Chocolate Beagle: A Sweet and Playful Companion for Your Home

The chocolate Beagle is a very rare color variation in a beloved breed that has captured the hearts of many dog lovers. These dogs are known for their friendly personalities, adorable looks, and sweet dispositions. 

They are a medium-sized breed perfect for families or individuals looking for a loyal and loving companion. Additionally, they’ll only have medium maintenance requirements such as gentle dog shampoo baths and ear cleaning wipes to prevent infections in their long ears.

Chocolate Beagles can be quite energetic and require regular exercise. Drawing from expert sources like Alex Seymour’s Beagle Guide, we’ve compiled all you need to know before searching for Chocolate Beagles for sale. 

This chocolate coloring can vary in shade from a light, milk chocolate color to a darker, almost black chocolate color. The chocolate Beagle is even rarer than the Lemon Beagle. 

Like all beagles, chocolate beagles are small to medium-sized dogs known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They are often used as hunting dogs, but they also make great family pets.

Overall, chocolate beagles are a beautiful and unique variation of the traditional beagle breed. Genetics are the only thing differentiating them from standard Beagles, just like other variations like Long-haired Dalmatians, Dudley Labradors, Agouti Huskies, Brindle Pugs, and Cream French Bulldogs (Also see Dwarf German Shepherds).

Check out Scott, the adorable and slightly confused Chocolate Beagle:

Regular Beagle vs. Chocolate Beagle 

While traditional Beagles have a coat that is typically white with black and brown markings or tri-color, Chocolate Beagles have a brown coat that is mostly bi-color, so it’s brown with white markings on the face, chest, and feet.

Origin And History Of Beagles

Renowned for its proficiency in tracking game and small game animals, the Beagle was used by hunters in England in the 1500s. However, many claim breed records may have existed around 55 B.C. in England before Roman Legions arrived. 

These dogs were named “foot hounds” since it was easy to keep up with Beagles on foot, unlike other hunting dogs that were large enough to be too fast. Chocolate Beagles have always existed as one of the breed colors since their color results from genetics.

Fun Fact: Beagles and American Foxhounds look exceptionally identical, except the Foxhounds are much larger. Despite the resemblance, these two breeds aren’t related. However, they share the same ancestry as all hunting dogs, explaining the similarity in features.

Chocolate Beagle Genetics

Chocolate Beagles are often called “chocolate” or “liver” in color, caused by a recessive gene. This gene affects the production of eumelanin, which is responsible for black and brown pigmentation in dogs.

The chocolate coloration results from a mutation in the B locus gene, which is responsible for the production of black pigment. This mutation causes the dog to produce less eumelanin, resulting in a brown or chocolate coat color. 

For a Beagle to have a chocolate coat, both parents must carry the recessive gene b/b. However, some Chocolate Beagles carry a brown gene called co/co instead. Research shows that coat color in adult cocoa dogs (co/co) is of a darker brown shade than the color in b/b dogs.

The two brown genes (b/b and co/co) are also involved in colors like Isabella and Lilac, respectively. While used interchangeably by many people, these two colors are technically different, physically and genetically.

It’s important to note that chocolate Beagles are not a separate breed but rather a color variation of the Beagle breed. They have the same temperament, size, and health concerns as traditional Beagles.

Physical Characteristics Of A Chocolate Beagle

What Do Chocolate Beagles Look Like?

Chocolate Beagles are a type of Beagle that has a rich, brown coat. These dogs have a compact and muscular build with a well-balanced body structure. These dogs almost look too big and bulky for their height, but they manage to make it proportional.

They have broad heads with long, floppy ears that hang down their shoulders. Their amber eyes are large and expressive, and their nose is red and wide. Their overall expression is very lively and friendly due to their large eyes and ears.

How Big Do Chocolate Beagles Get?

Chocolate Beagles are a medium-sized breed, typically weighing between 20 and 30 pounds (9 to 14 kg). They stand about 13 to 15 inches (33 to 38) tall at the shoulder. 

Coat and Color

Chocolate Beagles have a short, smooth coat that is easy to maintain. Their coat is typically a bi or tri chocolate color, with white markings on their chest, feet, or face. They have additional tan markings when they are tri-color. They can be a light milk chocolate color or a darker liver. It is possible that solid chocolate Beagles exist, but this would be extremely rare and unlikely.

It is important to note that while Chocolate Beagles may have a unique coat color, their temperament, and behavior are similar to other Beagle varieties. They are social, friendly, and energetic dogs that make great companions.

Temperament and Behavior of Chocolate Beagles

How Do Chocolate Beagles Behave?

Chocolate Beagles are known for their friendly and pleasant personalities. They are gentle, even-tempered, amiable, excitable, intelligent, and determined. They are incredibly curious and love to explore their surroundings.

 They are also very active and require daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. These dogs have a powerful nose, explaining why their features almost resemble a Bloodhound’s. Therefore, it’s best only to allow recall-trained Beagles off-leash since others can refuse to listen to you and follow an exciting scent.

They tend to be very vocal and bark or howl when excited or want attention. However, with proper training, you can control this behavior. You wouldn’t expect less from a dog whose name is suggested to mean “open throat” in French.

Related Posts:

Do Dogs Get Tired of Barking?

Why doesn’t my dog bark?

