The friendly and energetic Beagle mixed with the German Shepherd (which is one of the smartest and most agile working dogs) creates the friendly and intelligent Beagle Shepherd mix. These two dogs are both incredibly smart, love attention, and need a significant amount of exercise.
The Beagles are from the hound family and often compared to other hound breeds. They have the expert ability to track scents for miles with their impressive nose. The German Shepherd is one of the most effective working dogs around; ‘it’s hard to find a better herder than this breed! Both dogs are quickly trained and mild-tempered, so they are great for first-time dog owners.
Beagle Shepherds can get quite large but can function in both an apartment or a home as long as they get enough exercise. They are also quite excitable and enthusiastic – ‘you’ll be running after them all day trying to keep up! Could this fantastic big dog be the perfect fit for your family? Let’s find out!
Beagle Shepherd Parent Breeds
A “designer dog” is any mix between two purebred parents. For any mixed breed to be classified as designer, the parents would have to be bred pure for generations up until the point of being bred with another breed. A true purebred dog will have puppies that have the same characteristics and temperament like their parents.
One of the more positive things that come with owning a mixed breed is their resilience. German shepherds are known for having various health problems such as hip dysplasia. Mixing with the Beagle makes it less likely they will develop these issues. Their mix also gives them one of the best sense of smell of any designer breed.
The German Shepherd and Beagle complement each other very well. The German Shepherd is one of the more popular dogs; hitting number 2 most popular in the world, while the Beagle is 6th. These two breeds offer the “best of both worlds” with equal parts smart and fun.
Beagle Overview
Beagles were used primarily as hunting dogs in the UK, and the breed has been thought to have been around since the mid 1400s. The Beagle as we know it did not exist back then, but rather a group of hounds that the name was used to describe. The names they had were highly dependent on the prey they tracked, and their strong sense of smell made them extremely useful in hunting. The purebred Beagle we know of today wasn’t standardized until the 1800s. They are often compared to Labradors as hunting dogs, and are sometimes even crossbred with them.
The Beagle was brought to the US as a companion and hunting dog, and has gained noteriety through decades of being an excellent family companion across the county. The breed has also been a focal point in pop culture, being featured on TV shows and other media channels. This is one of the reasons he’s become such a popular parent breed to mix with others.
Another reason the Beagle is popular is that they are in the small-medium size range, making them perfect for small houses or apartments. Because of their keen sense of smell, they are often used in law enforcement and TSA duties as drug dogs. They are extremely good with children and have an exceptional temperament for rough play. The Beagle is both friendly yet hard working and can be one of the best companion dogs available.
Beagles can live anywhere from 12 to 16 years, and have become very popular as “designer dogs” over the last two decades. Some of the more popular Beagle mixes are the Doxie & Beagle Mix, crossing a husky with a beagle, and the ever-popular Beagi.
German Shepherd Overview
German Shepherds are one of the most popular breeds on the planet due to their intelligence. They are well known for their hard-working demeanor and are commonly employed as police dogs, trauma dogs, rescue dogs, and guide dogs. Athletic, fearless, and protective, the Shepherd is a great worker and a great companion for anyone who has the patience to train them.
If you get a GSD, expect to take them outside for at least an hour per day, every day of the week. Otherwise they will start to look for other ways to take out their pent up energy, and this includes being anxious and destructive at home. They shouldn’t be “outside only” dogs and crave the attention and company of their family.
GSDs love children if they are raised with them. They can become somewhat protective of their family though, so neighborhood kids should be wary when roughhousing and doing things that may frighten a GSD. This is actually a reason why many GSDs are cross bred, because the thinking is that the protectiveness will lessen as other breed traits take over the mix. They are known to have many different coat colors, including jet black.
Because the German Shepherd is so popular these days, they’ve been getting a lot more of a look as a “designer dog” breed to pair with others. The large size (GSDs are upwards of 80 pounds) and their loyalty, they are being mixed with other purebreds, just like the Beagle which we cover in the section below. Some of the more common GSD mixes include the GSD & Collie to make the Shollie or the German Rottie mix.
