Is the delightful Beagle Basset Hound mix a good family dog?

Last Updated on April 27, 2023

As you probably guessed, this crossbreed is a mix between a Beagle and Basset Hound. So what does that mean?

Known as a Bagle Hound, these dogs are incredibly cute, with a goofy, loyal personality tailor-made for families.

If you want to know if this smart, silly dog is right for your family, then keep reading. We’ll tell you everything you need to know.

Where does the Bagle Hound come from?

Besides having an adorable nickname, we were able to tell you some of the Beagle Basset Hound mix’s outstanding traits.

They seem to combine all the best qualities of their parent breeds. Let’s get to know them better to see what else the Bagle Hound will inherit in terms of looks and personality.

Meet the Beagle: A British classic

The Beagle is a medium-sized scent hound that likely developed in England. They were valued as a canine companion for hunters, even if they didn’t own a horse.

However, it’s thought that their lineage goes way back to Roman times.

Other hunting dogs, like foxhounds and Harriers, require a horse to hunt prey successfully, but Beagles could be used by anyone, even if they didn’t have an amount.

They have a world-famous nose for following prey and an iconic voice that you can pick out of a crowd.

Beagles were recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1885, and they became well-known in the US after that.

Today, they’re one of the most popular breeds, consistently rating in the top ten of nearly 200 breeds.

These are friendly, curious, funny, and totally loyal dogs. They’re typically easygoing and are happy to go along with whatever you need and are excellent in packs, whether as housemates or at colleagues in the field.

The charming Basset Hound

Basset Hounds look like a full-sized dog on top of a set of very short legs.

They come in similar colors as the Beagle, including black and white, brown and white, black tan and white, lemon and white, or brown, black and white.

Originating from France and Belgium, these dogs are bred to hunt rabbits and deer so that their human owners could follow them on foot, also much like the Beagle.

They’re considered one of the best smellers in all of dogdom, second only to the Bloodhound.

The Basset Hound has a calm and agreeable nature, but once they get the scent of something interesting, they become stubborn and intense, with a loud bark. 

Basset Hounds are also popular, though not as much as a Beagle. They generally rank somewhere around 40 out of 200 purebreds, according to the AKC.

Designer dogs like the Bagle Hound can’t be registered with the AKC, but many other breed clubs recognize them.

Those include the Dog Registry of America, Inc.(DRA), International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR), American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), Designer Breed Registry (DBR), and the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC).

What does a Beagle Basset Hound mix look like?

Generally, they have moderately long bodies with a muscular, compact structure. They have large, square-like heads and also a square muzzle.

Their brown eyes are like the Basset Hound, where it’s round and a little droopy, as well as large ears hanging down.

Most have feet like Basset Hounds, but it depends because this mixed breed may or may not have paws that turn outwards.

Unlike some crossbreeds, the Beagle Basset Hound mix hasn’t been bred long enough to create a standard.

Most are a cross between a Beagle and a Basset hound, rather than combining a Bagle Hound to a Bagle Hound.

It means that there’s no telling what they’ll look like until you see them in person.

They can inherit a range of characteristics from their parents, so they may be more like a Basset in personality while looking like a Beagle, or perhaps the other way around.

This video of Mango will give you an idea of what a Beagle Basset Hound mix may look like:

How big will a Beagle Basset Hound mix get?

Bagel Hounds have a height of 12 to 17 inches (30 to 45 cm) and weigh around 30 to 60 pounds (14 to 27 kg).

Like most small- to medium-sized dogs, the Beagle Basset Hound mix will fit in an apartment and can adapt to that living situation. Still, you have to consider its energy level.

We recommend this hybrid to a home with a larger-than-average fenced yard.

The coat and colors of the Bagle Hound

Beagle Basset Hound mixes have a coat that’s short or medium in length, but they’ll surely be smooth and soft to touch.

Like its parents, they’ll sport the traditional hunting colors ranging from lemon or yellow, orange, white, brown, black, and tricolor.

Expect spots, patches, as well as different markings across its body.

Basset Hound Beagle mixes have characteristics you’ll love

To answer the article’s main question, Bagle Hounds are one of the best family pets! They love to play with kids, and they’re incredibly loyal.

