What looks like a Beagle but bigger

Dogs That Look Like a Beagle: 11 Pure and Mixed Breeds Look-Alikes

Most people typically identify Beagles for their large floppy ears and common tricolor coat. Even the tail color and white streak on their forehead can help you indicate that it is purebred. However, the physical features mentioned are also evident in other breeds that resulted from their natural traits and domestication.

So, if you want a Beagle but are having a hard time finding and adopting one or the ones available simply dont resonate with you, other canines share the same characteristics. You can easily point out their similarities from their physical attributes and even personalities.

1. American Foxhound

Though much more prominent in size, the American Foxhound has the most similar qualities to a Beagle. It can grow from 21 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder in contrast to a Beagles 13 to 15 inches. They are both friendly and energetic companions that require active lifestyles.

Additionally, the American Foxhound is a scenthound that is easily distracted once he detects an interesting smell. And, since it is an active dog, obedience training is essential. It is necessary to establish a relationship with this breed by rewards and praises since it does not respond well to punishments.

As the American Foxhound likes to run around, its medium-length coat, similar to the Beagle, should be brushed with a firm bristle brush once a week to keep its coat healthy. It also needs dental hygiene to avoid gum problems and bad breath. And, to keep its feet in good condition, its nails should be regularly trimmed.

1. English Foxhound

The English Foxhound and the Beagle belong to the hound group. And aside from their notable floppy ear resemblance, they are both hunting dogs with a strong sense of smell. And naturally, they are also both high-spirited and intelligent canines.

However, the English Foxhound is larger than the Beagle. He grows to be at least 25 to 27 inches tall and weighs 55 to 70 pounds, whereas the Beagle is a lot smaller and weighs only 18 to 30 pounds. The Beagle is gentle and funny despite having stubborn traits, while the English Foxhound is prominently independent.

The English Foxhound best responds with consistent and firm training to minimize its obstinate personality. Since they are hunters in nature, obedience training might take some time, but the English Foxhound, in particular, is an excellent companion as long as you build a relationship with him.

1. Basset Hound

The Basset Hound is the next breed with an uncanny likeness to the Beagle. Since they have descended from the St. Huberts Hound, they share the same black and brown combinations and, at times, tri-color coats.

One thing that you can easily notice is that they differ in measurements and structures. The Beagles have slimmer body proportions, while the Basset Hounds are much heavier with short legs, long, hanging ears, and droopy eyes.

The Basset Hound has a sharp sense of smell that helps track down its small prey, such as rabbits. Despite being part of a hunting group, it is more relaxed and gentle than the mischievous and energetic Beagle.

Its placid movements result from its heavy and muscular body, which weighs 50 to 60 pounds. With no more than 14 inches in height, the Basset Hound has the appearance of a short-legged pup which is a result of dwarfism.

1. American English Coonhound

The American English Coonhound is another breed that shares multiple traits with a Beagle. It is known for its athletic build, speed, and endurance in hunting foxes and raccoons.

Though they share an active lifestyle, the American English Coonhound can grow 23 to 26 inches at the shoulder, taller than the Beagle who only has a maximum of 15 inches. The American Coonhound uses this advantage with its pursuit of hunting.

He is also a deep-chested hound with a broad head and a domed skull. Its loud and ringing bark makes him a poor option as a house pet for some dog lovers.

Nevertheless, this breed is playful, loving, intelligent, and well-behaved when appropriately trained.

1. Dachshund

Another Beagle look-alike is the Dachshund. It comes in various names such as wiener dog, sausage dog, Doxie, and more. Also, it is way smaller than a Beagle. It only measures 8 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 16 to 32 pounds.

This short-legged hound has ranked near the top of the famous dogs since the 1950s. And as a hunting dog, the Dachshunds short legs serve an essential purpose for digging holes and tunnels and even fighting badgers. It is the perfect example that size does not matter.

