Male vs. Female Beagle: 4 Key Differences

Beagles are a beloved dog breed thanks to their friendly nature and striking appearance. They’re adorable, compact hounds that are surprisingly affectionate. It’s no wonder that so many people select them as family dogs. However, it’s important to consider the differences between a male vs. female beagle before adopting one.

This comprehensive guide will delve into the physical characteristics, temperament, and health considerations to consider. While these differences aren’t huge, they’re sizeable enough to pay attention to.

Physical Differences

Beagles are a small to medium-sized dog breed that are known for their sturdy, compact build. There may be slight size differences between male and female Beagles. Like in most breeds, females may be slightly smaller than males. On average, male Beagles stand around 14 to 15 inches at the shoulder, while females are slightly smaller, ranging from 14 to 15 inches.

Weight variations also exist. Males may weigh between 22 to 25 pounds, while females may be a bit lighter.

Of course, it’s important to note that exceptions do exist. Many females are larger than males. The size differences are not super significant between these genders.

Temperament and Behavior

Temperament and behavior are where these two dogs are really different. However, these differences will be most obvious between intact dogs, as they still have hormones that affect their behavior.

Generally, male Beagles are often a bit more energetic. They may also have a higher activity level, and their puppy-like exuberance may last longer into adulthood. Female Beagles don’t lack energy, but they may not be as high-strung – and they may mature faster.

These dogs are still lively and spirited all the time. The difference between genders may be subtle.

Female Beagles tend to be more focused and eager to please. Therefore, they may be easier to train. Male Beagles may be stubborn, especially when they are undergoing adolescence. Therefore, they can be harder to train at times, as they may be more stubborn.

That said, these differences may be subtle or completely nonexistent. They may go away if the dog is spayed or neutered, especially if the problems are mostly related to puberty hormones.

Beagles are social dogs and tend to get along with just about everyone. However, females may get along better with male dogs, and male dogs may get along better with females. Generally, between all breeds, the opposite-gendered dogs tend to get along best.

Health Considerations

There are some gender-related health issues that you should be aware of. These mostly involve the reproductive organs, which are obviously different between different genders.

• Prostate Issues: Male beagles can get prostate problems, while females cannot. Regular vet check-ups can help catch and manage these issues early. However, only spaying your dog can prevent it completely.
• Reproductive Health: Female beagles go through heat cycles, and if not spayed, they can experience reproductive problems. Females can get uterine infections and unwanted pregnancies. Reproduction also takes a much bigger toll on their bodies in general.

Deciding whether or not to spay or neuter your beagle is an essential care decision. Getting this surgery done can help prevent the differences associated with each gender. For instance, in males, neutering can reduce aggression and roaming tendencies. In females, it prevents them from going into heat, which stops all the behaviors associated with that.

Grooming and Care

Beagles have a short, dense coat that’s pretty easy to care for. They do shed a lot, but they don’t require any professional grooming. Males and females both shed and have the same coat. There isn’t a significant difference in this regard.

Weekly brushing can help remove loose hair and distribute the dog’s natural oils, keeping their coat healthy. You should bathe any beagle occasionally, though over-bathing should be avoided.

While gender doesn’t play a huge role in grooming needs, hormones can affect shedding. Female beagles may go through periods of increased shedding depending on their hormone levels, which will differ throughout their season.

Beagles are very active, but males are often more active than females. Therefore, they may need more exercise than females. Either way, you will need to provide them with daily walks and plenty of playtime.

Summary of Male vs. Female Beagles

These dogs don’t differ widely from gender to gender. However, there are some small differences you may want to keep in mind when adopting one. Males tend to be more active, for instance. Therefore, they work better for more active families. (Still, both males and females require exercise, and females can be pretty energetic themselves.)

If you already have a dog, consider getting a beagle of the opposite gender. Often, dogs of opposing gender tend to get along more.

Each beagle is unique, regardless of gender. Therefore, while some of these differences are true, they may not be true for every dog.