Beagles love making friends. Since they were initially bred as pack dogs, they crave company-either from their owners or other dogs. They are social creatures with a friendly and playful disposition.
Beagles are also curious and affectionate. In the beginning, they might be hesitant to mingle with the new member. However, they will soon become friends with other dogs if your dog has been socialized.
So, if you are looking to add another furry friend, you need to know what type of dogs will match Beagles and the best companions for them.
In this article, we offer you just that.
What kind of Dogs are a great match for Beagles?
You need to look at dogs that match the qualities of Beagles: energetic, athletic, and those that won’t mind sharing space. Beagles are friendly and generally accepting of new dogs. Dogs that are active and amiable will make the perfect buddy for Beagles.
Beagles love to cuddle. Therefore, the other dog needs to be equally cuddly or comfortable with cuddles to some degree.
It is best to consider your dog’s possessiveness because Beagles are very loyal to their owners. Take their stubbornness into account as well. You need to see whether the dog possesses the same so that you will know if they get along.
Their personalities and energy levels must match. Otherwise, your dog might feel threatened or cause the other dog to feel the same.
Best Companion Dog Breeds for your Beagle
Beagles don’t mind sharing their space since they invite company. They are also friendly towards other dogs. So, you have a lot of options to choose their companion, which we’ve listed below.
1) Another Beagle
We already know that Beagles love company. And, having another one will be a bonus because you have already trained one and know what to do. Beagles are energetic, playful, and athletic.
They need daily exercise and a healthy amount of playtime and cuddle sessions with their owners.
Beagles are also social, so we already know your dog will get along with another one. They will share common ground because they are not only hunting-dogs but also scent hounds.
Lastly, Beagles are hilarious, which means extra fun, but they are also mischievous, so double trouble!
2) Labrador
Labradors are just as energetic and playful as Beagles. They are friendly and affectionate. Even if they are bigger in size than Beagles, they can get along well with them.
They are friendly with kids, are active, and have no problems socializing with people and other dogs.
Labradors are also adventurous, so you can find a couple of interesting and exciting games that will suit both your dogs.
3) Golden Retriever
Golden retrievers and Beagles are alike in their temperament. They are eager to please their human companions and have agreeable personalities.
These dogs are:
- Friendly
- Affectionate
- Playful
- Kind
- Understanding
Goldens are also easy to train, but they do require a high amount of exercise. They are capable of adapting well to various lifestyles.
They have less tendency to bite and get along with kids fabulously. Similar to Beagles, they are also a good choice for therapy dogs.
The common thing about them is they are linked to hunting. While Beagles love to hunt, Golden Retrievers love to fetch hunted things.
4) Boxer
Boxers love attention from their humans. They get along great with everyone- humans, dogs, families- but they tend to get jealous sometimes. So if you are bringing them home, you have to provide them equal attention.
They are an energetic breed that matches Beagles and need to be socialized before making any introductions.
5) Airedale
Airedales have high energy and need a lot of exercises, but they are not as excitable as Beagles. They are athletic and require more physical stimulation than Beagles, but their lack of enthusiasm might help balance the chaos.
Make sure you provide them with a long space to play and take them on long walks.
Overall, they will get along great with your dog, especially if yours is a little older.
6) Dachshund
Senior Beagles will suit well with dachshunds as they are not as energetic as Beagles. However, they have the name disposition. Both are friendly, loving, and affectionate. Moreover, both are scant hounds who will love sniffing and tracking games.
They are smaller in size compared to Beagles and can adjust to every lifestyle.
7) Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are a tolerant and patient breed. They are gentle yet playful.
Moreover, they are affectionate, easy to train, people-pleasers, and mild-tempered.
They are hungry for your attention and love. These dogs will make remarkable companions because of their similar nature.
8) Poodles
Poodles are social creatures. They love to play and are an intelligent breed. They have similar qualities to Beagles as they are clever, smart, and outgoing.
Poodles are just as affectionate and energetic as Beagles. However, they are not mischievous and stubborn like them.
They are almost the same size as Beagles and very easy to train.
9) GreyHound
Greyhounds and Beagles are a perfect match for each other! Both were bred to hunt.
Greyhounds are gentle and like the company of other dogs.
Highly known for their great discipline and obedience, they are also known for their speed. It’s why they are known as Ferrari of dogs, as they can run up to 40 miles per hour.
They also crave human touch and are prone to separation anxiety. So, they cannot be alone for a long time.
These dogs are even-tempered and can get along with families.
10) Great Danes
These dogs have the biggest hearts and giant bodies. They are not as energetic as Beagles, but they are as affectionate and playful as them. They require daily walks.
It is better to get them when they are at the puppy stage because they get aggressive with strangers. However, they are kind and loving to their family members.
Why Does Your Beagle Need a Companion?
If you are a busy owner, then your dog might be left alone for a long time. This may lead to separation anxiety in your dog. Bringing in another dog will help your Beagle feel better. It will prevent their loneliness and give them company.
Beagles love to play, so a playmate will keep them extremely happy when owners can’t play with their dogs.
If the family cannot provide companionship that they would typically get from the pack, Beagles might be bored and frustrated. They will start howling and barking, and even escape yards.
A new dog is an additional pack member to play with, cuddle with, keep each other distracted, and give company.
There are a few ways to know if your Beagle requires a playmate:
- If they are being lethargic, their sleep will increase, and energy levels will go down.
- If they engage in destructive behavior, they might feel stressed and anxious due to a lack of exercise or time with their owners.
- If they are howling, whining, or barking, it means they crave attention and are getting less of it.
The second dog can help your dog if they have no interest in playing due to some emotional issues. With their help, your dog might be able to release the pent up energy and have someone to spend time with. It would probably happen because you do not have time to be with them.
Since Beagles are prone to Separation Anxiety, having another dog around will cushion the blow of you leaving the house. They can be a calming presence. Your dog might become less emotionally dependent on you if they have another dog to play with.
Moreover, second dogs are easy to train, and you will be a little more experienced.
Conclusion
Beagles and their friendly nature allow them to get along with many dogs of different breeds. However, just because those dogs are on this list does not guarantee them becoming best buddies. Both the dogs need to be adequately socialized so they don’t end up disliking each other.
The new dog’s personality and energy level should match your Beagle’s. This will make it easier for you to train them together and bond with each other better.
So, take your pick from the list of dogs we mentioned above. They all show promise to become your Beagle’s companion.
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Dr. Aram Baker has been with Santa Clarita Animal Hospital since 1995 and his special interests include behaviour medicine and dermatology. He graduated from the Cleveland Humanities Magnet Program in Reseda, CA and attended California State University at Northridge where he received a Bachelor’s degree in biology. He went on to pursue his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at the University of California at Davis. He also spent time in the zoological medicine department at U.C. Davis during his Junior and Senior years. He is dedicated to caring for all pets big or small, young or old with compassion, patience, kindness, and love.