The Beagle Lab Mix or Beagador is the result of crossing a Beagle with a Labrador Retriever. Two of the most popular breeds of dog in the United States today, it is no wonder than the Beagle Lab Mix is also gaining popularity. Also known as the Beagador, Labbe and Labbeag, these dogs are kind and fun loving, making excellent companions and family dogs.
If you’re looking for your next pup and want to know whether a Beagle Lab Mix might be for you, then keep reading below to discover everything you need to!
History Of The Beagle Lab Mix
The Beagle Lab Mix is a designer crossbreed with two very popular parent breeds. The Labrador ranks at number one as the most popular dog in America, while the Beagle sits at number six. The aim when crossing these dogs was to create a pup that combined both of these dogs’ traits.
Due to the fact that the Beagle Lab Mix is a mixed breed and not a purebred dog, it is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). However, they are recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), the Dog Registry of America (DRA), the Designer Breed Registry (DBR) and the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC).
Breed Origin
To understand where the Beagle Lab Mix comes from, we can take a look at the origins of their parent breeds.
The Labrador, as we mentioned above, is the most popular breed of dog in America. Labradors were originally bred as gun dogs in the 1800s and used to accompany hunters and retrieve animals that had been shot. They were also used in Newfoundland to retrieve fish that came in off the trawl, which is why they love the water. Their loyal and loving nature mean that they quickly became a very popular family dog and are still used today as working dogs, such as guide dogs.
Originally, in medieval times, the name “Beagle” didn’t refer to a specific breed of dog and instead referred to any small hound. The Beagle as we know it today was bred around the 11th century when William the Conquer brought the Talbot (a now extinct breed) to England. The Talbot Hound was then bred with Greyhounds, known as Southern Hounds, to produce the modern day Beagle.
Very little is known about the origin of the Beagle Lab Mix, but it is thought these dogs were first introduced in the 1990s. It is also believed that they originated in America.
Characteristics Of The Beagle Lab Mix
The Beagador is a hybrid breed and so knowing the exact traits and characteristics of this dog can be difficult. One litter may take after the Labrador parent more, while another litter may inherit more traits from their Beagle parent. This is one of the reasons they aren’t recognized by the AKC and do not have a breed standard.
Finding a Beagle Lab Mix can be difficult because breeders are limited. However, they are not normally over-expensive and you can expect to pay between $300 and $600 for a Beagle Lab Mix puppy.
Appearance
As we mentioned above, it can be difficult to predict the Labrador Beagle Mix’s appearance. These dogs normally have the face and ears of a Beagle, with the coat and coloring of a Labrador. They can stand between 13 and 24 inches tall and weigh anywhere between 20 and 70 lbs.
Coat
The Beagador’s coat will be short to medium in length and quite dense. It may feel hard to touch. Both the Beagle and the Labrador have water resistant coats that shed seasonally. We will go into more detail about how to groom these pups later on.
Color
Normally, the Beagle Lab Mix takes after their Labrador parent in color. This means that they can be yellow, chocolate or black. However, they can also take after their Beagle parent, who has 25 different possible coat color combinations! The most common are white, tan, brown, red, blue, black, fawn, lemon, blue tick and white tick.
Temperament
With excellent temperaments from both parent breeds, it is no surprise that the Beagle Lab Mix also has a great temperament. These dogs are a friendly and loving, making excellent family dogs. They get on very well with people, especially those they know, and are very patient. A very devoted dog, they can suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for too long, so this is not the pup for you if you are going to be out for hours at a time.
The Beagador can become very vocal when they feel nervous or threatened, so this is one of the reasons why they make an excellent watchdog or guard dog! However, they also bark when they are bored, so keeping them entertained with toys is very important.
These dogs are active and need lots of mental stimulation — whether it’s from being outside or from playing games with their owners. If they become too bored, they can begin to exhibit destructive behaviors so you must make sure they get enough exercise. Due to their patience, the Beagle Lab Mix will play for hours before they give up. However, once they are done playing, they will happily curl up on the couch next to you and watch TV! This makes them the perfect companion dog.
Lifespan
The Lab Beagle Mix dog has a life expectancy between 10 and 12 years old.
Known Health Issues
Beagle Lab Mixes are generally a pretty healthy dog, thanks to the crossbreeding that has helped eliminate some health problems. However, there are still some health concerns that you must know about before you think about purchasing one of these pups.
- Hip Dysplasia — this is when the thighbone doesn’t fit snugly into the hip joint. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia.
- Elbow Dysplasia — this is a common condition in large breed dogs. It can be caused by different growth rates and can cause lameness. It can be fixed with surgery.
- Intervertebral Disc Disease — this is when the jelly-like layer of the intervertebral discs protrudes into the spinal canal and pushes against the spinal cord. This can cause pain, paralysis or lack of bladder control. It can be treated with surgery.
- Gastric Torsion (Bloat) — this is potentially fatal. You need to know the symptoms of it. Feeding your dog smaller more frequent meals instead of one big meal can help to reduce the risk.
There is also a small risk of the Beagle Lab Mix developing epilepsy, eye problems such as cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), heart defects and osteochondritis dissecans. Regular vet checkups and keeping an eye on your dog will ensure you can catch any of these issues before they become untreatable.
Remember — buy from a reputable breeder and the chances your dog will suffer any health conditions will be greatly reduced. Trusted breeders will do health checks on both parent breeds and will not crossbreed if there is a chance of passing on any severe issues to offspring.
