The Beagle is one of the most popular scent-tracking dogs internationally and is heavily used in law enforcement to track illicit substances. Labradors, on the other hand, are multitalented and succeed both as working dogs and companions. With this combination and versatility, it is not so hard to see exactly why the Labrador Beagle mix is such a wildly popular dog.
The Beagador is a mixed breed dog developed by breeding a Labrador Retriever with a Beagle. Due to the inherently small size of the Beagle, a Labrador female used to carry the mixed pups for a safer pregnancy and more successful delivery. It is difficult to accurately predict the physical traits and temperament the Beagador will have due to the major differences when it comes to the parent breeds’ traits.
Despite the many possible variations that can exist, there is a basic template you could use to best prepare yourself for what you can expect if you bring home a Labrador Beagle mix. Here is more on everything that you need to know.
How Big Do Beagadors Get?
A Labrador and Beagle crossbreed is referred to as a Beagador. It is not easy or straightforward to predict and describe these mixed dogs in terms of physical traits from their size to their distinguishing traits.
Given that Labradors and Beagles are very different-looking dogs, one way to describe the appearance of a Beagle Lab mix is that it will look like a Labrador here and a bit like a Beagle there. For some perspective, here are some of the possible aesthetic traits the dog may inherit.
Size And Build
A full-grown Beagador is a medium-sized dog that is smaller than a Labrador but larger than a Beagle. They range in weight between 25 to 65 lbs and in height between 13 to 22 inches.
Skull And Facial Features
One place where Beagles and Labradors are somewhat similar is when it comes to their facial features, which they pass down to their Beagador mixed offspring. This includes a dome-shaped head, large eyes that are often brown, and a long snout.
The ears are where there may be a bit of a difference with those of the Beagle being much larger and drooping all the way to the lower jaw or even lower. The Labrador’s ears, on the other hand, droop to the level of the cheeks or along the angle of the mouth.
Coat Type And Colors
Both Labradors and Beagles have short, dense coats with straight fur. The difference is in the colors which makes the colors you can expect from the Beagador unpredictable.
If the mixed pooch takes after the Lab parent, they may have black, chocolate, or yellow single-colored coats. However, if they take after the Beagle, they will have a tricolor or a bicolor coat.
How Long Do Beagle Labs Live?
Beagle Labrador mixed dogs can live for 10 to 15 years.
This is more or less similar to the Beagle’s lifespan but slightly longer than what you would expect from a Labrador Retriever. This is because the mixed breed status of the Beagador makes it a healthier and more resilient breed than either parent.
However, this is not to say that they are completely invulnerable to illnesses. Here are some common health issues that your Beagador may have.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Progressive retinal atrophy is a life-changing condition for Beagadors. It is characterized by the continuous and irreversible loss of vision in both eyes.
Some signs you may notice in your dog include bumping into objects, visible anxiety during activity, and even complete avoidance of activities.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is common in large dogs like the Labrador Retriever and may be passed on to the Beagador mix. The condition is a result of an abnormally formed hip socket which leads to incomplete joining of the hip bone.
The resulting joint unit is usually weak and unstable, which affects the dog’s agility and may even compromise mobility if it progresses to arthritis.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition where the Beagador may produce inadequate levels of thyroid hormones. This leads to all sorts of metabolic issues resulting in cold intolerance, sleep disturbances, and weight gain.
Obesity
Speaking of weight gain, Beagadors are also prone to developing obesity. This may come as a bit of a surprise, considering how active the dogs are.
However, in cases where they have musculoskeletal issues, or simply do not get enough time to exercise properly, excessive weight gain is a real possibility.
How To Take Care Of Beagadors?
If you are in the market for a low maintenance dog then the Beagador is definitely worth considering.
You literally just have to ensure that they are well-fed, have enough playtime, and have a comfortable place to sleep.
However, inadequate care could lead to all sorts of issues from health problems to psychological ones brought about by the dog being frustrated. To help you avoid such eventualities, here are the most important aspects of care that you cannot afford to slack on.
Get Your Beagador On A Healthy And Balanced Diet
Your Beagle Lab’s diet is one of the biggest determinants of the quality of life that your dog will have. It also happens to be something you, fortunately, have a lot of control over.
You need to ensure that you are giving your dog high-quality foods with well-balanced nutrients. These very active dogs will need high protein levels preferably from animal sources, to keep their muscles strong. They also need carbs and fat in moderation for energy.
Pet Plate understands all these needs and offers you high-quality dog food from natural ingredients with perfect nutritional balance for all your Beagador’s needs.
