Beagle vs. Labrador Retriever

Breed History

Both and are very popular in the United States today, but that wasn’t always the case. They were originally bred in different countries, and became hunting companions for many years before becoming beloved household pets. Because both breeds are well-known, they are often combined to create one !very interesting doggy combination HTML1. Let’s find out more about each breed’s history.

Beagle

The Talbot-hound was developed from the St. Hubert hound to be a better hunting dog. The Talbot hound was slow and unable to chase down prey. The hound was bred with the Greyhound during the 11th century to fix this significant flaw. This combination led to the creation the Southern Hound.

Centuries later, during the 1700s, the need for the perfect hunting dog grew traction. The Southern Hound was still slow and lacked the .essential scent capabilities. The breeding process was not over. The need to perfect the hunting dog continued into the 1800s as Great Britain’s Reverend Philip Honeywood created a breeding program.

While the program continued over the decades and didn’t keep records of the breeds, some believe that the original Beagle started here. Later, the Beagle was introduced to the United States and has since become a beloved breed among hunters and households across the country.

Labrador Retriever

*Originally called the St. John’s Dog in Newfoundland’s native land, the Labrador was bred by breeders to be a companion for fishermen. Because of their keen ability to retrieve, Labradors are the ideal first mate, retrieving fish, hauling nets, and fetching ropes.

Throughout Canada, the breed participated in a random mix of breeding with unknown working-class dogs resulting in various breeds such as the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, the Landseer, the Flat-coated Retriever, and the Newfoundland dog. The St. John’s dog is still accredited with the Labrador Retriever that we now know.

After gaining recognition from Lords in England, people exported dogs from Canada to Britain , where they were admired by their fetching skills .. The Labrador Retriever was adopted by Britain as the name of the St. John’s Dog. After a few decades, the British standardized the breed.

Appearance

The two breeds share similar hunting abilities and physical attributes like snout and tail length. However, the appearance . of Labrador and Beagle is very different.

The Beagle weighs, on average, between 20 and 30 pounds and stands about 13 to 15 inches tall, for starters. Because of their small stature, they can move quickly and easily follow prey on foot. On the other hand, the Labrador retriever averages around 55 to 80 pounds and stands anywhere between 21 and 25 inches. Labradors are strong and large enough to withstand long hunts in difficult conditions.

The coat colors of the different breeds vary greatly, apart from their size. The Beagle has red and black spots amid a white coat, while the Labrador remains monochrome in its three potential colors: yellow, chocolate, and black. Many Labradors breeders have been divided by two controversial coat colors ,. Some breed purists argue that Red Fox Labs aren’t in-line with the breed standard and that Labs with silver coats are also not purebred.

The thickness of the coats of different breeds can also vary. While both are coarse durable , the Labrador’s coat is thicker and more durable than the coarse. This protects it from harsh Canadian winters and the freezing Atlantic waters.

While both breeds have long, waving tails, the Labrador has a dense fur coat that acts as a rudder. The Labrador is a champion swimmer so its tail is crucial in helping it navigate still, bustling waters.

Temperament

Beagles and Labradors are both known for being friendly dogs, which is not surprising considering they were both bred to hunt companions. Both dogs are good in family and household settings due to their social nature. Both dogs are affectionate, loving, and loyal.

The Labrador is a friendly dog with a high energy mindset and an easygoing personality . The Labrador was bred to hunt and retrieve, but can also play endlessly.

The Beagle is very energetic. Although they don’t require as much exercise as Labradors, the Beagle still needs a lot of playtime to release their stored energy.

Beagles were originally bred to hunt in groups . The Beagle is friendly to groups , and thrives in social situations reminiscent of its pack. Labradors are comfortable in social situations. Labradors are great companions and family dogs. They can quickly adapt to new situations and become comfortable with people and their families.

Exercise

Because both breeds were created to hunt companionship, both need significant playtime to let their energy flow. Typically the Lab will need a minimum of 60 minutes of outdoor activity each day, while Beagles will be fine with a minimum of 45 minutes.

Labradors that don’t have enough activity in their lives will suffer from mental and physical problems . As a way to release excess energy, they will most likely exhibit destructive and ill-mannered behaviors. These behaviors can be countered by making sure that you have enough time to play with your dog. Labradors love to swim, retrieve, track, and hunt.

Beagles can wander, so it’s important to spend time outdoors with them. If your yard isn’t fenced, they are not the best breed to let off-leash. Labs should not be left outside in unfenced yards as they are less sensitive to scents and are more alert.

When walking your Beagle you should not let them loose. Beagles are able to sense scent , and may run after it if allowed to roam free. To keep your Beagles safe and entertained during playtime, it’s best to keep them company.

Training

Due their past, both breeds have been trained. Without it, they wouldn’t be able to help much during hunts. It is best to begin training your breeds as soon as possible, especially to increase sociability.

