Beagle vs. French Bulldog: Breed Differences & Similarities

Beagles and French Bulldogs are both popular small breeds. If you are considering adopting a smaller dog, it’s not surprising these breeds are at the top of your list. Both are known for being affectionate and intelligent. Both breeds are also excellent with children and are highly adaptable to just about any living situation.

However, owning the two breeds can bring two vastly different experiences. This means that one breed may be better for one family than another. It comes down not only to their temperaments, but also to their specific health needs, behavior, and more.

So how do these two dog breeds compare? Before you decide to welcome either pup into your home, you should be aware of what you can expect. Let’s jump in and take a look at all the differences and similarities of these loving companionship dogs.

Breed History

Beagles have remained one of the most popular dogs since they came around in the 1800s. They are intelligent and social but need strict training to tame the more stubborn parts of their nature. Their owners say they are mischievous and constantly in trouble, but also affectionate and playful.

French Bulldogs have been beloved pets since their start in 1890s Paris. Back then, they were conversation starters in the back alleys of the city. But soon, these little snub-nosed dogs would become favorites of the European royals.

They eventually migrated across the Atlantic Ocean to the United States. Bred from the English Bulldog, these diminutive dogs have become beloved around the world.

Beagle

Beagles have been around for so long, experts aren’t even sure when they began. Records from ancient Greece describe similar breeds that helped during hunts. Descriptions in 8th-century England mention “hounds” the royals brought on hunts. However, these dogs, which may have been ancient ancestors of the breed were not fast runners.

The modern Beagle emerged in the 19th century in England. Hunting had become a popular activity, and dog breeders were looking for a breed that could hunt. Successful cross-breeding resulted in the Beagle. Its popularity has hardly waned since then.

French Bulldog

In the 1800s, the Bulldog was a beloved breed in England. With the rise of the Industrial Revolution, English lacemakers traveled to France and took their Bulldogs with them. They bred the French Bulldog, also known as the Frenchie, as it is known today. They are squat, flat-faced, and bat-eared.

The breed thrived in crowded cities because of its small size and low exercise needs. Besides all that, they are excellent at catching vermin, which further endeared them to the French.

As time went on, travelers brought the breed across Europe and eventually to the United States. They quickly became beloved family pets. These days, they are also popular show dogs.

Appearance

Beagles may be any color or pattern, but most of them are a combination of black, brown, and white. Their most distinct marking is their white tail, which once helped hunters spot them in the grass. They have floppy ears, a solid but slim frame, and strong, muscular legs. The different varieties may stand either 13 or 15 inches at the shoulder.

The Frenchie looks like a miniature version of the traditional English Bulldog. The most noticeable difference is their large ears, often described as “bat ears.” They have solid, stocky bodies with thick muscles and bones.

Their skin falls in thick wrinkles. Their faces are markedly flat, especially the snout, which causes their characteristic snorts.

Temperament

Beagles are wonderfully social and friendly. They are affectionate toward their family members and highly intelligent, which means they are trainable. However, training isn’t exactly easy, as Beagles also have a stubborn personality. They love to get into trouble.

They are excellent family dogs. Their strong pack instinct makes them perfect for homes with children and other pets. Most Beagles prefer to have companions. Despite this, early socialization is vital to teaching them to play gently.

Frenchies are affectionate, mischievous dogs that enjoy socialization and companionship. They have a stubborn streak that can affect their ability to train. But they are also highly loyal and loving dogs that adapt well to family life.

Their need for intense socialization means that they shouldn’t be left alone for long periods.

Frenchies thrive in small spaces, so they are ideal pets for apartment living. They have a natural tendency to be on alert and watch for unusual behavior. Despite this instinct, they do not often bark, preferring to patrol in silence.

Exercise

Beagles have a lot of energy and need frequent, vigorous exercise to stay satisfied. They are the perfect dog to take on runs or hikes, as they have strong stamina and love to move. Never leave a Beagle unattended while outside, however. Their instincts make them prone to wander after sounds or smells.

As they age, Beagles tend to become more lethargic and lose the snappy energy they had in their youth. Owners should still make it a priority to provide them with a regular fitness routine. The breed is apt to become obese without exercise, which can exacerbate other health problems.

Frenchies don’t have high exercise needs. They are known for doing the “Frenchie 500,” which involves patrolling the house and often jumping across the furniture. Owners should take them for a short walk every day to ensure they stay healthy and fit.

However, don’t take your Frenchie for a long walk or a hike. The breed is highly susceptible to heatstroke and fatigue, so keep exercise to a moderate routine.

Training

Beagles are a challenge to train, as their natural stubbornness can cause them to balk. But training is essential, as it helps them learn to cooperate with humans and learn their place in their family.

