There’s much to be said in favor of Beagles: they’re happy, even-tempered, friendly, pretty easy to groom, generally okay around other dogs, playful, and great with kids. Also, they don’t take up a lot of room, and they are rarely aggressive.
You can see why Beagles are one of the world’s most popular dog breeds! They’ve been at #6 in the AKC breed popularity ranking for more than a decade and won’t change any time soon.
If you’re thinking of getting one, you could be looking for advice as to which is best, the female or the male Beagle.
Well, help is at hand with our in-depth guide, male vs. female Beagle!
There’s plenty to get through, so let’s jump right in.
Male Vs. Female Beagle: Temperament
The Beagle breed bucks the trend: in most other breeds, female dogs are typically more reserved than males, and it’s usually the males that are more energetic, confident, and outgoing.
In Beagles, the roles are reversed: males are laid back, while the females want all the fun they can get!
However, don’t write the male Beagle off just yet. They enjoy fun times, but they are a little less playful, and they like their independence. For this reason, a male Beagle is perhaps the better choice for families that aren’t home all the time. Males will be okay when left alone for a few hours, while females might act up.
Beagle owners will attest that separation anxiety is a big problem for female Beagles! You’ll need to ensure they aren’t left alone for too long unless you want your home trashed. Try to arrange for someone to call in to see your pooch if you’re away for a few hours.
Use a dog sitter or dog walking service to break up their day. Invest in puzzle toys to keep your dog entertained, and tire them out with a long walk or vigorous playtime before you leave.
Other than this, Beagles are a joy to be around. They are super-friendly and affectionate, happy to be around other dogs, and love kids. The only issue you might have relates to their past as a hunting dog.
As scent hounds, Beagles were used for hunting rabbits and hares. While they usually get on well with other animals, including cats, some Beagles have a high prey drive. They are single-minded rather than stubborn, but they might chase cats if the urge takes them, and once they set off, it’s hard to hold them back.
Are Male Or Female Beagles Easier To Train?
Training Beagles is a challenge because of their single-mindedness and independence. However, with a bit of patience and a few treats, you’ll get there. The trick is to start their training and socialization as early as possible.
In terms of male vs. female Beagle, the girls win here! Female Beagles have a longer attention span and are more eager for your attention. They are also likely to respond to reward-based training, especially if treats are involved.
Do Male Or Female Beagles Bark More?
Another point for the girls relates to barking. Male Beagles are very vocal, prone to barking at everything that moves. Even so, the female dogs have their moments.
It’s just that a male Beagle dog is likely to bark more than a female. If you’re happy with the noise, fine. But don’t expect your neighbors to be over the moon about it!
Finally, we need to balance things out with a fact in favor of the boys: mood swings.
No, they don’t get them, which is the whole point. Female Beagles can become moody at times, making them act oddly. This usually happens when they come into heat, and they’ll be unpredictable and weird.
Also, female Beagles will produce bloody discharge during this time that drips as she walks around. It has a disagreeable odor, aside from staining your carpets, rugs, and soft furnishings.
However, we’re talking about unspayed females here. Spaying a female will remove this problem almost entirely, and it will also cancel out the unpleasant issue of discharge.
On the whole, males can be relied on to be pretty stable. Still, neutering is a good idea if you wish to stop any fun and games when they detect a female in heat.
There are also some health benefits to spaying and neutering that we’ll explore further along.
Which Makes A Better Guard Dog?
Neither! Seriously, if you want a guard dog, you’d be better off with a German Shepherd or a Rottweiler.
Beagles make a lot of noise, but when it comes to keeping your home safe, they just love people too much to be of any use. There’s a good chance that they’ll reward an intruder with a kiss.
As we know, male Beagles are more vocal than females.
Sure, they’ll let you know when something crosses the lawn. The trouble is, it might be an intruder, a passing cat, bird, raccoon, or a leaf blowing in the wind! They’ll bark at everything, which could make them good watchdogs, but they probably won’t take it any further.
Even so, Beagles do have a protective streak, and they may come to your defense when necessary.
Male Vs. Female Beagle Size
Beagle sizes vary according to which kennel club you listen to.
For example, the American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standard recognizes two types of Beagle:
• Thirteen inches or under, weighing less than 20 pounds.
• Between 13 and 15 inches, weighing between 20 and 30 pounds.
The Canadian Kennel Club sees them as one type using the same measurements.
However, other kennel clubs, including the UK Kennel Club and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), also view them as one type but with an upper limit of 16 inches.
