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Ever mixed up a Foxhound with a Beagle? You’re not alone! With their long, droopy ears and short-haired brown and white coats, Beagles and Foxhounds may seem alike at first. Both breeds were bred for hunting small game.
But these clever and devoted hunting companions have more to offer than just looks. Considering a Beagle or a Foxhound for your family pet? Choosing the right breed is crucial.
Whether you’re an avid hunter or simply love intelligent and loyal dogs, both breeds have something special to offer.
Explore their characteristics to make an informed decision before welcoming a new furry friend into your home. Let’s go!
Beagle vs. Foxhound
Although Foxhounds and Beagles share a common ancestry, they’ve evolved to excel in different hunting specialties, each with unique traits. Despite their similarities, they possess notable differences in temperament, size, personality, and trainability.
Both are wonderful additions to any family, each bringing its own charm and qualities to the table.
Beagle vs. Foxhound: Breed History
Foxhounds and Beagles have been buddies in hunting since the 14th Century when they were helping royalty chase hares and rabbits. Over time, they’ve been mixed and matched to be top-notch hunters.
Beagles, popular small hounds since the 1300s, were even smaller back then, with Queen Elizabeth I reportedly having six-inch Beagles. They were tiny but mighty, chasing down hares and rabbits like pros.
As the years flew by, Beagles and other hunting buddies like Foxhounds were bred together to become even better hunters. In the 1600s and 1700s, they were mixing it up like mad scientists, creating super Foxhounds.
Foxhounds are the real MVPs in hunting today, mainly for chasing big game while Beagles stuck to smaller prey. Both made their debut in America in the 1600s, with even George Washington loving American Foxhounds. Foxhounds rule the hunting scene, but Beagles still have their place in our hearts.
Beagle vs. Foxhound: Appearance
The Foxhound and Beagle share a lot in looks, thanks to their hunting roots. Both sport short, straight hair in similar colors and patterns.
But the big difference? Size! While they rock similar fur shades, Foxhounds tower over Beagles. A Beagle is about 13 to 15 inches tall and 20 to 30 pounds, while a Foxhound can hit 21 to 25 inches tall and 60 to 70 pounds.
Check their ears and tails: Beagles flaunt big eyes, waggy tails, and droopy ears, with straight front legs and a bit of curve in the back. Foxhounds boast long legs, narrow chests, and upright, white-tipped tails, with low-hanging ears like Beagles.
Their coats? Short-haired and stylish with mixes of brown, tan, white, and black. Beagles rock a smooth double coat for warmth and rain resistance, while Foxhounds sport sleek fur that’s wiry and tough built to brave the elements.
Beagle vs. Foxhound: Personality
Beagles and foxhounds like having friends around. They are both good with people, kids, and other animals. They can be a bit stubborn but are loving and can be great pets. Foxhounds are more independent and careful around new people because they were bred for hunting more than beagles.
Today, people prefer foxhounds for hunting and beagles as pets. Foxhounds might not do well in cities or small spaces because they need to run and follow smells, which they love more than beagles do. If foxhounds don’t get enough exercise, they might get unhappy or upset. They need a big yard to be happy.
Beagles are okay living in cities and are friendly to strangers. They like being close to people and shouldn’t be left alone. Foxhounds also don’t like being alone but need more exercise than beagles.
Both dogs like being outside but also enjoy indoor time with their owners, especially if it involves cuddles or ear scratches. Both still like to chase smaller animals because of their high prey drive and hunting background. Foxhounds are a bit more independent and not as cuddly as beagles, but they still want to make their owners happy. Neither breed is good for guarding a house.
Beagle vs. Foxhound: Health and Diet
Beagles and foxhounds both can live up to 10 to 15 years. Beagles, though, might have more health problems like epilepsy, knee issues, and eye and ear problems. There are tests to catch these problems early.
Foxhounds are generally healthier, but they can have a condition called thrombopathy, which affects blood clotting. This can be found with a blood test. With good care, foxhounds can live a long and healthy life up to 13 years.
Active dogs need lots of good food, but some, like Beagles, don’t know when to stop eating. Beagles will try to eat whatever they can find, so it’s important to give them the right amount of food twice a day and not leave food out. Choose high-quality food for them.
Foxhounds also eat a lot but need food that is nutritious and won’t make their stomach upset. Because they can get bloated, feeding them smaller meals more often is a good idea. Make sure to use dog food that’s right for larger dogs.
Beagle vs. Foxhound: Exercise
Both foxhounds and beagles need daily exercise, but foxhounds need more because they are larger, have more energy, and have stronger hunting instincts. They are great for active families with lots of outdoor space. Foxhounds should get 1-2 hours of exercise each day. Activities like hiking, long walks, runs, or biking with them are excellent.
Beagles are energetic, too, but in a more manageable way. They can live happily in various spaces but need to stay active to avoid becoming lazy and unhealthy. Beagles should exercise for 20-40 minutes daily. Walks and playtime in open areas or dog parks are perfect for them. They also enjoy playing games with people.
Not enough exercise can lead to depression, anxiety, obesity, and aggression in both breeds, especially in foxhounds.
Beagle vs. Foxhound: Training
Both Foxhounds and Beagles are smart, which is essential for their role in hunting. They’re trainable, have great senses, and are very loyal. However, they can be stubborn and like their independence, so they won’t always stick close to their owners, but they’re not overly dominant either.
Beagles are considered a bit smarter than Foxhounds, making them more suitable for first-time dog owners, while Foxhounds might be better for those with more experience.
Training Beagles can be relatively easier; starting with basic obedience lessons early is a good idea. They respond well to positive reinforcement. Foxhounds are also smart and can be trained, but they might need a bit more patience. Early socialization is key for both breeds to grow into well-mannered adults.
Beagle vs. Foxhound: Grooming
Both beagles and foxhounds shed, and it might seem like beagles shed more because of their thicker coats. But don’t worry, regular brushing can help control the shedding. Brushing once or twice a week is usually enough, but you might need to do it more often during shedding seasons.
As for baths, they only need one every two to three months. If they get muddy, a simple water rinse is better than shampooing too often, which can lead to skin problems. When you do use shampoo, choose one made for dogs, preferably with natural ingredients. Although grooming both breeds involves similar tasks, grooming a larger foxhound will take a bit more time than grooming a beagle.
Conclusion
In the comparison between foxhound vs beagle, both dog breeds stand out as skilled hunting dogs with a strong heritage in tracking. The beagle, known for its role as a scent hound, excels in companionship and is favored by beagle owners for its smaller size and affectionate nature.
On the other hand, the English foxhound and American foxhound, developed from the treeing walker coonhound lineage and popularized by George Washington, are larger and more suited for those seeking active hunting dog breeds. While foxhounds can make affectionate dogs, they, along with beagles, may exhibit traits of being stubborn dogs. Both breeds require positive reinforcement training to manage their independent streaks.
Foxhound vs beagle each dog breed brings unique qualities: beagles are prone to ear infections due to their floppy ears, a common issue in smaller breeds. The American foxhound and the English foxhound, meanwhile, might face health concerns like hip dysplasia, a trait noted by pet owners focused on the care of larger breeds.
Not all dogs from these two breeds will experience these health issues, but it’s something for a potential pet owner to consider. Ultimately, choosing between these two breeds depends on a pet owner’s lifestyle, with beagles being more adaptable to different home environments and foxhounds requiring more space and exercise. Both breeds contribute to the rich tapestry of scent hounds, highlighting the diversity and specialized skills of hunting dogs.