Beagle vs Labrador Retriever
Both are friendly, sociable family dogs that love food, but the Beagle is a smaller scent hound that tends to follow its nose and ignore you, while the Labrador is a bigger retriever that is eager to please and easier to train.
At a glance
| Beagle | Labrador Retriever | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Large |
| Weight | 20–24 lb (9–11 kg) | 55–79 lb (25–36 kg) |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years | 10–12 years |
| Coat | Short · Short, dense, weather-resistant | Short · Short, dense, water-resistant |
| Origin | England | Canada |
| Typical monthly cost | $75–$80 / month | $100–$110 / month |
Temperament & care, rated 1–5
| Beagle | Labrador Retriever | |
|---|---|---|
| Energy levelNeeds a lot of activity every day | 4 | 5 |
| Exercise needsLong daily walks or workouts required | 4 | 5 |
| IntelligenceLearns quickly and solves problems | 3 | 5 |
| TrainabilityTakes to training readily | 3 | 5 |
| AffectionWants close contact with people | 5 | 5 |
| IndependenceCopes well with time alone | 2 | 1 |
| Good with childrenPatient and tolerant with kids | 5 | 5 |
| Good with other petsUsually settles with other animals | 5 | 5 |
| Apartment friendlyComfortable in a smaller home | 4 | 4 |
| Beginner friendlyForgiving for a first-time owner | 4 | 4 |
| SheddingSheds heavily | 3 | 3 |
| Grooming needsFrequent brushing or professional grooming | 1 | 2 |
| Noise levelVocal — barks, meows or calls often | 3 | 3 |
Highlighted = the easier choice for most owners on that trait (higher, except shedding, grooming and noise, where lower is easier).
The key differences
- Size: Labs are more than twice the weight of a Beagle.
- Training: Labs are much easier to train; Beagles are stubborn when there is a scent.
- Noise: Beagles bay and howl; Labs bark less.
- Both are food-obsessed and gain weight easily.
Choose the Beagle if…
- You want a smaller, friendly dog (about 20–30 lb).
- You enjoy walks where the dog can sniff around.
- You don't mind howling.
Choose the Labrador Retriever if…
- You want a highly trainable dog for fetch, swimming and outdoor fun.
- You want a dog that can learn a reliable recall.
- You have space for a large dog.