Beagle Male vs. Female: What’s the Difference? (With Pictures)

The Beagle is a small hound dog that is a skilled hunter and has become one of the most popular breeds to own as a family pet or companion dog. Both genders are considered excellent pets, and individual character means that there is no guarantee, but male Beagles are generally considered to be more laid back but also more likely to bark consistently.

Females, on the other hand, can be moody but also tend to be clingier and more demanding. Males grow a little larger than females, and both have similar exercise and feeding requirements.

Visual Differences Between Male and Female Beagles

At a Glance

Beagle Dog Breed 101

The Beagle has become one of the most popular dog breeds for families looking for a fun, loving, and involved pet. It will get along with all family members, enjoys any time playing, and is also a great companion for hikes and long walks.

As well as being at home on the couch, Beagles retain their hunting mastery, and their loyalty and affectionate nature means that, as well as being good on the hunt, they also make good companions for their hunter handlers.

History

First used in the 16^th Century, in England, Beagles were bred to hunt rabbits. They hunted and were kept in packs and were also used to flush out game birds for hunters to kill.

By the 19^th Century, the breed had traveled to the U.S., where it became equally prized as a hunting dog. It was formally recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885.

Beagles are also used to detect contraband by the Department of Agriculture because they have a honed and highly sensitive sense of smell.

Uses

Character

The Beagle is considered a bright and cheerful dog that loves company. As well as the company of other dogs, Beagles also like human company and will normally get along with cats in their own family. They are very friendly, so while they will be alert to the presence of strangers, they will be more likely to want attention from any intruder, rather than try to get rid of them.

Male Beagle Overview

Personality / Character

The male Beagle is independent but somewhat prone to barking. This means that he is better when left alone than his female counterpart but may cause a nuisance with the neighbors because he will bark at most noises and unexpected sounds, although he will do a good job of finding something to keep him entertained while you’re out. Males are usually more outgoing than females, but they are level-headed and not prone to sudden mood changes.

Training

The male Beagle is level-headed, intelligent, and generally enjoys pleasing his owner. This combination means that he can be trained well using positive reinforcement and consistent training methods. However, because the male is quite independent, he might lose interest and end up doing his own thing, so you will have to work to keep his attention.

Health & Care

There are certain health conditions that Beagles of both sexes are considered prone to, including a congenital heart defect, epilepsy, and hip dysplasia. And with males, there is a chance of them developing testicular cancer, so it’s a good idea to have yours neutered to eliminate this risk.

Female Beagle Overview

Personality / Character

The female Beagle shares a lot of the same characteristics as the male but is not as independent. This means that the female can be a bit too clingy for some owners and may struggle if left alone for long periods.

The female tends to be more playful than the male but is also prone to sudden mood changes. Although the female can and does bark, she is less likely to do so than the male so may be a better choice for those living in close proximity to their neighbors.

Training

The female is as intelligent as the male Beagle but not as independent. This means that she is more likely to maintain attention, which makes training easier. You will need to use positive reinforcement and may need to keep some treats on hand to help facilitate training, but most owners agree that females are easier to train than males.

Health & Care

When it comes to health, females are prone to the same congenital and hereditary conditions as the male. Having your female spayed will help ensure that she doesn’t get mammary or ovarian cancer.

Which Gender Is Right for You?

Choosing the right gender of Beagle can be difficult because males and females have their pluses and potential negatives. The male is more independent, which means that he can be left alone for longer, but it also means that he will be more inclined to do his own thing during training.

Females can suffer mood swings but are more playful and less likely to bark. If you live close to your neighbors, the quieter female can be a better option, but if you go out to work and will be leaving the dog at home for long periods, the male’s independence is beneficial and will help ensure that your dog doesn’t suffer separation anxiety.

Featured Image Credit: (L) Przemek Iciak, Shutterstock | (R) Hana Tipplova, Shutterstock