Golden Retriever vs. Beagle: 17 Differences To Help You Choose

Trying to decide between a Golden Retriever vs. a Beagle?

Golden Retrievers and Beagles are both friendly, happy breeds that can make great companions.

They have many qualities that are similar, but also many that make them very different from each other.

It’s important to understand their unique traits so you can choose the breed that best suits you and your lifestyle.

We’ll start with a general overview of both Golden Retrievers and Beagles, and then dive into specific categories to help you narrow down your decision, including:

  • Energy levels
  • Trainability
  • Off-leash reliability
  • How much they bark
  • How good they are with kids
  • How good they are with other dogs and other animals
  • And much, much more!
golden retriever vs beagle

Golden Retriever Overview

Golden Retrievers are friendly, happy dogs who love the company of their human companions.

Historically, they were bred to retrieve gunned-down birds as a hunting partner, so they are genetically wired to form a close, cooperative bond with their owner.

Some people still use Golden Retrievers as hunting dogs today, but they also do well as therapy dogs, service dogs, and beloved family companions.

They have a medium to long golden-colored coat, which can range from cream to red, and should have an athletic build.

While there is variety within every breed, Goldens are known to have that “never met a stranger” vibe and a “just happy to be here” attitude towards life.

They are an active breed, so they will need plenty of physical and mental exercise so they can behave and settle nicely in house.

Golden Retrievers learn quickly and thrive off positive attention, while exuding a stable, trustworthy energy.

Beagle Overview

Beagles are cheerful dogs that make wonderful, hardy companions for whatever adventures await you.

As scent hounds, Beagles were historically bred to help humans hunt rabbits and other small game in packs using their incredible noses.

They also have an impressive set of vocal cords and that distinctive baying sound would help the hunters know where the pack of beagles was, as they often hunted in dense foliage and couldn’t always see the dogs.

While some people still use beagles for hunting, the majority are beloved pets who excel as family companions and hiking and running partners.

You might also find them working as scent detection dogs in airports, or as therapy dogs.

They are small to medium-sized dogs with short coats and come in several colors, the most common being a tricolor of black, red and white.

Beagles are known to be good-natured dogs that are fun-loving and sweet, but also can be independent and have their own ideas.

They are an active breed and are happiest when following their noses.

They are adaptable, pleasant dogs who are even-tempered and love the company of their humans.

Energy Levels

Golden Retrievers

Most Golden Retrievers need about an hour of exercise per day.

Walks, hikes, or games in the yard are all excellent outlets that most Goldens love.

Many Goldens love water and swimming can be great exercise too.

They really love to spend time in the great outdoors.

Beagles

Beagles also need about an hour of exercise per day.

They aren’t energizer bunnies, but they’re certainly not couch potatoes.

Like Goldens, Beagles were used as hunting companions, and as such, both breeds are quite active and love being outdoors.

Beagles love walks, hikes and playtime in the yard.

Be prepared to let a Beagle’s nose be the guide while on walks so they can satisfy their sniffer.

Conclusion:

Both breeds are active and need consistent exercise in order to be well-behaved at home.

If under-exercised, they may find their own exercise outlets, which probably involves destroying something you love.

Goldens and Beagles are pretty evenly matched when it comes to exercise, just know that Beagles are super sniffy and will want to sniff a lot while out and about.

beagle vs golden retriever

Shedding

Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are moderate to heavy shedders and will need to be brushed two or three times a week to remove the dead fur.

They shed year-round, often with heavier sheds in the spring and fall.

Beagles

Beagles are moderate, year-round shedders, who, like Goldens, tend to shed more during the spring and fall. 

They need to be brushed about once a week to pull out the loose fur.

Conclusion:

Whether you get a Golden Retriever or a Beagle, you’ll have to get used to shedding.

Goldens do shed more though, and their fur is longer than a Beagle’s. 

They’re also much larger than a Beagle, which means just more fur, in general, to deal with.

Trainability

Golden Retrievers

Golden Retrievers are generally easy to train dogs, thanks to their genetic predisposition for working closely with their owners.

They thrive off positive reinforcement training, tend to learn new things quickly, and are eager to please.

They may struggle with keeping their manners around people and other dogs, as they tend to be very friendly, so you might find that they need lots of consistent training to learn how to be calm around others.

Beagles

Beagles are certainly trainable, but your wishes will always be in competition with their very powerful nose.

It’s important to understand that Beagles were bred to literally tune out everything else except the scent of a rabbit and single-mindedly follow it no matter what.

That dedication to following their nose can make training more of a process with a Beagle, as they can be easily distracted.

