Beagle vs Dachshund
The two published breed profiles side by side: size, energy, grooming, lifespan, temperament ratings and health.
| Beagle | Dachshund | |
|---|---|---|
| Size class | Small | Small |
| Adult weight | 9.1 to 13.6 kg | 5 to 14.5 kg |
| In pounds | 20 to 30 lb | 11 to 32 lb |
| Adult height | 33 to 38 cm | 13 to 23 cm |
| Energy | High | Moderate |
| Grooming | Moderate | Moderate |
| Coat | Short smooth | Short to medium smooth |
| Shedding | Moderate | Low |
| Lifespan | 10 to 15 years | 12 to 16 years |
| Good with children | Reliably good | Fine with supervision |
| Good with other dogs | Reliably good | Usually good |
| Country of origin | Great Britain | Germany |
The main differences
- The Beagle is the bigger dog: 9.1 to 13.6 kg against 5 to 14.5 kg for the Dachshund.
- The Beagle needs more exercise: high energy against moderate for the Dachshund.
- Grooming is moderate for both.
- The Dachshund usually lives longer: 12 to 16 years against 10 to 15 years.
- With children, the Beagle is rated reliably good and the Dachshund fine with supervision.
Temperament
Beagle: Amiable and alert, showing no aggression or timidity, a merry hound with great activity, stamina and determination.
Dachshund: Faithful, versatile and good tempered, intelligent, lively and courageous to the point of rashness.
Health worth asking about
Conditions each breed is reported to be predisposed to. Predisposed does not mean inevitable: it means ask the breeder for the parents' test results.
Beagle
- Lafora's disease, detectable by DNA test on both parents
- Neonatal cerebellar cortical degeneration (NCCD), detectable by DNA test on both parents
- Musladin-Lueke syndrome (MLS), detectable by DNA test on both parents
- Obesity, as the breed readily overeats
Dachshund
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), diagnosed on neurological examination and MRI, and made worse by stairs, jumping and extra weight
- Hereditary eye disease screened under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme
- Obesity, which adds strain to the long back
Common questions
Which is bigger, the Beagle or the Dachshund?
The Beagle. Adults weigh 9.1 to 13.6 kg, against 5 to 14.5 kg for the Dachshund, going by the published breed profiles.
Which lives longer, the Beagle or the Dachshund?
The published life expectancy is 10 to 15 years for the Beagle and 12 to 16 years for the Dachshund. These are typical ranges across the breed, not a promise about one dog.
Is the Beagle or the Dachshund better with children?
The Beagle scores higher for children (5 against 3 out of 5). Any dog needs supervising around young children, whatever their breed rating.
Related comparisons
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Not veterinary advice. Breed information is general. Your own dog, and your own vet, always win.
Sources
Every figure on this page comes from the two breed guides, which cite:
- akc.org for adult weight and height, life expectancy, energy, grooming, shedding and the temperament ratings, coat type and health notes
- fci.be for country of origin
- akc.org for adult weight and height, life expectancy, energy, grooming, shedding and the temperament ratings, coat type and health notes
- fci.be for country of origin