Supplement The Diet With Multivitamins
In addition to their healthy meals, ensure that you supplement your Beagador’s diet with micronutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and bone-friendly compounds like chondroitin, MSM, and glucosamine.
They will help with everything from improving immunity and skin health to promoting joint functionality and healing.
Schedule 1 To 2 Hours Every Day For Exercise
Beagadors are very active dogs and need to be regularly physically engaged. In addition to the regular workout schedule, we recommend you invest in good toys and playtime equipment.
iFetch Interactive Ball Launchers for Dogs will definitely come in handy allowing your dog to enjoy more engaging challenges as the ball launcher has a launch range of up to 30 feet.
Do Beagadors Bark A Lot? Temperaments Of Labrador Beagle Mixes
In order to understand what you will be getting from your Beagador in terms of personality, you have to understand what the parents are like.
The Beagle is known for its one-track mind, which is one of the reasons why they are sometimes considered unintelligent and difficult to train. This is not actually true, and Beagles are actually quite smart. They just need patience and good training techniques.
Labradors, on the other hand, are hailed for their intelligence, responsiveness, and general charm.
So which parent does the Labrador Beagle mix take after? Here is the answer in the form of a summary of the Beagador dog’s most predictable temperament traits.
Friendly
Beagadors are friendly little pooches and with a little socialization early in life, they will get along with anyone and everyone. This makes them awesome for busy homes.
Vocal
One thing you will have to either live with or train out is the Beagador’s insistent barking. They bark mainly when excited or agitated but may even do so just out of sheer boredom. It is best to start training as early as possible to discourage the habit.
Loyal
Beagle Labrador mixes are some of the most loyal little doggies that you will ever meet. These dogs love their human companions with all their hearts, especially when they are cared for with love.
Smart
Beagadors are actually quite smart and easy to train. However, they can sometimes get a little stubborn, which is a trait they get from the Beagle side. It is thus best to keep training sessions short.
Do Beagadors Shed? Grooming Tips For Labrador Beagle Mixes
While Beagadors are generally easy to take care of, they can be quite high maintenance especially when it comes to coat care. Both Labrador Retrievers and Beagles shed moderately to heavily.
They are also prone to skin issues, including allergic dermatitis. These are all traits that are passed on to the Labrador Beagle mixed pooches.
Fortunately, Beagadors can be quite easy to take care of, especially if you find a good grooming routine to work with. Here are a few tips that should help you find your footing when grooming your Lab Beagle.
Invest In A Good Grooming Brush
The best way to deal with your Beagador’s heavy shedding is by a combination of regular brushing and using the right grooming tool.
When it comes to grooming frequency, it really depends on your dog’s shedding patterns. If they are shedding heavily, you can brush them 3 to 4 times a day. If it is light to moderate, brushing once every two to three days should work great.
When it comes to the tools, you need something that will handle the thick coat on a Beagador. The FURminator Undercoat Tool is a great tool to work with. It has strong metallic teeth to make it through the thick coat and blunted ends to ensure your dog is safe in the process.
Clean Up Any Stray Dander In Your Home
Keeping the Lab Beagle’s environment clean is a great strategy to help with the prevention of skin irritation, especially from parasites like fleas and mites that thrive on dander.
The iRobot Roomba i3+ is the automated vacuum for the job and is actually specifically designed to deal with pet dander and fur.
Use High-Quality Dog Shampoos
Whether or not your Beagador has skin issues, you have to invest in high-quality shampoo. We recommend Pro Pet Works All Natural Organic 5 In 1 Oatmeal Pet Shampoo and Conditioner for its multipurpose nature. The high-quality formula does it all, from the cleaning and conditioning of the fur to the deodorizing of the skin and the easing of any skin irritation.
Related Questions
How Much Is A Beagador? A Beagador can cost you between $600 and $1,000. They are some of the most expensive medium mixed breed doggies and with good reason. With their high intelligence, adaptability, and family-friendly nature, this price tag is arguably justifiable. In cases where prized bloodlines from either the Labrador or Beagle are used, the price can go up to $1,500 or even more.
Do Labs And Beagles Get Along? Beagles and Labrador Retrievers usually get along fairly well when kept together. This is because both breeds are not only relatively social but also rarely aggressive. Early socialization in both the Beagle and the Lab also makes it easier for the two to coexist peacefully later on in their lives.
Do Beagles Shed As Much As Labs? Beagles and Labradors shed almost the same in terms of amount and regularity. Both breeds have short and dense coats that shed moderately throughout the year. They also experience a seasonal increase in the volume of shedding, mainly during the fall and spring seasons when your grooming intervals may need to increase.
