The German Shepherd Beagle Mix, also known as the Beagle Shepherd, is a resultant hybrid gotten by crossing the agile German Shepherd with the friendly Beagle.
They are undoubtedly one of the most unusual combinations we have.
Its origin is blurry as there aren’t many records on designer breeds, but they interest people mainly because of the popularity of the parents and how their traits are complementary.
The gambling nature of mixes like this one also draws people to it.
We all love surprises, and many enjoy the thrill of seeing their designer pups grow and change in many ways.
The unpredictability does have some setbacks, mainly the lack of standards and sufficient information on this mix.
Often, only through the parents will you grasp what the offspring needs. Taking care of one isn’t difficult, but you need to know what to do.
In the following sections, you’ll be acquainted with the Beagle and German Shepherd mix temperament, basic facts, and care needs.
German Shepherd Beagle Mixed Breed Information
| Height | 13 to 26 inches |
| Weight | 20 to 70 pounds |
| Life Expectancy | 12 to 15 years |
| Coat | Double, Smooth, Dense |
| Colors | A variety, Mixed or Solid |
| Temperament | Friendly, Active, Loyal, Loving, Protective |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Ideal For | Active pet parents, Novice or Experienced |
| Breed registration | Dog Registry of America |
| Puppy Price | $400 – $700 |
German Shepherd Beagle Mix Puppy Characteristics
| Health | High |
| Grooming | Medium |
| Friendliness | High |
| Energy | High |
| Trainability | High |
The Parent Breeds
German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is a native of Germany and also goes by the name “the Alsatian” in some European countries.
It is one of the most popular and recognized dog breeds. When people think about police dogs, the German Shepherd usually comes to mind.
It came into existence in the late 19th century, thanks to Captain Max Von Stephaniz.
After the 1st World War, it got popular in the United States after then.
Several name changes occurred because of its German origin, and it wasn’t till 1931 that the
American Kennel Club maintained the name German Shepherd Dog, after first recognizing it as Shepherd Dog in 1917.
The GSD is a medium to large-sized dog breed that weighs between 75 and 95 pounds and grows as tall as 26 inches.
It has a double coat of medium length or long. The main colors you will find on this breed are black, blue, gray, liver, white, black and tan, etc.
German Shepherds are known to be aloof towards strangers, most likely because their herding instincts keep them wary of the unknown.
That said, they are loyal to their loved ones and love working.
Beagle
The Beagle is a native of England, though its history is blurry.
While some ancient documents describe dogs with strong Beagle resemblance, our modern version didn’t come to be till the 19th century.
Its popularity in England kicked off at an early point with royals keeping them as companions.
This lasted for some time, then a period of near extinction occurred before the Beagle got recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1884.
The Beagle is a small dog breed, especially when compared to the German Shepherd.
It weighs between 18 and 30 pounds and grows as tall as 13 to 15 inches. Its coat type is double and it comes in a variety of colors.
Like the German Shepherd, it is used by the police force.
It is common to see Beagles strutting around the airport, and their sizes don’t put people at the edge, making them a perfect fit for public places.
Their sense of smell helps them pick up scents, a skill used to sniff out drugs in airports.
In households, they bring fun and laughter. They are sweet, friendly, and sometimes mischievous.
Expect some naughty behaviors from this mix.
Facts About German Shepherd Beagle Mixes You Should Know
1. They are not hypoallergenic
The Beagle Shepherd has two parents that are both shedders with double coats.
Dead hairs are strong allergens and will trigger allergies in someone prone to it. Thus, it isn’t the best option for allergy sufferers.
2. They are good for first-time owners
This mix is easy to train and intelligent enough to learn. New pet parents can take on the task and succeed, unlike some other designer breeds.
That said, anyone who wants to succeed at training has to be confident and smart too as the Beagle Shepherd may try to outsmart its owner.
3. Beagle Shepherds are good therapy dogs
Its loving nature and gentle disposition coupled with its love for work make it good for emotional support and as a therapy dog.
The German Shepherd parent played this role efficiently during the 9/11 American crisis.
4. They have a strong sense of smell and hearing
Taking the strength of both parents, the Beagle Shepherd has strong ears and can pick up sounds from a long distance.
It also has a keen sense of smell and can track down a scent from a distance.
5. They are good watchdogs and guard dogs
The aforementioned qualities with the reserved nature the Beagle Shepherd gets from the German Shepherd make it qualified to be both a good watchdog and guard dog.
It is alert enough to inform you of any threat and will protect you when need be.
Beagle Shepherd Appearance
What Does a Beagle and German Shepherd Mix Look Like?
The Beagle Shepherd mix will have an unpredictable appearance because of its parents.
There are only a few similar physical traits in both parents and no standards for the offspring, so have an open mind.
When it combines the genes of both parents, it usually gets the lean body of the German Shepherd with the latter’s athletic legs.
Its face and expression are often like the Beagle, as well as the floppy ears.
