Beagle vs Dachshund

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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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Dachshund Dog in Grass

Breed Snapshot

Life Expectancy:
12 to 16 years
Size:

Small

Maintenance Level:

Medium

Shed Level:

Low

Best For

Lively, intelligent and brave, Dachshunds thrive with pet parents who can provide them with love, attention and daily, relaxing walks. They'll thrive if they get mental challenges through puzzle games or scent-tracking sports and make...

Lively, intelligent and brave, Dachshunds thrive with pet parents who can provide them with love, attention and daily, relaxing walks. They'll thrive if they get mental challenges through puzzle games or scent-tracking sports and make wonderful companions for those willing to dedicate time to their care and training.

Dachshund Temperament

Dachshunds may look playful and cute, but their little hearts carry the bravery of a strong soldier. They’re loyal to a fault to their human family, but they don’t always get along so well with other dogs or cats. Because of their fragile backs and protective...

Dachshunds may look playful and cute, but their little hearts carry the bravery of a strong soldier. They’re loyal to a fault to their human family, but they don’t always get along so well with other dogs or cats.

Because of their fragile backs and protective personalities, they do better in homes without young kids and babies. A child who plays too roughly could seriously injure your Doxie, so early socialization, training and supervision with small kids and babies are important.

These small-sized but confident pups love to bark, so while they can be just fine in a small or large home, they might not be the best choice for apartment living. And if you have a yard, be warned: Dachshunds were bred to keep badgers off property, so they’ll chase any small animals in your yard and may dig a few holes to search for critters underground.

Dachshunds are smart problem solvers who might figure out a way to get at your uneaten food if you leave it out too long. While they aren’t couch potatoes, they also aren’t hyperactive; they’ll enjoy a moderate walk with you every day.

In the right home, these sausage dogs are a joy. Be ready for quite a few laughs when you have a playful Dachshund. They might even steal the socks right off your feet from time to time.

Dachshund 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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