The Beagle is an amazing dog, needless to say. It currently ranks as the 8th most popular breed in the United States. This breed is popular partly due to their friendly and outgoing personalities. What's more, beagles are cute, funny, and smart. These happy-go-lucky, funny dogs were bred to hunt in packs. As such, beagles enjoy the company of their own kind and are generally easygoing. That said, they also get on well with other canines. If you’re looking for a compatible companion dog for your beagle, I’ve got you covered!
Just because beagles, in general, get along well with other dogs doesn’t mean yours will too. This is just a generalization and every dog is different. So before introducing a new dog, you’ll have to determine whether your beagle is likely to be open to a new arrival. If your beagle is energetic, well-socialized, and well-behaved, they’ll likely be receptive to a wide range of dog breeds as companions.
In selecting a second dog, compatibility in size, energy levels, and temperament play a crucial role. The beagle is generally considered a medium-sized dog breed, albeit there are two sizes recognized in the breed. According to the breed standard, adult beagles stand 13-15 inches tall and weigh 20-25 pounds. So, size definitely matters when it comes to beagle pairings.
Most beagles are very friendly and playful. But due to their medium size, they can easily be injured if paired with a larger breed – even if they’re just playing. That said, some large dog breeds like the Great Dane, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Golden Retriever are very gentle and known to get along well with smaller dogs. Therefore, it’s not always the size that matters, but the temperament.
The specific traits of your beagle should be your biggest guide as to which other dogs should be paired with them. While most breeds can make excellent companions, some breeds are more compatible with a beagle than others.
If you’re looking for a companion for your beagle, here are seven best choices.
1. Another Beagle
Needless to say, a second beagle is better suited for life with your first than other breeds. It should go without saying that beagles are a perfect match for each other, both physically and temperamentally. Remember that beagles are pack animals, so they enjoy the company of their own kind. Most beagle owners on Reddit who have two or more beagles say the dogs get along great. But before getting a second beagle, consider your first one's age.
Generally, beagles are healthy dogs, with an average life expectancy of 12 years. So, it's generally not recommended to have two dogs of the same age, especially if they're of the same breed. No one wants to lose their two dogs at the same time, and you're no exception. If your first beagle is four years old, for example, I'd recommend you introduce a one-year-old pup to them.
Also, you should consider your first beagle's gender. Generally, opposite-gender dogs virtually always do better together than same-gender pairs. So, I'd recommend you get a young male beagle if your first is a female.
2. Mini American Shepherd
Miniature American Shepherds (Mini Aussie) and beagles are two very different breeds. Nevertheless, they get along quite well with each other. The Mini Aussie resembles a small Australian Shepherd. Of course, the breed was developed in the U.S. from small-sized Australian Shepherds. Mini Aussies are considered small herding dogs, unlike beagles, who are considered medium-sized hunting dogs. Despite their physical differences, Mini Aussies and beagles get on well with each other. Mini Aussies and beagles are both friendly, playful, energetic, and remarkably sociable dogs that enjoy the company of other dogs.
The particularly great thing about Mini American Shepherds is that they are incredibly smart and aware of the needs of others. The AKC describes them as "self-motivated dogs." Intelligent and willing to please, Mini Aussies catch on quickly to new ideas. And what's more, accompanying you on a walk is a real treat for Miniature American Shepherds. Overall, Mini Aussies can keep up with the physical exercise needs of a beagle.
3. French Bulldog
Quirky, playful, and full of energy, French Bulldogs make great companions for Beagles. Frenchies are the epitome of a small dog with a big personality. The breed's small size, coupled with their fun-loving nature, makes them great playmates for kids. Like the beagle, the Frenchie is extremely affectionate and outgoing. What's more, Frenchies love nothing more than the company of others. They're quite the social dogs.
As previously mentioned, the Frenchie is full of energy and thus will be more than happy to chase your beagle around throughout the day. In fact, they need up to an hour of exercise every day, so having a pal to play with is essential.
Overall, French Bulldogs and beagles are a perfect match when it comes to personality.
4. Miniature Schnauzer
A Miniature Schnauzer could make a great companion for your beagle. This breed shares many personality traits the beagle. Like the beagle, the Miniature Schnauzer is known for their love of play and easygoing nature. The two breeds are also similar in size. Mini Schnauzers stand 12 to 14 inches tall and weigh from 11 to 20. They love to play with other dogs and insist on being included in family activities. Alert and lively, these sturdy little guys, who enjoy vigorous play, require regular daily exercise to maintain their mental and physical health.
5. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Beagles and Pembroke Welsh Corgis share many personality traits, including a love of play and easygoing nature. Both breeds are rated 4/5 by the AKC for their energy levels. For playfulness levels, both breeds again get 4/5. What's more, Pembrokes and Beagles are also rated 4/5 for their adaptability levels. For how good they are with other dogs, the Pembroke gets 4/5 while the beagle gets 5/5. Originally bred to herd sheep and cattle, the Pembroke Welsh Corgis is an active breed that loves to play as much as the beagle does. They are very trainable and make excellent companions, both to humans and other dogs.
6. Golden Retriever
As I mentioned earlier, size doesn't always matter when it comes to selecting a companion dog for a beagle. What always matters is temperament. Among experienced dog owners, it is widely accepted that Golden Retrievers get along with just about any breed. Goldens are popular for being smart, kind, friendly, reliable, trustworthy, and confident. Any dog with these traits is a good candidate for beagle companionship.
7. German Shorthaired Pointer
The Beagle and German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) are two very different dog breeds, with the former being smaller than the latter. Nevertheless, these two breeds can actually live together harmoniously. Beagles are known for their playful nature and tolerance of other dogs. Similarly, GSPs are playful, affectionate dogs known to get on well with other dogs. They are full of energy, highly trainable, and require plenty of exercise, as well as attention. If introduced at a young age, a German Shorthaired Pointer is more likely to become a Beagle's pal than a rival.
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