Does choosing between a Beagle and a Foxhound seem like a bewildering task? You are not alone. Both were originally bred as hunting dogs but are now in demand as house pets.
Find out about their similarities and differences with this Beagle vs Foxhound guide.
The Foxhound originates from England, where were bred in the 1600s to help run down foxes and similar quarry. These dogs are closely related to greyhounds and staghounds. The origin of the Beagle is more uncertain. They are believed to have descended from the smaller hounds used for hunting in England. Should you go for a Beagle vs Foxhound? Let’s explore the factors that may influence your decision.
| Beagle | Foxhound | |
|---|---|---|
| History | England | England |
| Height | 13 inches | 21-25 inches |
| Weight | 20-30 pounds | 60-75 pounds |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years | 10-13 years |
| Temperament | Affectionate | Independent |
| Training | Very Intelligent | Intelligent |
| Shedding | Shed more in spring | Shed plenty of hair all year long |
| Costs | $500 - 800 | $300 + |
| Friendliness | Very Friendly | Friendly |
| Guarding Your Family | Poor | Average |
If longevity is one of your primary criteria, choose the Beagle. Keep in mind that smaller breeds tend to live longer than larger canines.
The Beagle has an average lifespan of 12-15 years, which is slightly longer than that of a Foxhound.
The Foxhound has an average lifespan of 10-13 years.
Both Beagles and Foxhound can live to a ripe old age, provided they get the proper care.
Beagles and Foxhounds greatly differ in size. Beagles are smaller than Foxhounds.
Height: Foxhounds grow up to 28 inches tall while Beagles can reach 16 inches.
Weight: Foxhounds average 60-75 pounds while Beagles clock in at 18-35 pounds.
The difference in size explains why Beagles are more active than Foxhounds.
What’s your preference when it comes to size? Do you want to cuddle a lap dog? Would you prefer a bigger animal that can easily match your stride?
Beagles vs Foxhounds. Both share many similar physical traits, with size being the main distinction. For some people, it is not easy to tell them apart.
A Beagle has big eyes, a tail that is always energetic, and dangling ears. You’ll notice that this dog’s front legs are straight while the back legs are a bit curvy. They usually have an alert stance.
Foxhounds have narrow chests, long legs, and pronounced muzzles. Their pointy tails are easy to see as they are often white-tipped and upright. Like the Beagle, a Foxhound’s ears are low and hanging. This trait is typical of most hounds.
Both dogs have beautiful brown eyes that can tug at your heartstrings.
Both Foxhounds and Beagles have short-haired coats with dual-color or tri-color patterns. Hounds usually sport a mix of brown, tan, white, and black coats.
The Beagle has a smooth double coat that is resistant to rain. The double coat of this breed provides warmth in winter and helps regulate body temperature. With proper grooming, this coat appears shiny and healthy.
The Foxhound has sleek, gorgeous fur that lies close to the body. The individual hairs are short, wiry, and hard. This texture protects the Foxhound from the elements.
Take note that neither breed is considered hypoallergenic.
Both animals shed a lot of hair, so a good vacuum cleaner is a must for homes with either of these canines.
Beagles shed more in spring than in other seasons. Expect a Foxhound to shed plenty of hair all year long.
Shedding is important for your pet. If your Beagle or Foxhound doesn’t shed, it means the dog is not in the right state of health.
Shedding allows the removal of damaged hair and the growth of healthier hair. Ensure that you give your dog nutritious food to avoid excessive shedding.
You may need to vacuum your house at least three times a week. A lint remover is also good for your clothes and upholstered furniture. Use one when you are not going to vacuum.
Who is easier to groom between a Beagle vs Foxhound? The Beagle is easier to groom than the Foxhound given its smaller size.
If you brush your dog’s coat regularly, you don’t have to bathe your pet as often. Brushing also helps reduce the odor and dander produced by hunting dogs. This practice also prevents knots or matted hair.
Beagle and Foxhounds both have dense coats that require frequent brushing. Do this at least once a week during peak seasons.
Every 4-6 weeks, take your pet to a professional groomer. A professional has all the tools you probably lack at home.
Groomers also provide other services like nail-cutting, drying, checking for infections, and shaving. You will end up with a healthy and happy dog.
The initial costs of purchasing a Beagle can be more expensive than buying a Foxhound.
On the other hand, you may need to shell out an average of $500 – $800 for a Beagle pup. You will probably spend about $60 on pet food each month, more if you go for expensive products.
On average, you will find a Foxhound puppy at $300 and up. However, the price varies from breeder to breeder. A purebred puppy with good family history can go for $1000.
Always compare your options. You shouldn’t also pay for more than you are required to. You can also adopt a puppy from rescue homes and shelters. It is possible to find a purebred Beagle or Foxhound for less.
