Beago

Canis lupus

Last updated: May 19, 2023
Verified by: AZ Animals Staff
© iStock.com/kbombcarpenter

Beagos are good swimmers like their Golden Retriever parent.


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Beago Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Scientific Name
Canis lupus

Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.

Beago Conservation Status

Beago Locations

Beago Locations

Beago Facts

Fun Fact
Beagos are good swimmers like their Golden Retriever parent.
Temperament
Playful and easy going
Diet
Omnivore

Beago Physical Characteristics

Color
  • Brown
  • Black
  • Tan
  • Cream
Skin Type
Hair
Lifespan
8-12 years
Weight
45-55 lbs
Height
19-20 inches

Beago as a Pet:

General Health
Energy Level
Shedability
Trainability
Intelligence
Tendency to Chew
Size
Family and kid friendliness
Yappiness / Barking
Moderate
Separation Anxiety
High
Preferred Temperature
Average climate
Exercise Needs
Moderate
Friendly With Other Dogs
High
Pure bred cost to own
$600
Dog group
Non-sporting
Male weight
40-55 lbs
Female weight
35-45 lbs

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Beagos are playful, sturdy dogs and always ready for an energetic game of chase, hide-and-seek, or fetch.

Breed a Golden Retriever with a Beagle and the result is a Beago! This crossbreed originated back in the 1980s. Beagos claim some of the most appealing features of each of their parents. They belong to the hybrid group.

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Beagos are energetic, friendly, and even-tempered dogs. They get along well with children, adults, and other pets in a household.

Beago infographic

3 Pros and Cons of Owning a Beago

Pros!Cons!
An easy grooming routine:
The grooming routine of a Beago is fairly quick and easy.
Moderate shedding:
This dog sheds a moderate amount of hair that increases a little (temporarily) with the change of seasons.
Good with kids:
Beagos are friendly, affectionate dogs that interact well with young children.
Not apartment-friendly:
A Beago is a little too big to do well in an apartment setting.
Loyal watchdogs:
This hybrid dog is good at alerting a household of someone at the door or on the property.
Possible howling activity:
Beagles are known for their echoing howls so it wouldn’t be uncommon for a Beago to also howl.
Beagle looking up

Beagos may howl like their parent breed Beagles.

©Tagwaran/Shutterstock.com



Evolution and Origins

As a hybrid, designer breed, the Beago’s exact origins are unknown but it’s believed that it was developed in the 1980s in the U.S. Both of the Beago’s parent breeds, the Beagle and the Golden Retriever, are hunting dogs with excellent sense of smell.

The Beagle may be able to trace its lineage to ancient Greece, where small beagle-like pack-hounds were used to hunt rabbits, hares, foxes, and badgers. The modern-day beagle’s descendants are thought to have been Talbot Hounds, large scenthounds that were brought by William the Conqueror into Britain during the 11th century, and possibly the Irish Kerry beagle, a now-extinct breed that was similar to the Bloodhound. By the 16th century, packs of hounds were used by English nobility to hunt deer and hares and as gun dogs, flushing game for hunters.

Health and Entertainment for your Beago

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The Golden Retriever was developed in the 19th century in the Scottish Highlands by Dudley Marjoribanks (who later became Baron Tweedmouth) by crossbreeding Flat-Coated Retrievers with dog breeds including the Tweed Water Spaniel, Red Setter, Labrador Retriever, and Bloodhound. The Golden Retriever is used as a gundog in the field and for retrieval of birds such as grouse and partridge. These dogs are frequent competitors at dog shows and are trained to be guide and therapy dogs.

Due to the traits of agility and intelligence received from these two sporting parent breeds, Beagos often compete in dog sports such as competitive obedience and agility and are used in search and rescue operations and drug detection work.

Golden retriever stands on the grass and looks forward

Beago parent breed the Golden Retriever originated in Scotland in the 1800s.

©Burin P/Shutterstock.com

Size and Weight

In terms of height, a Beago can grow as tall as 20 inches whereas a female can reach a height of 19 inches. A male Beago can weigh as much as 55 pounds while a female Beago weighs up to 45 pounds. A 9-week-old Beago puppy weighs approximately 8 pounds. These hybrid dogs are considered fully grown at 18 months, but the canine continues to mature until it’s around 3 years old.

Height (male)20 inches tall
Height (female)19 inches tall
Weight (male)55 lbs, full-grown
Weight (female)45 lbs, full-grown

Common Health Issues

Like most dogs, Beagos have some common health issues. One example is elbow dysplasia. Elbow dysplasia is when a dog’s elbow joint doesn’t fit together properly causing the animal to limp. This condition can range from mild to severe. Sometimes medication can be adequate treatment, but surgery is also an option.

A second common health issue of this Beago is known as pulmonic stenosis. Essentially, pulmonic stenosis is a defective heart valve. A veterinarian checking a Beago with this condition is likely to hear a heart murmur. Surgery is the treatment for this condition. A third common health issue of this hybrid dog, and its parent breed the Beagle, is cataracts. A cataract takes the form of cloudiness in one or both of a dog’s eyes. Cataracts can cause a dog to lose its eyesight. Surgery may be necessary depending on the severity of the cataract.