If you stay patient, keep a good sense of humor, and use lots of positive reinforcement, you’ll be surprised at just how much they can learn.

Conclusion:

The Golden Retriever definitely wins in the trainability category.

It’s not that Beagles cannot be trained, but they usually will not be as reliable as a Golden.

And it’s not that Beagles are stubborn or disobedient, they are just doing what their genetics tell them to do – follow the interesting smell and ignore everything else, even your voice telling them it’s time to come inside.

The Beagle is a bit more of a “free spirit” when it comes to trainability, whereas the Golden Retriever is an eager partner.

  • Is a Golden Retriever Right For You? Take This Quiz To Find Out!
  • Barking

    Golden Retrievers

    Golden Retrievers typically don’t bark very much, though they might bark if excited or to alert you to something going on outside.

    For the most part, they are usually pretty quiet, but vocalness can vary from dog to dog.

    Beagles

    Beagles are known to be talkers and seem to have a lot to say.

    This is not a quiet breed, and they can be quite expressive with their noises.

    They do bark, but they also bay, which is a loud mix between a bark and a howl.

    Historically, this baying sound was prized by hunters as it served as an auditory GPS system so that they could locate the pack of Beagles.

    When a Beagle gets excited, they will often bay.

    Conclusion

    The Beagle is most definitely more vocal than Goldens, and those who really value their peace and quiet, or who have nearby neighbors, may find it hard to share a home with a Beagle.

    Many Beagle lovers find their chattiness endearing, and you can certainly work on training to minimize the barking, but they are innately more vocal than a Golden Retriever.

    How Are They With Other People?

    golden retriever puppy vs beagle

    Golden Retrievers

    Golden Retrievers are super friendly dogs that love meeting new people.

    They seem to go through life thinking everyone just might be their next best friend.

    Goldens enjoy getting attention and interacting with people outside of their family.

    Though it can happen, it’s out of character for a Golden Retriever to be shy or reserved with strangers.

    Beagles

    Beagles are also very social dogs that love to charm people with their adorable appearance.

    They’re usually very go-with-the-flow and enjoy being around people.

    Conclusion:

    Both breeds are great with people outside of their family and love to make new friends.

    The Golden Retriever might be a bit more excitable around people, and with their size, you’ll want to be careful that they don’t accidentally hurt anyone.

    Both Goldens and Beagles will need training to learn how to politely interact with people.

    Are They Good with Kids?

    Golden Retriever

    Golden Retrievers make excellent family dogs.

    They’re usually stable, even-tempered dogs that like being around kids, so long as they are treated with respect.

    Most Goldens love the attention and playtime that kids provide.

    But because they are larger dogs, they can unintentionally push small kids down, so keep that in mind.

    Beagle

    Beagles are also wonderful companions for families with kids.

    Their happy-go-lucky nature makes them well-suited for children.

    Beagles tend to be more gentle than Golden Retrievers and are smaller, so there is less risk of small kids accidentally being bowled over.

    Conclusion

    You cannot go wrong with either breed when it comes to a great family pet.

    They are both sweet, loving dogs who are pretty even-keel.

    Even though they are wonderful with kids, you’ll still need to actively supervise dog-kid interactions to make sure everyone is safe and happy, and teach children how to safely and respectfully treat dogs.

    How Are They With Other Dogs?

    Golden Retriever

    Most Goldens love to play with other dogs.

    They are known to be social and pleasant around other dogs, but it’s not uncommon for them to even be a little overexcited.

    You may have to work hard in training them how to be calm around other dogs when it’s not playtime.

    In a survey we did recently, we found that 31.6% of Golden Retriever owners have more than one dog and 57% of those people have a Golden plus another breed.

    Beagle

    Beagles are great with other dogs and usually enjoy playing with new friends.

    Because they were bred to hunt in packs, aggression is extremely uncommon for this breed and they often thrive with the company of other dogs.

    Conclusion

    Both Golden Retrievers and Beagles do well around other dogs and are pretty evenly matched in this aspect.

    How Are They With Other Animals?

    Golden Retriever

    With a good introduction, Goldens can get along nicely with other pets such as cats.

    Some may have a desire to chase a running cat, but most Goldens have very low prey drive.

    Some Golden Retrievers even develop a close bond with their kitty sibling.

    In the survey we did, we found that 25.3% of people who own a Golden Retriever also own a cat.

    golden retriever cat

    Beagle

    Beagles are also generally a good match for families with other pets like cats, but as hunting hounds, they do possess prey drive and might be inclined to chase a cat or small pet.

    You’ll want to introduce them properly, but they can get along well.

    Some Beagles will even play with and snuggle the family cat.

