Pit Bull and Beagle: Everything You Need to Know About the Friendly Mix

Planning on adopting a pit bull and beagle mix? If so, you may be wondering about characteristics your pup may have inherited from each breed, what health issues they may face, how big they might grow, and how to raise a healthy, happy dog.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the incredibly cute pit bull and beagle mix. Read on to learn more.

Pit Bull and Beagle: Breed Histories

The term “pit bull” can be used to describe a few different breeds from England and the U.S. In this guide, we’ll use pit bull to describe either the American Staffordshire terrier or the American pit bull terrier. While the AKC only recognizes the American Staffordshire terrier, the United Kennel Club officially recognizes both breeds.

Pit Bull Breed History

The breed history of the pit bull is one unfortunately marred in horrific animal abuse. Originally, beginning in the early 1800s, this amazing but treated breed was created as a fighting dog, originating from a mix between feisty, athletic terriers and stocky, muscular bulldogs. The breed historically and today is a victim of forced dog fighting around the globe. However, the general sentiment of most societies regarding dog fighting has evolved to be one of disdain towards this cruel blood sport. Today, more and more people are welcoming the loving, silly pit bull into their homes, casting aside the unfair depiction of them and allowing their truly affectionate, wonderful nature to shine.

Breed History of the Beagle

The history of the beagle is far less marred by abuse and tragedy. Instead, when exactly the beagle was first bred is a bit of a mystery. By the 15th century in France, Italy, Greece, and England, the beagle was a well-established scent hound brought along on small mammal hunting expeditions. Some theories place the ancestor of the beagle as far back as 400 BC in Greece or 200 AD in Britain. What is known for certain is that beagles had arrived in America sometime before the Civil War and that the AKC registered the first beagle in 1885. In the U.S., these small, loveable hounds soon became staple family companions, especially in rural settings. After the creation of Snoopy in 1950, these little singing dogs became one of the most popular breeds in the U.S.

Beagles and Pit Bulls as Modern Family Companions

In contrast to the legacy of the beagle, the pit bull has faced decades of mistreatment and fear-mongering. However, nowadays, you can find hundreds of adorable videos of “pibbles” snuggling with their human friends, gently playing with kittens or baby ducks, and enjoying lazy mornings in pittie pajamas. With the increased acceptance of pit bulls as wonderful family companions also comes the acceptance of breeds mixed with pit bulls, such as the wonderful pit bull and beagle mix.

Pit Bull and Beagle Mix: Physical Characteristics

Pit bulls tend to feature strong, muscular body types and square heads with half-perked ears. The jaws and cheekbones are usually well-defined. Their stance should not be exaggerated like that of an English bulldog. Pit bulls can have any coat color and pattern.

Beagles have a sleek, athletic build. They feature a domed skull, squarish muzzle, long and droop ears, deep chest, straight back, and tail carried vertically. The most commonly accepted beagle coat colors are as follows:

• Black, red, and white
• Black, tan, and white
• Blue, tan, and white
• Badger pied
• Hare pied
• Lemon pied
• Lemon and white
• Red and white
• Tan and white
• Black and white
• All white

Pit Bull and Beagle Mix: Attributes

Genetics can play some role in influencing the behavior of an individual dog, so you may find that your pup exhibits some breed-typical characteristics of pit bulls and beagles. However, genetics by no means determines in absolutes the personality or behavior of a dog. Other factors such as the puppy’s experience with their littermates and mother, how long they stayed with their mom, their health, the type of bond they formed with their human caregiver, the type of training and communication used by the caregiver, if the pup’s basic needs are met, experiences during the early socialization period, etc. all also play critical roles in shaping and influencing canine behavior.

With this understanding of various factors influencing behavior in mind, you may note that many people find pit bulls to be quite goofy, snuggly, drawn to tug-based games, and notably people-oriented. Beagles are often described as particularly scent-oriented, vocal, interested in exploring, and social. Again, these are simply general characteristics that may or may not describe an individual.

Pit Bull and Beagle Mix: Expected Size at Maturity

To have an informed estimation of what size your pit bull and beagle mix might grow to at maturity, it’s important to know the size standards for the purebred pit bull and beagle.

The AKC standard for an adult female American Staffordshire terrier is 17-18 inches tall at the shoulders and 18-19 inches tall at the shoulders for a male. A male should weigh 55-70 pounds and a female should weigh between 40-55 pounds.

