Comparing Dachshunds vs Beagles for Family Pets

Dachshunds and Beagles may seem similar since they are both popular family dogs.

But they actually have some big differences in how they look, act, and what they need from their owners.

Keep reading to learn more about these two beloved breeds.

Visual Differences of Dachshunds vs Beagles

A Quick Overview Dachshunds & Beagles

Still having trouble picturing the key differences? Here’s a quick rundown:

• Dachshunds are small and long, while Beagles are medium and compact
• Dachshunds can be stubborn, but Beagles aim to please their owners
• Dachshunds need moderate exercise, but energetic Beagles require lots of activity
• The Dachshund’s iconic shape helps them hunt underground animals

Breed History of Dachshunds & Beagles

Where did these two dog breeds come from originally? Dachshunds were first bred in Germany.

They were made to hunt badgers and other small prey living in tunnels underground. Their very long bodies allowed them to crawl into tight spaces.

Beagles have an English heritage. They descended from hunting dogs used to track rabbits and deer.

Beagles would pick up the scent of these animals and lead hunters to them.

Appearance of Dachshunds & Beagles

Let’s take a closer look at what Dachshunds and Beagles typically look like.

The Dachshund has a very distinct long, low-built body perched on extremely short legs. Their heads are arched and they have floppy or pointed ears.

Beagles have a sturdier, more proportionate build. They are medium-sized dogs with broad heads, floppy ears, and a slightly longer muzzle. Their bodies are muscular but compact.

Coat & Colors

As mentioned earlier, Dachshunds can have two different coat types – smooth or wire-haired.

The smooth coat is short and shiny. The wire coat is longer, rougher, and more prone to matting without proper brushing.

Dachshunds come in solid colors like red, black and tan, chocolate, cream, and more. Some also have patterns like dapple or brindle coats.

Beagles always have a short, dense, weatherproof coat. The classic Beagle look is a tri-color pattern with white, black, and tan fur.

But they can also have tan and white or all-white coats.

Temperament

Dachshunds were bred to be fearless hunters who wouldn’t back down from larger prey. This can make them bold, lively, and sometimes stubborn dogs.

They tend to be very loyal to their families but can be distrustful of strangers at first.

In contrast, Beagles are friendly family companions. They were bred to work cooperatively with human hunters, so they aim to please their owners.

Beagles are gentle, affectionate dogs who get along great with kids and other pets.

Trainability

Because of the Dachshund’s stubborn nature, they can be a challenge to train. Firm, positive reinforcement training works best. They may not be as eager to please as other breeds.

Beagles are usually much easier to train. They are food-motivated and want to make their owners happy.

As long as training is consistent and positive, Beagles tend to pick it up quickly.

Exercise

Dachshunds require a moderate amount of daily exercise. A couple of short walks or active play sessions per day is usually enough for this small breed. Too much exercise can be hard on their long backs.

Beagles need significantly more exercise due to their high energy levels. Plan for a long, vigorous walk or jog daily, plus extra playtime. This working breed needs plenty of activities to stay happy and healthy.

Grooming

Grooming needs differ between Dachshund coat types. Smooth-coated Dachshunds only require occasional brushing to remove loose hair. Wire-haired Dachshunds need regular brushing to prevent matting.

Beagles should have their short, dense double coats brushed about once a week. This will remove any loose fur and keep their coats looking shiny and healthy.

Feeding

Both Dachshunds and Beagles have a tendency to overeat and become obese if their portions aren’t controlled. Dachshunds are smaller, so they may only need 1/2 to 1 cup of food per day, split into two meals.

Since Beagles are more active, they’ll require slightly larger portions of 1 to 1.5 cups per day to match their higher calorie needs. Always use a high-quality dog food for both breeds.

Puppy Prices

How much you’ll pay for a Dachshund or Beagle puppy can vary quite a bit. But in general, you can expect Dachshund puppies to cost between $500 to $2,000 from a reputable breeder.

Beagle puppies run a little less, with prices ranging from about $400 to $1,500 depending on the breeder and your location.

Health Conditions and Concerns

Dachshunds are prone to back and spinal issues like intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). This is due to the length of their backs and that iconic elongated body shape. Obesity only increases their risk of injuring their backs.

Common health concerns for Beagles include hypothyroidism, allergies, epilepsy, and chronic ear infections. Their floppy ears can trap moisture and lead to recurring ear problems if not cleaned regularly.

As with any breed, both Dachshunds and Beagles should receive regular vet check-ups. This allows any potential issues to be caught and treated early.

Final Thoughts

After reading about the key differences between Dachshunds and Beagles, do you have a favorite? If you want a calmer, more portable small dog, the Dachshund could be perfect – as long as you don’t mind a stubborn streak!

But if you’re an active family looking for an energetic pup, the friendly Beagle is a great choice. Whichever you decide, you’re sure to have an affectionate new furry friend.