Beagles are unquestionably popular dogs. Their long floppy ears and appealing expressions can keep any owner mesmerized!
But did you know that there is a very special variation of this breed? Meet the lemon Beagle!
The lemon Beagle is the same Beagle we know and love. This dog has the exact same floppy ears and charming looks as other Beagles. However, this pooch has a few surprises that you probably didn’t know about.
If that sounds interesting to you, then stick around! In this guide, we’ll tackle everything you need to know about this rare and color-changing pooch.
We’ll explore its unique appearance, temperament, health, lifespan, and also some lemon Beagle facts!
What Is a Lemon Beagle?
The lemon Beagle is a purebred Beagle with a lemon and white coat. This Beagle color is relatively uncommon and costs significantly more than other Beagle colors. Lemon Beagles are often born white and develop lemon-colored spots as they get older.
For the most part, the lemon Beagle is much like any other purebred Beagles. These dogs share the same temperament, lifespan, and history as their other Beagle cousins. The only areas where they are different are in coat color and a few other things.
Lemon Beagles originated in England alongside the rest of the breed. These dogs were primarily used as rabbit and deer hunters due to their excellent tracking abilities. Lemon Beagles are also known as the white lemon Beagle.
The Beagle breed arrived in the United States after the Civil War. They quickly became a crowd favorite from the moment they entered the country.
To this day, the Beagle is still one of the most popular dog breeds. In fact, these pups rank 7th in the list of most popular dog breeds by the American Kennel Club (AKC)!
Are Lemon Beagles Rare?
Yes, the lemon Beagle dog is quite a rare pooch. Compared to other Beagle colors, the lemon and white Beagle comes by less often.
The other Beagle colors such as tri-color, orange and white, white and tan, and chocolate tri are more common than the lemon. The rarity of this pooch can be attributed to the recessive gene it carries.
This gene is what is responsible for its unique coat color. Additionally, this gene also makes breeding lemon Beagles a bit challenging.
Breeders would have to mix and match the correct parent dogs to produce a lemon Beagle puppy.
However, despite its rarity, the lemon Beagle dog is still not as rare as albino Beagles. Albino Beagles, also known as white Beagles, are the result of a genetic mutation. These two dogs may look a bit alike, but they are different deep down!
Lemon Beagle Appearance: What Does a Lemon Beagle Look Like?
Lemon Beagles have a hound-like appearance. These dogs are born almost completely white and later develop patches of lemon-colored hair. That said, a lemon Beagle puppy may look different than an adult lemon Beagle.
Lemon Beagle puppies have lighter coats than their adult counterparts. There are also noticeably fewer patches of hair on their coat than adult lemon Beagles.
A fully grown lemon and white Beagle has a lovely pale color. Their coats range in color from very light lemon to light brown.
One telltale feature of the lemon Beagle is its dark brown nose that can sport a tinge of pink. The eyes on this pooch are usually hazel, and their paws are commonly all-white with no visible markings.
Contrary to popular belief, the lemon and white Beagle does not have albinism. Sure, they may look similar to albino Beagles at certain stages in life, but they couldn’t be any more different.
In terms of size, the lemon Beagle comes in two variants — the 13-inch and the 15-inch. When fully grown, the 13-inch variant weighs roughly 20 pounds, while the 15-inch variant weighs 30 pounds.
A male lemon Beagle will usually outgrow a female lemon Beagle, but not by a noticeable difference.
The two size variants of Beagles are just some nice-to-haves for pet owners who are looking for size options.
In the past, there used to be a third lemon Beagle size — the pocket. This pup is the tiniest among the Beagle family as it can probably fit on the palm of your hands! However, pocket Beagles are now considered extinct.
If you want to see more pictures of lemon Beagles, make sure to check out Maymo’s Instagram account.
Lemon Beagle Maymo is a celebrity pup that has gained a large following on social media! This one’s surely one of the most famous Beagles out there!
Alternatively, you can also take a look at some lemon Beagles in action in this insightful video:
Lemon Beagle Color Genetics: Why Do Beagles Have Lemon-colored Coats?
Lemon Beagle puppies are almost always white when they are born. However, after about a year, these pups shed their puppy fur and grow into their full adult coat. But why do they grow lemon-colored patches on their coats?
Sadly, this guide can’t cover the entire coat genetics of lemon Beagles. Fortunately, there’s a pretty easy way to understand how their coat color works.
For starters, all dogs have about 3 billion base pairs of DNA that affect their coat appearance. Eight of these 3 billion have direct links to the coat color.
These eight are the Agouti locus, Extension locus, Dominant Black locus, Brown locus, Dilute locus, Merle locus, Harlequin locus, and Spotting locus.
For Beagles, many of these loci are inactive. In fact, only the first five plays a significant role.
Among these eight loci, the Dominant Black locus, Brown locus, and Dilute locus are the ones affecting the lemon-colored coats of the lemon Beagle.
The easiest way to think of it is that lemon Beagles carry a unique combination of these loci.
As a result, their patches have a tannish lemon color. Other Beagles carry a different combination of these loci, which explains the variety of colors.