So, how does this all affect our male vs. female Beagle quest?
To be fair, there’s not much in it. Throughout the doggy world, males are generally bigger than females. Even so, there isn’t a lot of difference between male and female Beagles:
| Height | Weight | |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 14 to 16 inches | 22 to 24 pounds |
| Female | 13 to 16 inches | 20 to 22 pounds |
The AKC categorization of a smaller type of Beagle isn’t very helpful, as ‘under 13 inches and weighing less than 20 pounds’ doesn’t tell us much at all, and it doesn’t even distinguish between male and female.
On the whole, we can see that they are pretty similar in size.
If you want a lap dog, either sex will do when it comes to male vs. female Beagle!
Are Male Or Female Beagles More Affectionate
Both are affectionate in their own ways.
Female Beagles are usually more intense and demanding. They may be too clingy for some owners, constantly seeking your love and attention. They want to be entertained!
Even after a lively playtime or long walk, they may not be happy to settle down and leave you alone.
Male Beagles are more casual. It’s not that the male dogs love you any less; they just show it in different ways. Rather than demand that you give him love, he will show love by giving you kisses. And when you stop petting him, he’ll usually go away and amuse himself or fall asleep.
In the female vs. male Beagle stakes, it’s up to you which approach you prefer.
We mentioned spaying and neutering earlier, which can have a bearing on how affectionate your dog will be.
Spayed and neutered dogs tend to be more affectionate and less aggressive. That’s not to say that the Beagle is naturally aggressive! In fact, they are quite the opposite.
Is It Better To Have 1 Or 2 Beagles?
Photo from @tobeagle_ornottobeagle
A good question!
It’s generally better to have two dogs than one, as long as you have the money, room, energy, time, and love. Owning two dogs means that they’ll never be left alone when you can’t be home. Even so, don’t assume that all your problems are over, as your furry friends will still miss you.
Beagles are the epitome of pack animals. They love company and are happiest when surrounded by humans and other dogs.
Some Beagle owners have two male Beagles living in their homes without any problems. Others have dogs of several different sexes and breeds, including the Beagle, and they all get on very well.
So, one Beagle is okay, but they’ll be in their element if you can manage two (or more!).
Female Vs. Male Beagle: Exercise
With their hunting dog background, Beagles are high-energy hounds that require at least an hour and a half of exercise every day, whether male or female.
They won’t be content with being left in the yard to run around, but playtime in your backyard can form a valuable part of their daily routine. You will need to take them for a long walk a couple of times a day.
And unless you want to risk spending the rest of your time searching for them, you’ll keep your dog on the leash. As scent dogs, they’ll be off after the first exciting smell that takes their fancy unless you have a firm hold on them!
On the whole, adolescent dogs are far more energetic than older ones. Again, spaying and neutering can calm them down but don’t expect miracles.
Exercise is essential for your dog’s physical and mental health. Without adequate exercise, dogs can quickly become obese*. And without enough stimulation, they can develop behavioral problems, including destructive behavior and aggression.
You could consider activities such as flyball, field events, obedience contests, agility trials, etc., as your Beagle will excel at these and get extra exercise!
One important note: young puppies can’t handle strenuous exercise, which may harm them. Stick to a few short walks each day and a couple of gentle playtimes until your pup is about 18 months old.
Their skeletons aren’t fully developed before this time, and too much stress on the joints could cause severe damage that will affect their health later.
*Obesity is a killer. Dogs can put on weight easily, especially as they age. Many well-meaning dog owners give their pooches ‘treats,’ but these can be seriously unhealthy. Older dogs are especially at risk as they don’t get (or need) as much exercise, but they are often fed the same amount of food. Being overweight puts strain on the joints and the heart, leading to arthritis and heart disease. Speak to your vet about nutrition advice and a healthy feeding plan for your dog.
Male Vs. Female Beagle Puppies
All puppies are adorable, whatever their breed or sex.
However, it’s near impossible to tell any differences between the sexes until they are at least six weeks old, probably longer. It’s at this age that their personalities start to emerge, and you’ll get a sense of what they’ll be like as adults.
This raises an important point: all breeds have general characteristics, but each dog has its own unique personality.
As we already know, there isn’t much difference between adult male and female Beagles in terms of their size. They are even closer in size at six months, with males possibly weighing slightly more.
Once they reach their first year, the size difference will be more pronounced, though still only marginal.
By 18 months, your puppy will be fully developed and will stop growing. This is when you will notice the most difference between male and female dogs.
