Coonhounds and Beagles are different breeds in the hound dog family that share similar traits. Both dogs are associated with the tricolor coat, and this makes them blend well with each other.
While both might be distinct, lots of breeders find joy in breeding them together. This makes up for a beautiful combination that is loved by many dog owners around the world.
You may be curious if the breed is fit for you. To answer this, I have created a guide to see if the Coonhound Beagle mix matches your preferences and lifestyles.
What Is a Coonhound Beagle Mix?
The Coonhound Beagle mix is the result of breeding a Beagle with a Coonhound breed. It is common to see the Treeing Walker Coonhound being bred with the Beagle, as it is the most famous combination in this type of mix.
There are a lot of combinations possible for Coonhound Beagle mix due to the six different breeds of Coonhounds that are available.
Here are some available variations of Coonhound that can mix with Beagle:
- English Coonhound
- Black and Tan Coonhound
- Bluetick Coonhound
- Plott Coonhound
- Redbone Coonhound
- Treeing Walker Coonhound
Early records of the Beagle breed can be traced back to Ancient Greece. Yet, they were made famous in England due to their association with royal bloodlines. But, Coonhound originated from foxhounds which were famous due to their hunting skills.
The history of this mix can be traced back to crossbreeding in different areas in the United States. Nowadays, the most prevalent mix is known to be the Treeing Walker Beagle due to their desired temperament.
Both dog breeds are hounds, meaning that they make use of scent to hunt. This makes Beagle and Coonhound mixes very active during the day.
Coonhound Beagle Mix Info
To familiarize you with this amazing breed, here is some important information:
Appearance
Beagle Coonhound mixes are very innocent looking dogs famous for their long ears which drape on the side of their heads. Their face is a mixture of Beagle and Coonhound, but it slightly looks more like the former.
Usually, the breed results in a tricolored coat due to the genetic dominance of these shades on their parents.
Since the mix has many variations, different appearances can be seen. Some might have shorter ears or longer snouts. Others may even have eyes that are wider or smaller. Still, they all fall to the Coonhound Beagle mix category.
Coat Type & Colors
Both Beagles and Coonhounds have medium length, glossy, dense, and smooth coats. Thus, it is obvious that their offspring will share these traits.
When it comes to color, it is common to see three shades in these types of dogs. Usually, you will see a white base with different splotches or marks of tan, black, and brown. Sometimes, reddish-brown can also be another possibility.
It is easy to confuse Beagles with Coonhounds, especially with the Treeing Walker breed. This is because both share similar coat colors. Their sizes differ greatly and this can be the deciding factor in breed identification.
Height and Weight
Beagles are known to be small dogs, only reaching 13 to 15 inches when measured on the shoulder. They have a lightweight of 22 to 30 pounds due to their small build.
Coonhounds are larger dogs that can range from 20 inches to 27 inches when measured from the shoulder.
Since there are six types of Coonhounds, weight can spread to a span of 45 to 80 pounds. Among all the breeds, only the Treeing Walker looks very much alike to Beagles.
Breeding a Coonhound and a Beagle can yield different results for height and weight. On average, Coonhound Beagle mixes have a height of around 14 inches to 25 inches and a weight of 25 to 60 pounds.
Some Coonhound types are bigger than others, and this leads to large differences in possible builds.
This is a YouTube video from River Styx Scent Hounds, showing some adorable female Coonhound Beagle mixes. Check out this video to see what they look like.
Lifespan
Since there is no exact documentation of Beagle Coonhound mixes due to variety, let us look at both breeds.
The Beagle has a life span of about 12 to 16 years. This can be attributed to their activeness which helps them stay in shape. Coonhounds are known to have a lifespan of 12 to 14 years.
When combined, you should expect your Beagle Coonhound mix to have an expectancy of 12 years or more. This is a fairly long time compared to other dog breeds.
A Coonhound Beagle mix’s life is considered long, healthy, and fruitful.