The Dachshund is an ideal house pet and family companion. And since he is produced originally for the sole purpose of hunting, certain behaviors similar to the Beagle might be evident in particular instances. That is why the Dachshund should be engaged in early training, even as a puppy.

1. Drever

One more breed that has the likeness to the Beagle is the Drever. Its physical attributes are not far from the Beagle aside from its short legs. It can grow from 12 to 16 inches tall and weigh 35 to 40 pounds.

It is somewhat like a mix between a Basset Hound, a Beagle, and a Dachshund. The Drever also comes with a tri-color coat and markings in sable and white.

Just like the Beagle, the Drever is very affectionate to its owners. It is a good watchdog since it can quickly sense any sign of trouble. This loyal breed is a good apartment dog since it prefers to be a solo pet. However, with its energy, it is still suggested that it is in a larger home with a yard where it can run around.

1. Hamilton Hound

Next on the list is the Hamilton Hound. Though he and the Beagle may have the same tri-color coat and floppy ears, they significantly differ in size. The Hamilton Hound only measures 19 to 24 inches.

This Swedish canine is also a hunting dog that has a strong prey drive. And since he has a lot of energy, he must get at least half an hour of walking each day. Play sessions are also beneficial to burn out all the extra energy for the day.

This dog does best when he plays with older children or teenagers since young children might not be able to reciprocate its energetic trait. Aside from its interest in playing outdoors, it is also affectionate and would like to stay indoors and cuddle.

8. Cheagle

The first breed on the list is a mix of the Beagle and the Chihuahua. It is known as the Cheagle. It goes with many names such as Beagle Chi, Chi-Bea, Beagle Chihuahua mix, and Chibeagle.

Aside from the dominant physical traits inherited from its parents, the Cheagle is energetic, loyal, and fun-loving. Like the Beagle, some Cheagles would have a strong prey drive and active play sessions. It may also acquire the Chihuahuas personality when it comes to strangers as it loves to bark and has a low inclination to meet other people or dogs.

9. Bagle Hound

Another on the list is called the Bagle. It is a Beagle and a Basset Hound combination. The Bagle Hound is friendly, easy-going, and at times mischievous.

Though it depends on the dominant trait, the Bagle Hound looks like a Basset Hound with longer legs and shorter bodies. Also, it may acquire traits from both parents such as short coats, intelligence, and prey drive.

With the Beagles high energy and the Basset Hounds low energy clashing with each other in the Bagles genetics, the offspring tends to be a laid-back breed that can also be vocal at times.

10. Bocker

The Bocker is also a mix of a Beagle and a Cocker Spaniel. The Bocker goes by the names Beakers and Beagle Spaniel. It has inherited its parents traits of being affectionate, wanderlust, and friendly. The energy is high and he also has an evident strong sense of smell, just like his Beagle parent.

Its colors can be black, brown, white, tri-color, and bi-color. A Bocker may also have a short and coarse coat like the Beagle or curly coat acquired from its Cocker Spaniel parent. It can grow from 12 to 15 inches, suited for apartments and houses with small spaces. Undeniably, it is also one of the best companions for all ages in the family.

11. Raggle

One more breed mix is the Raggle, a crossbreed between a Beagle and a Rat Terrier. The Raggle is known for its energetic temperament and curious nature as a designer dog. Despite its small size, it has a strong prey drive and can be a persistent pooch.

As a combination of two medium-sized parents, the Raggle measures 7 to 12 inches in height and weighs 9 to 20 pounds. Because of this, it can be a good apartment buddy, but a house with a fenced yard where it can run around is ideal. It has a short and dense coat that may come in brown, white, black, and lemon color.

Since the Raggle is playful and active, there is a tendency that it will be aggressive with other dogs. To avoid this, the one handling a Raggle or the owner, himself, should be firm and consistent. It is also essential to develop socializing skills at a young age.