Beagle German Shepherd Mix
Similar to most designer dogs, the origins of this breed are unknown. The Beagle Shepherd was likely bred around the time most designer breeds came to be, the ’90’s and early ‘2000’s. When looking up the history of the breed, it was likely that this mix occurred to produce a dog with a better sense of smell. The Beagle is a hound dog, which makes them great trackers.
The Beagle Shepherd is a relatively new breed and ‘hasn’t been studied in length like their purebred parents, but this breed is still popular enough to have a guess at the temperament. Since German Shepherds are intelligent, friendly guard dogs, they will want to protect their favorite human. Beagles are similar to Labs in that ‘they’re great sporting dogs and like to spend their time with you.
Both the Beagle and the German Shepherd have boundless energy. Their exercise requirements are high, so be prepared for high energy, lovable companion. If you prefer a breed that liked to relax on the couch, I would pass them up. The Beagle Shepherd is going to want to play!
If you want a fast dog with a high ability to train, the Beagle Shepherd is for you. You’ll need some patience because these dogs are going to give you some stubbornness while training. The size of the Beagle Shepherd will vary, but ‘they’ll fall between 20 to 70 pounds and could be as tall as 24 inches.
Appearance & Grooming
The look of your Beagle Shepherd will be different depending on who they take after. Both the German Shepherd and the Beagle are bi-colored, so your Beagle Shepherd will be as well. Coat colors can range from black, liver, blue, red, tan, or white.
The size of the Beagle Shepherd will vary, but ‘they’ll fall between 20 and 70 pounds and could be as tall as 24 inches. Their ears could be floppy or pointed, and their snout will likely be medium-sized. Brown eyes are probably going to be on your Beagle Shepherd pup.
The Beagle Shepherd will have a dense coat of medium length. They could inherit the double coat, which means more grooming on your end. Still, this mix ‘doesn’t shed all that much, so all ‘that’s required is some quick daily brushing.
Make sure to trim their nails frequently, as their large nails could easily scratch up the furniture. ‘It’s also uncomfortable for large dogs to have their nails scrape across the ground. Brushing their teeth ‘isn’t necessary, but likely appreciated once your dog gets used to it.
Training
The Beagle Shepherd will be an incredibly smart breed with a razor wit. They are also relatively easy to train, though the Beagle temperament may make them a little sassy. ‘It’s more of “too-smart-for-their-own-good” syndrome because they will know what you’re telling them. Sometimes, ‘they’ll just choose not to listen!
Positive reinforcement is the best method with any dog. Do not try to slap them or scold them when they do something wrong as your pup will grow to resent you and make them harder to train. Giving them treats or toys for a job well done will train them up fast.
Obedience training should be done as soon as ‘they’re puppies so they can tell the difference between what you consider right or wrong. Dogs look up to their alphas for guidance and are less likely to disobey if they see you as an authority.
Most large dogs are easy to train to pee outside due to their larger than the average bladder. They can also handle being alone for a longer than average between potty breaks. Take care to socialize them when they’re young, so they will grow to trust people.
Exercise & Living Conditions
Beagle Shepherds are bundles of energy and need to be exercised daily. They also need a lot of stimulation, because a board Beagle Shepherd could mean a ruined home! Make sure they ‘aren’t off their leeches when exercising, because the Beagle instinct might set in where ‘they’ll follow a smell for miles.
‘You’ll need to exercise them daily for a minimum of an hour a day. They ‘don’t require a lot of space despite being big dogs, but it would be best to have a house with the backyard. This way, your Beagle Shepherd has more room to stretch their legs.
Beagle Shepherds will do excellent outside for long periods. They are working dogs, after all! We always recommend not to leave them outside overnight, because they could get sick. Always get your pup a nice warm place to stay – preferably in the bed beside you.