Due to a Beagle’s gentle and forgiving nature, some inhumane individuals use them for animal testing for cosmetic and medical experiments. However, not all is lost since you can find and support several organizations that aim to end Beagle animal testing. A few of these include:

• Beagle Freedom Project;
• The Beagle Alliance;
• The Humane Society of the United States;
• Alternative Research and Development Foundation (ARDF);
• Animal Justice Project; and
• Beauty Without Cruelty.

Chocolate Beagle Interaction with Children

Chocolate Beagles are excellent with children, especially older ones who understand how to interact with dogs. They are very patient and gentle, and they love to play. However, it is essential to supervise interactions between children and dogs to ensure that both parties are safe.

Beagle Interaction with Other Pets

Chocolate Beagles generally get along well with other pets, including cats and dogs. However, they have a strong prey drive and may chase smaller animals if not properly trained. Socializing them with other animals from a young age is essential to ensure that they learn how to interact appropriately.

Health and Lifespan of Chocolate Beagles

Common Health Issues

Like all dog breeds, chocolate beagles are prone to certain health issues. Some common health issues that chocolate beagles may face include:

• Hip dysplasia: This genetic condition affects the hip joint, causing pain and discomfort.
• Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). Causing spinal disc degeneration and potentially leading to pain, weakness, or paralysis.
• Obesity: Chocolate beagles tend to overeat, which can lead to obesity and related health issues.
• Ear infections: Beagles have long, floppy ears that can trap moisture and dirt, leading to ear infections.
• Hypothyroidism: This is a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones, leading to weight gain, lethargy, and other symptoms.
• Eye issues such as cherry eye, glaucoma, cataracts, and Distichiasis or eyelash overgrowth. 
• Chondrodystrophy or dwarfism causes short legs.
• Chinese Beagle Syndrome: This condition causes short toes and is observed as your dog tip-toeing all the time.
• Heart diseases like coronary artery issues, valve problems, and heart failure. 
• Moderate issues like dental problems, allergies, stomach issues, and skin infections. 

It’s essential to take your chocolate beagle to regular veterinary check-ups to catch any potential health issues early.

Expected Lifespan

Chocolate beagles typically have a lifespan of 10-15 years. However, this can vary depending on various factors, including genetics, diet, exercise, and overall health.

Caring for a Chocolate Beagle

Dietary Needs

Chocolate Beagles tend to gain weight if overfed, so monitoring their diet is essential. They should have high-quality dog food appropriate for their age, size, and activity level and protein-rich (30%).

It’s best to feed them two small meals a day rather than one large meal to prevent overeating. Treats should be moderate and as rewards for good behavior or training.

Exercise Requirements

Chocolate Beagles are energetic dogs that require regular exercise for 30 to 60 minutes daily to stay healthy and happy. They should be taken for a walk or run at least once daily, and playtime in the backyard or park is also important. 

Beagles love to play fetch and chase, so incorporating these activities into their exercise routine can be beneficial.

Grooming Tips

Chocolate Beagles have short, smooth coats that are easy to maintain. Here’s how to groom them:

1. They should be brushed weekly to remove loose hair and keep their coat shiny. 
2. Beagles have floppy ears that can trap dirt and moisture, so it’s essential to clean them with canine ear wipes regularly to prevent infections. 
3. Their nails should be trimmed every few weeks with dog trimmers to prevent them from getting too long and causing discomfort.
4. Bathe them monthly with a quality canine shampoo to remove dirt and odors.
5. Brush their teeth at least twice a week and alternate with a dog mouth rinse.

Training a Chocolate Beagle

Training Tips

Training a chocolate beagle can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it requires patience and consistency. Here are some tips to help you train your chocolate beagle:

• Start training early: Begin training your chocolate beagle as soon as possible. Puppies are more receptive to training and can learn faster than adult dogs.
  
• Use positive reinforcement: Reward your chocolate beagle for good behavior with treats, praise, and affection. Positive reinforcement is more effective than punishment.
  
• Be consistent: Use the same commands and training techniques every time you train your chocolate beagle. Consistency is vital to successful training.
  
• Keep training sessions short: Beagles have short attention spans, so keep training sessions short and frequent. Five to ten minutes of training per session is ideal.
  
• Socialize your chocolate Beagle: Expose your chocolate beagle to different people, animals, and environments to help them become well-adjusted and socialized.

It may be challenging to train a Beagle since it could take around 100 repetitions to catch a command. However, consistency will promote proper training in your dog.

Chocolate Beagle Common Behavior Issues

Beagles can be stubborn and independent, leading to behavior issues if not properly trained. Here are some expected behavior issues and how to address them:

• Barking: Beagles are known for loud barking, but excessive barking can be a nuisance. Use positive reinforcement to train your chocolate beagle to stop barking on command.
  
• Digging: Beagles are natural diggers and can destroy your yard if left unsupervised. Provide your chocolate beagle with a designated digging area and supervise them when they are outside.
  
• Chewing: Beagles love to chew, but they can cause damage to your furniture and belongings. Provide your chocolate beagle with plenty of chew toys and teach them what they can chew on.
  
• Separation anxiety: Beagles are social animals and can become anxious when left alone. Gradually increase the amount of time your chocolate beagle spends alone and provide them with toys and treats to keep them occupied.

Training a chocolate beagle requires patience and consistency, but you can have a well-behaved and happy companion with the right approach.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

The Chocolate Beagle is a charming and affectionate breed that is a great companion for families and individuals. While they may be prone to certain health issues, they can live long and happy lives with proper care and attention.

Meet Your Experts

Tamsin De La Harpe

Author

Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.

Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.