Corgi vs. Beagle: Which Breed Is Right For You?
Corgis and Beagles are top choices if you want friendly, affectionate, adorable looking dogs.
On the outside, these two breeds might look similar in size. However, their inner temperaments and hidden abilities set them apart.
Corgis are highly intelligent dogs. They’re just the right match for owners who want a loveable companion that’s easy to train. Beagles are also very intelligent (though a little more difficult to train), with an athletic build and big stamina. They’re perfect for owners with an active lifestyle.
If you’re a first-time dog parent looking for a new furry friend, it’s best to get to know each breed’s quirks and qualities thoroughly before you take one home. In this guide, we’ll make a comparison—Corgi vs. Beagle: Which breed is right for you?
Similarities between Corgis and Beagles
Corgis and Beagles are both affectionate, outgoing and loyal dogs that love human companionship.
They’re also highly energetic and require plenty of playtime. If you’re able to work from home and commit to exercising your dog for at least 60 minutes each day, then either of these breeds will be perfect for you.
Differences between Corgis and Beagles
The key differences between Corgis and Beagles are how much they shed and how easy they are to train.
Corgis shed quite heavily all year round and therefore require regular brushing (at least 3 times per week) to keep on top of stray hairs. Beagles, on the other hand, have one shedding season (springtime).
Both breeds benefit from regular grooming as they both have dense coats, but a Beagle might be the better option for you if you’re prone to allergies or can’t stand the sight of dog hair on your clothes and furniture.
When it comes to training, both breeds are strong willed and require a trainer who’s committed and consistent. Corgis are very fast learners, whereas Beagles may take a little longer to pick up new commands. This is partly because they’re very curious dogs that can easily get distracted!
Corgi vs. Beagle: Training
Like most dog breeds, corgis and beagles greatly benefit from early puppy training and socialization. Both breeds need exposure to busy environments and to get used to regular grooming as well.
Corgis are one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world. A Corgi’s clever mind, eagerness to please, and willingness to learn make him easy to teach and therefore requires fewer training hours.
One thing to note is that Corgis can be independent and strong-willed, too. They’re fast learners, but you must be firm during training to ensure they know who’s boss.
Beagles need a bit more time and patience during training.
Unlike corgis, who are herding dogs, beagles are hunting dogs with incredible stamina. A beagle’s acute sense of smell is often a source of distraction, causing him to run off in pursuit of a captivating scent.
This dog’s supreme senses are an asset for hunting, but it makes him more likely to trust his instincts than obey an owner.
Corgi vs. Beagle: Energy
Corgis love physical activity, and they need sufficient exercise to avoid becoming overweight. This breed requires at least one hour of exercise daily, so you’ll need to walk, jog, or play with your pet regularly.
In addition to physical activities, clever corgis need plenty of mental stimulation through sports, tricks, and games.
Beagles are athletic dogs that also need an hour of exercise each day. This dog breed is a good choice for sporty owners with active lifestyles.
If you’re wondering if a beagle can keep up with your jog, this dog sure can! Beagles can reach speeds of 26 mph, which is faster than a human’s average running speed!
When taking your beagle out for a walk, it’s best to keep him on a leash. Beagles like to chase scents, and they’re pretty good escape artists, too.
Corgi vs. Beagle: Shedding
Although both dogs have dense double coats, Corgis tend to shed more heavily than Beagles. Both Corgis’ (Pembroke and Cardigan) rough outer coats and thin undercoats require daily brushing.
As for Beagles’ smooth coats, weekly brushing using a grooming glove or brush will suffice. You’ll notice that both breeds’ coats get thicker during the colder months, resulting in heavy shedding in the spring.
Additionally, Corgi fur and Beagle fur isn’t hypoallergenic. Thus, if you have a family member with pet allergies, you might want to minimize their exposure to these doggies.
Other necessary grooming activities for both breeds are as follows:
- Hair trimming
- Baths once a month or as needed
- Routine nail clipping
- Tooth brushing at least three times a week
Corgi vs. Beagle: Barking
Don’t let a Corgi’s small size deceive you! Generally, corgis are extremely vocal dogs and use barks to express their wide array of emotions.