The most common health issues include:

  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Pulmonic stenosis
  • Cataracts.
closeup portrait of tricolor beagle dog, focus on the eye

Like its parent breed the Beagle, Beagos are prone to eye conditions such as cataracts.

©GCapture/Shutterstock.com

Temperament and Behavior

The playful behavior of a Beago is just one of the things that makes this hybrid so popular. They love to play fetch, hide-and-seek, and other games with their family members. They have a love of swimming as well. So, if an owner has a swimming pool, the Beago is likely to try it out! This crossbreed has an easygoing personality along with a lot of energy.

Both the Beagle and the Golden Retriever breeds are known to get along with kids. So, it’s not surprising that Beagos interact well with the children in a family. One of their most prized traits is loyalty. They are loving and protective of their family.

Animal Body Part, Animal Eye, Anthropomorphic Face, Australia, Australian Culture

The Beago is known to be a loyal, easygoing breed.

©iStock.com/kbombcarpenter

How to Take Care of a Beago

Being aware of the dietary, grooming, exercise, and healthcare requirements of a pet helps an owner to take excellent care of it. Whether someone gets a Beago puppy or an adult dog, taking this hybrid’s specific needs into account can help this canine lead a healthy life.

The Best Dog Food for Beagos

Beago puppies and adult dogs need different nutrients in their daily meals. These nutrients can sometimes help to fend off common health issues. Look at some factors to consider when planning a Beago’s diet.

Also, be aware of their heart disease risk and the dangers of legumes in dog food, and discuss these with your vet to see if legume-free dog food is the best bet.

At A-Z Animals, we suggest Stella & Chewy’s Wild Red Dry Dog Food Raw Blend High Protein Wholesome Grains Prairie Recipe as the best dog food for Beagos.

Most importantly, we like that they make sure this legume-free formula has taurine, a crucial ingredient for heart health, which also helps the eyes and vision, especially when combined with vitamin A. Quality animal protein sources such as chicken, turkey, quail, guineafowl, goose, and duck provide naturally occurring glucosamine to protect Beagos’ joints from problems like elbow dysplasia.

Check Chewy and Amazon for this product.

Stella & Chewy's Wild Red Raw Blend Kibble Wholesome Grains Red Meat Recipe Dry Dog Food
  • Packed full of protein with beef, pork, lamb, bison, venison, and goat.
  • Crafted without potatoes or legumes.
  • Freeze-dried raw meat coats every delectable bite with added raw chunks.
  • 80% of its yummy protein is from actual animal sources!
  • Recipe uses “whole prey” ingredients, including muscle meat, organ meat, and cartilage.


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Puppy food: DHA in the form of Omega 3 fatty acid is essential in a puppy’s diet. It supports the development of the brain and the central nervous system. Protein contributes to the strengthening of joints and muscles. Calcium is necessary for developing strong bones and teeth. Calcium is especially important for a hybrid dog prone to elbow dysplasia. Easily digestible carbohydrates give Beago puppies the energy they need to explore their environment.

Adult dog food: A maturing Beago needs protein to support bone and joint health. Lean fat gives these dogs the energy to run and play while not adding extra weight. Calcium maintains the health of their teeth, bones, and nails. Vitamin A supports eye health which may fend off the development of cataracts. Omega 6 acids support the health of a Beago’s coat. Fiber assists with proper digestion.

Owners should be sure their dog has access to fresh, clean water at all times. Water not only hydrates, but it also helps with the digestion of meals.

Maintenance and Grooming

How much do Beagos shed? They shed a moderate amount of hair. Both the Beagle and the Golden Retriever are moderate shedders, so this comes as no surprise.

The grooming routine for this crossbreed consists of brushing it two or three times each week. A slicker brush is a valuable grooming tool because it moves through the short to medium-length hair of this dog to remove tangles fairly easily. If the Beago takes after its Beagle parent, then it will have short hair. If it takes after its Golden Retriever parent, then the hybrid will have hair that’s medium length. A grooming glove is excellent for going over the hair on the legs, face, and tail of the dog.

Another part of the grooming routine should include the dog’s ears. Clean the underside of their ears along with the visible areas. A soft cloth and warm water are sufficient for cleaning their ears unless a veterinarian prescribes a special cleaning solution.

These dogs can develop environmental allergies that appear as redness or dryness of the skin. A veterinarian can help to determine the cause of the allergies and prescribe a topical ointment to soothe the irritated skin.

royal canin golden retriever

If a Beago takes after its Golden Retriever parent, then it will have hair that’s medium length.

©Lunja/Shutterstock.com

Training

These dogs can be somewhat challenging to train. They can be distracted by the scents flowing all around them. An owner who is patient and uses treats, as well as praise, is going to have success training this dog.

A Beagle can be challenging to train which is part of the reason why a Beago can be the same way.

