The German Shepherd Beagle mix was first developed by crossbreeding two very popular purebred dogs – the German Shepherd and the Beagle.
Commonly known as the Beagle Shepherd, this dog has inherited many traits from both of its parent breeds, but it has still managed to create a personality all of its own.
In this Pupvine piece, we’ll try to outline the background of the crossbreed as well as some of its most important characteristics. We will talk about its temperament, training, grooming needs, and any potential health concerns that you as the dog owner should know.
So if you want to learn more about these dogs or find out how to adopt a German Shepherd Beagle mix, keep reading.
What Is The German Shepherd Beagle Mix?
Let’s start with outlining exactly what this crossbreed dog is.
Basically, when a GSD and a Beagle love each other very much and decide to mate (or rather when they are encouraged to mate by professional breeders), the result is a dog known as the German Shepherd Beagle Mix.
The physical characteristics, temperament, and trainability of these dogs can combine qualities from both breeds, but there are some common traits for all.
They are typically medium-sized dogs with amiable, lively, and vivacious personalities. Their intelligence and trainability are also well renowned.
Related post: 23 German Shepherd Mixes That Will Melt Your Heart
Parent Breeds
Before delving into the details that make the Beagle Shepherd so unique, we first need to focus on its parent breeds.
By knowing the origins and the characteristics of its ancestors, we will have more context for the German Shepherd Beagle mix itself, and therefore we will be able to understand it better.
German Shepherd
The German Shepherd breed of dog is frequently utilized in therapy, search and rescue, and as a family companion.
Intelligence, dedication, and trainability are some of its best-known traits. In terms of physical appearance, German Shepherds are recognized by their large, pointed ears and thick, black-and-tan coats. There are other colors, too!
They have powerful, sculpted physiques and are large to medium-sized canines. Their intelligence and disposition are well known and make GSDs some of the most well-liked dog breeds worldwide.
Beagle
The Beagle is a small to medium-sized dog breed that was first developed in England.
The purpose behind breeding them was initially to hunt small animals like hares, which is why they have such a keen sense of smell. They have strong hunting instincts and a tendency to follow their nose, which can make training a challenge.
They need to be properly motivated, and you need to be able to hold their attention throughout.
Apart from their hunting prowess, Beagles are known for their distinct appearance, particularly their coat. Their short, silky hair can be found in many different hues, such as multicolored, white, red, lemon, and many others.
What Does A German Shepherd Beagle Mix Look Like?
Naturally, physical appearance depends on which parent the puppy takes after.
However, it is safe to assume that these dogs will probably have a bi-colored coat most of the time because both the German Shepherd and the Beagle usually do. Genetics plays a massive role.
When it comes to combinations of colors, the most common shades are black, tan, and white, although there are instances of red and blue.
In terms of size, the Beagle Shepherd can range from 20 to 70 pounds in weight and up to 24 inches in height. So, they are right in the middle – larger than Beagles, but smaller than GSDs.
Their snout will probably be medium-sized, and their ears are either floppy or pointed.
You can definitely expect your Beagle Shepherd puppy to have brown eyes since both of its parent breeds do.
What Kind Of Personality Does A German Shepherd Beagle Mix Have?
These daring puppies are very eager and they won’t be content in any setting that restricts their wild side. They require access to the great outdoors where they can run around to their hearts’ content.
Beagle German Shepherd hybrids are naturally friendly dogs who adore making new friends. Puppies could be a little reserved at first, but once they get to know the area, they’ll open up.
How To Take Care Of A German Shepherd Beagle Mix?
When it comes to taking care of a dog, regardless of its breed, the three main things to consider are grooming, physical activity, and nutrition.
If you manage to get those right, then your Beagle Shep will lead a healthy and happy life, and the vet bills will be minimal.
Grooming
The Beagle Shepherd needs frequent combing and brushing because of its dense short to medium coat. A pin brush will effectively untangle the fur, remove dirt, and remove any loose hair that may be present.
Monthly bathing is also an option you should consider. Their drop ears should be washed with an ear wash once a week, but be careful to avoid moisture buildup and black gunk. Make sure the ear is completely dry after each cleaning.
