Torn between a Labrador and a beagle? If you’re trying to decide on which is a better fit for you, we compare the two breeds using over 15 important factors. This list will help put you on the right path.
Labradors and beagles are good-natured, energetic dogs that love their owners. Who wouldn’t want to come home to these wonderful dogs? Beagle vs Labrador – That’s a tough choice.
Let’s take a closer look with a comparison of major factors that may influence your decision.
| Beagles | Labradors | |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 13 to 14 years | 13 to 14 years |
| Size | Medium | Medium to Large |
| Height | 13 to 15 inches | 21.5 to 25.5 inches |
| Weight | 18 to 30 pounds | 50 to 70 pounds |
| Coat | Short, smooth and dense | Short and dense |
| Shedding | Shed less hair | Shed a lot of hair |
| Drooling | Low | High |
| Grooming | Easy to groom | Requires a lot of effort |
| Maintenance | Regular | Regular |
| Training | Difficult to train | Easy to train |
| Barking | Bark a lot | Bark a lot |
| Friendliness | People-pleasers | Social and family friendly |
| Temperament | Gentle and polite | Outgoing and confident |
| Activity Level | High | Medium |
| Intelligence | Less intelligent | More intelligent |
| Guard Dog | No | Yes |
| Veterinarian Visits | Rare | Frequent |
| Pocket Friendly | Yes | Yes |
An average dog lives around 12 years. Of course, this depends on your dog’s breed, size, and other factors. Both Labradors and beagles have a lifespan of 13-14 years.
As disheartening as it is, some dogs don’t live up to their full life cycles. Their quality of life plays a huge factor. While some dogs are naturally healthier and happier, spending time with your dog, getting physical exercise, and regular vet checkups can only help.
Interesting Fact: Both Labradors and beagles are among the top 10 dog breeds that survive the longest.
Do you like large dogs that you can cuddle up to or pocket-sized dogs that are easier to handle?
Smaller dogs like beagles are easier to handle and easier to work with. They can still throw tantrums and act fussy but it is nothing that you cannot handle.
Two types of Beagles are recognized by the American Kennel Club. The pocket-sized version grows to only about 13 inches tall while standard-sized beagles are between 13 and 15 inches. Their weight varies between 18 to 30 pounds.
Interesting Fact: Both beagles and Labradors have pocket-sized versions!
Labradors, on the other hand, have varying heights depending on their genders. The males are about 22.5 to 24.5 inches tall while females are 21.5 to 23.5 inches. Labradors are heavier than beagles and weigh 55 to 70 pounds.
You probably already have an idea what these two breeds look like. But it’s good to compare their physical characteristics.
With squarish muzzles and broad noses, beagles are physically muscular. They are solid dogs with rather dome-shaped skulls. They have long and droopy ears which help them with their sharp sense of hearing. Beagles have a deep chest, a straight back, and a long tail.
Labradors are large dogs with kind eyes and clean-cut heads. Their skull is broad-backed. They are fierce dogs with powerful jaws and injurious bites.
Dogs are known and liked for their coats.
Beagles are commonly found in three colors, white, brown, and black. Their tricolor coats are extremely unique. They have legs, chests, and bellies that are white in color, a black saddle, and a white tip on their tails. Their smooth and dense double coat doesn’t shed much making them even more desirable.
Although their coats get thicker during the winter season, they don’t start shedding until spring. They are clean and hygienic dogs that do not require frequent baths.
One of the most popular features of Labradors is their coat. It’s short, dense, easy to care for, and weather-resistant. This is one of the many reasons people like them. The coat has two layers, the top one is thick and straight while the undercoat is soft and weather-resistant.
Their coats are commonly seen in three colors: yellow, black, and chocolate. Initially, breeders were obsessed with the dark and beautiful black color, but with time, they became more inclined towards yellow.
While shedding comes naturally to all dogs, some people might be allergic to the dander, dust, and pollen that can stick to it. Most people prefer hypoallergenic dogs. However, remember that no dog is ever 100% hypoallergenic. Still, people prefer dogs that shed as little as possible.
Labradors shed hair everywhere while beagles shed less. Beagles do shed but their short hair works to their advantage as it isn’t very noticeable.
Labradors shed a lot. Keeping your house clean can become difficult. However, shedding can be limited with regular brushing.