Instead of soft yapping sounds, expect loud and excessive barks from this furry friend. However, this is no cause for alarm, as you can rely on the right training to curb this behavior.
Beagles are notorious barkers as well. They use barks to communicate their needs, seek attention, or warn against potential threats and strangers.
One noticeable difference between the two breeds is that Corgis have stronger protective instincts that make them good guard dogs. Meanwhile, Beagles are more laidback and have weaker guarding instincts.
Corgi vs. Beagle: Health
Some hereditary health problems that a Beagle may experience include hypothyroidism, epilepsy, luxating patella and eye disorders. Hypothyroidism is a treatable immune-mediated disease that causes unexplained weight gain, lethargy and hair loss among other symptoms. A luxating patella is a dislocation of the knee cap. In mild cases, it will fix itself. In more serious cases, physical therapy or surgery may be required.
Hip dysplasia is another condition that affects some Beagles and Corgis, too. This is a risk to Corgis due to their long backs and short legs. Other hereditary health conditions a Corgi may experience are degenerative myelopathy and Intervertebral Disc Disease.
If you’re looking to buy a puppy of any breed, always ask to see the relevant health test results for both parents from your breeder to ensure there’s no sign of an inherited disorder.
Corgi vs. Beagle: How Long Can They Be Left Alone?
Corgis are loyal, loveable dogs that crave human companionship. Leaving them on their own for long periods of time can cause separation anxiety. They’re also likely to get bored due to the lack of physical or mental stimulation.
I don’t recommend leaving your Corgi alone for more than 3-4 hours at a time and try not to make this a regular habit. Make sure your Corgi is crate trained, comfortable, and well exercised before you go.
Likewise, adult Beagles are ok on their own for 3-4 hours at a time, but don’t leave them alone too often. These dogs were originally bred to work in packs and long for constant company.
Frequently leaving your beagle or corgi behind can lead to destructive or aggressive behavior. These negative behaviors include:
- Pacing and hyperactivity
- Excessive drooling or barking
- Urinating and defecating on floors
- Chewing on objects or furniture
If you work from an office that doesn’t allow dogs, arrange for a dog walker to visit your home a couple of times each day or drop your doggo off at doggy daycare.
Ensuring that they’re not left alone frequently will lead to a happier, healthier dog all round.
Corgi vs. Beagle: Which Is Better for a First-Time Owner?
If it’s your first time getting a dog, the better breed among the two greatly depends on your lifestyle and availability.
Beagles are a great match for athletic owners who spend lots of time outdoors. However, one thing to note for Beagles is their short attention span, which can make training quite challenging.
Meanwhile, Corgis are better suited to owners who want a loveable, playful companion. Exercise is still very important, but two 30-minute walks each day in the park is more than suffice. In terms of maintenance, corgis shed more heavily than beagles, but they’re easier to housebreak and train.
Corgi vs. Beagle: Animals and Children
Corgis and Beagles are equally good with other pets and kids thanks to their playful, happy-go-lucky natures.
Of course, both should be introduced to young children gradually and with supervision. The same goes for other pets in the home like dogs and cats.
The only thing to watch out for with Corgis is their tendency to nip at people’s heels. This is an instinct carried over from their days as herding dogs where they’d nip at the heels of wayward cows! Keep an eye on your Corgi while they play with your kids and make sure there are other toys around to keep them entertained.
Corgi vs.Beagle: Are They Good in Apartments?
One of the perks of owning a dog as cute and cuddly as a corgi is the minimal need for space. A Corgi’s small crate or kennel will easily fit in your apartment.
Beagles are appropriately sized and well-tempered for apartments, too. These dogs are highly adaptable and will quickly adjust to life in a high-rise building as long as you give them both enough daily exercise (60 minutes) and mental stimulation.
When indoors, provide your pets with sufficient food, stimulating toys, and a safe window to observe the outdoors. Another good tip is to train your dogs to limit their barking to avoid disturbing any neighbors.
Corgi vs. Beagle: Which Is More Expensive?
Corgis cost between $1,500 and $2,500, while Beagles cost between $500 and $1,200.
