Beagles are famous for their friendly, curious nature and strong sense of smell, making them beloved companions for families and hunters alike. Their small-to-medium size, playful energy, and social temperament make them a great fit for many households. However, if you love Beagles but are curious about other breeds with similar traits, plenty of dogs share the Beagle’s love of adventure, sociability, and energy. Whether you’re looking for a hunting companion, a playful family dog, or a scent-driven adventurer, these breeds offer many qualities that make Beagles special.
Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are often considered a close relative to the Beagle, sharing a similar background in scent tracking and hunting. With their long ears, soulful eyes, and droopy expressions, Basset Hounds may not be as agile as Beagles, but they are just as talented at following a scent. These dogs are calm, friendly, and great with children, making them a wonderful choice for families. While they’re a bit more laid-back than the energetic Beagle, their stubborn yet lovable personalities, combined with their incredible sense of smell, make them a perfect match for those who adore Beagles.
Dachshund
Dachshunds, like Beagles, are known for their tenacity and curious nature. Originally bred for hunting small game like badgers, Dachshunds are strong-willed, fearless, and full of personality. While they may be smaller than Beagles, their adventurous spirit and love for sniffing out new scents make them similar in temperament. Dachshunds are incredibly loyal and form strong bonds with their families. Their playful and curious personalities ensure they’ll keep you on your toes, and their size makes them adaptable to various living environments. Like Beagles, Dachshunds enjoy being the center of attention and thrive on affection.
Harrier
Harriers are often described as a larger version of the Beagle, with similar coloring, temperament, and hunting instincts. These medium-sized hounds are known for their excellent sense of smell and ability to follow a scent for miles. Like Beagles, Harriers are social, energetic dogs who love to be part of family activities. They enjoy spending time outdoors and need plenty of exercise to stay happy. Harriers are affectionate and friendly, making them great companions for active families. Their playful nature and keen hunting skills make them a fantastic choice for anyone who loves the Beagle’s energy but wants a slightly larger dog.
Coonhound
Coonhounds, like Beagles, are scent hounds known for their incredible tracking abilities and vocal nature. These dogs were bred to hunt raccoons and other small game, using their powerful noses to follow a trail. Coonhounds are energetic, curious, and love the outdoors, making them similar to Beagles in temperament. While they are larger than Beagles, their social nature and friendly personalities make them great family companions. Coonhounds can be quite vocal, much like Beagles, and they enjoy letting out a good bay when they catch a scent. If you love the Beagle’s tracking skills and energetic personality but want a larger dog, a Coonhound might be the perfect fit.
Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers are small dogs with big personalities, much like Beagles. These dogs are incredibly energetic, curious, and always ready for adventure. Originally bred for fox hunting, Jack Russells have a strong prey drive and love to explore the outdoors. Their intelligence and agility make them great at problem-solving, and they enjoy both physical and mental challenges. Like Beagles, Jack Russells are social dogs who love being around people and other animals. Their small size and boundless energy make them perfect for active families who enjoy spending time outdoors, whether it’s hiking, running, or playing fetch.
American Foxhound
American Foxhounds share much in common with Beagles, especially their strong sense of smell and love for tracking. These dogs were bred for fox hunting and are known for their endurance and speed. While they are taller and leaner than Beagles, American Foxhounds have a similar temperament, being friendly, social, and great with families. They enjoy being outdoors and need plenty of exercise to burn off their energy. Like Beagles, they are affectionate and loyal, making them wonderful companions for active owners. If you’re looking for a larger, more athletic version of the Beagle, the American Foxhound is a great choice.
Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen (PBGV) is often called a “Bearded Beagle” due to its similar appearance and personality. These small hounds are known for their friendly, outgoing nature and love of adventure. PBGVs were originally bred to hunt small game, and like Beagles, they have a strong sense of smell and a love for tracking. These dogs are social, energetic, and full of personality, making them great family companions. They are also known for being stubborn, much like Beagles, but their affectionate and playful nature makes them hard to resist. The PBGV is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a dog with the same friendly, adventurous spirit as a Beagle.
Whippet
Whippets may not be hounds in the traditional sense, but their friendly, social nature and love for running make them similar to Beagles in many ways. These medium-sized dogs are known for their speed and grace, and they thrive in active households where they can get plenty of exercise. Like Beagles, Whippets are affectionate and form strong bonds with their families. They are gentle, easygoing dogs who enjoy lounging at home just as much as they love sprinting through the park. While they’re not as scent-driven as Beagles, their playful and friendly personalities make them excellent companions for families who love to stay active.
English Foxhound
Like their American cousins, English Foxhounds are skilled hunters with a strong sense of smell and a love for tracking. These dogs are larger and more muscular than Beagles but share the same friendly, social nature. English Foxhounds were bred to hunt in packs, so they are great with other dogs and love being part of a family. Their high energy levels and love for the outdoors make them ideal for active owners who enjoy hiking, running, or hunting. While they may be more independent than Beagles, their loyal and affectionate personalities ensure they form strong bonds with their families.
Weimaraner
Weimaraners are known for their sleek silver coats and boundless energy, making them a great match for those who love the Beagle’s adventurous spirit. These dogs were originally bred for hunting large game, and like Beagles, they have a strong prey drive and a love for the outdoors. Weimaraners are incredibly social and love being part of family activities, whether hiking, running, or playing fetch. Their playful, affectionate nature makes them great companions for active families, and their intelligence ensures they’re always up for a new challenge. The Weimaraner is a perfect fit if you’re looking for a larger, more athletic version of the Beagle.
When You’re Surrounded by Sniffing Superstars
If you’re a fan of Beagles, it’s clear that you appreciate a dog with a strong sense of adventure, loyalty, and a love for sniffing out the best things in life. While these breeds may vary in size and appearance, they all share the same curious, playful, and affectionate nature that makes Beagles such beloved companions. Whether you’re looking for a small dog with a big personality or a larger, more athletic breed to join you on outdoor adventures, these dogs will surely be your loyal, tail-wagging partners in crime.
