Beagle vs Cocker Spaniel

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beagle in tall grass

Breed Snapshot

Life Expectancy:
10 to 15 years
Size:

Small

Maintenance Level:

Medium

Shed Level:

Low

Best For

Beagles, small and friendly, thrive on activity and companionship. With an affectionate nature and keen sense of smell, they make excellent family pets. They're ideal for those seeking a playful and energetic canine friend who...

Beagles, small and friendly, thrive on activity and companionship. With an affectionate nature and keen sense of smell, they make excellent family pets. They're ideal for those seeking a playful and energetic canine friend who flourishes with love and outdoor adventures.

Beagle Temperament

The Beagle’s temperament is generally joyful, determined and adventurous. They’re spunky dogs who typically get along well with others, and their curious personality means they love to play and explore. Couch potatoes they are not! In fact, they need a lot of exercise and thrive when given...

The Beagle’s temperament is generally joyful, determined and adventurous. They’re spunky dogs who typically get along well with others, and their curious personality means they love to play and explore.

Couch potatoes they are not! In fact, they need a lot of exercise and thrive when given a job to do. They were originally bred to track and hunt game, and you’ll often see them with their nose to the ground. At times they can be too driven by scents. Don’t be surprised if they smell something interesting and take off!

Known for their intelligence, a bored Beagle may get themselves into trouble. Don’t worry—Beagles are happy to tell you when they need more stimulation with their attention-getting vocalizations. A cross between a bark and a howl, the unmistakable Beagle “baying” is sharper than a bark but not as drawn out as a howl. Beagles love to join in when they hear other dogs howling or when they want to express themselves with their “Beagle noises.”

Agility training, scent work or tracking classes might be good activities to explore with these smart, strong-willed dogs. (Psst, the National Beagle Club is a good resource for events and other activities for this breed.)

While a Beagle puppy can be mouthy and chew things they shouldn’t (just like any other puppy!), the Beagle breed isn’t expected to have aggressive tendencies as an adult. These social, family dogs get along well with children and are great for active families. And since they were originally bred for hunting in packs, they also do well with other dogs, although they may need more time to adjust to cat households.

Beagle Traits

Friendliness
Exercise Needs
Health Issues
Barking Tendencies
Grooming Needs
Shedding Level
Training Needs
Good With Kids
Good With Cats
Good As A Service Dog
Good For Apartments & Small Homes
Biting Tendencies
Energy Level
Good With Other Dogs
Playfulness
Sensitive to Cold Weather
Sensitive to Warm Weather
Good For First Time Pet Parents
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Breed Snapshot

Life Expectancy:
10 to 14 years
Size:

Small

Maintenance Level:

High

Shed Level:

High

Best For

Affectionate and adaptable dogs, Cocker Spaniels thrive in lively homes (whether large or small) and with pet parents who can offer companionship, regular exercise and extra time tending to their pup's fabulous silky coat. Consistent...

Affectionate and adaptable dogs, Cocker Spaniels thrive in lively homes (whether large or small) and with pet parents who can offer companionship, regular exercise and extra time tending to their pup's fabulous silky coat. Consistent care and attention contribute to a happy Cocker Spaniel.

Cocker Spaniel Temperament

Cocker Spaniels are generally happy dogs who get along with most two- and four-legged friends. This makes them a great companion for families with kids and babies or other pets. Some Cocker Spaniels make good therapy dogs, too, but it will depend on your pup’s individual temperament. Gentle a...

Cocker Spaniels are generally happy dogs who get along with most two- and four-legged friends. This makes them a great companion for families with kids and babies or other pets. Some Cocker Spaniels make good therapy dogs, too, but it will depend on your pup’s individual temperament.

Gentle and loving dogs, Cocker Spaniels enjoy the company of their humans. You can expect they’ll want to be where you are, usually not straying too far away. While Cocker Spaniels are usually pretty laid-back pups, they’re not couch potatoes. They’re born hunters, so they’re thrilled to participate in dog sports, agility trials and playtime with you.

Cocker Spaniels are adaptable and can make themselves at home in an apartment in the center of town or on an acreage in the country. (They do tend to bark, so they will make some noise!)

Cocker Spaniel Traits

Friendliness
Exercise Needs
Health Issues
Barking Tendencies
Grooming Needs
Shedding Level
Training Needs
Good With Kids
Good With Cats
Good As A Service Dog
Good For Apartments & Small Homes
Biting Tendencies
Energy Level
Good With Other Dogs
Playfulness
Sensitive to Cold Weather
Sensitive to Warm Weather
Good For First Time Pet Parents
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