If you want an affectionate dog that’s happy just by being with you, then your search for that canine friend is finally over.

But because of their curious and mischievous nature, be sure to train them to play nice. That means slowly introducing them to kids and other pets, and rewarding them for being calm and polite.

Teach your little ones how to be respectful around dogs and be cautious when your pet is around small animals.

Just like kiddos, this mixed breed likes to get into trouble and can sometimes ignore or disobey their humans.

Another thing to watch for is that these dogs may inherit their parent’s hunting drive and take off after a scent.

Expect any attempt calling your fur buddy back to be ignored if she finds or smells something interesting. It’s best to spend some time doing recall training with your Basset Beagle Hound mix.

Beagles and Basset Hounds are quite different when it comes to energy levels. They make a fun combination, but it can also be a challenge.

This crossbreed is bound to have the same loud vocal traits that its parents are also known for. Basset Hounds often howl or bay that can travel long distances.

For Beagles, some speculate that their name comes from the French word “beguile,” which is loosely translated as “open throat.”

You’ll experience this when your Bagle Hound feels upset, like being lonely from being left alone for too long.

Overall, they’re laid back and fairly intelligent yet stubborn. So your pooch will have an independent streak – a typical quality with witty but naughty dogs.

To overcome these issues, the Beagle Basset Hound mix will require an experienced owner to train and socialize them as early as possible.

They may be harder to train than other breeds, but they love to please their owners. Use it together with consistency and patience, and motivate her with treats and praise.

Since this breed is a particular candidate for behavior training, you can also enroll them in obedience class.

No matter what route you choose, consistency is vital. Establish yourself as a leader, and everything will be much easier in the future.

Raising and living with a Beagle Basset Hound mix

One of the main concerns when choosing a dog breed is if that fido will thrive where you live. The Beagle & Basset Hound cross can adapt to most living conditions, but they do best in moderate and warm climates.

If you’re located in a place where it can get really hot or too cold, look for a different canine.

How active are Bagle Hounds?

Basset Hound-Beagle mixes have moderate to high energy levels, and 30 to 60 minutes of daily exercise is enough to keep them in shape.

Your pup can burn off some energy by letting her roam around your yard and sniff out the area, looking for rodents and other animals.

You may want to make a game of dragging a scent they like around a fenced-off area and then having them follow the scent to find their treat or human.

Try dragging your shirt across the lawn and then encouraging your dog to find you.

This video is an example of how you can do a scent game for your Beagle Basset Hound mix with her favorite doggy snack:

Other than fetch, this is a great way to stimulate this dog’s natural hunting and scenting instinct without spending a cent.

There’s also hiking and jogging, but keep in mind that Bagle Hounds have short legs. Be careful not to overexert your pet, and that activities are appropriate.

These doggos can’t swim easily, hike over tall rocks, or run long distances.

Should you worry about the Beagle Basset Hound mix’s shedding?

One of the best things about this mixed breed is that they’re low maintenance dogs. They may not be hypoallergenic, but they’re low to moderate shedders. So grooming should be pretty easy.

Because they love to spend time outdoors, brushing their fur once or thrice a week using a soft brush is a must to remove loose hair. Some use a de-shedding tool, but that will be up to you.

Do a weekly check for any ticks that your pooch could’ve picked up when she was outside.

Baths should only be given when your Bagle Hound gets particularly filthy, or once every six weeks, to avoid stripping its coat’s natural oils.

Use a mild shampoo that also helps fight off strong odors, which can be inherited from a Basset parent.

Deal with those skin folds by applying a special ointment or a wrinkle balm. It will help keep them clean and issue-free.

Another weekly grooming requirement is checking and cleaning your Beagle-Basset mix’s ears.

Use a quality cleanser to keep dirt from accumulating, then make sure they’re dry to prevent moisture from settling, which leads to infections.

Teeth brushing can also be done weekly if you won’t be able to do it for your dog twice or thrice a week.

You can tackle nail clipping yourself if you notice them clicking on the floor, or bring your fur buddy to the groomers.

Time to eat!

Beagle and Basset hound mixes LOVE food, and they can gain weight very quickly. That means their mixes shouldn’t be free-fed.

Instead, slow down their food intake carefully using a special feeder and stick to a feeding schedule.

