The beagle is one of the most popular hound-type breeds kept as pets. Much admired in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other European countries, this dog is distinguished by its stocky build, long, drooping ears, and expression somewhere between sweet and melancholic. Did you know that there used to be a different breed known as the “pocket beagle”?
Keep reading on SweetDoggo to find out how many types of beagle exist today, how they differ, and what colors are observed in the breed.
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Types of beagles
The major kennel clubs only recognize one type of beagle. Specifically, the AKC distinguishes 2 similar varieties: beagles that measure less than 33 cm at the withers, and those that measure between 33 and 38 cm. However, both subtypes exhibit the same traits and characteristics that identify the breed.
What beagle types exist unofficially?
Pocket beagle
When talking about beagle dogs, it is common to hear the term pocket beagle or dwarf beagle. This refers to a type of ancient beagle bred in the time of Queen Elizabeth I. This was a very popular miniature beagle with royalty, only reaching a height of 22-23cm at the withers.
The pocket beagle had a pointed snout and shorter legs than the modern beagle. As its name indicates, it was small enough to be carried in the pocket of a hunting jacket.
It should be noted that these specimens are not currently common, nor do they enjoy official recognition as a separate version of the breed.
English beagle vs. American beagle
Two other types of beagles that are often talked about in the popular arena are the English beagle and the American beagle. But does such a classification really exist? Does the appearance of beagles change depending on their country of origin?
To begin with, it is worth clarifying that in both countries the breed is simply known by the name beagle. The classifications of “English” and “American” arose from certain differences in their standards. Although they are always considered dogs of the same breed, these beagles are not exactly the same.
How is an English beagle different from an American one?
The main difference between both beagles is the size or height of the withers. English beagles have a unique height range, which goes from 33 cm (minimum value) to 40 cm (maximum value). For their part, American beagles can be of two sizes; there are specimens that do not exceed 33 cm and others that measure between 33 and 38 cm.
Regarding other characteristics, such as appearance, temperament, and coat, no marked differences are observed. Except for variations in height, both beagles are practically the same dog.
What colors can beagles be?
Since there is essentially only one beagle dog, many admirers use color to distinguish different types.
When it comes to colors, we almost always think of the classic black, tan, and white beagle. But the truth is that there is a wide variety of colors and markings within this breed. Expert breeders assure that “ no two beagles are the same ”.
Beagle tricolor
1. Black, red and white
It has a large black area on the back, which reaches the sides, neck, and tail. The red-tan color appears on the head, ears, around the eyes, the back of the thighs, and under the tail. The legs, the chest, the snout, and the tip of the tail are white.
2. Black, tan, and bluetick
In this type of tricolor beagle, the ticking pattern is a faded grayish hue with scattered spots and patches of darker gray, almost black. Depending on the light, it appears almost blue. Black spots appear on the head, face, ears, back, and base of the tail.
The bluetick surrounds these black spots, covering everything but the dog’s muzzle and paws, which are coppery brown or tan.
3. Black, tan, and white
Hands down, this is the most recognizable beagle variant out there. Typically, the large black spot starts on the back and covers part of the belly, rising to the middle of the tail. Tan spots appear on the head, ears, and upper legs. The snout, neck, chest, lower belly, legs, and tip of the tail are white.
4. Black, white and tan
Typically, this dog’s black spot is larger than that of a black, tan, and white beagle. It has white on the chest, legs, tail, and tan patches are limited to the head and very small areas on other parts of the body.
5. Blue, tan, and white
Unlike bluetick, which is a speckled gray, this color is a solid gray light and silvery enough to appear blue. These beagles closely resemble the black, tan, and white tricolors, but they express a diluted gene that turns their black patches light bluish-gray.
6. Brown, white and tan
The brown, white, and tan beagle has a large brown patch that covers its entire back, encompassing its neck, hind legs, and even its tail. The tip of its tail, all four legs, chest, and sometimes the snout are white.
Beagle bicolor
7. Black and Tan / Tan
It is a specimen with a mostly black body, including the back, sides, tail, and parts of its ears and face. Tan or tan-colored markings may appear on the tip of the tail, the edges of the ears, parts of the face, and sometimes on the chest, legs, and butt.
8. Brown and white
Brown and white beagles have white fur with scattered brown patches. These most often appear in the eyes, ears, upper back, and base of the tail. Some brown spots can get quite large, but these bicolor beagles always have more white than brown.
Among breeders and owners, it is common to refer to the dark brown shade as “chocolate”.
9. Lemon and white
In the beagle breed, lemon color means a pale golden hue that can appear yellow depending on the light. Lemon and white beagles have white on their muzzles, feet, and tails. The rest of the body shows an unpredictable pattern of lemon-toned patches.
10. Red and white
It is very similar to a lemon and white bicolor, but with red markings instead of golden yellow. As with red tricolor beagles, the reddish hue can range from pale to dark brown.
11. Tan and White
Light brown patches usually appear on the ears, the underside of the tail, and anywhere on the back and sides of the body. Occasionally these beagles may have conspicuous black fur, but not enough to be considered a type of tricolor.
All official colors are different combinations and patterns of the following 7 colors:
Unofficial colors
So far we have seen the selection of official colors, but there are other popular combinations not accepted by the standards …
12. Black Beagle
Some beagles can be born completely black, or with very little of any other color, hence in practice, they are considered black. Solid black beagles are usually rare.
13. Blue Beagle
It is a diluted black specimen. Like solid blacks, solid blues are rare.
14. Brown Beagle
All the fur is a very nice brown color.
15. Lemon Beagle
The coat is entirely a diluted golden hue.
16. Red Beagle
The dog features a mostly red coat, which can range from light to dark tones.
17. Tan Beagle
This type of beagle will have a mostly tan or solid copper coat.
18. White Beagle
His fur is only white. It is worth clarifying that it is not an albino beagle.
Breeding all-white beagles are controversial, as a lack of pigment around the eyes can make them extremely sensitive to light. Ethical breeders go to great lengths to avoid producing white in their litter.
19. Black and White Beagle
Puppies are sometimes born with black and white fur, but they commonly develop other colors as they age.
20. Black, Fawn, and White Beagle
It is a red tricolor specimen with a marked expression of the gene that dilutes the color. The fawn hue is nothing more than a diluted red. Many refer to it as a cream, ivory, or Isabella color.
21. Black, Tan, and Redtick Beagle
It is the same as the black, tan, and blue beagle, but with a splash of red instead of blue. It is often described as a pattern of dark red spots on a paler background.
22. Blue and White Beagle
Refers to diluted black and white-colored fur. Many puppies like this change color as they grow.
23. Red and Black Beagle
It has red as its base color, with black markings or patches on top.
24. Red, Black, and White Beagle
The tricolor dog whose base coat is red shows some black and white spots or markings.
25. White, Black, and Tan Beagle
The undercoat is white, with black and tan patches and markings.
