Male Vs Female Beagle, Sniffing Out The Differences  

The male vs female Beagle debate rages among new dog owners and beagle enthusiasts alike. Why, you ask?

Well, some believe that choosing between a male and female Beagle can greatly shape your experience as a pet owner. But, is this true though?

One way to find out! 

Male Vs Female Beagle Overview

While each dog exhibits their own individual character, there are some similar traits within each gender.

When it comes to male and female differences in Beagles, they may be subtle, but they can make a big change when choosing your new pet.

Here is a quick overview: 

Characteristic	Male Beagle	Female Beagle
Size	Slightly larger, bulkier	Slightly smaller, finer-boned
Weight	About 22-30 pounds	About 20-25 pounds
Temperament	Friendly, outgoing, more playful	Slightly more independent
Training	Can be more stubborn	Often quicker to train
Social Behavior	Tends to be more dominant	Often more reserved with strangers
Health	Similar health issues	Similar health issues, but may have different hormonal health concerns (like those related to spaying)
Lifespan	12-15 years	12-15 years, sometimes longer
Energy Levels	High energy, needs lots of exercise	High energy, but can be slightly less intense than male dogs
Affection Levels	Very affectionate, may be more clingy	Affectionate, may desire more personal space

As we point out in every overview or chart, this is a rough outline of the male vs female Beagle differences.

These characteristics can vary widely from one dog to another due to individual personality, upbringing, and training. 

In fact, many dogs, including Labrador Retrievers, Dobermans, and Dachshunds, all exhibit some kind of differences between the two genders. 

If you’re new to the dog-owning scene, good luck spotting these differences!  

Appearance Differences

Let’s start with the simple differences – the typical Beagle look. 

Now, these good dogs are shaped not only by their breed specific traits but also by their roles in the field.  

To be able to successfully take on these roles, both male and female Beagles must grow into healthy, well-rounded dogs. This is how they look like once they are fully grown:

Size

Beagles have a distinct growth pattern that’s quite fun to follow. They are considered medium-sized dogs that fall within the hound group.

Long story short, here are the main differences in size: 

Gender	Height (at withers)	Weight
Male	14 to 16 inches	22 to 30 pounds
Female	13 to 15 inches	20 to 25 pounds

Now, with bigger size comes a bigger body image.

Typically, good males are slightly larger and heavier than their female counterparts, which can make them seem like better candidates for physical activities such as hunting in large, open spaces or dominating the playing field in competitive events. 

The male Beagle might just be the best rabbit dog you could wish for. They are robust and muscular, known for thriving in a big hunt or leading hunters to their game. 

On the flip side, the female Beagles are agile and often praised as better hunters due to their sleek, more refined silhouettes.

If you ever observe a pack of female Beagles, or just a single dog, you may notice that they are especially adept when going through small spaces.

Coat Colors

Let’s talk about their signature tricolor coat that leaves us in awe!

Beagle colors have nothing to do with gender.

Both male and female Beagles come in a variety of coat colors, including the classic tricolor, red and white, and even blue tick.

Now, if you are wondering what blue tick color is, it is a striking pattern that can make any Beagle stand out. It features a background that looks blue-grayish due to a mix of black and white hairs. It is often combined with ticking or small and isolated areas of black spots spread throughout the body.

When it comes to their coat type, both genders inherit a short, low-maintenance coat. 

Temperamental Differences  

Alright, now for the fun part. If you go back to when these dogs were just young pups, you realize that most exhibit their own personalities, even before they reach their 1-month birthday!

Perhaps you notice that male puppies dominate females in the battle of who gets first to their momma’s teat. Or maybe you see that the female pups are simply somewhere in their own little world. 

Online opinions might vary too, with different people sharing tales from their last trip, tales of young pups and first litters, or the challenges of managing intact males and dominate females. 

Well, all of this hints at temperamental differences in male vs female Beagles. These are especially noticeable when the pups grow up. 

What Is The Personality Of A Male Beagle?

Male Beagles are known for their charismatic and outgoing personalities.

Intact males bring a robust energy to any pack, whereas neutered Beagles may seem a bit more laid back. More often than not, you will find male Beagles romping around in their own little world.

In the case of male Beagle personality, different people will offer various online opinions.

Some argue that male Beagles, especially those from the right breed specific lines, can be more playful and sometimes more stubborn. 

The thing is, they might show more curiosity than their female counterparts. In fact, male Beagles may sometimes come off as stubborn, just because of their excellent sense of smell that leads them astray. 

This wandering off is quite noticeable when male Beagles are in full heat. Not that this is any different in other breeds like Akita Inus and Basenjis.