Sometimes one gene may dominate the other, which could lead to further alterations than what we highlighted.
How Big Will a German Shepherd Beagle Mix Get?
The German Shepherd is both medium and large while the Beagle is small. The mix usually falls in between.
It will be smaller than the German Shepherd but bigger than the Beagle.
A full grown German Shepherd Beagle mix weight range falls between 20 and 70 pounds and it grows up to 26 inches tall at the shoulder.
Colors and Coat Type
The coat type of the mix, like both parents, is double and smooth.
Expect many different colors on the coat such as black, white, blue, and gray.
The coat could either have a solid color or be mixed.
German Shepherd Beagle Mix Temperament & Behavior
There are also no standards when it comes to behaviors and personality, but we can make accurate guesses by looking at the overlapping traits of both parents.
Irrespective of which gene is dominant, some of these traits are common.
Expect the mix to be friendly, playful, and loyal to family. Those with more German Shepherd genes might be a bit reserved, especially as puppies.
With proper socialization, they would learn to flow with everyone.
These dogs get easily excited and are known to bark a lot, which isn’t a problem unless you have neighbors that prefer their silence.
Furthermore, they love being around their owners. While there are mixed breeds that can handle their owners’ absence, the Beagle Shepherd doesn’t have that ability.
It is susceptible to separation anxiety, so learn to give it a lot of time. Hire a dog sitter if you need to be away for long.
Although it can fit in an apartment, this breed needs regular exercise because of its energy level.
You should also provide space for playtime, whether it be in your yard or at a dog park.
Are German Shepherd Beagle Mixs Good Family Dogs?
The Beagle Shepherd is suitable for different kinds of families, from the new to the experienced.
It can also fit in different living conditions, provided it gets the exercise it needs.
With kids, it is a fun playmate, but don’t keep it around toddlers or any child under 6 years to avoid accidents.
Are They Good With Other Dogs & Pets?
If introduced early, this mix can flow with other dogs. However, it may bully smaller dogs and even get into fights, so be observant with its canine interactions.
Both parents have hunting instincts which the offspring inherits.
Thus, keeping it with small pets like cats and rodents may not be advisable.
German Shepherd Beagle Mix Food & Diet
This Beagle Shepherd’s diet should be suitable for a medium-sized dog breed.
Age is another factor that influences diet, as well as the activity level of the particular dog.
Your puppy needs a specific feeding plan that you can establish with the help of a nutritionist, but here are some general guidelines to give you an idea.
The major nutrient dogs require is protein, and your mixed dog is not an exception. Protein can come from either animal or plant sources.
Do not deprive your pet of either, but prioritize animal protein.
Protein gives amino acid which contributes to the total well-being of the dog.
The diet of the Beagle Shepherd puppy should contain 22% protein, while the adult needs 18% of this nutrient.
Other nutrients needed are fat, vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrate.
The adult Beagle Shepherd requires about 2 cups of meal a day which should contain around 800 calories.
Puppies require more but in smaller portions. Establish a routine your pet can learn, and ensure that it eats slowly.
Rushing food can lead to bloating, a highly dangerous condition. If you discover your dog rushing, teach it to eat slower.
Exercise Requirements for a Beagle Mixed With a German Shepherd
This mix needs a lot of exercise, which is why the ideal owner has to be an active one.
Combining two highly energetic breeds would produce an equally energetic one.
Ensure that you can cope with its energy before getting one. The laid-back person would do better with a more mellow breed.
This mix should be exercised for at least an hour before it gets satisfied. Once it is exercised, it can relax indoors without making a fuss.
If you haven’t exercised it, do not bring it into your living room or it will vent its restlessness on your furniture.
Exercise is also an opportunity to bond with your dog and get it socialized in the outdoors.
Seize the opportunity to take your pet sightseeing while exercising.
The German Shepherd mixed with Beagle makes a good walking, jogging, and hiking partner.
All these activities are energy-burning, making them perfect for your furry friend.
Keep it on a leash when outdoors to stop it from bolting after a scent or a sound.
It should have some off-leash moments in a yard or at a dog park when it can run around and play. Games like fetch and frisbee are good for it.
Don’t forget mental stimulation activities like scent games and puzzles to keep its mind active.
Puppies and seniors need a lower amount of exercise. For puppies, a ten-minute stroll is enough till it grows older and can go further.
Seniors also require some casual activities to stop them from gaining weight.
Earlier on, we pointed out that the Beagle Shepherd can be handled by anyone because it is easy to train.
It is loyal, eager to please, and intelligent, three qualities that are assets during training.
Nonetheless, the breed can be sassy and sometimes stubborn. The first-timer who gets this breed should be confident.
Early training goes a long way in diluting the sassiness of this mix.
Once it recognizes that you’re its owner early enough, it will be more willing to please and to learn.
Adopting an adult could be more challenging and you may need to hire a professional trainer, especially if the dog was abused.
