Are you undecided whether to choose the active Beagle or the smart Dachshund? Both are excellent companions, but the Beagle is ideal for those needing a low-maintenance pet.
Find out about their similarities and differences with this detailed guide.
Has your pet search come to a choice between the Beagle vs Dachshund? These popular breeds both started as capable hunting dogs. Nowadays, they are gaining recognition as loyal and affectionate companions.
Although these dogs share similarities, they are quite different when it comes to their temperament and dietary requirements. Depending on your preference and needs, one dog may be a better fit for your family.
With this comprehensive Beagle vs. Dachshund guide, you’ll be able to decide which breed is the perfect pet for you.
| Beagle | Dachshund | |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 16 years |
| Size | Medium sized | Medium sized |
| Coat | Earth-toned fur | Sleek coat |
| Shedding | Shed more | Depends on the type |
| Grooming | Easy to groom | Difficult to groom |
| Cost | $400 to $1,000 | $1000 |
| Maintenance | Low | High |
| Training | Difficult to train | Difficult to train |
| Barking | Bark a lot | Bark a lot |
| Friendliness | People-pleasers | Loving |
| Temperament | Sociable and Energetic | Brave and Playful |
| Activity Levels | Extremely active | Extremely active |
| Intelligence | Clever and Alert | Clever and Alert |
| Guard Dog | No | No |
Beagle-vs-Dachshund, there’s not much difference between these breeds when it comes to longevity.
As a dog lover, it’s understandable that you want your canine companion to be by your side as long as possible. It’s normal to want to check which dog has a longer lifespan.
The average lifespan of the Beagle is anywhere between 12 and 15 years while a Dachshund will be with you between 12 and 16 years.
Both the Beagle and Dachshund aren’t considered large dogs.
That is exactly why they make good pets for people who live in apartments and condos. Smaller dogs can still throw tantrums or create a fuss, but it’s nothing you can’t handle. These breeds are easier to handle than their larger cousins.
Both these dogs may be considered to be medium-sized breeds, but their measurements are not identical.
Beagles primarily come in two sizes:
Dachshunds are also bred in two different sizes: Standard and Miniature.
Surprisingly, there is no standard height for Dachshunds. However, adult dogs of this breed rarely go beyond 9 inches in height.
While both dogs are on the small side, their appearance differs noticeably.
You are probably familiar with their appearance, thanks to their popularity with pet owners and breeders. But it’s better to compare their physical traits side by side and see which dog grabs your eye.
Beagles primarily have broad noses and squarish muzzles with a muscular frame. They are powerful dogs with long and droopy ears, which bolsters their exquisite sense of hearing. A Beagle will have a long tail, a deep chest, and a sturdy back.
Dachshunds on the other hand are built differently. They are often referred to as “sausages” or “wiener dogs” because of their long body and short, stumpy legs. Dachshunds, like the Beagle, have long and droopy ears. They have longer muzzles and a tail built perfectly in line with their backs.
Both dogs have beautiful coats, but Dachshunds offer more variety when it comes to colors and patterns.
Dogs are often identified and loved for their coats. It’s one of their most noticeable characteristics. Your pet’s coat type also has an impact on grooming and health.
Beagles usually have earth-toned fur in shades of brown, white, and black. Their tricolor coats form a striking pattern that’s unique to the breed:
What makes these dogs even more desirable is that their coats don’t shed as much as other dogs. These make them quite low-maintenance since you don’t need to vacuum as often.
Keep in mind that Beagle coats start getting thicker during winter. They only start shedding at the onset of spring.
Most Dachshunds in the US have sleek coats that come in the following colors:
Some Dachshunds may have patterns in their coats like brindle, sable, piebald, and dapple. Others have monochromatic coats that are just as lovely. Solid black Dachshunds are prized for their rarity.
When it comes to coat length, Dachshunds have coats that fall into these categories:
One of the most prominent characteristics of a Dachshund’s coat is how smooth, shiny, and soft they are. This variety has smooth fur that does not shed as much as other varieties.
Wirehaired Dachshunds have coarse, medium-length wavy fur that lends them a rough appearance. The undercoat is usually softer than the outer layer. They also have incredibly sweet facial hair that you will most likely fall in love with.