Coonhound Beagle Mix Personality and Temperament
As a breed combination with many different variations, your dog can have varying personalities. Here are some that are worth taking note of:
- Enjoy Both Relaxing at Home and Playing Outside: While Coonhound and Beagle mixes are known to be playful, especially with their owners, they are also capable of chilling inside the house. This makes them great companions, both indoors and outdoors.
- Highly Cooperative: Coonhound and Beagle mixes are cooperative to their owners. This makes them easy to train. They can be taught different tricks at a fast pace.
- Like to Wander: Since hounds use scent for hunting, Coonhound Beagle mixes can easily wander if a certain smell attracts them. This can cause them to go outside the house in search of potential prey. Because of this, they can get lost if unguarded.
- Average Intelligence: Coonhound Beagle mixes may not be the smartest dogs in the bunch, but they are still very eager to learn if provided with positive reinforcement.
- Sensitive: Beagles and Coonhound mix dislike noise, guest visits, and changes in their daily activity. They are more likely to complain when facing inconveniences and they can be moody at times.
- Highly Affectionate, Gentle, and Loyal: Both Beagles and Coonhounds show extreme closeness to their owners. They are always also likely to spend time with you and show loyalty. They even exhibit separation anxiety when left alone, evident by crying and whining.
- Unlikely Biters: Coonhound Beagle mixes are known to be safe when it comes to biting. This makes them great companions in terms of safety and clean-up as they will not mess a place up.
- High Prey Drive: Due to both breed’s reputation as hounds, they are known to hunt small prey. However, this can be easily adjusted through proper training, positive reinforcement, and socialization.
- Adaptable: Coonhounds are not that adaptable to the environment. However, Beagles can live in any condition if they have food and shelter. Overall, the Coonhound Beagle mix does well with apartments and houses.
Caring for a Coonhound Beagle Mix
If you decide to go for a Coonhound Beagle mix, you need to know several things regarding their fitness, training, grooming, and diet. Here is a guide to help you with this:
Exercise
With both breeds having a history as hunting dogs, it is important to take your pet for a walk. Runs and hikes are recommended, as they can keep you and your Coonhound Beagle healthy. Hounds generally do great with physical activity, and owners need to keep up with them.
Beagles are known to be more energetic. On the other hand, Coonhounds are more on the passive side. However, the breed mix allows you to have the best of both worlds. Coonhound Beagle mixes are good for relaxing indoors and playing outdoors thanks to their breed makeup.
As usual, a round of fetch to pump them up can be a smart idea. Always make time for your dogs’ physical activity to prevent them from being too rowdy inside the house.
Training
The Coonhound Beagle mix is notorious for its high prey drive. This can be attributed to their sharp sense of scent as well as hound instincts. However, this can be reduced with early socialization and training sessions.
As early as possible, teach them to be familiar with small animals such as cats. This can help replace predatory behavior with protective and friendly nature. You should also try to socialize them with other dogs or people to offset their tendency to be sensitive.
Positive reinforcement through praising and petting is always the best route to follow. This way, a great relationship built on trust develops between you and your dog.
Cleaning and Grooming
When cleaning and grooming your Coonhound Beagle mix, there are two sides to the equation.
Coonhounds do not shed much, thanks to their smooth and short coats. However, Beagles have a reputation for significant amounts of shedding, which is moderate and not very alarming. You should still expect hair on your floor, furniture, and other household objects.
With this, it is recommended to occasionally brush your dog’s coat to avoid tangling hair. Once a week will suffice, but you can increase the frequency if necessary.
Coonhound Beagle mixes do not require frequent baths. A session once or twice a month is sufficient, but you can give them one if they get too dirty. Remember to use a shampoo that promotes skin moisturizing.
They require minimal grooming, so you do not need to put extra effort into keeping them clean.
Feeding and Diet
Beagles are small dogs, and they need an average of 1 to 2 cups of high-quality dog food per day. Coonhounds are medium-sized, requiring 2 to 3 cups of food per day.