7 Dog Breeds Similar to Beagle

Last week my brother from another mother called and told me that he was planning to gift her daughter a beagle on her birthday, but he cannot find a good breeder in his area. He wanted a suggestion of some other breed with similar looks and personality of a beagle. So I decided to spend a couple of hours researching and calling out my friends who are passionate about dogs. In fact I even called my dog trainer to give some suggestions. So what are some dog breeds similar to Beagles?

Some dog breeds that are similar to Beagles and have a lot in common are:

English Foxhound

Just like beagles, English Foxhounds were used as hunting dogs. They were bred to hunt foxes in the countryside of England.

English Foxhounds are medium-sized dogs with high energy levels. They can be a fantastic companion for someone who likes to jog and run daily. They are friendly, do well with kids, and not at all aggressive. However, they are rare to find these days.

Similarities

• Both the dogs belong to the hound group.
• Both have a strong sense of smell.
• Just like beagles, English Foxhounds are an active and energetic breed.
• Foxhounds are also medium-sized dogs.
• They look a lot like beagles. Infect foxhounds also have long, floppy and droopy ears.
• They are intelligent.
• They are friendly, gentle, and have high social skills too.
• Both are low in maintenance as they have short fur.

Size

The most notable difference between the two is the size. English Foxhounds are bigger and heavier than beagles. While the average size of an adult beagle can be around 33 to 41 cm (12.9 to 16 inches) at the withers, Foxhounds can be as tall as 50 to 60 cm (20 to 25 inches) at the withers.

Personality

While beagles and foxhounds, both are stubborn, foxhounds are more independent in nature. They are not aggressive, but they can be more suspicious of strangers. English Foxhounds make better Watchdogs than beagles. However, neither of them is capable of being a good guard dog.

They may not be as affectionate as beagles, but they have a strong sense of pleasing their owner.

Exercise Requirements

Both the breeds are known for their high energy level. However, due to their size, Foxhounds have even higher energy levels and hence requires much more exercise daily than beagles.

Intelligence

Beagles are slightly more clever and intelligent than English Fox Hounds. However, training a Fohound can take time and more patience. But with proper positive reinforcements, these dogs can make fantastic pets.

In my opinion, beagles are better for first time owners, whereas a Foxhound will thrive with an experienced dog parent.

Harrier

The most similar breed to a beagle is Harrier. They have a similar personality and temperament as beagles. In fact, they even look like beagles. Harriers are humorously known as Beagles on Steroids and even Beagles after joining a Gym Membership.

Although Harriers are a little healthier and more energetic, they are affectionate, friendly, and gentle, just like beagles.

This breed is not that rare but not popular either, so it may take some effects to find it.

Fun Fact: Harriers are older than beagles.

Similarities

• Both are Hunting dogs.
• Both of them belong to the hound group.
• Both have a high sense of smell.
• Just like beagles, the Harrier has a short coat of fur and requires less grooming.
• Harriers are active, friendly, and playfully dogs too.
• Both of these are pack animals and hence have excellent social skills.
• Due to their friendly and affectionate nature, beagles, as well as harriers, do not make good guard dogs.
• They are not aggressive.
• Both breeds have a curious mind and are likely to escape when not on a leash.

Size

Harries looks like Beagles with Gym Membership. Harriers are larger than beagles. Their average height is 19 to 21 inches (48 to 50 cm).

While an average adult beagle weighs around 21 pounds (10 to 15 kg), the adult harrier weighs almost double, 50 pounds (22.5 kg).

Personality

Harriers have somewhat similar characteristics as beagles. They are active, playful, and independent. Both have a slightly stubborn personality, which makes them a little challenging to train. Harries has an independent and curious mind, which makes them great escape artists.

However, as compared to beagles, harriers are less sensitive. They are also less affectionate than compared to beagles.

As we all know, beagles are known for their vocally expressive personality. Harriers do not bark as much as beagles. They have a very selective bark, which is usually reserved for strangers. Due to this, Harriers make better watchdogs than beagles.