Long-haired Dachshunds have beautiful silky fur, which probably developed as added protection while hunting. Their long hair is most noticeable on their ears, neck, tails, under their bellies, and behind their short legs.
If you have long-haired Dachshunds, you will need to groom them frequently. Otherwise, their fur will get matted and tangled. Keep in mind that these dogs shed quite a lot.
Shedding is one of the natural processes that every dog undergoes. People mostly prefer dogs that don’t shed all that much. It can be a hassle to remove masses of dog hair from furniture and clothing.
Between the Dachshund and Beagle, which dog sheds more? If you’re looking for a dog that sheds less, go for the smooth-haired Dachshund. Take note that other Dachshund types like the long-haired and wire-haired Dachshunds shed more abundantly.
Some people are allergic to canine dander and hair. More shedding means that you will get more exposure to this allergen.
Beagles and Dachshunds are not considered hypoallergenic. People sometimes label certain breeds as hypoallergenic, which tend to have shorter coats and less shedding. But the truth is, no dog is completely hypoallergenic.
Beagle-vs-Dachshund, which dog is tougher to groom? You may find it more time-consuming to groom a Dachshund.
In comparison to Dachshunds, both pocket and standard Beagles have short coats. Despite their short coats, they need to be groomed and brushed frequently. This process isn’t as time-consuming as the one for Dachshunds.
Take note that all canines need to be groomed regularly and properly.
It all depends on the specific type of coat. Given their length, long-haired and wirehaired coats require more maintenance and frequent brushing.
Wirehaired Dachshunds are the most difficult to groom since they need to be hand-stripped close to three times a year. This tedious process involves using a special comb on every inch of a dog’s coat.
The Dachshund is technically the more expensive breed to look after.
The starting price for a healthy Beagle is anywhere between $400 and $1,000. It also varies depending on the pedigree and the size of the dog you want.
Beagles are low-maintenance dogs so they don’t require you to pay as much as you would for a Dachshund.
Dachshunds are priced at $450 upwards. If you contact a well-known breeder, then the cost of one pup can easily reach $1,000.
On average, your one-time pet expense on the Dachshund would be around $1,500. This price can vary depending on your location, the needs of the dog, and the vet clinic you bring your dog to. After the first year, your average annual expense will most likely be around $500.
Bringing a dog home may be your dream, but you must consider the expenses you will incur. You must budget for your pet’s food, grooming, vet check-ups, toys, and training.
Most pet owners prefer pets that do not demand too much time or effort. In this area, Beagles outshine the more high-maintenance Dachshunds.
Beagles are low-maintenance dogs, but you will need to brush their coats at least weekly. You will need to clean their long and droopy ears often. Also, Beagles are known for having teeth problems. Therefore, you must brush their teeth at least thrice a week.
Physically, Dachshunds require more maintenance because of their distinct coat varieties. Moreover, Dachshunds are people-oriented dogs. If left alone, they can go through intense bouts of stress and separation anxiety. Dachshunds are also known to be territorial dogs, which can result in aggression if they aren’t trained properly.
These dogs demand a lot of time and attention from their owner to the extent that they are deemed as a little needy.
Maintenance is a huge part of caring for your dogs. If you take care of your dog, your companion is bound to live a long and healthy life.
Both these dogs are intelligent but may be tough to train.
Training your dog builds their confidence while mentally stimulating them. Also, training your dog builds your bond with them and creates a better relationship.
One of the biggest challenges with intelligent dogs is that training them can get quite tricky. If you’re looking for perfect obedience from your Beagle, you won’t get it. Beagles can get quite stubborn or simply not be interested in learning new commands.
You will need to find out what motivates your Beagle to perform well. Mostly, a small treat can go a long way while training. The goal is to make dogs believe that if they follow you, they will get rewarded.
Training these dogs is quite similar to training Beagles. Like the previous breed, Dachshunds are incredibly smart but stubborn. You need to be patient and consistent when you interact with these dogs.
Barking is a given when it comes to having a pet dog. After all, it’s the primary way they communicate. However, incessant barking can get quite irritating and even unbearable. Therefore, it’s extremely important to have a look at the barking tendencies of these canines.