Labrador Retrievers

Labs can be loyal, energetic, and high-energy dogs. They need to be socialized in fun activities frequently. It’s important to socialize your Labs as soon as possible. Take them to puppy training . If you prefer to do this on your own, gradually introduce them to other dogs. Begin to teach them.

*Beagles require early training. They are used to hunting in packs so they will need to learn social skills. Beagles respond well to positive reinforcement and treats when training obedience. Stiffness can only be achieved by using harsh language and a rigid demeanour.

When it comes to walking, harness training is recommended for both breeds. Beagles need a smaller harness compared to a Lab’s harness, and both breeds like to pull. They are both quick to correct and eager to please, making them much easier to leash train than the other breeds.

Health

Labs are generally healthy, although there are potential health issues for this breed. Experts recommend that Lab owners have specific screenings by the vet, including an elbow evaluation, hip evaluation and an EIC DNA test.

Labs usually live until they are at least 10 years old, oftentimes as much as 12-13 years. Beagles usually live a little longer because of their smaller size, and it’s not uncommon to find them living upwards of 13-15 years if they are well taken care of.

EIC is a possibility in young labs. This condition results in collapse due to intense exercise. Labs can also develop bloat. This is a potentially fatal condition that causes dogs to become gassy and flips them.

Labradors also have a high chance of developing cataracts in their later years. Their vision can become cloudy and eventually blinding. Your Lab can live a happy, healthy life with regular vet checks-ups and early screenings.

Beagles, like Labradors require screenings by your vet for eye disorders, epilepsy and hip dysplasia.

Beagles are predisposed to a back condition known as intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), which leads to back pain and immobility. Beagles should be checked for ear infections at least once a week and their teeth should be brushed on a regular basis.

Nutrition

To keep these breeds healthy and happy, they need the right nutrition. Proper dog food is essential for cell growth and maintenance. It also gives dogs the energy they need to be healthy. All breeds of dogs require certain amounts of fats, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.

Both breeds can benefit from high-quality dog food. Make sure you have the right amount of fats, proteins and carbohydrates before making or purchasing dog food.

Labradors consume 2–4 cups of high-quality dog foods ,, depending on how active they are. Dependent on their activity level, Beagles may consume 1.5-3 cups of dog food each day. Some Beagle food formulas are low-calorie since this breed is known to gain some weight as they age.

Both breeds are high-energy, active breeds. They require food rich in fat and protein to fuel their cells. Both breeds need these nutrients because they require energy to exercise, maintain cell growth, and develop. Labs are more likely to be obese if they eat too much fat.

Most Labrador dog foods should contain DHA and Taurine, which help eye development since the breed is at high risk for developing cataracts. Chondroitin, glucosamine and Chondroitin would be beneficial to Beagles as they are more susceptible to hip dysplasia.

Grooming

Both breeds have coarse hair. Their fur in winter is thicker to protect them against harsh environments, but it sheds quickly and often in spring. Beagles shed sometimes all year. To keep the Beagle’s shedding in check, it would be best to brush it at least twice weekly with a medium bristle brush or a grooming mitt to catch any loose hair. Labradors

would benefit from a weekly brushing but not as often as Beagles. Because Labs also shed copiously during the spring and the year, they would also benefit from the same grooming tools as necessary for Beagles.

Labradors are easy to maintain due to their coarse, water-repellent fur. You don’t need to brush their fur as often but it’s still important to do so. Beagles also don’t require frequent baths, except if they get in trouble or roll into anything.

Puppy Prices

Both breeds are relatively similar in price if purchased from a reputable breeder, or adopted from shelter. The price of a puppy can range anywhere between $1,000 and $3,000 if adopting from a breeder with AKC papers. Avoid “backyard breeders”, who are more concerned about profits than the health and longevity the breeds, and we recommend that you do not adopt from them.

Labradors with a special coat color may be more costly. Labradors with silver or red coats can be more expensive. These coat colors aren’t without controversy in breeding communities, but they are still more expensive than other black, yellow, and chocolate Labs.

If you are buying a puppy from a championship line from either dog breed, expect to pay closer to $3,000 or more. The price of a rescue dog will be significantly lower. If you are interested in a companion dog, it is worth speaking with local rescue groups. Typically rescue centers for both the Lab and Beagle charge around $300 to $500 for adoptions. Many are not-profit.

Final Thoughts

Both dog breeds are famous friendly companions. They are both good with children and can be trained. Their popularity means that their puppy prices are slightly lower than those of other obscure and rare dog breeds.

Both breeds are energetic and will need to be occupied with their exercise and entertainment. Beagles and Labs are great family companions if you have a smaller dog.

Both breeds make great hunting companions and are good for families. Both breeds can be adapted to almost any living situation. It is up to you to decide which breed better suits your lifestyle ..