Last Updated on September 20, 2023
Are you looking for a companion canine that is smaller than the Dachshund? They are a great choice for families because of their affectionate nature, intelligence, small size, and easy training. Because of their popularity, these two breeds are often crossbred to create a designer dog.
How do these two breeds compare? Although they share some similarities in terms of their size, their personalities and food requirements are quite different. One breed might be better suited for you depending on your lifestyle and how much time you have.
In the article below you will learn everything about the Dachshund and the Beagle. We will compare their similarities and differences. We’ll help you decide which breed is best for you based on your needs and lifestyle. Let’s get started!
Breed History
Understanding the history of each breed is important before you welcome them into your home. The Beagle and Dachshund were bred for different reasons They have different energy levels and different instincts. Let’s find out a bit more about each breed so we can better understand the impact each one will have on our lives.
Dachshunds
Dachshunds have been around for more than 500 years. German breeders needed small dogs to hunt badgers. In German, Dachshund means “badger dog.”
They hunted everything from rabbits to wild boar, and even foxes in large numbers over the centuries. They still use this trait today, due to their unique shape and size. This makes the Dachshund an ideal companion for hunting vermin on the farm. These dogs are popular hunting companions but are now common to be family pets.
Dachshunds are a breed that was originally bred to hunt, but they have since become a popular family dog. The Dachshund is small, intelligent, and affectionate. They are very attached to their family members. They are very protective of their family members and will only accept “their” people. Dachshunds are also popular as show dogs.
Beagles
Beagles, or their ancestors, were bred as long as 2,500 years ago in ancient Greece. Although similar breeds are described in early medieval England records, these dogs are slow runners. They may have been the ancestors of the modern Beagle.
This was introduced in 19th century England. Fox hunting was a popular sport, so a companion dog was needed. The Beagle was born. Over the centuries, they have been a beloved family companion as well as a hunting sidekick.
If you think the Beagle is familiar, that’s because they are well-known throughout popular culture. They often appear in Hollywood cartoons and movies. Snoopy is the most well-known Beagle.
Appearance
Beagles are inconsistent in their appearance. Beagle breeders will often tell you that anything goes when it comes to Beagle colors and patterns. The most popular combination is black or dark brown on their head and back, with white legs, belly, and tail. This breed can have spotted patterns all over their coats. They have large ears and a muscular, stocky body. They may stand either 13 or 15 inches tall.
Dachshunds, on the other hand, have a distinct, classic appearance. The Dachshund, also known as “wiener dogs” and “sausage dogs”, is distinguished by its long physique and stumpy legs. The United States purebred dog standards classify them into three sizes: standard, miniature, and tweenie. Standard sized pups are 16-32 pounds, Tweenies are 11-16 pounds, and miniature Dachshunds are usually under 11 pounds. Dachshunds can have smooth, wire-haired, or long hair.
Temperament
Beagles love being part of a family .. Training them can be difficult because they are stubborn. They are cooperative and willing to learn once they have been trained. They love to get into trouble and make mischief, which they will continue throughout their lives.
*Early socialization helps them to learn to be gentle with their human relatives. They are sociable and enjoy companionship throughout their lives.
Dachshunds are social and lively loving .people. Although they can be stubborn at times, they are courageous despite being small. They were bred as hunting dogs and have a strong independence streak. Sometimes they can be a little too confident for their size.
Dachshunds can be affectionate and become attached to one member of their family. This can cause jealousy between humans and pets. Dachshunds surprisingly are known for being aggressive when they become attached. This is why you need to socialize Dachshunds early.
Exercise
As young dogs, Beagles are extremely energetic and need a lot of outside time. They enjoy running and hiking with their owners. Owners must supervise their pets at all times. They are prone to wander off due to their instinct for hunting.
As they age, Beagles may become less active. They might want to spend their day napping in the sunshine. It is important to keep them active and fit. This breed is susceptible to obesity which can lead to other health problems.
Dachshunds require regular gentle activities to keep them fit for many reasons. Daily walks are important as the breed is susceptible to obesity. It is important for another reason. Dachshunds must strengthen and maintain their back muscles to prevent injury to their spines or hips. If possible, owners should not allow their dogs to jump off furniture or run downstairs. Dachshunds are not happy to be outside by themselves. They prefer to exercise with their owners.
Training
*Beagles can be very stubborn, so training them can be difficult. It is important to help them learn their place within a family. Training beagles involves mental stimulation and games .. Positive reinforcement is the best way to get the best results. However, they may balk at the idea of punishment or being told off.
Dachshunds can be stubborn and independent by nature, so training them can be difficult. It is best to use their affectionate nature which loves praise, games, and rewards as a way to get it done. It is unlikely that they will succeed. if you punish them or use negative reinforcements. It will only hurt their feelings, and cause them to lose interest in training.