For the American pit bull terrier, the UKC has less strict guidelines. Instead, they emphasize “overall balance and the correct proportion of weight to height”. A suitable weight range for these dogs is about 35-60 pounds for males and 30-50 pounds for females. A desirable height for male American pit bull terriers is 18-21 inches at the withers, and for females, guidelines encourage a height at the withers between 17-20 inches. Overall, the height and weight of these pups shouldn’t compromise their health, ease of movement, or agility.

According to the AKC, the standard beagle for both sexes should measure 13-15 inches tall at the withers and weigh 20-30 pounds.

Most folks find that their pittie beagle mix is a medium-sized dog that weighs about 30-40 pounds at maturity and stands 15-18 inches tall. However, by looking at the breed size standards for the American Staffordshire terrier, American pit bull terrier, and the standard beagle, you can see that size deviation from this average is quite possible. If your pup deviates from this average they will likely be a bit heavier and possibly taller rather than smaller.

Raising a Pit Bull and Beagle Mix

Like with any dog, the focus of raising your pit bull and beagle mix pup should be on forming a secure attachment bond and relationship-based, positive-reinforcement-oriented education and training. In forming a secure attachment bond, your pup will be able to return to you as their safe base as they learn about, explore, process, and interact with the world. Just like with human babies, puppies are more likely to grow up to be confident, self-assured, and well-rounded when they have consistent access to a secure, loving, and supportive caregiver.

To raise a happy, confident, and well-rounded pit bull and beagle mix, you’ll want to ensure your puppy receives proper socialization. This period is especially crucial between 8-12 weeks of age. During this time, it’s important to introduce your puppy to one new thing each day in a gentle, supportive manner. These news things include novel smells, tastes, sounds, textures, and sights. Introducing them to social, friendly dogs and other domesticated animals will help ensure they remain sociable as adults.

Enrichment

You may find that your pit bull and beagle mix enjoys a mixture of activities well-loved by both breeds. Pit bulls often love playing tug and high-energy, wrestling type of games with their toys. They’re also famous for stretching their back legs straight out while they chew on their toys or bask in the sun. You may find that your pit bull and beagle mix has inherited this love for tugging-based games with their toys, and they might enjoy chewing their toys stretched out as is typical of pitties and pittie mixes.

Beagles are scent hounds and have been bred for centuries to follow their nose. They are often quite intrigued by scents and following trails. Playing scent games is one of the best enrichment activities you can do with a beagle or beagle-mixed dog. You can enroll in nose work classes or learn to do them at home with your pitbull and beagle mix pup. These scent games can range from quick and simple to longer and more complicated. You can start with simply finding a treat hidden in a room and work up to complicated outdoor searches such as mantrailing. Your pup may also thoroughly enjoy food enrichment. They may love to eat from a snuffle mat or sniff out their kibble scattered in the backyard.

If you find that your pup has difficulty calming down or relaxing, it’s possible that they aren’t receiving enough daily enrichment to feel truly calm. Like us humans, dogs need consistent, individually affirming mental, physical, and social enrichment for mental well-being.

Estimated Lifespan and Potential Health Issues of a Pit Bull and Beagle Mix

On average, a healthy beagle can live about 12-15 years. The American Staffordshire terrier has an average lifespan of 12-16 years. In contrast, the American pit bull terrier tends to live about 10-16 years. To live long, full lives, these breeds need species-appropriate nutrition, periodic vet checks, and low-impact, consistent exercise. Your pit bull and beagle mix will likely live 12-15 years.

Purebred dogs are more prone to developing inherited health conditions due to lower genetic diversity. As a mixed breed, your pup may be less susceptible to inherited illnesses. However, there are a few medical conditions shared by pit bulls and beagles that your mix may be at risk of developing.

The American Staffordshire terrier, American pit bull terrier, and standard beagle all share increased risks of developing the following conditions:

• Hypothyroidism
• Progressive retinal atrophy
• Skin allergies
• Cataracts
• Lymphoma

As your pit bull and beagle mix ages, you may want to talk to your vet about how to best support their eye health since this mixed breed is prone to a couple of different eye-related conditions. If you notice sudden behavioral changes or clinical signs in your pup, it’s always a good idea to set up a vet appointment as soon as possible. Ruling out medical conditions should always be one of the first steps in a dog presenting with sudden behavior changes, even if no clinical signs of a medical condition are apparent.