Since Beagle Shepherds are active dogs, their nails should be clipped weekly. If they are left too long, there is a substantial risk of nail breaking or cracking.
Physical Activity
The Beagle Shepherd is a family pet that needs constant care and training. It needs to have both chewable and interactive toys to keep it from getting bored.
Furthermore, the Beagle Shepherd should never be let off leash because of its natural affinity for scent. This hybrid will benefit from having a pet sitter take them for a noon walk while you are at work because they experience separation anxiety.
And finally, these dogs should not be left unattended in a backyard since they are likely to dig themselves out and become injured or lost.
Nutrition
Beagle Shepherd dogs require a balanced diet high in protein and fat and low in carbohydrates. Additionally, feeding your Beagle Shepherd entire meats like beef, poultry, and fish is advised.
Make sure to give your dog several little meals throughout the day instead of a few big ones, to reduce the risk of bloat. Watch how quickly they consume food as well, and if necessary, encourage them to slow down.
Are German Shepherd Beagle Mixes Easy To Train?
The Beagle Shepherd is a breed with a keen wit and is very intelligent. Despite having a Beagle disposition that may make them a touch sassy, they are also rather simple to train.
With any dog, positive reinforcement is the best approach. When they do something wrong, don’t try to punish them because that might only make them hate you.
As soon as they are puppies, obedience training should begin so that they can understand what is right and wrong. Dogs look to their alphas for leadership, and if they regard you as an authority figure, they will be less inclined to rebel.
Additionally, socialize them early on to help them develop a sense of trust towards others.
Is The German Shepherd Beagle Mix A Healthy Breed?
The Beagle Shepherd is less likely to have health issues, much like a lot of other designer dog breeds, because the combination of two purebreds cancels out the majority of health risks.
This does not imply that they are immune, so keep an eye on their weight and provide them with a balanced diet and enough exercise.
Read on to learn more about some of the most common medical issues these dogs can face.
Hip Dysplasia
This is a frequent hereditary condition that affects the hip joints in dogs, leading to malformation, arthritis, and discomfort.
Due to the risk of this condition in German Shepherds, it is important to have the puppy’s parents examined by a veterinarian to be sure that it doesn’t have a predisposition for it.
Elbow Dysplasia
It is a condition similar to hip dysplasia, with the only difference being that this time the elbow joint is the one being affected.
When adopting a German Shepherd Beagle mix puppy, make sure to select a reputable breeder, because they will typically have all the parents’ medical records on hand.
Epilepsy
This neurological disorder causes seizures in dogs, which could even force you to put your dog down.
Both German Shepherds and Beagles are known to occasionally develop this condition, therefore it’s important to be on the lookout for it.
Bloat
Bloat is a potentially fatal canine illness that develops when a dog’s stomach becomes bloated with gas, rotates, and becomes blocked.
Both German Shepherds and Beagles are susceptible to this ailment, so it’s critical to understand the symptoms and seek emergency veterinarian attention if you think your dog may be suffering from bloat.
Obesity
Similar to many other breeds, German Shepherd Beagle hybrids can struggle with obesity.
If these dogs do not get enough exercise or are fed a poor diet, they may become overweight or obese, which can lead to a number of health problems including joint problems, diabetes, and heart disease.
Eye Problems
Given that each dog’s genetic makeup is different, it can be challenging to predict the precise eye problems to which a Beagle German Shepherd mix may be predisposed.
Progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, entropion, and distichiasis are a few frequent eye conditions that affect German Shepherds but may also affect their mixed-breed counterparts.
Final Thoughts
The purpose of this article was to inform future dog owners about the breed and quickly outline some of its most significant characteristics.
If you are one of those people, we hope that the information listed here has satisfied your curiosity.
Keep in mind that the healthiest and highest quality German Shepherd Beagle mix puppies will come from reputable breeders if you wish to adopt one of these dogs.
If you don’t exactly know where to look for good breeders, we have some amazing lists for both GSD breeders and Beagle breeders, so be sure to check them out.