10 Dog Breeds Similar to Beagles
Love everything about beagles but wondering if there is a breed that might suit your lifestyle even better? Or perhaps you are curious about the beagle’s closest relatives and look-alikes. This guide covers 10 dog breeds that share characteristics with the beagle — whether in appearance, temperament or hunting heritage.
1. Basset Hound
The basset hound is perhaps the beagle’s closest cousin. Both are scent hounds with an extraordinary nose, floppy ears and a love of following a trail. The basset hound is significantly heavier and lower to the ground, with a more laid-back personality. If you love the beagle’s nose and character but prefer a slightly calmer, less vocal dog, the basset hound is worth considering. We have a detailed beagle vs basset hound comparison if you want to go deeper.
2. Foxhound (American and English)
Foxhounds look remarkably similar to beagles but are larger — bred for longer, faster hunts in open country. They share the beagle’s tricolour coat, long ears and pack-hunting instincts. Foxhounds require more exercise than beagles and are generally better suited to rural life with space to run.
3. Harrier
The harrier is a mid-sized scent hound — larger than a beagle but smaller than a foxhound. They share the beagle’s friendly nature, pack mentality and distinctive hound appearance. Harriers are less commonly seen as family pets than beagles but share many of the same traits.
4. Dachshund
Dachshunds and beagles share a similar cheerful, curious temperament and a powerful nose. Both are hounds bred to follow scent. Dachshunds are much lower and longer, with a distinctively elongated body. They tend to be slightly more aloof than beagles and can be feistier. For a full comparison, see our beagle vs dachshund article.
5. Cocker Spaniel (English)
Like beagles, cocker spaniels are cheerful, medium-sized dogs with long ears and a love of sniffing. They are generally easier to train than beagles and have a softer, silkier coat. Cocker spaniels are slightly more people-focused than the independent beagle. Both breeds do well in family homes.
6. Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russells share the beagle’s compact size, energy and determined personality. Both breeds are lively, curious and can be stubborn. Jack Russells are terriers rather than hounds, so their energy is directed differently — more feisty and prey-driven. They are generally louder and more intense than beagles. For a full comparison, see beagle vs Jack Russell.
7. Plott Hound
The Plott hound is an American scent hound with similar energy and independence to the beagle. They are slightly larger and known for their brindle colouring. Like beagles, Plott hounds are vocal, driven by their nose and need consistent training and plenty of exercise.
8. Beagle Mix Breeds
Some of the most popular dogs that look and behave like beagles are actually beagle crosses. The puggle (beagle x pug), the bocker (beagle x cocker spaniel) and the beagador (beagle x labrador) all inherit beagle traits while blending in characteristics from the other parent. See our full guide to beagle mix breeds.
9. Bloodhound
Bloodhounds are the ultimate scent hound — their nose is legendary and the direct ancestor of many modern scent hound breeds including the beagle. Bloodhounds are much larger, slower-paced and more serious than the cheerful beagle. They are stubborn, require experienced handling and are not ideal for first-time owners. But if you love the beagle’s nose obsession, the bloodhound takes it to another level.
10. Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen (PBGV)
The PBGV is a smaller French scent hound that shares many traits with the beagle: pack mentality, a strong nose, independence and a joyful, lively personality. Their shaggy coat distinguishes them visually from the smooth-coated beagle. They are becoming more popular as family pets and make a delightful alternative for beagle enthusiasts looking for something slightly different.
Should You Choose a Beagle?
After reviewing the alternatives, many people find they are drawn back to the original. The beagle’s combination of compact size, friendly nature, expressive face and adaptability is hard to match. If you are based in Luxembourg and interested in a beagle puppy from a reputable breeder, visit our beagle puppies Luxembourg page or contact Woefkesranch directly.
What dogs look most like beagles?
Foxhounds, harriers and basset hounds are the most visually similar to beagles. All are scent hounds sharing the same general build, long ears and tricolour markings.
What breed is most similar to a beagle in personality?
The basset hound shares the most similar temperament — laid-back, nose-driven and sociable. Dachshunds also share many traits despite their different appearance.
Is a harrier bigger than a beagle?
Yes. Harriers are a mid-sized scent hound — larger than a beagle but smaller than a foxhound. They weigh roughly 20–30 kg compared to the beagle’s 8–14 kg.
What is the calmest beagle-like breed?
The basset hound is the calmest of the beagle-type scent hounds. They share the beagle’s nose and character but are notably more laid-back and less energetic.
Are beagle mixes as good as purebred beagles?
Beagle crosses like the puggle or beagador can make wonderful pets. The mix of traits from two breeds can be unpredictable, so it is important to research both parent breeds.
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