Expect to spend about $1,500 annually to feed and care for your pet.
Whether you will end up choosing a Beagle or a Foxhound, they both require good maintenance.
Both dogs are considered to be low maintenance compared to other dog breeds. They don’t need to be brushed daily.
When it comes to feeding, these hounds are good feeders. This is especially true for a Beagle. Unless you learn how to control the portions, your dog will eat to finish and not to get full.
Feed your Foxhound or Beagle two to three times a day with quality dog food.
A Beagle would be a better fit if you want a dog that takes less time to train.
Beagles are more intelligent than Foxhounds, but they can be a bit stubborn. They can also turn a deaf ear where they want to. However, with the proper patience and consistent training, they turn out just great.
This breed may not be the best choice if you are a new pet owner. Foxhounds have average intelligence. It may require more effort to get them to follow commands and gestures.
But if you are patient enough, you will end up with a disciplined and well-mannered pet.
Start your puppy when young with basic obedience training. Since Beagles love food, use snacks to reward good behavior.
For your pet’s well-being, make sure to introduce early socialization and training. This will keep his behavior in check.
Both Foxhounds and Beagles bark a lot to communicate with their owners.
Foxhounds bark and howl frequently, which can be heard for quite a distance. Beagles are loud dogs. They express their opinion in three ways; a bark, a howl, and a bay.
When these dogs are hungry or bored, they won’t be afraid to let you and the whole neighborhood know. They can also bark loudly to ask you to let them out.
However, all that noise can be unpleasant for your neighbors if you live in an apartment.
The Beagle makes friends with almost everyone, while a Foxhound is more cautious in certain situations.
Beagles make good playmates, especially for children. These dogs eagerly greet new people and animals. These cute, irresistible animals love attention. If you don’t give it, they will seek it even from total strangers.
Foxhounds are friendly, but not as much as Beagles. A Foxhound will not treat a stranger with the same welcome as a familiar person. Instead, your pet can be quite aggressive.
Beagles are more affectionate and cuddly, while Foxhounds are more independent.
As a prospective owner of either of these two dogs, you must remember they are originally hunting dogs. Their favorite time is when they follow scent trails. The prey drive is relatively high.
Both breeds are loveable and friendly. Being pack animals, they love being around people.
A Foxhound will not thrive in an apartment. They need the outdoors, so they are better off in the country.
In contrast, a Beagle can be perfectly happy in an apartment provided you take them on daily walks.
A Beagle is active, but a Foxhound is more involved.
No matter which breed you choose, your pet needs space for activities like playing and running around. Both Beagles and Foxhounds should not stay exclusively indoors. Since they were bred as hunting animals, they prefer chasing scent trails and exploring new places.
You would need to devote time to exercise if you choose to adopt either breed. Forget having any of these two amazing dogs if you can’t make room for walks, plays, and outside activities.
Remember, being active is a must for your pup’s health and well-being.
You will have an intelligent puppy if you choose either the Beagle or the Foxhound.
These stubborn dogs are smart but are not ready to let go of their stubbornness quickly. Some say that the Beagle is more intelligent than the Foxhound.
However, the two breeds require time and rewards to adopt a particular behavior.
Fun Fact: A Foxhound-Beagle mix is referred to as a Foxeagle.
Both breeds are relatively healthy. However, both may be prone to certain issues.
While Beagles live longer than Foxhounds, Beagles face more health challenges.
Beagles suffer from the same health issues as Foxhounds and more. They may also suffer from ear infections, epilepsy, cherry eye, obesity, and hypothyroidism. Your Beagle may also experience allergies, heart disease, and deafness.
If you adopt either a Beagle or Foxhound, make sure that you brush your pet’s teeth daily.
Foxhounds are prone to bloating so don’t overfeed your pet even if you are begged for more food. Give the right portions.
Foxhounds tend to develop dental issues. Other health challenges include hip dysplasia and eye disorders.
Always check the inside of your dog’s long ears for infections or trapped debris.
Dry those floppy ears after a bath or swim.
The best way to ensure your pet is healthy is making vet visits regular for any of the hounds.
With the right training, Foxhounds make better guard dogs than Beagles. The former breed is more aggressive and protective in general.
Unfortunately, your Beagle may not defend you against intruders. Your pet is more likely to cuddle with a thief than chase him away. However, this does not make them any less loyal to your family.
Before settling for the winner of Beagle vs Foxhound, sit down and analyze the pointers above. Will you go for appearance, physical traits, or lifespan? Is your home big enough to accommodate a larger breed, or should you go for a smaller dog?
While it might still be hard to choose, consider your lifestyle and budget. Determine why you want to purchase a pet in the first place. The final choice is up to you.
Check out Beagle vs Pug Comparison Guide
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.