READ NEXT: Blue Tick Beagle: A Guide to This Lesser-Known Beagle Color
Do Lemon Beagle Puppies Change Color as They Grow?
The lemon Beagle is a truly fascinating dog. On top of its already unique appearance, this pooch also has a nifty trick — it changes coat color!
While it may not be as magical as it sounds, lemon Beagles do change shades. As this puppy grows older, its all-white coat develops patches of color.
At around one-year-old, a lemon Beagle will begin shedding its puppy coat. It is also during this age that it will grow into its adult coat.
At first, the adult coat of a lemon Beagle will show the first signs of lemon-colored markings. These are usually large markings covering the ears, portion of the face, back, belly, and tail of the dog.
These patches will appear very light initially but will intensify in color as the years add on. Usually, an old lemon Beagle puppy will have darkened patches to the point that it almost looks khaki or beige!
Lemon Beagle Kennel Club Recognition: Can Lemon Beagles Be AKC-Registered?
If you want a dog that can be AKC-registered, you’d be glad to know that lemon Beagles are recognized by most kennel clubs. In fact, lemon is often listed among Beagle breed standards!
This is true for the American Kennel Club (AKC) and Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). Both breed standards from these two clubs state that lemon is an acceptable color for the Beagle.
However, this is not true for the United Kennel Club (UKC) and Canadian Kennel Club (CKC). For these two clubs, lemon is not listed as one of the accepted colors.
The good news is that lemon Beagles can still register in the UKC or CKC. But they are usually recorded as tan instead of lemon.
If you have concerns regarding your Beagle’s registration, getting in touch with the National Beagle Club will surely help you out.
Lemon Beagle Temperament: Do Lemon Beagles Make Good Family Dogs?
Despite its energetic temperament, the lemon Beagle is a docile pup that has a peaceful demeanor.
This breed is not known for its wits, but with the right trainer, they have the potential to grow up as intelligent dogs.
As pack dogs in the wild, these pooches can get along with others very well! They are very tolerant of young kids and small pets.
The lemon Beagle is a loving pup that has a sweet disposition. It is loyal to its family, especially to its main caretaker. Lemon Beagles are also gentle, non-aggressive, and cheerful.
That said, owning a lemon Beagle is not entirely a walk in the park. There are also a couple of downsides to owning this specific dog breed.
For starters, Beagles are detector dogs. This means they are scent hounds that are instinctively driven by their sense of smell. These pups are natural-born hunting dogs and they will track down any suspicious smell.
As a result, this pooch may be hard to tame compared to other dogs. This is especially true in public places where random scents are everywhere. This takes a toll in training, as Beagle will often lose its focus when it senses a new smell.
Moreover, lemon Beagles also have a tendency to suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for a long time.
Beagles typically become vocal whenever this happens. They bark non-stop until they get what they want.
However, with a lot of patience and a few bags of treats, your Beagle can be a well-behaved dog.
One of the best ways to train your lemon Beagle is by employing positive reinforcement training methods.
This training scheme uses treats, clickers, and praises to motivate your pooch. It also helps to socialize and start training your pup early on. If you nail all of these things, you are pretty much assured of a well-mannered lemon Beagle pet!
READ NEXT: Male vs. Female Beagle: Which One Is Better?
Lemon Beagle Lifespan and Health Issues: Are Lemon Beagles Healthy Dogs?
The lifespan of a lemon Beagle is anywhere between 12 and 15 years. Overall, the Beagle is a very healthy breed. In fact, a Beagle that is free from genetic diseases can live up to 20 years!
The overall health of the lemon Beagle is not far off from other Beagle colors. These purebred dogs share the same life expectancy and the same health problems. Let’s take a look at some of their health issues.
Below are some lemon Beagle health problems you should be wary of:
- Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a health issue that affects a dog’s ball-and-socket joint, causing it to become misaligned. This physical disorder causes intense pain when moving and might lead to a decline in posture.
- Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a condition caused by excessive pressure on a dog’s eye. If left untreated, a lemon Beagle with glaucoma can experience long-term optic nerve damage. This may also result in total and irreversible blindness.
- Patellar Luxation: Patellar luxation, also known as sliding stifles, is a condition in which a dog’s kneecap is misaligned. This is a congenital issue that shows up later in the life of a lemon Beagle. The usual treatment for patellar luxation involves undergoing surgery.
- Cherry Eye: Did you know that dogs have three eyelids on each eye? Cherry eye is a condition in which the third eyelid gland “pops out.” Unfortunately, this condition is common in all Beagles. More often than not, surgery is required to preserve the eyelid of an affected dog.
The lemon Beagle has some health issues, as listed above. This is why it’s crucial to be on the lookout for any early symptoms. Regular vet check-ups are also non-negotiable for the well-being of your dog.
How Much Does a Lemon Beagle Cost? Puppy Prices and Expenses
A lemon Beagle puppy from reputable breeders costs between $750 and $1,200. However, if you want one from a champion bloodline, expect to pay upwards of $2,000.