The only thing that can keep them focused in times like this is training and positive reinforcement. This might require finding the best method in training during their heat year. 

Full of life and always ready for an adventure, male Beagles are great companions for long periods of time and will be your steadfast good friends. 

What Is The Personality Of A Female Beagle?

Female differences in Beagle personality incoming!

Known to be better hunters in small spaces, these good dogs are agile and perceptive. Females manage to keep up even when the game slows down and they are quick learners. Aside from being curious (it is simply in Beagle nature), females may have a more caring approach towards their owners.

Intact females, especially those in full heat or those nurturing their first litter, can show a strong, independent streak but remain incredibly affectionate with family members.

One thing to note is that, like all dogs, new female Beagle mother dogs may eat their newborn puppies as a way of natural selection. 

Female Beagles may not seek to dominate like their male counterparts, but they do have a way of ruling their domain with grace and efficiency.

3 Biological Factors That Affect Male Vs Female Beagle Personality  

Hormonal Differences

Hormones have a huge influence on the behavior of dogs. 

Male Beagles are influenced by testosterone and they often exhibit more territorial and dominant behaviors compared to females.

This can lead them to be more assertive or even aggressive in social settings with other dogs.

Female Beagles, on the other hand, are influenced by estrogen and progesterone, especially noticeable during their heat cycles, which can affect their mood and behavior and make them more affectionate or irritable.

Neutering And Spaying

Whether a Beagle is neutered or spayed may impact their personality.

Neutering males typically reduces aggressive tendencies, lessens roaming behaviors, and can generally make them calmer (1).

Spaying females may help eliminate the behavioral changes associated with heat cycles, such as mood swings and the instinctual urge to find a mate. 

This can lead to a more consistent temperament.

Genetic Factors

Of course, genetic predispositions play a crucial role in the temperament of Beagles.

Certain traits can be more prevalent in males or females due to the specific lines from which they come.Genetic factors significantly contribute to behavioral traits in dogs, such as shyness, boldness, and aggression.  

Studies have found these traits to be heritable to a certain degree, indicating that genetics play a key role in their development (2). 

For example, some breed lines may produce male Beagles that are particularly good with families and children, while others might produce females that are exceptionally good hunters.

These traits are passed down through generations and can be subtly influenced by the gender of the dogs. 

Which Dog Gender Is Friendlier?

Ah, the great debate: which Beagle is friendlier, the boys or the girls? This is the question with other dog breeds as well, like Cocker Spaniels for example. 

Well, to tell you the truth, I don’t know which Beagle is friendlier. We can’t really generalize it, can we? Both genders make the best puppies!  

Male Beagles are often the life of the paw-ty. They are outgoing, gregarious, and sometimes they think everyone they meet is their best friend waiting to throw a ball. 

They tend to wear their hearts on their sleeves (or rather, on their furry chests), showing affection openly and often.

Female Beagles, while sometimes a tad more reserved, have their own style of friendliness. They might assess the situation (and the person) a bit before giving their tail wag of approval. But, once they do, they’re as loving and loyal as they come. 

Sometimes, their affection feels like a special reward!

Trainability 

When it comes to training Beagles, whether they’re male or female, you’re in for a fun ride full of treats, tricks, and the occasional stubborn streak.

As we already know, Beagles are pretty famous for their keen sense of smell and sometimes selective hearing. This can make training an interesting challenge. 

Male Beagle Trainability 

Male Beagles  are often curious, adventurous, and love to be the center of attention. Now, this can be a double-edged sword in training.

On one hand, their eagerness to be involved can make them enthusiastic learners, eager to please and respond well to positive reinforcement like treats and praises.

On the other hand, their adventurous spirit might lead them off the scent, so to speak, especially if they catch a whiff of something more interesting than the task at hand.

They can also display a bit of a stubborn streak. This isn’t to say that they are as stubborn as male and female Akitas. But it does mean that they require patience and consistency from their trainers. 

Female Beagle Trainability 

Female Beagles tend to be a bit more independent than their male counterparts.

This lady independence can translate into a sharp trainability that, when harnessed correctly, leads to a quick and efficient learning process.

They can be more focused during training sessions and might not get as easily distracted as males.

However, their independent nature also means they might not always seek to please as much as males do.

Female Beagles require a training approach that blends into their natural intelligence and keeps them engaged without being overly repetitive, as they might become bored if not adequately challenged. 

Training Tips For Both

Regardless of gender, Beagles respond best to positive reinforcement. I know what you’re thinking – Don’t all dogs do? Yes, they do!