Daily Life
Now we know all about the traits and characteristics of the Beagle Lab Mix, we can take a look at what everyday life with one of these pups is really like. We will cover their food and diet, their exercise requirements and their grooming needs.
Food And Diet
The Beagador certainly inherits their stomach from their Labrador parent. These dogs love food!
These dogs are active and therefore need around three cups of food a day. This should be split into two smaller meals. You must be careful that your Beagle Lab Mix doesn’t eat too much too quickly or all at once, as this can lead to bloat. This can be fatal within dogs and you will need to learn the symptoms for it.
Always try to feed your Beagle Lab Mix high-quality kibble that meets their nutritional requirements. You should double check the back of the food packet to see how much of a certain food you should be feeding your Beagle Labrador.
Remember, this dog will eat anything. Try not to feed them too many unhealthy snacks and treats.
Best Dog Food For The Beagle Lab Mix
We recommend the Pedigree Adult dry dog food for the Beagle Lab Mix. Formulated to meet the nutritional needs of adults dogs, this food provides complete and balanced nutrition to keep your pup healthy. There are optimal levels of omega-6 fatty acids to nourish skin and to help keep your dog’s coat shiny, too, as well as whole grains and a special fiber blend to support healthy digestion.
This recipe includes whole grains, protein and vegetables to give a well rounded diet alongside antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to help maintain a healthy lifestyle. Even better, the crunchy kibble pieces help to clean your Beagle Lab Mix’s teeth as they chew, helping to prevent dental decay. There are also no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives in this food.
Exercise
The Beagle Labrador Mix requires around 60 minutes of exercise a day. These dogs are not quite as active as their Beagle parent, but are more active than their Labrador parent. They will enjoy going on walks and can accompany their owners while they exercise, too. It is recommended that you walk the Beagle Lab Mix on a leash, because they can follow their nose and might not come back!
These doggies are intelligent and like to kept entertained, so playing games with them is another way to keep them exercised. They especially love playing games such as “fetch”, or playing with a frisbee.
Family Compatibility
The Beagador makes an excellent family dog. Loving and caring, these pups get on very well with people and love children. With a love for being active, they will do well in a household full of people who love to exercise, especially if they can join you outside and go on runs and hikes with you. This makes them the perfect exercise buddy.
These dogs also love to play, which is one of the reasons they are so popular with children. They know to be gentle with children, however, and will not be too rough with them. Their fun-loving and energetic nature also makes them a great choice for first time dog owners.
The Beagle Lab Mix is a dog that is perfect for a family who wants a Beagle but can’t quite keep up with their exercise requirements, or those who want a Labrador but would prefer a more energetic dog. They are the perfect mix of both!
Training
The Beagle Lab Mix is a dog that is very easy to train, which is why they are often recommended for first time dog owners. Thanks to their Labrador stomach and their love for food, these dogs will do anything if there’s a tasty treat in sight!
However, these dogs do also have a very short attention span, which can cause issues. You will need to keep training sessions short and sweet to make sure they stay engaged. You’ll also have to have patience, but know that they will learn the trick if you give them time.
Like all dogs, the Beagle Labrador responds best to positive reinforcement techniques and reward based training. This includes verbal praise and treats.
You should never get angry or frustrated with your dog when training. They may not understand what is happening and this will cause them to not want to learn. You should ignore negative behavior and praise positive behavior so they learn which is more desirable.
Socializing
Beagador’s are generally very sweet-natured and get on very well with other dogs. However, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t socialize them from a young age. You should introduce them to new sights, sounds, places, smells, people and animals when they are young, in a safe and controlled way, so they learn there is nothing to be afraid of.
Grooming
Fortunately, the Beagle Lab Mix doesn’t require too much grooming thanks to their short coat. These dogs shed seasonally, and during these periods you will need to brush them often. During non-shedding seasons, you should brush them once a week. This helps to keep them tangle-free and promotes their natural oils.
You will only need to bathe your Beagle Lab Mix when they are very muddy! You should try to keep on top their dental hygiene too and brush their teeth regularly. This will help to prevent dental decay and disease.
Beagle Lab Mix FAQ’s
How much does a Beagle Lab Mix cost?
A Beagle Lab Mix can set you back between $300 and $600. They are a rare breed and finding a breeder can be difficult, so the price is not as expensive as you might expect.
However, if this is out of your price range, you can always check your local shelter. There is no specific rescue network established for this breed, so there may be one in your local shelter who is looking for their forever home!
Is a purebred dog better than a crossbreed dog?
There has been a rise in crossbreeding in recent years. This is because there is a desire to breed dogs with certain characteristics and to get rid of unwanted characteristics within dog breeds. With crossbreeding you can get designer breeds, although some worry that they are more susceptible to health problems.
In fact, in a recent study, there was no indication that mixed dogs were more prone to health issues that purebred dogs. The most important thing to look for in your dog is the breeder. They should be a reputable breeder and both the breed parents should be healthy.
Summary
With two very popular parents, it is no surprise that the Beagle Lab Mix is quickly gaining popularity. This friendly and loving dog makes an excellent family pet and their energetic and playful nature means they are perfect around children. With high exercise needs but not quite as much energy as their Beagle parent, the Beagador makes the perfect running buddy but will also happily cuddle up next to you at the end of a long day. Intelligent and inquisitive, these dogs are easy to train and a great first dog. What do you think — is a Beagle Lab Mix for you?