Exercise Requirements

With bigger size, comes higher energy levels. Harriers have more energetic than beagles, and comparatively require more exercise.

If you decide to get a Harrier, you will have to make sure that he gets a lot of exercises daily. You will have to take him for long walks at least once a day. If you are into jogging and running, then harriers can become great companions.

Intelligence

Both of the breeds are not the brightest in the class but intelligent enough. But due to their stubborn nature, training them can get challenging at times.

Labrador Retriever

Labrador retrievers were bred to be a family dog. They are intelligent, hard-working, and friendly dogs. They love to be around humans and can adapt to almost all lifestyles.

Even though labs do not belong to hound groups like beagles and others in this list, they make a great family dog. And thats why it was worth mentioning them as an alternative to the beagle.

Labradors are high in demands due to their friendly and playful personality. They are quite easy to find. I am sure your area will have many lab breeders.

Fun Fact: Labradors are most popular breed in the USA.

Similarities

• Both of them are friendly and playful
• Labradors are affection and love to cuddle their owners too.
• Both of them have a high sense of smell.
• Just like beagles, labradors are gentle and good with kids.

Size

Labradors are much larger than beagles. The average height of an adult lab is around 22 to 25 inches ( 55 to 63 cm). They weight about 55 to 77 pounds (25 to 35 kgs).

Personality

Just like a beagle, labradors are affectionate and make fantastic family pets. Labradors are social but not as much as beagles.

Even labs have a tendency to bark, but its less than beagles.

Unlike beagles, Labradors get pleasure in pleasing their owners. While beagles are more independent, labradors are more dependent on their owners. They are not stubborn and hence highly trainable.

Intelligence

Labradors and beagles, both of them are intelligent dog breeds. However, beagles are much more stubborn. On the other hand, Labradors love to please their owners, and this makes them quite easy to train.

Thats why Stanley Coren ranked Labradors 7th in his list of brightest dogs, while beagles were ranked somewhere in bottom ten. The list was made in consideration of the ease of training a breed.

Exercise Requirement

Labradors are slightly less energetic than beagles. But this doesnt mean that they dont require exercise. Just like beagles, labradors are prone to obesity, and they need regular daily exercise to flourish.

Basset Hound

Just like beagles, Basset Hounds were bred to hunt small animals like rabbits. They are much more relaxed and equally affectionate to their family.

They adapt well to most lifestyles and have an easy-going personality. Basset hounds can be fantastic pets for experienced as well as new dog owners.

This breed is quite popular and easily available in most areas.

Similarities

• Both belong to the hound group.
• Basset hounds too make affectionate and loving pets for modern families.
• Both have a short coat of fur, making them easy to groom and low maintenance.
• They adapt well to apartment living too.
• Both have a high sense of smell.

Size

Basset hounds have short legs and are slightly smaller than beagles. They are around 11 to 15 inches in height.

However, they are much heavier than beagles. An average basset hound weighs between 40 to 70 pounds.

Personality

Basset hounds are loyal, affectionate, friendly, and social dogs. They are gentle and good with kids. They are comparatively easy to train than beagles. However, they can be stubborn from time to time.

Beagles are naughty and mischievous. Basset hounds are the opposite of that. They are well-behaved and not that energetic.

Intelligence

Many experts measure a breeds intelligence with its obedience and capability of following commands. This is not at all a reliable way to measure intelligence. Many other factors should be considered, like instinctive intelligence, empathy, problem-solving skills, and many more.

Basset hounds are quite intelligent. They may not have great working intelligence, but they are instinctively smart.

Exercise Requirement

Basset hounds are more relaxed. They are less energetic when compared to beagles. However, this does not mean that you can get away without exercising them. Basset hounds require a moderate amount of exercise.

As I mentioned in the earlier section, basset hounds have high instinctive intelligence so physical exercise wont be enough for them. You will need to provide mental stimulation like teaching a trick and training them.

