Cutest Dogs in the World: Boston Terrier Vs. Beagle

Quick Take

• The very feature that makes Boston Terriers most adorable is also a hidden health liability that affects them every single day. See the health risks →
• One of these breeds looks like the perfect family dog but has an instinct that makes it nearly impossible to trust off-leash. Explore the training challenge →
• These two breeds look equally easy to care for, though their coats tell a very different story come shedding season. Compare their coats →
• Cuteness isn't just about looks, and when you factor in the care each breed demands, one clear winner emerges across most categories. See the overall verdict →

The Boston terrier is a purely American dog breed, originating in Boston, Massachusetts, in the 1860s. The breed was created by crossing the English bulldog with the now-extinct White English terrier. Bred down in size from heavier fighting stock, Boston terriers have evolved into devoted family companions. The Beagle is an ancient scent hound whose exact origins are obscure, though its ancestors date back to 5th-century Greece. The modern breed was refined in Great Britain during the 1830s. Beagles were introduced to the U.S. in the 1840s and have since become beloved pets and working dogs, thanks to their unmatched scent-detecting abilities. But which of these dog breeds is the cutest? Continue reading to learn more about each of these adorable canine cuties.

What Makes Boston Terriers Cute?

Boston terriers stand 15-17 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 12 to 25 pounds on average. They’re a great size as they’re less fragile than smaller breeds, but still small enough that most people can lift them if necessary. 

Boston terriers have large eyes, upright ears, and a short snout. Over time, the breed’s muzzle has become shorter, which can make breathing difficult for Boston terriers, especially in hot weather.
However, they’re quite active dogs that love to romp around, explore new places, and play with their toys.

When bred to adhere to American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standards, Boston terriers always have bi or tri-colored coats. Accepted coat colors include:

• Black and white
• Black, brindle, and white
• Brindle and white
• Seal and white
• Seal, brindle, and white

Their coats are short and soft, and they shed moderately.

These little dogs love to snuggle close to their people after a long day. They’re also known to follow their families around like little shadows. Boston terriers can be clingy, and they thrive when they are involved in the family routine. Leaving them alone for long periods may result in a stressed dog prone to misbehavior.

What Makes Beagles Cute?

Beagles come in two sizes. Pocket beagles, the smaller variety, stand under 13 inches tall and weigh less than 20 pounds. Standard or field beagles stand 13-15 inches tall and weigh 20-30 pounds. Like Boston terriers, both sizes of beagles fit comfortably into smaller living spaces and are easy to handle.

Beagles have large, floppy ears and long muzzles that help them track scents. Most hunting dogs have long snouts, which help them pick up scents.

Beagles that adhere to AKC breed standards always have bi or tri-colored coats, just like Boston terriers. Their coats can be any of the following colors:

• Black, red, and white
• Blue, tan, and white
• Black and tan
• Black, tan, and bluetick
• Black, tan, and white
• Black, white, and tan
• Brown and white
• Brown, white, and tan
• Lemon and white
• Tan and white
• Red and white

Their fur is short and smooth, and they shed slightly more than Boston terriers.

Beagles love to run and play. They’re very active dogs who require plenty of daily exercise, making them great companions on walks, hikes, and other outings.

These dogs are the perfect addition to multi-dog households. They were bred to hunt in packs and thrive around other dogs. The only thing cuter than one beagle might just be two. Or three, or four…

Beagles are not typically cuddly dogs. They have an independent streak and can sometimes be quite stubborn.

Beagles are one of the noisier dog breeds, and they don’t just bark; they also howl and bay.

Boston Terrier Vs. Beagle: Pulling Back the Curtain

When deciding whether a Boston terrier is cuter than a beagle, it’s imperative to consider the level of care each of these undeniably adorable dogs requires, including grooming needs, daily exercise requirements, trainability, and health issues.

Grooming

Boston terriers have a single coat, whereas beagles have a double coat. A single coat consists of only one layer of fur that is generally smooth and easy to groom. A double coat features two distinct layers: a dense, fluffy undercoat that insulates the dog against both heat and cold, and a tougher topcoat of guard hairs that repels water and dirt. Because of this extra insulation, double-coated dogs experience heavy seasonal shedding and require frequent brushing, whereas single-coated dogs shed less but need extra protection, like sweaters, in cold climates.

Both beagles and Boston terriers need to be brushed weekly. Beagles may take a bit longer to groom, but both should be quick and easy.

Grooming Advantage: Boston Terrier

Exercise

Beagles benefit from 30 minutes to two hours of daily exercise, depending on their age and energy level. This can include daily walks and hands-on playtime, or even two beagles playing together.

Boston terriers are also energetic and require daily walks and play. However, be careful about strenuous exercise, as they’re prone to what’s called exercise intolerance because of their short snouts. Boston terriers should stay indoors on hot days, preferably going on walks in the early morning or late evening if temperatures are cooler.

Exercise Advantage: Beagle

Training

Boston terriers are eager to please and tend to pick up on their people’s emotions. They’re sensitive dogs that need positivity and encouragement during training. Avoid aversive training methods.

Beagles are also born people-pleasers, but they also have hunting instincts that can make recall training difficult. Never let your beagle off-leash in an unenclosed space, as relying on them to listen to your recall rather than their instincts is a losing game.

Beagles are also escape artists, so make sure your yard is well-enclosed before adopting one. Fencing should be five feet or taller, with underground barriers to prevent your beagle from digging her way out.

Training Advantage: Boston Terrier

Health

Both breeds are prone to eye problems and luxating patella. Beagles are also prone to hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and epilepsy.

Boston terriers are prone to deafness and brachycephalic syndrome. Their brachycephalic (short) muzzles make breathing and exercise difficult day-to-day. They’re also prone to a host of other health problems related to their snout length. Boston terriers, specifically, are prone to dental disease.

Health Advantage: Beagle

Are Boston Terriers or Beagles Cuter?

Both Boston terriers and beagles capture hearts with their distinct, expressive charm. Ultimately, whether you prefer the compact elegance of the Boston terrier or the classic hound aesthetic of the beagle, both breeds possess an undeniable cuteness that makes them incredibly beloved companions.