Who can resist those big, floppy ears and wagging tails? Beagles are fun, loving, and irresistible dogs – perfect for families and always ready for an adventure. They are, in many ways, one of a kind, but you can find dogs similar to Beagles, too, if the breed doesn’t feel 100% right for you.
Perhaps something about Beagles appeals to you, yet it doesn’t strike you as the ideal fit. Or, maybe you have had Beagles in the past but are curious about what else is out there – without straying too far from the winning personality of a Beagle?
In this article, we are going to have a look at other dog breeds with similar personality traits or similar physical appearances. Beagles are wonderful dogs, but they are not the only breed out there, and this is your chance to explore your alternatives!
Table of Contents
About Beagles
In order to find dog breeds similar to the Beagle, we first have to take a look at the dog breed itself to better understand what Beagles are and what to look for when trying to find a similar type of dog. Once you know what defines a Beagle, you can start searching for a similar dog breed.
The Beagle is an active dog breed known for making excellent family dogs, and while they are scent dogs bred for hunting small animals such as hares, their intelligence, size, and gentle nature have earned them a reputation for being great dogs for kids.
It is a popular breed all over the world, and it is believed to be the most popular hound in the United States. When you meet a Beagle, it is not hard to see why, as they tend to be happy, friendly, funny, and outgoing – a dream dog, many would argue.
However, don’t let that sweet face and those big ears fool you, as Beagles are active dogs that require both mental and physical exercise.
Many Beagles suffer from separation anxiety, and the simple explanation is that they really enjoy spending time with their pack! Beagles want to be with their humans – preferably all the time, and they are incredibly loyal and loving.
With an adult weight of 20-25 lbs, this is a small-sized dog breed that is still sturdy enough to come along for any adventure you may have planned! Their average adult height range from 13–16 inches, and what you get is a big dog in a small, practical, and portable body. What is not to like?
Beagle Personality Traits
What Are Common Personality Traits In Beagles? The Beagle is, without doubt, a dog with a big personality, and they will make you laugh with their joyful demeanor, adventurous spirit, and fearless approach to both other dogs and people.
Don’t be surprised if a Beagle makes friends with the mailman because while they can be wary of new people at first – they are quickly won over. Below are a few of the personality traits associated with the breed.
Friendly
Beagles tend to be incredibly friendly with both people and other dogs, and they aren’t recommended as guard dogs due to their amiable nature. Imagine someone trying to rob your home and your Beagle thinking it’s a friend who has come over to play? On the plus side, these dogs are often great family dogs as a result of their friendliness!
Gentle
An even temper is another thing the Beagle is known for. They are happy and full of joy, and provided you know your dogs – their reaction to people, animals, and situations has a tendency to be predictable. Their playstyle is gentle, especially when playing with kids.
Intelligent
Intelligence comes in handy when wanting to teach a dog new tricks, but while there is no doubt the Beagle is an intelligent breed – they are also stubborn. Their stubbornness can sometimes come in the way of their apparent ability to learn, but in reality, it is more a question of a very strong-willed personality.
Playful
While Beagles can be very laid back and perfectly happy with snuggling on the couch, they are also not going to say no to a game of fetch. …Ever. It is the kind of breed that is up for anything, as long as they get to be with their pack (humans and other pets).
Loyal
Beagles were originally bred to work well in packs, and this may be one of the contributing factors to why they tend to get along so well with other dogs. The breed is also incredibly loyal to human family members and might wish to accompany you even when you go to the bathroom!
Vocal
If you are looking for a quiet dog, then a Beagle is definitely not the right breed for you. Beagles “talk” and make noise, and they are prone to excessive barking. It is believed that their name comes from the french word for “open throat” – bégueule, and the breed does have a very deep and unique bark.
Adaptable
Some dogs are better suited for apartment living, life on the road, and other situations that require adaptability, and the Beagle is one of those breeds. They love to play and run around, but they are perfectly happy getting their exercise outdoors and staying reasonably calm in a small space like an apartment.
Training Your Beagle
If you haven’t trained your Beagle properly, then this is the perfect time to start. Whatever bad behavior your shepherd has, whether it’s barking at night or other bad behaviors, using the right training program is the key to having an obedient and happy pup.
WithBrain Training For Dogs, you’ll save yourself a ton of time and effort. Instead of banging your head against the wall trying to figure out why your dog won’t listen, you’ll follow a path that has been tried, tested, and most importantly, that’s given proven results. Not to mention the fact, you’ll be able to fit the course around your schedule, not fit your schedule around a trainer or obedience class.
So instead of worrying about whether they’re going to be well-behaved or not, you’ll only have to worry about how much fun you’ll have with them!
And in most cases, it’s still going to be:
Cheaper than hiring a professional.
Cheaper than replacing everything they might break.
And definitely cheaper than a lawsuit against you, if they decide to bite someone.
Just imagine how great it will feel to finally be able to trust your Beagle completely and never worry whether they’ll be naughty or not. Instead, you’ll have the peace of mind that you have a well-behaved pup, and the boundaries you set for them will always be there, EVEN IF YOU’RE NOT.
And the best part is it also has a 60-day money-back guarantee! So there’s no reason not to giveBrain Training For Dogs a try!
So if you’re tired of your dog’s bad behavior or how they react around other people and pooches, then give it a try! You’ll be amazed by the results!
(You can also check out afull review here to learn exactly what the course has to offer!)
Dogs With Similar Tempraments To Beagles
Have you ever wondered if perhaps there are other dog breeds that are similar to the Beagle? There are! First, ask yourself if you are interested in finding a dog that looks like a Beagle, without being one, or if it is the personality traits and the temperament you are more interested in. We have put together a shortlist of both.