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Basenji

Basenji originated from the African country of Congo, was used for trapping small animals into the traps laid by hunters. This gentle and affectionate breed makes a great companion and a fantastic family pet.

Similarities

• Basenjis are friendly and social too.
• Just like beagles, they are gentle and make an amazing pet for families with kids.
• They are social towards humans.
• They are stubborn but affectionate.
• They are energetic and have high exercise requirements.
• Low grooming requirements.
• Low Maintenance.

Size

Basenjis are slightly larger than beagles, standing at 16 to 18 inches. However, they have a leaner body and weigh almost as beagles.

Personality

Basenjis are friendly and have high social skills. Even though they are amazingly friendly with humans, they may not open up to other dogs and animals as much as beagles.

Basenjis are affectionate, but they may not prefer snuggling and cuddling as much as beagles. Although they are very loyal to their owners, they enjoy being in their own space.

One more good thing about them is that they do not bark as much as beagles.

Intelligence

Basenjis are an intelligent breed. But due to their stubborn personality, they may not always follow your commands. But with proper training and patience, they can be obedient.

Exercise Requirements

Basenjis are energetic and have high exercise needs. They can even require more exercise than beagles.

Dachshund

Dachshunds are scent hounds, and they were bred for hunting too. Their gentle and affectionate personality allows them to be a great companion. They are playful and loyal to their owners.

Similarities

• Just like beagles, dachshunds are scent hounds and were used for hunting.
• They have low grooming requirements.
• They are low maintenance.
• Dachshunds have a tendency to be vocally expressive and bark a lot.
• Not aggressive.
• High potential to run away chasing a scent.

Size

Dachshunds are way smaller than beagles. While beagles are medium-sized dogs, dachshunds are considered to be toy-sized breed. They are just about 8 to 12 inches in height.

An average Dachshund weighs around 8 to 10 pounds (3.5 to 5 kg).

Personality

Dachshunds are playful dogs. They are surprisingly courageous, even after being small in size. They may not be as affectionate as beagles but are more obedient.

One characteristic that both breed share is stubbornness. Dachshunds have a stubborn personality, so you will need to be patient with their training.

Dachshunds are friendly dogs. They are gentle and even-tempered, which makes them excellent family dog.

They love to express themself vocally. They are less stranger friendly. This makes them better watchdogs than beagles.

Intelligence

Dachshunds might not be the brightest dogs, but they are still quite smart. They have high obedience intelligence; due to this, they are slightly easier to train.

Exercise Requirements

Dachsunds have a moderate energy level. However, they are prone to obesity. So regular daily walks are highly recommended to keep them healthy and in good shape.

Greyhound

Greyhounds are hunting dogs, bred for hunting foxes and deers. They are really fast and made themself popular as Racing Dogs. They are active and compete in many dog sports around the globe.

Similarities

• Both belong to the hound group
• They are affectionate too
• They are gentle and kids friendly.
• Greyhounds are social and friendly even to strangers
• Just like beagles, they have higher energy levels and require daily exercise.

Size

Greyhounds are a giant breed. On average they are 25 to 30 inches tall. They weigh around 65 to 75 pounds. They have an athletic build.

They are way larger than beagles. Due to their giant size, they may not be a good choice for apartment living.

Personality

They are very affectionate and gentle, making them good family dogs. Just like beagles, greyhounds are playful.

They are very sensitive to irregular sounds, and this makes them great watchdogs.

They are loyal to their owners and not at all aggressive.

Intelligence

They are very clever and easy to train.

Exercise Need

Greyhounds have a very high energy level. They need regular exercise.

Final Thoughts

If you ask me, I would prefer beagles over any other breed. I grew up with an adorable beagle (RIP Lola), and I am a parent of two beagles right now (Groot and Yoda). I am sorry if I am biased right now, but beagles are just a perfect breed, at least for my family and me. However, I get a dog with personality and character traits that suit you and your lifestyle. But if you decide to get beagle anyway, I would love to hear about it.