Most people typically identify Beagles for their large floppy ears and common tricolor coat. Even the tail color and white streak on their forehead can help you indicate that it is purebred. However, the physical features mentioned are also evident in other breeds that resulted from their natural traits and domestication.
So, if you want a Beagle but are having a hard time finding and adopting one or the ones available simply don’t resonate with you, other canines share the same characteristics. You can easily point out their similarities from their physical attributes and even personalities.
- American Foxhound
Though much more prominent in size, the American Foxhound has the most similar qualities to a Beagle. It can grow from 21 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder in contrast to a Beagle’s 13 to 15 inches. They are both friendly and energetic companions that require active lifestyles.
Additionally, the American Foxhound is a scenthound that is easily distracted once he detects an interesting smell. And, since it is an active dog, obedience training is essential. It is necessary to establish a relationship with this breed by rewards and praises since it does not respond well to punishments.
As the American Foxhound likes to run around, its medium-length coat, similar to the Beagle, should be brushed with a firm bristle brush once a week to keep its coat healthy. It also needs dental hygiene to avoid gum problems and bad breath. And, to keep its feet in good condition, its nails should be regularly trimmed.
- English Foxhound
The English Foxhound and the Beagle belong to the hound group. And aside from their notable floppy ear resemblance, they are both hunting dogs with a strong sense of smell. And naturally, they are also both high-spirited and intelligent canines.
However, the English Foxhound is larger than the Beagle. He grows to be at least 25 to 27 inches tall and weighs 55 to 70 pounds, whereas the Beagle is a lot smaller and weighs only 18 to 30 pounds. The Beagle is gentle and funny despite having stubborn traits, while the English Foxhound is prominently independent.
The English Foxhound best responds with consistent and firm training to minimize its obstinate personality. Since they are hunters in nature, obedience training might take some time, but the English Foxhound, in particular, is an excellent companion as long as you build a relationship with him.
- Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is the next breed with an uncanny likeness to the Beagle. Since they have descended from the St. Hubert’s Hound, they share the same black and brown combinations and, at times, tri-color coats.
One thing that you can easily notice is that they differ in measurements and structures. The Beagles have slimmer body proportions, while the Basset Hounds are much heavier with short legs, long, hanging ears, and droopy eyes.
The Basset Hound has a sharp sense of smell that helps track down its small prey, such as rabbits. Despite being part of a hunting group, it is more relaxed and gentle than the mischievous and energetic Beagle.
Its placid movements result from its heavy and muscular body, which weighs 50 to 60 pounds. With no more than 14 inches in height, the Basset Hound has the appearance of a short-legged pup which is a result of dwarfism.
- American English Coonhound
The American English Coonhound is another breed that shares multiple traits with a Beagle. It is known for its athletic build, speed, and endurance in hunting foxes and raccoons.
Though they share an active lifestyle, the American English Coonhound can grow 23 to 26 inches at the shoulder, taller than the Beagle who only has a maximum of 15 inches. The American Coonhound uses this advantage with its pursuit of hunting.
He is also a deep-chested hound with a broad head and a domed skull. Its loud and ringing bark makes him a poor option as a house pet for some dog lovers.
Nevertheless, this breed is playful, loving, intelligent, and well-behaved when appropriately trained.
- Dachshund
Another Beagle look-alike is the Dachshund. It comes in various names such as wiener dog, sausage dog, Doxie, and more. Also, it is way smaller than a Beagle. It only measures 8 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 16 to 32 pounds.
This short-legged hound has ranked near the top of the famous dogs since the 1950s. And as a hunting dog, the Dachshund’s short legs serve an essential purpose for digging holes and tunnels and even fighting badgers. It is the perfect example that size does not matter.
The Dachshund is an ideal house pet and family companion. And since he is produced originally for the sole purpose of hunting, certain behaviors similar to the Beagle might be evident in particular instances. That is why the Dachshund should be engaged in early training, even as a puppy.
- Drever
One more breed that has the likeness to the Beagle is the Drever. Its physical attributes are not far from the Beagle aside from its short legs. It can grow from 12 to 16 inches tall and weigh 35 to 40 pounds.
It is somewhat like a mix between a Basset Hound, a Beagle, and a Dachshund. The Drever also comes with a tri-color coat and markings in sable and white.
Just like the Beagle, the Drever is very affectionate to its owners. It is a good watchdog since it can quickly sense any sign of trouble. This loyal breed is a good apartment dog since it prefers to be a solo pet. However, with its energy, it is still suggested that it is in a larger home with a yard where it can run around.
- Hamilton Hound
Next on the list is the Hamilton Hound. Though he and the Beagle may have the same tri-color coat and floppy ears, they significantly differ in size. The Hamilton Hound only measures 19 to 24 inches.
This Swedish canine is also a hunting dog that has a strong prey drive. And since he has a lot of energy, he must get at least half an hour of walking each day. Play sessions are also beneficial to burn out all the extra energy for the day.
This dog does best when he plays with older children or teenagers since young children might not be able to reciprocate its energetic trait. Aside from its interest in playing outdoors, it is also affectionate and would like to stay indoors and cuddle.
8. Cheagle
The first breed on the list is a mix of the Beagle and the Chihuahua. It is known as the Cheagle. It goes with many names such as Beagle Chi, Chi-Bea, Beagle Chihuahua mix, and Chibeagle.
Aside from the dominant physical traits inherited from its parents, the Cheagle is energetic, loyal, and fun-loving. Like the Beagle, some Cheagles would have a strong prey drive and active play sessions. It may also acquire the Chihuahua’s personality when it comes to strangers as it loves to bark and has a low inclination to meet other people or dogs.
9. Bagle Hound
Another on the list is called the Bagle. It is a Beagle and a Basset Hound combination. The Bagle Hound is friendly, easy-going, and at times mischievous.
Though it depends on the dominant trait, the Bagle Hound looks like a Basset Hound with longer legs and shorter bodies. Also, it may acquire traits from both parents such as short coats, intelligence, and prey drive.
With the Beagle’s high energy and the Basset Hound’s low energy clashing with each other in the Bagle’s genetics, the offspring tends to be a laid-back breed that can also be vocal at times.
10. Bocker
The Bocker is also a mix of a Beagle and a Cocker Spaniel. The Bocker goes by the names Beakers and Beagle Spaniel. It has inherited its parents’ traits of being affectionate, wanderlust, and friendly. The energy is high and he also has an evident strong sense of smell, just like his Beagle parent.
Its colors can be black, brown, white, tri-color, and bi-color. A Bocker may also have a short and coarse coat like the Beagle or curly coat acquired from its Cocker Spaniel parent. It can grow from 12 to 15 inches, suited for apartments and houses with small spaces. Undeniably, it is also one of the best companions for all ages in the family.
11. Raggle
One more breed mix is the Raggle, a crossbreed between a Beagle and a Rat Terrier. The Raggle is known for its energetic temperament and curious nature as a designer dog. Despite its small size, it has a strong prey drive and can be a persistent pooch.
As a combination of two medium-sized parents, the Raggle measures 7 to 12 inches in height and weighs 9 to 20 pounds. Because of this, it can be a good apartment buddy, but a house with a fenced yard where it can run around is ideal. It has a short and dense coat that may come in brown, white, black, and lemon color.
Since the Raggle is playful and active, there is a tendency that it will be aggressive with other dogs. To avoid this, the one handling a Raggle or the owner, himself, should be firm and consistent. It is also essential to develop socializing skills at a young age.
