Dachshund vs Beagle: Which Makes the Better Family Pet?

Dachshunds and Beagles have rich histories that shaped their unique traits. Both breeds were developed for specific hunting purposes, influencing their personalities and physical characteristics. Let’s take a look at the differences between them!

Dachshund Ancestry

Dachshunds originated in Germany over 600 years ago. Their name means “badger dog” in German, hinting at their original purpose. Breeders created these long-bodied dogs to hunt badgers and other burrowing animals.

Their short legs and elongated bodies were perfect for digging into tight spaces. Dachshunds came in different sizes to hunt various prey:

• Standard: For badgers and wild boar
• Miniature: For rabbits and hares
• Toy: For smaller rodents

These brave little dogs were also used to track wounded deer. Their loud, deep bark helped hunters locate them underground.

Beagle History

Beagles have roots in ancient Greece, but the modern breed emerged in England in the 1800s. They were bred as scent hounds to track rabbits and hares. These dogs gained popularity among English gentlemen for “beagling” — hunting on foot rather than horseback. Beagles’ keen sense of smell and stamina made them ideal for this sport.

Beagles came to America in the 1840s. They quickly became favorites for rabbit hunting. Their friendly nature and compact size also made them great family pets. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1885. Today, Beagles are still used for hunting but are more commonly found as beloved companions.

Physical Characteristics

Dachshunds and Beagles have distinct looks that set them apart. Their sizes and shapes make them unique in the dog world.

Dachshund Appearance

Dachshunds are known for their long bodies and short legs. Their bodies can be up to 23 inches long, but they stand only 8-10 inches tall. This gives them their nickname “wiener dogs.”

Dachshunds have three coat types:

• Smooth
• Wire-haired
• Long-haired

Their coats come in many colors, including red, black, and tan. Dachshunds have long, floppy ears and alert, expressive eyes, and their tails are long and carried high. Dachshunds weigh between 16-32 pounds. Their unique body shape helps them dig and hunt in burrows.

Beagle Traits

Beagles are compact dogs with a muscular build. They stand 13-15 inches tall at the shoulder. Beagles weigh between 15-30 pounds.

These dogs have a short, dense coat that’s easy to care for. Their coat colors include:

• Tri-color (black, tan, and white)
• Lemon and white
• Red and white

Beagles also have large, brown eyes that give them a gentle expression. Their ears are long and floppy, reaching almost to the end of their nose when pulled forward. Furthermore, these dogs have a strong, muscular body built for endurance. Their tails are white-tipped, which helped hunters spot them in the field.

Temperament and Behavior

Dachshunds and Beagles have distinct personalities that shape their behavior as family pets. Their unique traits affect how they interact with owners and other animals.

Dachshund Personality

• Dachshunds are loyal and affectionate with their families. 
• Dachshunds have a stubborn streak. 
• These dogs are known for their playful nature.

Beagle Disposition

• Beagles are friendly and outgoing dogs.
• These dogs have a strong sense of smell that guides their behavior. 
• Beagles are known for their vocal nature. 
• Their playful energy makes them great with children. 

Training and Intelligence

Dachshunds and Beagles have different learning styles and training needs. Both breeds can be smart but require unique approaches to bring out their best.

Dachshund Learning Capabilities

• Dachshunds are clever dogs with a stubborn streak. 
• Short, fun training sessions keep Dachshunds engaged. 
• Dachshunds excel at problem-solving tasks. 

Beagle Training Outcomes

• Beagles are smart but can be challenging to train. 
• Use food rewards to keep Beagles focused during training. 
• Beagles may take longer to master commands than some breeds. 

Exercise Needs

Dachshunds and Beagles have different activity levels. Their exercise needs vary based on their breed characteristics and health concerns.

Dachshund Activity Requirements

1. Dachshunds need moderate exercise to stay healthy.
2. You can split this into two 15-minute walks if needed. 
3. Dachshunds are prone to back problems, so avoid activities that strain their spine.
4. Swimming is a great low-impact exercise for Dachshunds.
5. Mental stimulation is important too. 

Beagle Exercise Regimen

1. Beagles are energetic dogs that need more exercise than Dachshunds. 
2. Two 30-minute sessions can help burn their energy throughout the day.
3. Beagles love to explore with their noses. 
4. Off-leash play in a secure area lets Beagles run freely. 
5. Swimming is another great option for Beagles.

Health and Lifespan

Both Dachshunds and Beagles face unique health challenges. Their lifespans differ slightly, with Dachshunds typically living a bit longer. Let’s look at some key health concerns for each breed.

Dachshund Health Concerns

Dachshunds are prone to:

• Intervertebral disc disease
• Obesity
• Patellar luxation (kneecap dislocation)
• Eye problems like glaucoma
• Dental issues

Beagle Lifespan Expectancy

Beagles generally live 10-15 years. With proper care, your Beagle can enjoy a long, healthy life.

Common health issues in Beagles include:

• Hip dysplasia
• Eye problems like glaucoma
• Hypothyroidism
• Obesity

Care and Grooming

Dachshunds and Beagles have different grooming needs due to their distinct coat types. Regular care keeps both breeds healthy and happy. You’ll need to tailor your grooming routine to each dog’s specific requirements.

Dachshund Grooming Routine

1. For smooth-coated Dachshunds, brush their coat weekly with a soft bristle brush.
2. Wire-haired Dachshunds need more attention, so brush them 2-3 times a week with a slicker brush.
3. Long-haired Dachshunds require daily brushing to prevent mats and tangles. 
4. Trim your dog’s nails every 2-3 weeks.
5. Clean their ears weekly to prevent infections. 
6. Brush their teeth 2-3 times a week for good oral health.

Beagle Care Tips

1. Brush your Beagle weekly with a rubber grooming mitt or soft bristle brush.
2. Beagles shed moderately year-round, so brush them more frequently to control shedding.
3. Bathe your Beagle every 4-6 weeks or when they get dirty. 
4. Check and clean your Beagle’s ears weekly. 
5. Trim their nails every 2-3 weeks and brush their teeth 2-3 times a week for good dental health.