Dogs need to be properly groomed, but what about beagles and Labradors in particular?
The health and grooming needs of a beagle are not that difficult to understand. You’ll also need to brush your beagle’s teeth every 2-3 days to remove any bacteria that might be lurking.
Their nails need to be trimmed fortnightly. Be careful while cutting their nails so you don’t end up hurting them.
Labradors, on the other hand, shed a lot. They drool more than beagles. Grooming a Labrador is no easy job and requires utmost care.
If you’re unable to do it all on your own, you can take your dog to a professional groomer. Also, make sure to check your Lab’s ears at least once a week.
Owning a dog can be quite costly. You need to budget for food, regular vet appointments, grooming appointments, and even training.
The cost of purchasing beagle puppies can range from $400 to $1,000. It depends on the type and size of the dog that you want. If you’re looking for a well-trained dog that you can enter dog shows with, you’ll be expected to pay a premium.
Today, the average cost of a Labrador puppy can range from $800 to $1,200 in the United States.
Labradors demand a lot more maintenance when compared to the Beagle. Apart from regular brushing, they also require heavy exercise that needs to be done daily. They also need the vet’s attention from time to time.
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Who is easier to train? The Labrador.
Your dog needs to be properly trained. You need to teach it basic manners like how to socialize with other people and pets. You also need to train your dog to follow basic commands.
Due to the stubborn nature of beagles, they can only be trained creatively techniques. Crate training is highly recommended when it comes to these hounds. You should also teach them obedience training to get their stubborn nature under control.
Labradors also need proper training. These dogs are highly energetic and will keep you on your feet the entire day. Take them on a daily walk. Engage them with leash training. Positive reinforcement work wonders on Labradors.
Beagle vs Labrador – who barks more?
Although beagles have strong barking tendencies, Labradors bark a lot more.
Beagles have loud mouths that run wild. Labradors also bark a lot to use up their pent-up energy.
Some dogs are naturally amicable. They get along well with children and other pets.
The beagle is a very friendly animal. Their playful and cheerful attitude will make you want to spend all your time with them. They are people-pleasers. They’ll go to any length to please you.
Labradors are social too. They are family-oriented dogs who will treat you with love and affection. They’re also extremely friendly with strangers and can get along with everyone.
Your dog’s mood can have a huge effect on you. How aggressive are beagles and Labradors?
Beagles are known for their gentle temperament. They are polite dogs who keep to themselves most of the time. They play a lot but they’ll never misbehave with you. That said, they can be quite stubborn when they want to.
Labradors are among the least aggressive breeds in the world. They are extremely outgoing dogs who have a lot of confidence.
Dogs need to maintain a certain level of activity to stay fit.
Beagles love spending their time out in the open. They use their nose to explore the vast world around them. They require lots of exercise and love playing around, fetching things, chasing after something, and going for long walks.
On the contrary, Labradors require less activity than beagles.
Dogs are extremely intelligent and personable. They also make full use of their senses and are always on high alert. How do beagles and Labradors compare when it comes to intelligence?
Labradors are more intelligent than beagles.
Which breed has fewer health concerns between the beagle and the labrador? Both beagles and Labradors are likely to suffer from hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and epilepsy.
Beagles are likely to suffer from intervertebral disk disease, cherry eye, distichiasis, hypothyroidism, beagle dwarfism, and patellar luxation.
Labradors are likely to suffer from elbow dysplasia, osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD), cataracts, tricuspid valve dysplasia (TVD), gastric dilatation-volvulus, acute moist, dermatitis, cold tail, glaucoma, and ear infections.
Beagles are hunting dogs while Labradors are more popular as guard dogs.
There is no denying the fact that both breeds will do everything in their power to protect their owners.
When it comes to guarding a family, Labradors are the better bet.
Their large size, bold and confident nature, and fierce personalities act in their favor.
To be fair, it is impossible to determine which is a better breed in any beagle vs labrador conversation. You need to figure out for yourself what aspects are most important for you in a dog. Choose the breed that fits your personality, family, personal needs, and lifestyle.
Each breed has its own personality, strengths, and weaknesses. Each breed is wonderful in its own way. However, the perfect choice is one that is based on your lifestyle, what you need from a pet, and the amount of care that you can give.
Which one would you choose? Let me know in the comments below.
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.