To train a Beagle well, keep the process interesting and fun. They love to play games and solve puzzles. Prioritize positive reinforcement as punishment often causes them to rebel.

Frenchies may also be somewhat difficult to train. They have a stubborn personality and house training, in particular, is a notoriously difficult process. Obedience training should start in puppyhood to help them become more cooperative. Crate training is an effective method, and so are training games that challenge their intellect.

Both breeds should be trained to walk on a harness instead of a leash. This will alleviate pressure from their neck, and allow them to breathe more freely. Frenchies are notorious for breathing problems, so training them to walk in a Frenchie-sized harness will help improve their quality of life. Beagles can train with any harness suited for medium-sized dogs.

Health

Purebred dogs have a higher rate of health conditions due to their limited gene pool. Both breeds are prone to developing some health issues. Some of these are easy to manage through medication, while others require surgery to avoid serious consequences.

Beagle Health Concerns

Beagles have a high susceptibility to several diseases and health conditions. However, having a purebred dog does not mean your pup will automatically get sick. It means that your dog has a higher chance of developing one of these conditions.

The main problems Beagles encounter are:

• Eye conditions
• Bone and joint conditions
• Neurological conditions
• Hypothyroidism

Frenchie Health Concerns

Frenchies are also genetically inclined to specific health problems. Their flat face makes it difficult for them to breathe, which causes their characteristic snorting and grunting.

The breed is prone to developing hip dysplasia, which can cause arthritis. However, there are several other conditions that they may develop as well. These include:

• Brachycephalic Syndrome
• Spine or leg bone problems
• Clotting disorders
• Palate issues

Lifespans

Both dogs are smaller, which generally means that life isn’t as hard on their joints and organs as bigger dogs. Both of these breeds can enjoy lifespans of 10-15 years if well taken care of from a young age. This means that these pups are a very lengthy commitment, so keep that in mind when comparing them against other breeds!

Nutrition

Your vet should give you directions on what food and how much food to feed your Beagle. A proper diet depends on their size, age, and physical fitness. Beagles are famous for begging for table scraps, but they should not get them often. They are at high risk of becoming obese, especially as they age. A healthier diet consists of high-quality dog food in moderate quantities.

The Beagle will consume around 1.5 to 3 cups of dog food per day, whereas the Frenchie will consume less. Frenchies typically eat around 0.5 to 1.5 cups of dry dog food per day.

A French bulldog’s diet also depends on their unique health needs, weight, age, and fitness level. Your vet can give you a guide on what type of food and how much is appropriate for your dog.

Be mindful that Frenchies have a tendency to become overweight, which can exacerbate health problems and breathing difficulties. For this reason, feed in moderation and only give treats occasionally. Make table scraps a rare treat and steer clear of fatty foods.

Grooming

Beagles only need a simple grooming routine. Their short coats are double coated, and can be prone to seasonal shedding. They are not likely to carry much dirt or debris. Their floppy ears do need regular cleaning to avoid bacteria-causing buildup. They also need occasional dental cleanings and nail care.

Frenchies, on the other hand, have some significant grooming needs. These needs are mostly because of their characteristic skin wrinkles. Wrinkles are a breeding ground for bacteria, which can cause infections.

Owners should brush and clean their Frenchie’s fur every day. Cleaning the wrinkles cuts back on the amount you need to shampoo. It’s also a good idea to wipe their hindquarters with a wet wipe every day.

Frenchies also need their nails clipped weekly. If their owners brush them daily, baths are only necessary once a month. No more, or they may develop issues from losing skin oils.

Puppy Prices

A purebred Beagle puppy will range wider in price. It depends on their lineage, age, registration, and the breeder you use. On average, however, you can probably plan to spend between $1,000 and $1500 on a Beagle puppy.

Frenchie puppies are considerably more expensive. They also have a wider price range that depends on everything from coat pattern to lineage, age, health registration, and more. You can expect to spend a minimum of $1,000 on a French Bulldog puppy with costs climbing as high as $8,000.

Final Thoughts

Both of these dog breeds are wonderful family dogs. However, there are pros and cons to each breed that might make one better for your household.

Beagles are headstrong and difficult to train, but eventually adapt and become obedient and cooperative dogs. Frenchies are a bit more challenging in terms of training. Frenchies also have lower exercise needs and thrive in apartments and small houses, while Beagles need frequent, vigorous exercise.

Meanwhile, French Bulldogs are prone to more health issues, which can become expensive. However, a genetic predisposition does not necessarily mean these problems will develop.

Consider all of these facts before deciding to adopt either breed. Thinking through every aspect will ensure that you make the perfect choice for your family.