Both these dog breeds can be quite noisy, so they need proper training if you want to adopt them as apartment pets.
The word Beagle has its roots in the French word “bee gueule”, which means “wide throat.” It’s not surprising that Beagles are known for their loud and howling barks.
Likewise, the Dachshund has a loud and deep bark that matches the intensity of a large dog.
Some dogs are naturally social and friendly. They like socializing with unfamiliar people and children. Other breeds are shy and hesitant when it comes to strangers.
Let’s see how Beagles and Dachshunds compare when it comes to this trait.
Beagles are more welcoming of unfamiliar people and other dogs. They are known people-pleasers who will go to great lengths to make their owners happy. It’s no wonder people love spending time with this breed.
Dachshunds are loving and gentle with their family. These loyal dogs are fearless and brave dogs and will go to great lengths to protect their owners.
However, they are more suspicious of strangers. When confronted with an unknown person or animal, Dachshunds will bark loudly to warn their owners. They can get along with unfamiliar people and dogs, provided they have been socialized from an early age.
The mood of your dog can affect you greatly. Let’s have a look at the temperament of Beagles vs. Dachshunds.
Beagles are sociable and energetic. They are gentle animals that deal well with young children. Since Beagles are extremely curious animals, you should never walk them without a leash. If they smell something interesting, they may become difficult to control.
Dachshunds are intelligent, brave, and playful. They are also known for their strong will, perseverance, and courage. This may also depend on the type of Dachshund you adopt. For example, long-haired dogs are said to be calmer while wirehaired dogs are more active.
How do Beagles and Dachshunds compare when it comes to energy levels?
The great thing about both these dogs is that they maintain similar levels of energy and endurance. Both breeds love going for long walks and hikes. They also crave mental stimulation like engaging in games with their owners.
However, Dachshunds are prone to back problems. Therefore, they shouldn’t be allowed to use high stairs or jump too much. Other than that, both these breeds are extremely active and energetic.
Remember that each dog has a unique level of activity. No matter what their breed, some dogs are naturally more energetic and playful than others.
Which breed is more intelligent, the Beagle or Dachshund?
These breeds are extremely clever and alert. While they understand instructions quite well, they can also become obstinate and willful. Both the Beagle and Dachshund require kind but firm owners who can bring out the best in their dogs.
Both breeds may suffer from health problems, both inborn and appearing later in life.
It may be disheartening, but dogs aren’t invincible. They are bound to have some sort of health problem, just like humans.
Beagles may suffer from
Fortunately, not all Beagles are prone to these conditions. They are generally sturdy and healthy dogs.
Dachshunds are genetically prone to back problems. Therefore, if you have a Dachshund, you should not let them jump or climb high stairs. Instead, provide them with a furniture ramp. Other health problems include
Having a guard dog against potential danger is a top reason for getting a pet. There are breeds that are loyal, strong, and courageous enough to protect their owners from burglars and other threats.
However, some dogs are too friendly or nonchalant to be good guard dogs. Let’s find out how these two breeds fare when it comes to being a good line of defense.
These dogs may be extremely protective of their owners, but they aren’t excellent guard dogs. That is primarily because of their personality. They are social and playful dogs who are unlikely to attack unfamiliar people.
These dogs are extremely protective of their owners, but they don’t make for great guard dogs. Their small size usually fails to intimidate strangers.
However, Dachshunds can come in handy as watchdogs because of their loud barking. They will notify you if they see unfamiliar people approaching your house.
Are you still undecided between a Beagle vs. a Dachshund? If you’re looking for a dog that’s easier to care for, a Beagle may be the best option.
Not only do Beagles have shorter coats that shed less, but they’re also quite friendly. Your pocket will also thank you since these dogs are less expensive to purchase and maintain.
The truth is, both these dog breeds make excellent companion dogs. No matter the choice you make, you will fall in love with these affectionate and clever breeds.
A digital marketing expert by profession, Andrews is a gifted writer and animal lover at heart. A self-confessed "pawrent", Andrews is well-versed in all things dogs. He uses his years of experience of raising puppies into show-quality dogs to help guide first-time pet parents. He believes in spreading the joy that comes with being a dog dad and advocates more families to adopt pets.