    Conclusion

    Both breeds are good choices for living peacefully alongside cats, but will need the right introduction and supervision to make sure they get off to the right start.

    Temperament

    Golden Retriever

    Goldens are beloved for their sweet, even-tempered personalities.

    They are playful, silly, and really just want to be your best friend.

    Some can be a bit sensitive, but not overly so.

    A well-bred Golden should be a nice, stable dog who is confident and pleasant to be around.

    Beagle

    Beagles are also loving, affable dogs who make excellent companions.

    They are social and bond closely with their humans, but they can also be independent due to their genetic inclination to sniff.

    So while they love to hang out with you, they can also live in their own world sometimes.

    They are energetic, stable, good-natured dogs.

    Conclusion

    Goldens and Beagles actually have a lot in common when it comes to temperament, which is probably why both are such popular choices.

    The main difference is that the Beagle has more of an independent streak with their own ideas (again, it’s all about the nose), whereas the Golden is more likely to be looking at you wondering what you’re going to do together next.

    But both are active, delightful dogs that can be wonderful companions.

    Off-Leash Reliability

    golden retriever vs beagle difference

    Golden Retriever

    With consistent, positive training, Golden Retrievers can be trained to be excellent off-leash companions for walks and hikes.

    As hunting dogs, they obviously work off-leash in the fields and are very responsive to the hunter’s direction.

    Their cooperative nature and desire to be close to their humans make them fairly easy to train for off-leash reliability.

    Beagle

    The Beagle is much harder to train for off-leash reliability.

    Once again, they are trained to hone into a smell and follow it no matter what, so that doesn’t exactly set you up for off-leash reliability.

    Beagles are smart dogs who can be trained, but they may not respond to your calls if they’re tracking a scent.

    It will take a lot more time and effort to work towards off-leash reliability with a Beagle, than with a Golden Retriever.

    Conclusion

    If you envision lots of fun, off-leash adventures with your dog, a Golden Retriever is the better fit.

    Beagles are going to follow their noses and you cannot simply turn that instinct off.

    While training can certainly improve their skills, Beagles will never be known for excellent off-leash reliability.

    Remember that dogs are not robots and even with the best training, they will never be 100% reliable.

    It’s important to keep safety precautions in mind when letting any breed off-leash, such as staying far from roads and putting a GPS device on your dog.

    Size

    Golden Retriever

    The American Kennel Club gives the following ranges for female and male Golden Retrievers:

    Females: 55 to 65 lbs, 21.5 to 22.5 inches tall

    Males: 65 to 75 lbs, 23 to 24 inches tall

    Beagle

    For Beagles, the American Kennel Club gives the following size ranges:

    Both males and females: 20 to 30 lbs, 13 to 15 inches tall.

    Conclusion

    This is one category where the two breeds differ a lot, with the Golden being a large dog, and the Beagle being small to medium.

    For some, a big dog is very appealing, while for others, the more portable size of the Beagle makes them a better fit.

    Allergies

    Golden Retriever

    Golden Retrievers are not among the breeds considered hypoallergenic.

    If you are allergic to dogs, you might be allergic to a Golden Retriever.

    Beagle

    Similarly, Beagles are also not hypoallergenic and can trigger your allergies if you’re allergic to dogs.

    Conclusion

    If either the Golden Retriever or the Beagle has captured your heart and you can’t imagine life without them, talk to your doctor about solutions for your allergies so you can live comfortably alongside your companion.

    Dog Odor

    Golden Retriever

    Usually, Golden Retrievers don’t have a strong doggy smell, except for the “wet dog” smell when they’re wet.

    If they are healthy, and regularly bathed and groomed, they shouldn’t stink up your house.

    Making sure to keep their ears and paws clean can help keep any smell at bay.

    Beagle

    Beagles are stinkin’ cute, but they can also be a little stinky.

    Because Beagles were bred to hunt in packs, a stronger odor made it easier for the pack to find each other and stick together.

    Sometimes called “hound smell,” they have a bit of a musky smell to them.

    It’s not an overpoweringly gross scent, but they can be just a tad smellier than other breeds.

    Conclusion

    If you’re extremely sensitive to smells, you’ll want to be aware that Beagles do have the “hound smell.”

    Both breeds require bathing and grooming, but the Golden Retriever will stay smelling fresh longer, so long as they don’t get anything stinky on their fur.

    Life Expectancy

    Golden Retriever

    According to the American Kennel Club, Golden Retriever’s life expectancy is 10 to 12 years.

    Beagle

    The American Kennel Club states that Beagles’ life expectancy is 10 to 15 years.