This means that your Coonhound Beagle mix might need an average of 1 to 3 cups of high-quality dog food for daily consumption. Also, it is recommended to divide the meals into 2 so that overfeeding does not occur.
As usual, protein is suggested to make up for energy consumption in their physical exercise. You might also want to go for treats that are natural and meat-based. Treatment can be an avenue to strengthen bonds or increase teachability during training.
Common Health Risks
Like any other dog breed, the Coonhound Beagle mix is prone to some health issues. These are some common conditions that might affect the well-being of your pet:
- Hip Dysplasia: This refers to a congenital condition involving improper development of hips. Such an issue can lead to loss of mobility and even arthritis or excruciating pain. To remove dysplasia, braces or surgery are employed.
- Eye Problems: Different eye issues are also common in this breed combination. Usually, glaucoma or cataracts cause vision impairment. These can either be inborn or developed through growth. To remove such problems, a visit to a dog ophthalmologist is required.
- Heart Disease: Different heart problems can also manifest in the life of your Coonhound Beagle mix. Any issues relating to this organ must be addressed as soon as possible. The best way to keep your pet safe from heart disease is early detection. This might involve different tests and monitoring procedures so that the cause will be identified.
- Epilepsy: Epilepsy can be a genetic neurological condition for your pet; this can cause seizures that can harm both your dog’s brain and body. Same with heart disease, early detection is the key to solving this problem.
How Much Do Coonhound Beagle Mixes Cost?
Coonhound Beagle Mixes, if taken from a respected breeder, can cost from $400 to $1,500, depending on coat color, features, and bloodline.
This can be considered a mid-range price compared to other dog breeds. It is easy to find a Coonhound Beagle source, but there is a great need to be careful.
Where to Find Coonhound Beagle Mix Puppies for Sale?
There are many Coonhound Beagle mix sources that can be found in the market. Yet, they are categorized into three:
- Puppy Mills: These establishments act as a puppy factory. They mass produce pups for the sake of money only. Mills don’t care about the health of their puppies, and they often neglect important vet visits.
- Backyard Breeders: These are breeders that are not professional. They only have Coonhound Beagles due to unwanted pregnancy, so they try to sell the litter to remove responsibility.
- Reputable Breeders: These are the breeders that you should always seek. They have proper training and socialization for pups. Reputable breeders also have valid certificates to operate and breed.
It can be a hard task to find Coonhound Beagle mixes on the internet. However, asking reputable breeders from the American Kennel Club can be a good idea.
Here is a list of certified Beagle and Coonhound directories that you can make use of:
- AKC Marketplace – Beagle Puppies for Sale
- AKC Marketplace – Treeing Walker Coonhound Puppies for Sale
- UKC – Find a Breeder – Beagle
Additionally, you can also check out the National Beagle Club of America’s directory for extra information.
Coonhound Beagle Mix for Adoption and Rescue
Purchasing a dog is not your only option. You can also try to adopt a rescued dog from a non-profit organization. Here are two trusted groups that you can make use of.
- Houndsong Rescue – A non-profit group dedicated to the betterment and responsible rescue of Beagles and Coonhounds. They are trying to provide abandoned dogs with new homes and better futures.
- Houston Beagle & Hound Rescue Inc – HBHR is a volunteer organization committed to Beagle and hound rescue. The group rescues dogs from animal control facilities that aim to reduce dogs’ population.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know about the qualities of a Coonhound Beagle mix, it is time to decide whether the breed fits you or not.
If you want a loyal and affectionate dog that can play both inside and outside the house and is easy to clean, you should get a Coonhound Beagle.
But, if you dislike wandering highly sensitive dogs, you should go for other dog breeds.
Nevertheless, the Coonhound Beagle Mix is a loving companion that will always stay with you. If you decide to choose this dog as your pet, you will surely have an incredible journey ahead.