Beagle vs American Foxhound
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Beagle
Hound Group
American Foxhound
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Beagle Overview
Beagles captivate with their compact, muscular frames and expressive brown or hazel eyes. Their distinctive tri-colored coats combine white, black, and warm brown tones, complemented by long, velvety ears. These merry hounds possess remarkable scenting abilities, coupled with a gentle, determined nature that makes them exceptional family companions.
American Foxhound Overview
American Foxhounds showcase a lean, muscular build with long, straight legs and a broad chest. Their distinctive features include a domed skull, long ears, and gentle brown eyes that convey their sweet-tempered nature. Standing tall with an athletic frame, these hounds possess remarkable endurance and agility, complemented by a short, dense coat that comes in classic hound colors.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Beagles are less energetic than American Foxhounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Beagles require more grooming attention compared to American Foxhounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Beagles tend to be more reserved with strangers than American Foxhounds.
- Trainability: American Foxhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their American Foxhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Beagles adapt better to apartment living, while American Foxhounds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Beagle and American Foxhound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Beagle | American Foxhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-15 years | 11-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Beagle | American Foxhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 13-15 inches 33-38 cm | 21-25 inches 53-64 cm |
| Weight | 13-30 lbs 6-14 kg | 60-70 lbs 27-32 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Beagle | American Foxhound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Curious, Merry | Independent, Easy-Going, Sweet-Tempered |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Beagle | American Foxhound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Beagle Temperament
The Beagle is known for being friendly, curious, merry, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
American Foxhound Temperament
The American Foxhound is characterized by being independent, easy-going, sweet-tempered, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Beagle and American Foxhound, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Beagle
Rating: 5/5
American Foxhound
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Beagle
Rating: 5/5
American Foxhound
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Beagle
Rating: 4/5
American Foxhound
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Beagle
Rating: 2/5
American Foxhound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Beagle
Rating: 4/5
American Foxhound
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Beagle Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Beagles require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Beagles require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
American Foxhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
American Foxhounds need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, American Foxhounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Beagle Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Epilepsy
- Hypothyroidism
- Disk Disease
American Foxhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Thrombocytopathy
- Ear Infections
- Eye Problems
- Epilepsy
Pros & Cons
Beagle
Pros
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Low grooming needs
- Friendly disposition
- Adaptable to various homes
Cons
- Strong hunting instincts
- Frequent barking
- Can be stubborn
- Escape artists
- Food motivated/prone to obesity
American Foxhound
Pros
- Excellent endurance
- Good with families
- Low grooming needs
- Friendly nature
Cons
- Strong prey drive
- Independent nature
- Needs lots of exercise
- Can be vocal
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Beagle and American Foxhound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.