Beagle Shepherd Dog Breed

The Beagle Shepherd, as a mixed breed, is not an official member of any breed group. Neither does any info exist about these hybrids' true origin, but they were probably first bred for commercial purposes during the designer dog "explosion" in North America in the late 20th century. Beagle Shepherds are smart, sensitive, and energetic, and will make enthusiastic companions for active families of any size.

A few German Shepherd-Beagle mix facts: they can vary a good bit in size, but average 18 inches at the shoulders in height and 45 pounds in weight; they have short- to medium-length, double-layered coats that shed seasonally; and they have high energy levels and will need quite a bit of exercise.

Some advantages and drawbacks to owning a Beagle-German Shepherd mix:

Perhaps the most important piece of German Shepherd-Beagle mix info is that these hybrids are the offspring of two incredibly popular breeds, different though the breeds may be: as of 2020, the GSD ranks #2 on the AKC's list of 196 recognized breeds, and the Beagle is #6. Hopefully your Beagle Shepherd will inherit the best traits of both parents!

That said, the Beagle and the German Shepherd vary in a lot of ways. Both breeds are energetic and intelligent, but the similarities pretty much stop there. The GSD is a breeze to train, while the Beagle is not; the GSD's protective instincts make it a great watchdog--but the Beagle is typically too friendly to be much of a guardian; and overall, the GSD is simply more "hardy" than is the Beagle. So a Beagle and German Shepherd mix can be at either end of the spectrum regarding these characteristics--but likely somewhere in the middle. In any case, providing plenty of training and socialization (beginning when the dog is a puppy if possible) will help ensure a more well-balanced dog.

Another bit of Beagle Shepherd mix info: these hybrids will need a lot of stimulation, both physically and mentally, to keep them from getting bored and destructive.

Active, intelligent, friendly, loyal, sometimes protective, and occasionally stubborn, the German Shepherd-Beagle mix temperament is one of enthusiasm and love. These hybrids will be affectionate with their families (and sometimes with strangers as well!), and they make good playmates for children. They can usually get along well with other pets, but they may inherit the GSD's tendency for dominance with other dogs. In any case, it's best if Beagle Shepherds grow up alongside any kids or household pets. Also, the Beagle-German Shepherd mix temperament might include the Beagle's high prey drive, so owners may need to keep their Beagle Shepherds leashed when in public to keep them from chasing critters like birds or squirrels.

In regards to training: Beagle Shepherds often take well to it, and can learn things easily--but if they inherit the Beagle's stubbornness, it might take some repetitions to teach them tasks, tricks, and commands. As with any dog, firm, consistent, reward-based training methods are best.

Another of the unpredictable Beagle-German Shepherd mix traits is its watchdog skills. These hybrids are very vocal, so they'll usually bark if they perceive an unknown sight or sound--but they might be too friendly (or in reality, too small) to try and neutralize potential threats like intruders.

The Beagle Shepherd, due to hybrid vigor (in which a crossbred dog inherits the healthiest traits from its parent breeds), is very healthy. Even so, a few Beagle Shepherds can suffer naturally occurring ailments common to the parent breeds including hip dysplasia, various allergies, and assorted eye issues. Larger, deeper-chested Beagle Shepherds may also be susceptible to gastric torsion (or bloat). Potential owners are advised to ask breeders for health screenings for the dog and/or its parents, or they can have their own veterinarians do the screenings.

Life expectancy for Beagle Shepherds is 10-14 years.