Basset-Beagle crosses need 1.5 to 3 cups of dry kibble a day, split between two meals. Depending on their weight, age, and metabolism, they generally require around 900 to 1,500 calories daily.

Choose a high-quality dry dog food that’s high in protein but low in fat to avoid getting extra pounds.

Other than that, gather your strength not to give any table scrap and too many treats when your Bagle Hound looks at you and whines.

What to know about your Bagle Hound’s health

If you take care of them and watch their weight, these dogs can have a lifespan between 10 and 15 years.

Like most designer dogs, Beagle Basset Hound mixes are typically healthy, but some can suffer from health issues, depending on their lineage.

Watch out for these common health problems: 

• Epilepsy, which causes repeated seizures. While it can be treatable, it can be costly to manage with medication and regular testing.
• Cancer
• Von Willebrand’s disease
• Musladin-Lueke Syndrome (MLS)
• Blood disorders like Thrombopathia
• Bloat
• Back problems, which are common in low, long dogs
• Hip dysplasia

You should also watch for eye problems such as cataracts, corneal opacities, glaucoma, distichiasis, Cherry Eye, or progressive retinal atrophy. These dogs are also prone to entropion or ectropion eyelids.

Want to adopt or buy a beagle basset hound puppy?

You should know that finding a Basset Hound Beagle mix puppy breeder isn’t easy to come by because they’re a relatively new mixed breed. And if you do, expect the price to be around $500 to $2,000.

That doesn’t include the average annual non-medical expenses that can cost somewhere between $500 to $600, and annual medical expenses, which is around $475 to $600.

Although there aren’t many breeders producing this hybrid, you may come across accidental litters now and then, where the average size is 6 to 8 puppies.

Should you get a male or female Bagle Hound

Temperament can vary greatly from dog to dog, mostly due to their environment and upbringing.

A male Beagle-Basset mix has a few small differences from a female, but they’re primarily noticeable as they get older, including whether they’re spayed or neutered.

Basset Hounds are said to be one of the breeds where gender makes the least difference in personality. However, Beagle’s genetics may sway things a little.

Male Bagle Hounds are usually a bit bigger and weigh more than females. They’re also more playful and love being the center of attention. Females tend to be more content and independent in doing their own thing.

Beagle Basset Hound breeders & rescues

These dogs are for sale worldwide, from California and Texas to Pennsylvania and over the pond to the UK.

No matter where you find them, look for good breeders who will let you meet the purebred parents and see their bloodline records, health certifications, etc.

Any breeder who seems to be not forthcoming is a red flag, including those who sell multiple breeds. They mostly care about making money rather than caring for the welfare of the dogs.

Finding a good breeder is essential. You’ll likely end up paying more in the long term if you don’t.

Since there are no current puppy sellers of Bagle Hounds, adoption will be your next option. You can check out these rescue organizations that cater to Basset Hounds and Beagles, as well as their mixes:

1. Basset and Beagle Rescue of the Heartland (Boys Town, NE)
2. Tri-State Basset Hound Rescue (Deepwater, NJ)
3. Belly Rubs Basset Rescue (Brentwood, TN)
4. Beagles and Buddies Rescue (Apple Valley, CA)
5. Tampa Bay Beagle Rescue (Tampa, FL)

Verdict: It all goes down to the Pros & Cons of Beagle Basset Hound mixes

Bagle hounds make wonderful pets, but you need to be sure that you’re the right human for these loyal, goofy, clever doggos.

They’re suitable for families, seniors, and dog lovers looking for a moderately active and low-maintenance canine companion.

Of course, who wouldn’t want an intelligent pet? But that also means that they tend to be stubborn.

If you’re living in a small home or apartment, Basset & Beagle mixes are quite noisy and playful, so you might want to choose a different hybrid.

Can you deal with a Beagle Basset Hound mix? Share your thoughts with us by commenting below.

Further Reading: Beagle mixes

Beagle Lab mix (AKA Beagador)
Corgi Beagle mix (AKA Beagi)
Boxer Beagle mix (AKA Boggle)

Reference

• https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/von-willebrands-disease-in-dogs#:~:text=Von%20Willebrand's%20disease%20(vWD)%20is,to%20seal%20broken%20blood%20vessels.