Positive reinforcement is the best method for any dog breed and is very effective for the Beagle and German Shepherd mix.
It hardly resists treats, so you can use that when it shows signs of stubbornness.
Enthusiastic praises like Good Boy/Girl! will raise its spirits.
Under no circumstance should you yell, hit or isolate this mix as these are damaging.
The various forms of dog training needed include obedience training, socialization, house training, and on-the-leash training.
Beagle German Shepherd Grooming Needs
The German Shepherd Beagle cross isn’t hard to groom, even with its double coat.
It sheds sometimes, but not too often to be concerning. Thus, brushing once or twice a week is enough.
When your dog sheds, increase brushing to once a day.
Bathing is best done once every 2 or 3 months, or when your pooch gets dirty while playing.
Use a shampoo that won’t affect its skin to give it a full treatment.
The Beagle parent is prone to dental issues, so brush your mixed dog’s teeth at least once a week with a good toothbrush and a toothpaste that’s approved by a veterinarian.
The droopy ears it inherits from the Beagle make it susceptible to an ear infection. Prevent that by cleaning the ears regularly.
Ear cleaning also reduces excess ear wax.
Finally, trim your dog’s nails to give it more comfort as it moves. Don’t neglect to wipe the areas around its eyes and remove eye gunk.
Beagle Shepherd Mix Health & Conditions
You can count on designer breeds being healthy for long. With a stronger system than purebreds, most of them also have a longer life span.
This is evident in the Beagle mixed with a German Shepherd who can live up to 15 years.
Good pet parenting also increases the chances of better health.
However, no living being is illness-free. The conditions that German Shepherds and Beagles are vulnerable to can affect the mix too.
Some of these health problems are:
- Ear Infections: The Beagle is vulnerable to ear infection, making any mix with the droopy ears susceptible as well.
- Diabetes: Similar to humans, diabetes occurs in dogs either when there’s isn’t enough insulin or the dog’s body isn’t using the insulin properly.
- Allergies: The Beagle Shepherd can suffer from allergies related to food, plants, and even some other animals like bees.
- Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a joint problem that occurs when the hip joint is loose or ill-fitted.
- Heart Problems: This mix heart can become weak or suffer from some conditions that range from mild to critical.
- Dental problems: Because of the Beagle, this Mix is vulnerable to tooth issues.
- Bloat: Bloating is a critical issue for German Shepherds and other bigger dogs. It occurs when the stomach swells as a result of food and other fluids.
How Much Does a German Shepherd Beagle Mix Puppy Cost?
The Beagle Shepherd isn’t too rare, so finding it shouldn’t be hard.
Many breeders specialize in German Shepherds and Beagles as both are immensely popular, and these breeders usually sell mixed breeds too.
A German Shepherd Beagle mix puppy might cost you around $400 to $700.
It depends on the breeder in question, and some would charge more than others.
Ensure that the breeder isn’t a backyard one with no papers to show that the puppy is a healthy and well-bred pooch.
Popular breeds are usually poorly bred by many breeders for quick cash, which should make you extra careful.
When you meet the breeder and make your choice of a puppy, find out some key information.
Let the breeder take you to where the puppies are kept to survey the environment.
Ask questions related to the parents, health of the puppy, diet, and others.
A reputable breeder will not find it difficult to answer these questions.
The ‘Adopt, Don’t Shop’ movement has influenced many potential pet parents’ decisions, and adoption is now more recommended than buying from a breeder.
Ultimately, you decide.
If adoption is the path you want to take, then get to some good rescue shelters like the All Shepherd Rescue or the Triangle Beagle Rescue.
Ensure the adopted puppy is in good condition and that you know the backstory.
Owners abandon dogs for many reasons, the negative ones can leave a strong effect on the pooch.
What is the lifespan of a German Shepherd Beagle mix?
German Shepherd Beagle mixes have a long life span. Member hybrids can live up to 15 years.
Are Beagle Shepherds good dogs?
Beagle Shepherds are friendly and loyal dogs with a low aggressive tendency.
They are easy to train too, making them good dogs for households.
What is a German Shepherd Beagle mix called?
The German Shepherd Beagle mix can also be called the Beagle Shepherd or Beagle Shep.
Final Thoughts
The Beagle and German Shepherd mix is rising in popularity like its famous parents because of its set of good qualities and low challenges.
Not only is it easy to care for and maintain but it also brings joy and gladness to a home.
Finding a good breeder or a reputable shelter is important if you don’t want to end up with an ailing dog, and put your best efforts into shaping it up to be the best it can be.
When all its needs are taken care of, you can be sure your pet parenting journey will be filled with beautiful memories.
Other Beagle and German Shepherd Mixes You May Like:
- Beagle Husky Mix
- German Shepherd Greyhound Mix
- Bloodhound Shepherd
- Rhodesian Shepherd
- Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd Mix
References & Notes:
Featured Image via @altheadreamsofphotography
