Last Updated on September 20, 2023
Quick Summary: The Beagle’s origins are not known. It is still a matter of debate where the name Beagle came from. Farmers in England, Ireland, and Wales kept the breed alive for rabbit hunting (the Beagle could have been extinct if it weren’t for the farmers). The history of the Boston Terrier is also fascinating. One legend suggests that wealthy family coachmen tried to create a new breed of dog-fighting breed by crossing Bulldogs with English White Terriers (which are now extinct). Thirty different owners came together and created the American Bull Terrier Club but later changed its name to the Boston Terrier Club due to the breed’s birthplace. As for their appearance, Boston Terriers have a clear-cut doppelganger in the French Bulldog, but Beagles look completely different from both breeds. They also have different personalities – Boston Terriers will do anything to please their owners, making them easier to train than Beagles. These dog breeds are generally healthy, with the Boston Terriers having a lifespan of 13 to 15, while Beagles can live anywhere from 12 to 15 years.
Are you looking for a new family member? You might be looking for a loyal, affectionate and playful dog. Both Beagle and Boston Terrier are very different in appearance. However, these breeds are so beloved that they are often crossed into a designer dog breed called the Bolgen Terrier.
In spite of their differences, you’ll soon see that their personalities are not as distinct as you thought. This article will help you understand why these two breeds are so popular.
Let’s explore the differences and similarities between these two family-friendly breeds.
Breed History and Background
A dog’s past breed history can tell a lot about the dog’s personality traits. This includes its form, function, and purpose. You need to understand the purpose for which your dog was genetically bred before you get one, as some traits cannot be removed from a dog’s natural instincts. We will be looking at the history of each breed to help you understand which instincts and habits your dog may have.
The Beagle: An Overview
As is the case with many breeds, the origins of the Beagle are not known. In fact, it is still a matter of debate where the name “Beagle,” as it is called, came from. Some believe the name is derived from “begueule,” a French word meaning open throat. Others believe it comes from “beag,” an English word meaning small. It is also possible that it came from the German word “begele,” which means to scold.
You can find Beagles’ first written mention in Greek documents dating back to 400 B.C, which describe small Beagle-like dogs. Many believe that Romans brought small hounds for rabbit-hunting to England. They may have bred them with local hounds.
Other studies suggest that William the Conqueror brought Talbot hounds (which are now extinct) back to England during the Norman Conquest of 1066, which many consider being modern-day Beagles’ ancestors.
Ever since their discovery, Beagles have been popular amongst English royalty. Elizabeth I owned a pack of Pocket Beagles. This was a smaller version that stood just nine inches tall. The breed has been depicted in paintings by artists as a short-legged, pointy-nosed pet.
In the 1700s, the breed was pushed aside from their popular purpose of fox hunting. Farmers in England, Ireland, and Wales kept the breed alive for rabbit hunting. The Beagle could have been extinct if it weren’t for the farmers.
Over the next century, both Americans and Brits started breeding Beagles in order to create the Beagle that we love today. In 1884, The American Kennel Club inducted Beagles into their registry.
The Boston Terrier: An Overview
There are many stories that tell the story of how these dogs came to be. Most studies agree that the Boston Terrier came into existence in the late 1800s in Boston, Massachusetts (hence, its name). One legend suggests that wealthy family coachmen tried to create a new breed of dog-fighting breed by crossing Bulldogs with English White Terriers, which are now extinct.
Another story suggests that Robert C. Hooper, a local Bostonian, brought a Bulldog/English Terrier mix named “Judge” with him from England in 1865. However, a similar story involving Hooper suggests he bought Judge from another Bostonian breeder in 1870.
The breed somehow emerged thanks to little ole’ Judge. Judge’s description in “The Complete Dog Book” is that he had a square, narrow head and a short, stocky build. Judge was bred by Hooper with another dog, possibly named Kate. From there, Hooper continued to breed the dog.
In 1889, thirty different owners came together and created the American Bull Terrier Club but later changed their name to the Boston Terrier Club due to the breed’s birthplace.
In 1893, the American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed. The popularity of Boston Terriers grew rapidly over the next century, especially among Hollywood actresses and actors. In 1976, the Boston Terrier was picked to be the bicentennial dog of the U.S. Three years later, the Boston Terrier was named the state dog for Massachusetts.
Size and Appearance
Both dog breeds have no resemblance in appearance. Boston Terriers have a clear-cut doppelganger in the French Bulldog, but Beagles look completely different from both breeds.
Boston Terriers have square heads and are compactly built. Their muscular, stocky build complements their pointed, upright ears and smushed snub-nosed appearance. They come in a variety of brindles. Most often, they have a black-and-white pattern that resembles a tuxedo. These dogs have a polished, genuine appearance, But don’t let this fool you – they love to play and are high-energy.
Beagles are easily recognized by their adorable appearance. The most distinctive features of a Beagle are big, brown, or hazel eyes and floppy ears. They come in many colors for their coats – including red, white, and tricolor.
Temperament and Personality Traits
Both breeds are loved for their affectionate, loyal, gentle, loving natures. Both make great family pets because of their playful personalities, willingness to socialize with other dogs, and ability to get along well with their handlers.