In most cases, you’ll be getting your puppy well before this age, probably between 8 to 10 weeks of age. This is just about the time when the little furball’s personality starts to shine through, and it’s a wonderful time to share with them.
It’s also a challenging time, as you’ll have to deal with teething, potty training, socialization, and obedience training.
On the whole, the female will be easier to housebreak and train. It’s better to begin these processes at an early age for both sexes, as dogs quickly become set in their ways, and correcting unwanted behavior is much more difficult in older dogs.
Choose The Right Breeder!
On the subject of puppies, you need to be very careful where you buy your Beagle from.
In recent times, the problem of Beagle epilepsy has worsened dramatically, probably due to overbreeding. Specific bloodlines are continuously bred, which magnifies genetic health conditions within the breed, including epilepsy.
Although ethical breeders have tried to stop this practice, it has caused real problems in the Beagle population.
Before buying your Beagle puppy, check out the breeder thoroughly. Ask them about any health testing programs they use on the parent dogs. Although it’s almost impossible to test for epilepsy*, it’s always good to know that the breeder is doing all they can to produce healthy pups.
*There are multiple causes of seizures, and the real reason isn’t always known. Also, dogs don’t usually show any symptoms (such as seizures) until they are over two years old, by which time they could have already been used in a breeding program.
Male Vs. Female Beagle: Health Problems
When you’re looking into getting a dog of any breed, it’s essential to check any health issues they might have.
Like any purebred dog, the Beagle is a pretty healthy breed, but not without its problems.
Here’s a list of health problems that the breed is known for:
• Hip dysplasia – a common condition caused by a malformed hip joint. Surgery is needed in severe cases. Thankfully, hip dysplasia doesn’t affect too many Beagles.
• Cherry eye – dogs have three eyelids, and cherry eye occurs when the third eyelid gland prolapses. If caught early enough, this condition can be treated with medication. Otherwise, surgery is used to reposition the gland. Without treatment, this condition could lead to ulcers, infections, and a ruptured eyeball.
• Glaucoma – a build-up of fluid in the eye that causes pressure in the eyeball. Over time, this pressure will destroy the optic disc and the retina, causing blindness. There is no cure for dogs with glaucoma.
However, if it’s caught early enough, it can be treated using eye drops. Even so, most dogs suffering from this condition will eventually go blind, even with treatment.
• Epilepsy – sometime between 18 months and five years of age, some Beagles will show signs of idiopathic epilepsy, meaning that there is no apparent cause. Seizures are distressing to witness and can be traumatic for your dog, depending on how severe they are. Thankfully, epilepsy can usually be managed using medication. However, this will probably be a lifelong process.
• Intervertebral disc disease – IVDD is basically a slipped or ruptured disc in the spine. Although it can be treated using anti-inflammatory medication and rest, it must be treated early to avoid rapid degeneration later. If allowed to advance too far, it will cause irreparable damage to the spine, resulting in paralysis. Surgery can be effective if the damage isn’t severe.
• Beagle Dwarfism – also called chondrodystrophy, this dwarfism gene causes the pup to have poorly developed cartilage, resulting in shorter legs. It also increases the risk of IVDD (see above).
• Heart Problems – congenital heart disease, which stops the blood from flowing freely around the body and can lead to heart failure. Treatments include medication, surgery, and a change in diet and exercise.
• Luxating patella – a floating kneecap that slips out of place as the dog is walking. It can be painful, and your dog will usually yelp loudly and pull up short. Surgery helps correct this problem.
Any of these can affect female or male dogs equally, and all of these conditions are a real risk. Before buying your Beagle, check with your breeder to see if they test for these health problems.
Aside from these, males are particularly prone to testicular cancer, and Neutering your dog removes this risk altogether.
For females, spaying reduces the risk of ovarian or uterine cancer.
The vet will check your dog thoroughly for any other health issues during surgery. Catching them early gives your dog the best chance of getting the treatment they need.
Read Next: 11 Reasons Why Beagles Are The Worst Dogs You Can Have
Female Vs. Male Beagles: Lifespan
The Beagle breed has a lifespan of between 12 and 15 years, which is higher than the average of 10 to 13 years for dog breeds in general.
Small dogs typically live longer than big dogs, which is reflected in the Beagle’s lifespan.
For our study, we need to know whether males or females live longer.
The truth is, there’s no evidence to suggest that one lives longer than the other.
While we’re on the subject of longevity, although the research doesn’t highlight any differences between the sexes, it did return some fascinating results. These are worth knowing, as they could help you extend your pooch’s life.