Young woman with Beagle dog in the summer park. Obedient pet with his owner practicing paw command

Beagos may be like parent breed Beagles and be challenging to train.

©Maria Sbytova/Shutterstock.com

Exercise

These dogs need around 60 minutes of exercise per day. They love to run, jump and explore the world around them. This activity supports their physical as well as emotional health. A walk in the woods, a run around a local pond, or a trip to a dog park are all great ways to give this hybrid dog exercise. A dog park is an especially good idea because they get along with other dogs.

This dog is not suitable for apartment life. They are medium to large in size so would not be able to move freely in an apartment setting. A home with a backyard is a better option for this pooch.

Puppies

Puppies need lots of space to run around. But, they have a tendency to be carried away by a scent. So, providing a large fenced-in space for them to explore is important for their safety.

puppy labrador retriever

Beago puppies require plenty of room to run around.

©cynoclub/Shutterstock.com

Beago and Children

These dogs are known to be good with children like their parent breed Golden Retrievers. They are playful and affectionate. As a bonus, they are sturdy dogs, so they are always ready for an energetic game of chase, hide-and-seek, or fetch. A Beago purchased from a breeder or adopted from a rescue organization would love to be with a family that has children.

Dog Facts for Kids

Like their parent breed Golden Retrievers, Beagos are good with children.

©sonya etchison/Shutterstock.com

Dogs Similar to Beagos

Other dogs similar to Beagos include Flat-Coated Retrievers, Boglen Terriers, and Beagadors.

  • Flat-Coated Retriever – Beagos and Flat-Coated Retrievers are both good with children and can have black coats. But Flat-Coated Retrievers weigh more than Beagos.
  • Boglen Terrier – Both Boglen Terriers and Beagos can have black in their coats and be challenging to obedience train. One difference is Beagos tend to be a larger hybrid dog.
  • Beagador – Beagadors and Beagos both have moderate shedding activity and are approximately the same size fully grown. However, Beagadors are easier to train.
Flat-Coated Retriever standing in the meadow

Like Beagos, Flat-Coated Retrievers can have black coats and are good with children.

©Ricantimages/Shutterstock.com

Popular names for these dogs include:

  • Buddy
  • Sadie
  • Cooper
  • Ellie
  • Rocky
  • Bandit
  • Peanut
  • Baxter.

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What's the right dog for you?

Dogs are our best friends but which breed is your perfect match?

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If you have kids or existing dogs select:

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What climate?
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How much energy should they have?

The lower energy the better.
I want a cuddle buddy!
About average energy.
I want a dog that I have to chase after constantly!
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About the Author

Catherine Gin has more than 15 years of experience working as an editor for digital, print and social media. She grew up in Australia with an alphabet of interesting animals, from echidnas and funnel-web spiders to kookaburras and quokkas, as well as beautiful native plants including bottlebrushes and gum trees. Being based in the U.S. for a decade has expanded Catherine's knowledge of flora and fauna, and she and her husband hope to have a hobby farm and vegetable garden in future.

Beago FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What is a Beago?

A Beago is a crossbreed of a Golden Retriever and a Beagle. This hybrid dog has an easygoing temperament and a playful personality. It can have a coat that is tri-colored like a Beagle or brown like a Golden Retriever. Additionally, they can have a coat that’s a mixture of black, white, red, or cream. They have moderate shedding activity and a low maintenance grooming routine.

How much does a Beago cost to own?

A breeder usually charges a price of around $600 for Beago puppies. There are also Beago rescue organizations that make it possible for people to adopt these dogs. The price for a Beago puppy from a rescue organization is going to be lower than it would be from a professional breeder. In addition, the fee charged by a rescue organization would be used to support the daily activities of the organization making it possible for others to adopt.

The yearly veterinary costs for an owner of this hybrid range from $400 to $600.

The food costs for this dog range from $50 to $100 per month. The price of the food, the brand, and the amount purchased all factor into this part of the owner’s final cost.

Is a Beago good with kids?

Yes! These dogs have a reputation for being good with children.

What’s the lifespan of a Beago?

The lifespan of this dog is 8 to 12 years.

Do Beagos shed?

Yes, these crossbreed dogs have moderate shedding activity.

How big do Beagos get?

A male Beago can weigh from 40 to 55 pounds. Plus, they can grow to a height of 19 to 20 inches. Female Beagos weigh from 35 to 45 pounds and reach a height of 17 to 19 inches tall.

The size of a Beago depends a lot on whether it has inherited more genes from its Beagle or Golden Retriever parent.

Are Beagos good family dogs?

Yes, they are good family dogs. Beagos are friendly, playful, and protective of the members of a household.

How long does a Beago live?

Though the normal lifespan of a Beago is 8 to 12 years, they have been known to live longer. A good diet combined with regular exercise and consistent checkups at the vet can add years to a Beago’s life.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

Sources
  1. Cornell University, Available here: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/hospitals/companion-animal-hospital/cardiology/pulmonic-stenosis-dogs
  2. The Happy Puppy Site, Available here: https://thehappypuppysite.com/golden-retriever-beagle-mix/

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