some say beagles are like potato chips; you can’t have just one. Many beagles thrive in a pack, and their owners fall in love with their unique personalities. If you’re up for the challenge, National Beagle Day may be the time to give a rescue beagle a loving home.  

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Przemek Iciak/Shutterstock.com