The Foxhound and the Beagle’s similar look may get you confused, with their long droopy ears and similar coat colour and patterns. Whilst these two hunting dog breeds share some identical traits; they also possess unique qualities. Here’s a Foxhound vs Beagle breed comparison to help you better understand these two hound dogs.
Foxhound vs Beagle: What breed is better at hunting?
To understand more about the abilities of each scent hound as hunting dogs, let’s take a look at their history.
The Foxhound has two variations: the English Foxhound and the American Foxhound. Although they are different breeds, they share the same origins.
The English Foxhound was created in England in the 1600s. He was made by crossing a Staghound and a Greyhound. As his name implies, this dog’s main purpose was to hunt foxes.
His cousin, the American Foxhound, was developed by mating the English Foxhound with the French Foxhound. The creation of the breed was made possible through the efforts of George Washington. In fact, he is considered the father of the American Foxhounds.
The Beagle hailed from England as well. The exact date of this hunting dog’s existence is unclear. However, it is known that by the 1500s, several small hounds became highly favoured by the majority of Englishmen.
They used these petite hunting dogs for hunting hares and rabbits mainly. These small hounds were thought to be the ancestors of the modern Beagle dog breed.
The Foxhound was primarily used for hunting down big game. Hunters on horseback preferred him. On the other hand, the Beagle specialises in hunting small game. He was a suitable companion for on-foot hunting.
The Beagle slowly became a beloved family dog throughout the years, whilst the Foxhound still performs as a hunting dog. Although the Beagle can be trained to become hunting companions, the Foxhound is more likely to excel in this area.
Foxhound vs Beagle: Are they good family pets?
The Foxhound and the Beagle have a long history of working together with humans. Thus, both are loving and affectionate dogs towards their families.
However, the Beagle is more sociable than the Foxhound. He is very people-oriented and can easily befriend strangers. Many Beagle owners also claim that this dog breed enjoys receiving cuddles.
Compared to the Beagle, the Foxhound is more reserved. When around strangers, he may seem distant and aloof. He may not love cuddling as much as the Beagle, but he is very devoted to his loved ones and willing to please them.
The Beagle and the Foxhound thrive when they are with their families. Long periods without human interaction can lead them to develop separation anxiety. Thus, they need to have a companion throughout the day to keep them happy and entertained.
Foxhound vs Beagle: Which breed requires more exercise?
Since the Beagle and the Foxhound belong to the Hound Breed Group, they are very active dogs and require lots of exercise.
The Foxhound needs at least 2 hours of physical and mental stimulation. That’s because he has higher energy levels than the Beagle. He makes a good running and hiking partner.
The Beagle has medium energy levels. Thirty minutes to an hour of walking around the neighbourhood or at the dog park is enough to burn him out.
Be mindful that these 2 breeds are Scent Hounds. They are slaves to their noses. If they catch an enticing scent, they may bolt off and get lost. So never risk allowing them to explore the outdoor off-lead.
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Foxhound vs Beagle: Can they adapt to apartment living?
The Foxhound is larger than the Beagle. He measures 55–63 cm in height and weighs approximately 18–29 kilos. Meanwhile, the Beagle stands 33–41 cm tall and measures 18–29 kilos in weight.
The Foxhound is also more energetic than Beagle. He requires a spacious home with ample outdoor space to play and run around. Thus, this highly active dog is not the best choice for a canine companion in a small home or apartment.
Beagle is more adaptable when it comes to living environments. His compact body does not take too much space. So he can live well in an apartment. Although he thrives best in a home with a sizeable back garden, living in an apartment is okay, so long as he can do his daily exercise.
Foxhound vs Beagle: Which breed is easier to train?
As Scent Hounds, both breeds were developed for hundreds of years to follow their noses and then lead their owners to the prey. This made them quite independent thinkers.
Stubbornness is a trait that the Foxhound and Beagle have in common when it comes to training. They would rather do things their way. However, the Foxhound has a more independent streak than the Beagle, making him harder to train.
Patience and positive reinforcement are need when training both Foxhound and Beagle breeds. These dogs are eager to please their owners and are highly food-motivated. Use these to your advantage during training sessions. Motivate them by rewarding them with praises, fun games, and high-quality treats.
The Foxhound can be adept in a variety of dog sports if consistently trained. These include tracking, coursing, and rally. The Beagle is known to excel in agility, obedience, and field trials. He can also be trained as a search and rescue dog and sniffer dog or detection dog.
Foxhound vs Beagle: Do they get on well with other pets?
The Foxhound and the Beagle were raised to hunt in packs. Both breeds are usually non-aggressive towards other canines. They can quickly form a strong bond with other dogs. However, these dogs enjoy being in the company of fellow Scent Hounds more.
The Foxhound and the Beagle are fine with cats, too, although it is best if they grew up together. The same goes for smaller pets such as rabbits and hamsters. Since both breeds have a high prey drive, they may view other small animals, which are not part of their family, as prey.
The Foxhound and the Beagle fit well in multi-pet households, but monitoring their interactions is advised. Sometimes they may get too excited whilst playing, which puts both pets at risk of injuries and accidents.
Foxhound vs Beagle: Which one is healthier?
The Foxhound has an average lifespan of 10–13 years. The breed is generally healthy, and no health tests are recommended for the English and American Foxhounds.
That said, keeping up with regular vet visits is a must as the Foxhound is still prone to a few health problems. The breed often suffers from ear infections, hip dysplasia, and dental issues. They are predisposed to dog bloat and thrombocytopathy too.
The Beagle has a lifespan of 12–15 years, which is longer than the Foxhound. The breed is known to be hardy, but he is susceptible to a handful of health issues. These include luxating patella, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and ear infections.
Which is better, Beagle, or Foxhound?
Both Beagle and Foxhound breeds are great canine companions, provided that they suit your lifestyle. If you are looking for a family dog, the Beagle would be the best pick. If you are looking for a hunting companion, then the Foxhound is more suitable for you.
Make sure to spend enough time researching the breeds. Be knowledgeable of the responsibilities that come with welcoming any of these lively dogs in your home. Ascertain that you are fully committed to handling these obligations throughout your dog’s life. This way, you can live a happy and fulfilling life with your furry friend.
What are Foxhound Beagle mix puppies?
Foxhound Beagle mix lifespan: 12–15 years
Foxhound Beagle Mix puppies are offspring of the Foxhound and the Beagle. They are also known as Foxeagles. These hybrid pups closely resemble their parents. They have floppy ears and a distinctive mix of black, white, and brown coat colours.
Foxhound Beagle Mix puppies are fun-loving and friendly. They get along well with humans and other pets if properly socialised. Daily exercise is important to keep them happy and healthy.
Since they are barkers and highly active, Foxeagles best fit in suburban or country living. However, they are better off as family dogs than hunting dogs. Since the breed’s parents are both Scent Hounds, he is inclined to chase after scents too. Make sure to keep him on a lead whilst walking outdoors.
