Beagles are lovable, playful dogs with a sweet disposition. They make excellent family pets. They’re also medium-sized dogs, so don’t take up to much space in your home. And when they do, they love a cuddle, so they’re more likely to sit with you than not.
But do Beagles shed? This point is an important consideration when deciding if you want to add a Beagle to your family. It’s also vital if you live with someone allergic or sensitive to dog dander.
We’ll answer the question on whether Beagles shed and offer advice on what you can do to manage canine shedding, whatever dog you adopt.
Do Beagles Shed?
Yes, beagles do shed a moderate amount compared to other dog breeds out there. Despite their small size, Beagles shed more than many people expect. They have a short overcoat, so the popular misconception is that Beagles are light shedders or don’t shed at all.
However, Beagles are double-coated. While they have a short overcoat, their undercoat is significantly thicker. That’s because Beagles started as hunting dogs with jobs to do. For Beagles to hunt effectively, they needed fur that protected them from things like thistles and thorns.
The second coat also helps regulate a Beagle’s body temperature when the weather changes. It keeps them cool on hot days and warm on wintery ones.
So do Beagles shed? Yes, they do.
How Much Do Beagles Shed?
Beagles shed less than other breeds, like Labradors or German Shepherds, but they also shed more than most dogs their size.
Not only that, but because of Beagles’ tricolor coats, their shedding is always noticeable. The white fur shows up on dark clothes, the black on lighter clothing, and the red on everything. No one will ever be in any doubt you own a Beagle.
But it’s not just that Beagles shed significantly. The fur they shed can be difficult to remove from clothes because of its short, dense quality. It’s easy to get Beagle fur on something nice and soft, like cashmere. Getting it off again is the challenge.
It is crucial information for families with dog-sensitive members because the dander that triggers most dog allergies often attaches to the fur dog shed. Since Beagles aren’t hypoallergenic, you must find a way to manage their shedding around people who may react to their dander.
When Do Beagles Shed Most?
But before addressing how to manage your Beagle’s shedding, let’s talk about when Beagles shed most.
Beagles shed consistently, but sometimes their shedding is worse than others.
Because of their double-coat, Beagles are seasonal shedders. In the spring and fall, they shed the entirety of their undercoat and regrow it at a thickness appropriate for the season.
The other thing contributing to Beagles’ shedding is the fine distinction between hair and fur. These might sound like the same thing, but the thing that differentiates between dogs with hair or fur is the length of the growth cycle.
Dogs with hair rather than fur experience continual growth of their fur and require constant grooming. Beagles have fur. It grows faster than dog hair, but it’s also thicker, coarser, and crucially, it stops growing when it reaches an appropriate length.
This factor helps manage some of your Beagle’s shedding. But there are other measures you can take to keep shedding under control.
How To Manage Your Beagles Shedding
Since Beagles do shed, it’s helpful to know how to manage their shedding. There are several ways of doing this to keep your house, if not fur-free, then at least respectable.
Brush Your Beagle Often
One of the most effective ways to manage shedding is regularly brushing your Beagle. You don’t need to brush in a precise manner since Beagles shed less than many dogs. But even 15 minutes of brushing every two or three days makes a difference.
Use Grooming Products
In addition to brushing your Beagle routinely, more elaborate grooming tools are available that can help manage shedding.
One of these is a de-shedding tool. It’s closely related to dog grooming brushes but has finer teeth. These help it comb through your Beagle’s coat and lift the loose fur from its undercoat.
It won’t stop your Beagle shedding, but it ensures they will shed less than they might if left to their own devices.
Another helpful grooming aid when trying to manage Beagles that shed is shampoo. Skin irritations and sensitivities are common problems in Beagles, which can exacerbate their shedding.
Shampoo for sensitive skin won’t stop your Beagle shedding year-round, but it can alleviate any excess shedding brought on by over-grooming or skin irritation.
Bathe Your Beagle Regularly
As long as we’re discussing shampoos, they’re helpful because they can help lift some of the excess fur from your Beagle’s undercoat.
As you lather your Beagle, you’ll notice lots of their excess fur comes away in the wash. It doesn’t stop Beagles shedding, but it does prevent that fur from covering your sofa.
Remember that rinsing fur down the drain might manage Beagle shedding but might not be ideal for your drain. We recommend putting a strainer in the base of the bath if possible and disposing of any fur that rinses off in a bin afterward.
Don’t Forget Lint Rollers
Finally, never underestimate the power of a lint roller. It can be extremely helpful if your Beagle sheds on clothing or has a favorite sleeping spot where fur collects.
We also appreciate lint rollers because they’re a gentle alternative to a brush for dogs that don’t enjoy grooming. Carefully rolling the lint roller over your Beagle’s coat is an excellent way to gather up some of that fur before it gets shed.
Final Thoughts On How Much Beagles Shed
Yes, Beagles do shed. But if you are thinking about adopting a Beagle, don’t let that discourage you. They have a sweet disposition and love their people almost as much as they love getting into mischief.
So don’t hesitate. Rest assured, there are ways of managing your Beagle’s shedding that will ensure you can still enjoy their company.