Beagles are gentle dogs, which is a contrast to Bostons. They are social dogs who enjoy interaction with others, but they don’t tend to be territorial. Still, if they get upset, they might nip. We don’t recommend the Beagle as an alert watchdog.
Boston Terriers can be moderately territorial, but they are also prone to biting at temptation. These dogs were originally bred to fight, so this behavior could be explained. However, you still have the option to avoid this behavior with basic training. We recommend providing plenty of chew toys for your puppy if you consider buying them.
Boston Terriers are intelligent, playful, and lively dogs. They need to be supervised often, or they can become lonely. They can also adapt to any living situation, so it doesn’t matter if you have a family of five or a couple who lives in an apartment.
Training and Socialization
Both breeds are easy to train. Both breeds need to be socialized and trained early in order to achieve success. They have a stubborn streak that is important for first-time dog owners to understand. Treats as rewards for Beagles can be very beneficial in their training. However, harsh training methods will not work. Patience is key in training, as Beagles are bred from an ancestor who was always eager to please.
Boston Terriers will do anything to please their owners, making them easier than Beagles. It is important to consider their outgoing nature. Bostonians need lots of social interaction, especially at a young age. Don’t overwhelm them by trying to do everything at once.
The American Kennel Club says that Bostons respond best when slowly and gradually exposed to new people, places, and situations. You should be mindful of their sensitive nature and quickly reward good behavior.
Exercise Requirements
All dogs need exercise to be happy and healthy. Don’t let your pet get frustrated and use their energy to damage your furniture. Be sure to assess what exercise they require.
The needs of Boston Terriers vary from one dog to the next. Some Boston Terriers can be tired after a walk, but others may need to run or play a few more games of fetch. To stay fit, most Bostons need to exercise daily. It won’t work to keep them outside for hours; you must challenge them (Boston Terriers love to play with their owners). It is also recommended to bring them to a dog park – it’s a great way for them to release their energy.
Beagles are active and playful dogs that require at least one hour of exercise each day. They are more active than Boston Terriers. They love company and were originally bred to be in packs.
You can take your Beagle for a walk or engage in other canine sports. You should be careful when taking your Beagle on long walks, as your Beagle shouldn’t run off to find a scent.
Grooming Requirements
Neither of these breeds requires excessive grooming. Both breeds shed but not as much. A Boston’s fine, sleek coat should be brushed weekly with a soft-bristle brush.
Beagles have a dense coat, meaning they are more prone to seasonal shedding; they require brushing two to three times a week with a medium-bristle brush or rubber grooming tool.
Both breeds should not be bathed too often (unless they get into anything messy). To keep a Boston clean and looking fresh, you should bathe him every four to six months. The skin of beagles is sensitive, and they should only take a bath once every two to six months.
Nutritional Guide
Both breeds need high-quality food in order to be healthy. Beagles eat anywhere between 1 to 1.5 cups of dry food, divided into two meals. Boston Terriers can eat a similar amount, ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 cups of dry food per day, divided into two meals.
Both breeds can eat any type of food, whether it is commercially prepared or homemade. Both Beagles and Bostons can become overweight, so be sure to keep an eye on their food intake and check with your veterinarian if they have any unusual weight fluctuations.
Boston Terriers have sensitive stomachs that don’t respond well to grains. Even a small amount of low-quality grain can cause them to become bloated or gassy. We recommend that you avoid giving them human food. We recommend that you give them breed-recommended dog food formulas to reduce the chance of this happening.
Beagles seem to be able to eat human food without any problems. We recommend that you research what food your dog is allowed to eat to be on the safe side.
Health Issues
Avoid potential health concerns or risks before you buy any pet. They are relatively well-behaved dogs, and both breeds are generally healthy. Let’s take a look at the health issues specific to each breed.
Boston Terriers can develop eye issues with age. As they age, owners will want to ensure that their eyes are regularly checked for irritation and redness. We recommend purchasing saline solutions to keep your dog’s eyes clean and free from dirt and debris.
Another thing to pay attention to is their breathing. As with all snub-nosed dogs in the breed, Boston Terriers can have difficulty breathing in hot or humid places. We recommend that you monitor this breed and ensure they have adequate heat protection.
Beagles can be healthy dogs. However, poor breeding practices have left some breeds prone to specific genetic health problems, such as hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and eye problems. Don’t worry, a good breeder will screen your dog for any pre-existing conditions.
Floppy ears are adorable in a Beagle, but should be cleaned and checked every week. Experts recommend that regular dental cleanings are also done.
Reputable Breeders and Puppy Prices
Boston Terriers and Beagles are similar in their price range. On average, a Boston Terrier’s price ranges from $1,000 and up, with the average being around $1,500. A Beagle’s price range is around $1,000 as well, but with an average of closer to $1,200 from a reputable breeder.
Breeder reputation and the puppy’s lineage are factors in the price. A Beagle puppy with an exceptional breed line costs $1,500 or higher. A top-quality Boston with a high-end lineage can cost between $1,500-$4,500.
Conclusion
That’s all you need to know about these two adorable breeds! These two playful and loving dogs are great family pets. You can choose the right dog for you by comparing their differences and similarities.
Bostons can adapt to any environment – they are happy, intelligent, and energetic dogs. Beagles love to be surrounded by their owners and are friendly and energetic dogs. Both breeds are loved for their playful nature and would make great additions to any family.