So, think of treats, toys, and plenty of verbal praises.

They are highly food-motivated, which can be a great advantage in training sessions.

Short, engaging, and fun training sessions are ideal for keeping their attention. Consistency is key, as Beagles can be quite clever at bending the rules if given a chance.

Ultimately, both male and female Beagles can be trained effectively with the right approach that considers their personality traits.

They might have their differences, but both bring plenty of joy and a bit of mischief to the training table.

With that said, if you are not sure how to train them on your own, consider hiring a professional dog trainer. 

Health 

Let’s discuss the health of male vs female Beagles, as certain health problems can be influenced by gender due to biological and genetic factors.

Male Beagle Health

Male Beagles may face some health challenges specific to their gender.

One prominent concern is the risk of testicular cancer, which is completely preventable through neutering.

Also, males may exhibit more territorial behaviors, which can sometimes lead to accidents or injuries if they’re prone to escaping or getting into scraps with other dogs.

Prostate issues are another point of concern, particularly in older, intact males.

Regular vet check-ups and preventive care like vaccinations and parasite control are crucial in keeping these big boys in top shape.

Female Beagle Health

Female Beagles can develop mammary tumors, which can be greatly reduced in risk if they are spayed before their first heat.

Spaying can also prevent pyometra, a serious uterine infection that can be life-threatening to female dogs.

Additionally, momma Beagles may experience complications from pregnancies or whelping (giving birth).

Common Health Concerns For Both Genders

Both male and female Beagles are prone to obesity if their diet and exercise aren’t properly managed.

Beagles love to eat, and without sufficient activity, they can easily put on extra pounds, leading to joint issues, and diabetes. 

Heart disease is also quite common within the Beagle dog breed (3). 

They also share a vulnerability to certain genetic conditions such as hypothyroidism and certain types of cancers.

Remember, regular vet visits, a balanced diet, and plenty of exercises will help keep any Beagle healthier and happier! 

This includes routine vaccinations, parasite prevention, dental care, and health screenings as they age. A proactive approach to their health can lead to early detection and treatment of potential issues, ensuring a longer, more joyful life. 

Lifespan

Good news is that both male and female Beagles typically enjoy a relatively long and healthy life, provided they are well cared for.

The average lifespan of a Beagle is around 12 to 15 years, and there are only slight differences between genders in terms of longevity. 

You see, the primary factors affecting their longevity are more closely related to overall health, care, and genetics than to gender. 

While both Beagle genders typically enjoy robust health into their later years, females may occasionally edge out males in the longevity stakes by a slight margin. 

Due to the fact that male Beagles might exhibit more aggressive or dominant behaviors if not neutered, they can get into fights with other dogs that could result in accidents. 

Female Beagles are generally perceived as less prone to such behavioral issues, which could theoretically reduce their risk of injury-related health issues. 

Is It Better To Get A Boy Or Girl Beagle?

Choosing between a boy or girl Beagle is hard! They are both incredibly sweet and bound to bring loads of joy! 

Whether a male vs female Beagle is better for you really depends on your personal preferences, habits, and lifestyle. 

Do you enjoy a good challenge?

If yes, then a boy Beagle might be the way to go! They can turn training into an engaging game of wit and patience, perfect for those who enjoy a little challenge in their day-to-day life.

If not, maybe consider a girl Beagle then. They often bring a bit more focus to training sessions and might align better with a more laid-back training style.

Do you want a dog that matures a little faster?

If it is a yes, then a girl Beagle could be for you! Girl Beagles generally mature faster than boys, both physically and mentally. This can make early training and socialization a bit smoother.

A male Beagle will keep his puppy-like qualities longer, which might be ideal if you’re looking for a playful and youthful energy in your pet for a longer time.

Well… At the end, whether you choose a male or female Beagle, you’re definitely in for a world of adventure and affection!

References

1. Heidenberger, E., & Unshelm, J. (1990). [Changes in the behavior of dogs after castration].. Tierarztliche Praxis, 18 1, 69-75 . 

2. Saetre, P., Strandberg, E., Sundgren, P., Pettersson, U., Jazin, E., & Bergström, T. (2006). The genetic contribution to canine personality. Genes, 5. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1601-183X.2005.00155.x. 

3. Diez-Prieto I, García-Rodríguez B, Ríos-Granja A, Cano-Rábano M, Peña-Penabad M, García CP. Cardiac conotruncal malformations in a family of beagle dogs. J Small Anim Pract. 2009 Nov;50(11):597-603. doi: 10.1111/j.1748-5827.2009.00815.x. Epub 2009 Oct 8. PMID: 19814768.