Strictly speaking, an all-White Beagle doesn’t conform to breed standards, and what is often described as a White Beagle will have some color markings of tan or light gray to accompany a primarily white body. However, albinism, which refers to a lack of pigmentation that causes the coat to be all white, can occur, while White Beagles with some pale yellow coloration can also appear almost entirely white. When talking about White Beagles, breeders and experts are most often referring to lemon-white Beagles. This is a rare color combination, and puppies can attract a high price.

Breed Overview

As with any Beagle coloration, you can expect a loyal companion, an intelligent dog, and a good family pet. They do require good doses of exercise, often including more active running as well as daily walks. This breed performs especially well in canine sports and agility and has moderate grooming requirements, but they are prone to certain congenital illnesses and conditions.

White Beagle Characteristics

White Beagle Puppies

The cost of a purebred dog depends on a lot of factors, including where you buy from and the quality of the breeder. Because White Beagles are so rare, you can expect to pay a higher price—if you can even find one. A well-cared-for puppy with good breeding and that meets show standards will cost more than a “pet standard” puppy, but a pet standard dog may be suitable for those who don’t wish to show their dogs.

The popularity of Beagles means that they do pass through rescues and shelters, but they also tend to be adopted quite quickly. Check with your local shelter and look for breed-specific charities that can help you find one of these breeds.

If you enjoy being active then you may end up finding your match with the White Beagle. They are playful but may not suit a family with small children.

Temperament & Intelligence of the White Beagle

The White Beagle was bred as a hunting dog and is still used for this purpose today, as well as being a very popular family pet. It is known for being intelligent, loyal, and for making friends easily, without being overly friendly with strangers.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

The White Beagle is considered a very good family pet. It is gentle and calm, while also being playful at times. The breed usually gets along well with children, as well as adults, and although it may vocalize a lot, does not usually pose any kind of threat to visitors of any age, either.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

The Beagle is a pack-hunting dog, which means that it should get along with other dogs. Typically, Beagles see cats as being other members of their pack which means that they should get along. As with all dogs, careful introductions are always advised when bringing either a Beagle or a new cat into the home.

Things to Know When Owning a White Beagle

Beagles are good family pets that will get along with children, adults, other pets, and strangers. However, they do require plenty of exercise and have some requirements that you need to be aware of before bringing one of these loyal dogs into your home, regardless of their color or markings.

Food & Diet Requirements

Puppies need more food than adult White Beagles, so while a puppy can consume as much as two cups of dry food per day, adult dogs will usually only eat around one cup. Very active dogs can be given a little more. A working dog diet is a good option for this breed of hunting dog, and if you use food treats as a means of training or reward for good behavior, it is important that you take this into account when calculating feeding amounts.

Exercise

Beagles are active dogs and have plenty of energy. You should expect to give your White Beagle 90 minutes of exercise per day, ideally including one walk and supplementing this with more intense cardio exercise. The breed does very well at agility and can be used as a working dog.

Training

The White Beagle is an intelligent dog breed that can pick up training quickly. This also means that it needs mental stimulation as well as physical exercise. A good training program not only helps teach your dog to be well behaved and listen to your commands, but it also provides the required stimulation. Sign up for puppy classes, obedience classes, and agility to help with socialization and training.

Grooming ✂️

With a hardy and resilient coat, Beagles shed but not profusely. They do require some grooming, but a weekly brushing should be adequate to ensure that they are comfortable and don’t endure knotted hair. Beagles do love to get dirty, though, and you may need to bathe yours every few months. Nails need trimming when they get along, typically every two months or when you can hear them clicking on hard surfaces. You will also have to regularly check inside those long ears, ensure that they are kept clean, and look for any possible signs of infection.

Health and Conditions

If you have an albino Beagle, you will need to ensure that they have sun protection on when going outside. This can take the form of canine sunscreen and may also include clothes to provide a barrier against UV rays. Also, watch for signs of deafness and other problems associated with albinism.

Generally, White Beagles that are not albino, have a similar health outlook to other Beagles. Unfortunately, they are prone to certain hereditary conditions.

Male vs. Female

Beagles are quite unusual when it comes to differences in males and females. The male tends to be more laid back and relaxed while the female is a fun-loving ball of energy. In terms of size, the male may grow slightly taller and heavier than the female, but the difference isn’t huge.

3 Little-Known Facts About the White Beagle

1. All-White Beagles Are Not Formally Recognized as Beagles

Beagle breed standards dictate that a true White Beagle is not a Beagle at all. It must have some color markings to be considered a Beagle. The most common Beagle marking is the tricolor, which consists of white, black, and tan. As such, most Beagle puppies sold as White Beagles may be all white when young but will grow up with some other colors in their markings.

Alternatively, albinism can be seen in the breed, but albino dogs are more likely to be born blind, are susceptible to UV rays, and can suffer from other health problems. Finally, a White Beagle may, in fact, be a mixed breed that combines a Beagle with another breed of dog. The closest thing to a truly White Beagle is the lemon-white Beagle, but those with very light tan markings can also appear nearly white.

2. The Famous Cartoon Character Snoopy is Based On a Mostly White Beagle

Snoopy, the beloved character from Charles M. Schulz’s “Peanuts” comic strip, is in fact a beagle. He’s not quite an all-white Beagle as he has spotted ears, but he’s the closest we’ve got to an all-white beagle being used in the media, and we love him for it! Schulz’s inspiration for Snoopy’s design came from his childhood dog, Spike.

While Snoopy’s physical appearance isn’t that close to a typical Beagle, his personality traits, such as being smart, playful, affectionate, and a little lazy, align well with the standard characteristics of this wonderful breed.

3. They Are Usually the Result of Selective Breeding

White Beagles are often the product of selective breeding and are therefore quite rare. Their coat color is influenced by genetic factors, and breeders intentionally pair dogs that carry these genes to produce the desired white or predominantly white appearance. This controlled breeding ensures that the puppies inherit the required traits to suppress darker pigmentation and give them this distinctive look.

Final Thoughts

The term White Beagle normally refers to a Beagle that is primarily white in color but has some light tan, lemon, or gray color markings. It has the same temperament and other attributes as other colors of Beagle, which means that it is an effective working dog and makes a loving and loyal family dog. Beagles are intelligent, have lots of energy, and they will get along with all family members, regardless of age or species. White Beagle puppies are rare and can cost more than other colors, but you should ensure that you choose a good breeder that has all the appropriate health checks conducted when buying.

See also:

• Hydrotherapy for Dogs: Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ
• Responsible Dog Ownership Month: When Is It & How To Celebrate?

Featured Image Credit: Tony Kan, Shutterstock