Lemon Beagles are a few hundred bucks more expensive than other colors, which usually cost $500 to $1,000. The higher lemon Beagle puppy price is attributed to its rarity and high demand in the pet industry.
If you plan to get a lemon Beagle, you should also know the other expenses associated with owning one.
The one-time expenses for a lemon Beagle puppy are listed below:
Type of Expense | Estimated Cost |
Hairbrush | $15 – $20 |
Dog Bed | $30 – $50 |
Dog Toys | $10 – $20 |
Dog Crate | $20 – $40 |
Collar, ID Tag, and Bowls | $50 – $70 |
Heartworm Test | $15 – $35 |
Rabies Vaccination | $20 – $50 |
Distemper Vaccination | $30 – $45 |
Microchipping | $20 – $35 |
Deworming | $30 – $50 |
Spaying/Neutering | $100 – $150 |
Flea/Tick Treatment | $10 – $25 |
Total Initial Cost | $350 – $590 |
On top of the lemon Beagle price, expect to shell out $350 to $590 for your pup’s initial expenses. Keep in mind that this does not cover recurring costs, such as food, treats, veterinary check-ups, and vitamins.
For recurring costs, a monthly budget of $200 to $250 is what you should expect for a lemon Beagle.
If you think the price to own a lemon Beagle is too steep, you can always resort to adopting one instead of buying.
Places to Find Lemon Beagle Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Finding a lemon Beagle is not the easiest thing to do. Because of their rarity, these dogs come by less often compared to other Beagles.
In addition to that, there are not a lot of reputable breeders that sell lemon Beagles exclusively.
The best way to source these pups is by calling a bunch of Beagle breeders and Beagle rescues. To help you with that, we have rounded up a couple of potential places to find lemon Beagle puppies. Check it out!
Here are some breeders where you can find lemon Beagle puppies for sale:
- Hull’s Ozark Beagles – This dog breeder is one of the best sources out there for a lemon Beagle. They have already served hundreds of customers, and they always get positive feedback from them. Plus, this breeder offers shipping and puppy delivery as well!
- Lovaki Beagles – Lovaki Beagles is a breeder based in Florida. It is owned by Lori Norman, a Beagle breeder with over 50 years of experience. Make sure to check out their listings for a lemon Beagle from time to time, so you don’t miss out!
- Van-Mar Beagles – Van-Mar Beagles is another excellent place to get lemon Beagles. This breeder prides itself on healthy Beagles that are cleared from genetic issues. All dogs from Van-Mar Beagles are potty trained and free from temperamental problems.
If you prefer adopting instead of buying a pet, check out these sources to adopt a lemon Beagle:
- Beagle and Buddies – Beagle and Buddies is a rescue in Southern California established in 1992. Aside from being a refuge for Beagles, they also host community education events and promote spaying and neutering. Give them a call to check if they have any lemon Beagles for adoption.
- SOS Beagle Rescue, Inc. – Founded in 1991, SOS Beagle Rescue has rehomed over 2,500 Beagles to date. While the rescue began in New Jersey, it now branched out to Tennessee and Alabama. This rescue usually has a lot of lemon Beagles!
- Beagle Freedom Project (BFP) – BFP is a Beagle rescue that aims to eliminate animal abuse by educating the public through programs and campaigns. Make sure to contact them to see if they have lemon Beagles under their care.
If you want more choices, you can read our guides on the best Beagle breeders and best Beagle rescues. You’ll surely find some lemon Beagle breeders and lemon Beagle rescue from these guides!
RELATED: 10 Best Beagle Rescues for Adoption (2023): Our Top 10 Picks!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Color Nose Does a Lemon Beagle Have?
Despite having the lightest coloration, the lemon Beagle surprisingly has the darkest nose color.
Usually, this pooch has a completely black nose. On rare occasions, a lemon Beagle may also sport a dark brown nose with a slight pinkish tinge.
Are Lemon Beagles Hypoallergenic?
No, lemon Beagles are not hypoallergenic. These pups have short fur that sheds quite often. Because of that, these dogs are not ideal for people with severe allergies to fur or dander.
Do Lemon Beagles Shed a Lot?
Lemon Beagles are considered moderate to heavy shedders. However, due to their short coat, their loose fur is often barely noticeable. Brushing your puppy’s hair at least once or twice a week can keep shedding manageable.
What Should I Name My Lemon Beagle Puppy?
You can name your lemon Beagle puppy just about anything! You can name it after your favorite cartoon character, food, color, etc.
But to give you a few ideas, some lemon Beagle owners name their dogs Butterscotch, Daisy, Amber, or Lemon!
Final Thoughts: Is the Lemon Beagle the Right Dog for You?
The lemon Beagle is a one-of-a-kind dog that sports a unique appearance. Its floppy ears and pale tannish markings are just some of its eye-catching features. Aside from that, this dog is energetic, loyal, and gentle.
They are not the best for people with severe allergies or senior pet owners. If you decide to get this pup as a family companion, prepare to go on a hunt, as they are pretty rare. Other than that, you really can’t go wrong with lemon Beagles as family pets!