Harrier
This adventure-loving breed is genetically related to the Beagle, which was developed from multiple breeds, including the Harrier. Harriers are small but still somewhat larger than Beagles, and some refer to it as a more muscular version of a Beagle (a “Beagle on steroids,” to be exact).
English Foxhound
Is the Beagle a little too small for you, or are you looking for a dog that is even more active and athletic? How about this affectionate and generally healthy dog breed? The English Foxhound is tolerant and very social and a great canine companion for active families.
Greyhound
Believe it or not, but the Greyhound is actually comparable to the Beagle! They are known to have a wonderful temperament, be gentle when interacting with humans (both children and adults), and incredibly loyal towards their family.
American English Coonhound
The American English Coonhound, also known as Redtick Coonhound and English Coonhound, shares multiple qualities with the Beagle. They were also bred for hunting and are known for being vocal dogs, and they make an excellent choice for someone who likes the Beagle but wants an even more active and resistant dog.
Labrador Retriever
Is it the Beagle’s gentle and friendly personality that you are the most drawn to, and the fact that it makes such a great family dog? If so, then perhaps one of the most popular dog breeds in the world could be right for you – the Labrador Retriever!
Want To Know More About Beagles?
Are Beagles Good With Kids And Babies (How To Make It Work)
Do Beagles Get Along With Other Dogs? (Best Companion Dogs For Beagles)
Are Beagles Hard or Easy to Train? (And Training Tips)
Have you fallen in love with how the Beagle looks, but you aren’t quite sure the personality and size match what you are looking for? If so, then perhaps one of the following dog breeds could be better suitable for you and your family.
American Foxhound
The American Foxhound is slightly larger than a Beagle, usually reaching a height of approximately 9 to 25 inches. It is also a hound, and it looks similar to a Beagle with its big ears and robust body. It is, perhaps, the dog breed that shares the most physical similarities with the Beagle, especially when considering both looks and size.
Basset Hound
This calm and relaxed breed looks like a somewhat modified version of a Beagle! Their ears are longer, and their legs are shorter, but they are hounds with similar facial structures and colorings. Looking for a more lowkey version of the Beagle? A Basset Hound might be the answer.
Drever
A less common dog breed is the Drever – a Swedish deer hunting breed descended from a German hound breed. They are described as even-tempered, alert, and generally friendly, and look almost like a stocker and short-legged version of the Beagle.
Dachshund
Don’t forget that Dachshunds are also hounds and surprisingly similar to Beagles! Yes, they are shorter and smaller but loved by people all over the world for their playfulness, independence, and loyalty. Dachshunds are usually better guard dogs than Beagles.
Hamilton Hound
If it is important to you for a dog to look similar to a Beagle, rather than to have a similar personality, then this other Swedish breed might be of interest! The breed was originally developed by the founder of the Swedish Kennel Club, and their ancestors include the Harrier, which is also true for Beagles and many other hounds.
Beagle Mixes
Another option is to get a dog that is a mix of a Beagle and something else. However, if it is important to you that your new dog either looks or acts like a Beagle, or if you hope that it will display certain personality traits, then perhaps a mixed breed isn’t the right dog for you.
It is impossible to know which genes a mixed breed dog inherits from which parent, so if you have a dog that is a mix of a Beagle and a German Shepherd – it could grow up to be a lot more Shepherd-like than Beagle-like.
Yes, there are two types of Beagles, where one is slightly smaller than the other. Your average Beagle will usually measure 13-15 inches at the shoulder, while the smaller variety stands under 13 inches. The smaller version is sometimes referred to as a ‘Pocket Beagle.’
Which Breed Is Best for Families?
The Beagle and the other breeds mentioned in this article are great family dogs but don’t forget that kids need to be taught how to properly interact with a dog. It doesn’t matter what breed you acquire if you have failed to teach your children the proper way to pet and play with an animal.
Can Beagles Live In An Apartment?
Beagles are fully capable of adapting to apartment living. Just make sure you take your Beagle out for walks and playtime and try a few enrichment games inside the apartment to activate your hound’s brain.
How to Choose the Right Dog Breed?
The key to finding the right dog breed is being honest with yourself. What are you looking for, and what can you offer a new dog? Make sure your energy levels and personalities are a good match, and don’t get a Husky if you are someone who plans to walk your dog around the block a couple of times a day.
Are there Dog Breeds Similar to Beagles?
Yes, there are many other breeds that share physical similarities with the Beagle, such as the Basset Hound and other hounds. Additionally, there are dog breeds that share relevant personality traits with the Beagle.
Recap
The Beagle is a very unique dog breed, but there are many hounds and other dog breeds that share numerous personality traits with this joyful dog. Not everyone wants a Beagle or is able to acquire a Beagle, and if you are one of those people, then perhaps one of the other breeds in this article could be of interest.
Beagles are friendly, loving, loyal, headstrong, gentle, and intelligent, and those are traits you want to look for in your future dog if you want it to be somewhat similar to the Beagle.
Examples of similar dog breeds are Harriers, American Foxhounds, Basset Hounds, Labrador Retrievers, and Whippets.
Conclusion
No dog breed is right for everyone, and it is important that you do your research before making a final decision. Don’t base your decision on a cute face and gleaming eyes; and instead, make sure you can offer the type of home environment and lifestyle the breed in question needs.
Beagles are wonderful dogs, and so are the other similar dog breeds mentioned in this article. Is either of them the right dog breed for you?
The easiest way to find out is by turning the question around: Are you the right person for the breed? Read up on temperaments, exercise requirements, and personality, and be honest with yourself in regards to what you can provide.