First, and perhaps unsurprisingly, cancer was listed as the leading cause of adult Beagle death, and this is the same for around 90% of all dog breeds.
However, the leading cause of death in Beagle puppies is infection. This includes parvovirus, leptospirosis, distemper, and other bacterial or fungal infections. All of these are avoidable through vaccination and avoiding infected wildlife as far as possible for the first year.
Trauma is also a significant factor in Beagle puppy deaths, mainly from being dropped or stepped on. They also fall downstairs or become fatally injured when not adequately restrained in cars. And many Beagles of all ages are sadly knocked down by cars after running into the road. These incidents can be avoided with a bit of extra thought and care.
Here are a couple of facts that might help you increase your dog’s lifespan:
• Beagles are scent hounds. Once they pick up a scent, they feel the urge to follow it. Even the best-trained Beagle will be tempted to set off after a scent when they’re out for a walk.
• Beagles have no road sense or awareness of the danger of traffic! Check with any Beagle owner, and most will back this up. Again, training often has little effect on this characteristic.
When you combine these, you get a lethal combination. If you live in a town or city with busy roads, you’ll need to keep a close eye (and a short leash!) on your dog. One whiff of an intriguing scent on the other side of the street, and they’ll dash away in search of the trail, straight into the path of passing traffic.
You’ll still have to be careful in more rural areas. Unless you have ample enclosed space with secure boundaries, it’s rarely a good idea to let your Beagle off the leash if there are roads nearby.
Don’t despair – you should be able to let them off the leash at some stage. You could train your dog to come to you when you blow a whistle. Starting with a long leash (away from roads!) is a good idea, then gradually shorten this, rewarding your pooch with a treat each time they comply.
As we already mentioned, training Beagles is a challenge, but females are generally more manageable as they are more attentive and not distracted as easily as males.
Besides this, make sure your pup gets enough exercise and always use good quality dog food. You could add extra years to your furry pal’s life if you follow these rules.
Male Vs. Female Beagle: Which Is Better?
Better for what, exactly? Better for who? Better in what way?
It all depends on who is asking, why they’re asking, and their personal circumstances!
We’ve looked at male vs. female Beagle to find the differences between the two; now it’s up to you to apply the results to your own situation to see which is the better pet for you.
We’ll round things up with a recap of the main points to assist you in your decision:
The Male Beagle
• He’s noisy and will bark at nothing and everything! Training and socialization might help, especially if you teach him to bark on command. Still, you probably won’t eliminate this behavior completely, so don’t get your hopes up too high.
• You’ll get plenty of love and affection, but he likes his independence and will leave you alone at times. Expect a lot of kisses!
• Training him can be a real pain! He’s constantly distracted by, well, everything. However, you’ll get there with a bit of patience and perseverance.
• He’s happy to entertain himself at times, though probably not as playful as the female.
• He doesn’t get moody and almost always has an even temper.
• He’s merry, curious, and always friendly. Though he might take a few minutes to warm up to a stranger, he’ll soon be making friends.
• He’s prone to various health conditions, but testicular cancer is a considerable risk. Neutering your dog will eliminate the threat.
The Female Beagle
• She isn’t as vocal as the male but will alert you when needed.
• She’s more affectionate than the male, although she expects you to do the work. Female Beagles have a reputation as velcro dogs, which can become frustrating when you need privacy.
• She isn’t happy to be left alone and is more prone to separation anxiety than the male.
• She is more playful than the male. While you might think this is fun, you’ll probably tire out well before she does!
• Unspayed females can have mood swings and display odd behavior, including aggression. Discharge can be an unpleasant problem to deal with.
• She doesn’t have the same independence as the male and can be demanding.
• She’s easier to train as she is more attentive. However, don’t be fooled! You’ll still have some work to do.
So, it’s now over to you! You need to examine all the pros and cons and see which fits your family and situation best. Although Beagles can thrive in an urban environment, they are ideally suited to the countryside or a neighborhood with plenty of parkland or woods.
One thing is clear from what we’ve learned: Beagles are brilliant! Some doggy people put them in the same class as Labrador Retrievers, though they have the advantage of being smaller (if you prefer small dogs!).
Beagles are so well-loved that breeders have mixed them with other dogs, like the Pitbull and the Pug, to produce breeds that take on some of their excellent qualities.
Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or a seasoned pet parent, the Beagle is ideal for you. Yes, you’ll need to take on dog training challenges, but you can get help with this if necessary.
Only you can decide whether the male or female is best. You’ve got all the information you need, so what’s stopping you?
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