Health
As with most designer breeds, the Beagle Shepherd is less likely to have health problems due to the mix of two purebreds canceling out most health problems ‘they’ll get when they’re older. This ‘doesn’t mean ‘they’re immune, so make sure to watch their weight and feed them a healthy diet.
About a fifth of all German Shepherds experience hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and general mobility problems in old age. This leads to a loss of coordination and possibly paralysis. Epilepsy is also common, which is classified as seizures without cause. Also, watch for bloat. Make sure they ‘aren’t eating too fast.
Beagles are at risk for hypothyroidism, eye conditions, obesity, glaucoma, corneal dystrophy, and factor VII deficiency. It’s possible these issues happen in old age with any dog, so just keep your eye on your pup as they age for symptoms.
Nutrition
Beagle Shepherds need a proper diet of mostly protein and fat with low carbs. A Beagle Shepherds mixed puppy should have a diet of 22% protein, while the adult should have 18% according to the American Feed Control Officials. ‘It’s also recommended to feat your Beagle Shepherds whole meats like fish, beef, and chicken.
Make sure to feed your pup small portions with multiple meals a day. This is done to prevent bloat, and bloat is a severe condition that could lead to death. Bloat is easily preventable with proper portion control. Also, watch how fast they eat; if ‘they’re eating too fast, teach them to slow down.
As Family Pets
Beagle Shepherds are as smart as they come, but are they the best match for you? These two breeds are both active and headstrong, so it’s important to think through all the facts before you adopt a Beagle Shepherd mix as a family pet. Let’s look at what you should be considering.
- The Beagle Shepherd is smart, loyal, and independent.
- They love attention and require little room, though more room is better.
- Grooming requirements are medium. Brush them once a week.
- Beagle Shepherds ‘don’t shed often.
- Exercise requirements are high at an hour per day.
- Energetic and ready to please, ‘you’ll need to play with them a lot.
- Personality ‘that’s full of spunk. They like to be around you.
- Health problems are minimal due to the mix but watch for mobility issues.
- Find a breeder that can show you the ‘parent’s health issues.
Do you think the Beagle Shepherd is the perfect companion for you? We recommend looking at rescues first, and breeders second to try and save a life. However, if you are determined to have this mix as a puppy, keep reading to find out what they may cost you when you locate a breeder.
Breeders & Puppy Prices
Finding a breeder that specialized is German Shepherds and Beagles will be easy. With German Shepherds and Beagles being some of the most popular family pets, a good breeder ‘won’t take long to find.
A well-bred Beagle Shepherd could cost you $400-$700, which is an excellent price for such a large dog. The cheaper pups will likely not have papers for their breeding dogs, while the higher priced ones will.
Always research the breeders ‘ you want to buy from as you ‘don’t want to be sold a sick puppy (unless you have the funds to make them better). Beagle Shepherds are more likely to have health issues than other mixed breeds. If you aren’t interested in buying from a breeder, searching for a rescue in your area is another option.
Beagle Shepherd Rescues
German Shepherds and Beagles are surrendered often, and it ‘isn’t because of their temperament. These breeds are very easy to find in pet stores and breeders, so the likely reason for surrender is inadequate care, a child being born or because the pet parents were moving.
This option is cheaper, with the only negative not knowing the parents of the dog. Still, these pets will need loving homes and will be great companions whether ‘they’re purebred or not. You can often find Beagle Shepherds when you look at local or national rescues, like the All Shepherd Rescue or the Beagle Rescue, so make sure you check both locally as well as national websites for adoptable pups.
Final Thoughts
The always sweet and charming Beagle Shepherd will be a great companion if you can keep up with them! Pay attention to their high exercise and attention requirements, because they will need a lot of it. One thing to note is that they are led by their nose more so than the Beagle is, so keep a leash on them while training or they might run off on you!
When possible, we always recommend that you adopt before shopping, so make sure you check local rescues before heading to a reputable breeder to get your pup. There’s a good chance you can add a beagle shepherd to your family at a fraction of the cost, and save a life while at it!