    Conclusion

    Smaller dogs tend to live longer, so the Beagle has a bit of an advantage in terms of life expectancy.

    golden retriever or beagle

    Health Problems

    Golden Retriever

    PetMD lists the following as common health issues for Golden Retrievers:

    • Hip and elbow dysplasia
    • Hypothyroidism
    • Sub-aortic Stenosis (SAS)
    • Lymphoma
    • Hemangiosarcoma
    • Mast cell tumors
    • Eye disorders
    • Seizures
    • Skin issues

    Beagle

    PetMD lists the following as common health issues for Beagles:

    • Patellar Luxation
    • Glaucoma
    • Epilepsy
    • Central Progressive Retinal Atrophy
    • Hypothyroidism
    • Cherry eye
    • Hip dysplasia
    • Primary Carnitine Deficiency
    • Intervertebral Disk Disease

    Conclusion

    Both breeds can have health issues, so it’s critical to do your research and talk to breeders.

    The Golden Retriever Club of America recommends that breeders do certain tests on any dog they intend to breed, so you can request test results from a breeder to ensure their dogs are healthy.

    The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals has recommendations for Beagle breeders to follow, which you can ask to see.

    Health issues can be genetic so good breeders should be testing every dog they breed, as well as tracking the health of all the puppies they produce.

    Behavior Problems

    Golden Retriever

    Even the lovable, happy-go-lucky Golden Retriever can experience behavior issues such as:

    Beagle

    Beagles can experience behavior issues such as:

    • Excessive vocalization
    • Destructive Chewing
    • Pulling on leash
    • Not coming when called
    • Jumping on people
    • Digging
    • Begging
    • Separation Anxiety

    Conclusion

    No matter which breed you’ll go with, proper training and socialization are key in helping avoid behavior issues from developing.

    Behavior issues can also be genetic, such as separation anxiety, so you’ll want to ask breeders about any issues.

    While aggression is uncommon for both Golden Retrievers and Beagles, it can happen, and you’ll want to seek help from a qualified professional if you do see any signs of aggression.

    Price

    Golden Retriever

    Golden Retriever puppies range from $1,000 to $3,500 depending on the breeder and geographical location.

    Beagle

    Beagles generally start at about $800 and go up to $2000, also depending on the breeder and location

    Conclusion

    While your budget might be a factor in finding the right dog for you, don’t go with a cheap puppy just because of the price, no matter which breed you choose.

    Find a puppy from a breeder who prioritizes health and good temperament.

    The initial purchase price of a puppy is just the first of many expenses you’ll have over the lifetime of your dog.

    Related article:

    Final Conclusion

    golden retriever vs beagle puppy

    Golden Retrievers and Beagles are quite similar in a lot of ways.

    They’re both happy, friendly dogs who enjoy the company of people and other dogs.

    They’re playful, sweet, and even-tempered, making them really nice family companions, whether or not your family includes children.

    Both breeds are active and need plenty of consistent physical and mental exercise to feel content.

    They’ll love to come along on all your adventures, whether it’s a walk to the park, a hike, a road trip, or a trip to dreamland while snuggled in your bed.

    The Beagle’s keen sense of smell leads them to be more easily distracted and less reliable as they just can’t help but follow a scent, whereas the Golden Retriever is more attentive and focused on their owner.

    Size is also a major point of difference, with the Beagle being much more compact and portable than the Golden.

    Beagles also tend to be more vocal, and just a little smellier than Golden Retrievers, while Goldens are heavier shedders.

    If you’re looking for a confident, joyful dog who is up for anything, you cannot go wrong with either breed.

    It’s a good idea to make a list of the qualities that are important to you in a dog and then evaluate each breed’s traits to see which one matches up most closely with what you have in mind.

    Just as you want to think about which dog is a good fit for you, consider things from the dog’s point of view as well.

    Which breed will be happiest and most content with your lifestyle and your personality?

    The answers to those questions will help you make the best decision and truly enjoy whatever breed you end up with.

    Have any questions about Golden Retrievers vs. Beagles?

    Have you had one of these two breeds?

    Let us know down in the comments!

    And if you’re still considering which breed to get, check out these other posts:

    To learn more about whether or not a Golden Retriever is right for you, take the Golden Retriever Quiz!

    And if you’ve decided on getting a Golden Retriever, check out this article on how to raise a Golden Retriever puppy.

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    About the author:

    Alisa Healy is a professional dog trainer in the Chicago suburbs, with a wide range of training experience from shelters to in-home training to dog sports. She is a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner and is passionate about helping people and dogs live fulfilling, harmonious lives together.

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