Dachshunds can be difficult to housebreak. Crate training can be an effective housebreaking method for them. Also, ensure that your child is comfortable with other animals and people from an early age. This will temper their jealousy.
Dachshunds are more difficult to train than Beagles when it comes to leash training due to their unique body. Both breeds should be trained in harnesses. Due to their elongated bodies, Dachshunds need harnesses that fit their bodies, while Beagles can use any harness for smaller dogs.
Health
Beagles as well as Dachshunds are genetically inclined towards certain health conditions. Some conditions can be managed with medication while others require surgery.
Beagle Health Issues
Because of their smaller gene pool and physical characteristics, Beagles tend to develop certain health problems. These issues may not be present in all Beagles, but they are more likely than other dogs to develop them.
The most common conditions that beagles will have to deal with are hypothyroidism, neurological problems, eye disease, and neurological diseases. Each condition has a different risk and some are genetic.
Dachshund Health Issues
Dachshunds tend to be healthy dogs with an extended. life expectancy. They can live as long as 16 years, provided they have a healthy lifestyle. Dachshunds can be susceptible to certain health issues, as with many other dog breeds.
Due to Dachshunds’ unique shape, these are the most common conditions.
Common Health Problems in Both Breeds
Beagles as well Dachshunds can also be susceptible to the same health issues. Because of their small size and limited gene pool, this is why they are susceptible to many health problems. These include obesity and ear infections.
Beagles and Dachshunds both have stereotypically floppy ears, which makes them more susceptible to ear infections. These infections occur when bacteria get trapped in the ear canal. These can be managed by owners cleaning their dog’s ears frequently.
Beagles and Dachshunds both have a high likelihood of becoming obese as they age, particularly Beagles. Obesity can cause serious health problems such as spinal malformations, diabetes, and heart disease.
Nutrition
Beagle owners should feed their dogs according to the instructions of their vet. The diet of each dog will vary depending on their health needs. A good diet should consist of high quality dog food given in moderate quantities.
*Beagles are more likely to become obese than others. Moderation is the key. Although they can be stubborn and will beg for food, it is important to not give them too often. Divide their feeding times into 2-3 smaller meals per day. Beagles will typically eat about 1.5 to 3 cups of dry kibble per day, depending on their activity levels.
Dachshund nutrition has one major problem: keeping them at a healthy weight. Obesity can also lead to serious health issues. Dachshunds can become obese and experience strain on their spinal cords, resulting in herniated disks. These can lead to extreme or paralysis. Similar to the Beagle, most Dachshunds eat around 1.5 to 3 cups of dog food per day depending on their size.
Owners should make sure their dogs are exercised every day and that they are fed only according to the vet’s recommendations. You should not feed your Dachshund any table scraps or treat it as a special treat.
Grooming
Beagles have short, water-resistant hair that can be easily groomed. Beagles shed fairly consistently, but their coats are not prone to carrying excess dirt or debris. Because their ears hang down, it is important to keep them clean to prevent infection.
Regular ear cleaning is also necessary for Dachshunds. Both breeds are able to benefit from having their nails trimmed and their teeth cleaned at least once per month.
Dachshunds could have one or more of the three types of fur, that indicate different grooming requirements. Dachshunds shed a very small amount and have a relatively clean fur.
Smooth-haired Dachshunds require very little grooming. To keep their fur in top condition, owners may give them a quick wipe or brush every now and again. Owners of long-haired Dachshunds will likely need to brush their fur more often.
Wirehaired Dachshunds need to be groomed regularly to keep their hair looking neat and comfortable. This includes not only brushing but also hand-stripping a few times each year. To keep their Dachshunds’ eyes and mouths clean, owners may want to trim their Dachshunds’ facial hair every few weeks.
Puppy Prices
Purebred puppies can be very expensive. The price of purebred puppies will vary depending on their breeder and their lineage, age, health, and physical characteristics. You may pay a bit more if you adopt a dog with unique colors or longer hair. If you purchase a puppy from a championship breeding line, you will also pay more.
In general, for a Beagle puppy, you should plan to spend between $1,000 and $3,000. Show dogs or dogs that have been bred specifically for hunting will typically cost more than those that are used for their show.
Buying a Dachshund puppy can range between $1,000 and up if you are adopting from a qualified breeder rather than a shelter. Long-haired Dachshunds tend to be rarer and therefore are more expensive. Merled and spotted coat puppies are also more expensive.
Final Thoughts
Beagles and Dachshunds are both great choices. if you’re thinking about getting a dog. They are loved for their affection and intelligence. There are many factors to consider before you make a decision.
Each breed has its own health requirements. Dachshunds can develop spine problems, while Beagles are highly active. Both breeds can develop similar health problems.
Beagles can be more energetic, mischievous, and capable of chewing household objects and getting into food. Dachshunds can be easier to train, but they will always be at their owner’s side. While neither breed is better than the other, one breed might be more suitable for your family.