So, do beagles shed? Yes! Although beagles are considered moderate-shedding dogs, they actually shed more than people realize.
Their short coat can be deceptive, and compared to other breeds (such as the Labrador), you may think the beagle sheds less, but that’s not necessarily the case.
The beagle’s coat comprises two layers – the outercoat, which repels water, and the undercoat, which insulates the dog and keeps him warm.
The undercoat sheds more frequently than the outercoat, and during shedding season (usually twice a year), you may find yourself sweeping up more hair than usual.
As shedding can be a major factor when choosing a dog breed, it’s important to understand what to expect regarding beagle shedding facts.
Why do beagles have a double coat?
The beagle breed was born to hunt in the English countryside and needed a coat that could adjust to cold and damp conditions, a summer and winter coat in one.
Anyone who knows England knows rain! So, Beagles have evolved to deal with this with a two-layered coat, also called a double coat.
Double coats are designed to regulate their body temperature and keep them warm in the winter.
Come springtime, he does not need as much hair, and to keep him cool, he will shed his winter jacket.
The upper coat, or guard hairs, are longer and provide protection from the elements.
Outer coat
Beagles are double-coated, meaning they have an outer coat and a softer, thicker undercoat.
This double-coated fur keeps them warm in winter and cools in summer, with the ability to shed one or both coats as needed.
A double coat also protects insects that lurk in warmer climates.
Beagle’s undercoat is the layer that insulates his body heat and is denser and fluffy than the topcoat.
A beagle also has a water-resistant topcoat; both coats together help them survive rainy days and cold weather.
The undercoat is softer and shorter, helps insulate the dog in cold weather, and forms the first layer of the thicker winter coat.
Do beagles shed a lot?
Yes. Beagles do shed hair. All dog breeds shed hair, some more than others.
Beagles have short hair and lush, double coats, and because of this, you may not notice the hair as much as a dog with long hair, but they still shed their hair.
A beagle’s coat tends to be thicker in winter, meaning that come springtime, it will need to shed some excess hair from the outer coat to better regulate its body temperature.
It’s important that a beagle has a healthy coat at all times and on each shedding cycle, and all year round. A healthy coat will help with a beagle’s overall health and well-being.
Why do dogs shed?
Shedding is a natural process for dogs to get rid of old or damaged hair. It’s different for every dog breed, but it usually happens once or twice a year and can last anywhere from two weeks to six months.
Shedding is an essential part of the natural dog life cycle and helps keep your beagle comfortable by getting rid of old and damaged hair and skin.
A dog shedding hair when the seasons are changing is quite normal. The old or damaged hairs fall out of the dense coats to make way for the new hair growth to keep its coat healthy.
How much hair loss is normal for a dog when shedding?
How much do beagles shed? Even though beagles have a double coat, they are still moderate shedding dogs.
With proper grooming and nutrition, a beagle will not shed excessively. All dogs shed, but beagles are not as heavy shedders when compared to other breeds of the same size.
The amount a dog sheds varies based on the following;
- Time of year – As the season’s change, so does a dog’s coat. They shed more than usual in the winter as they grow their thicker and heavier coats to survive.
- Breed of Dog – Every breed sheds hair to some degree. Some breeds are heavy shedders, while others hardly shed at all.
- Age – older dogs shed more than younger ones because their skin produces less oil to keep dog hair from drying out or dues to poor skin health or parasites
Other factors, such as your dog’s hormones after pregnancy or diet, can influence the amount of dog hair your pet sheds.
When do beagles naturally shed?
Beagles will start to shed their thicker winter coats as the spring weather gets warmer. This process happens over a few weeks as the old hair falls out and is replaced by new hair growth.
You may also notice your beagle shedding more during autumn as they prepare for winter and grow their thicker coats.
Beagles will shed throughout the year, but you will notice it most during these two seasons.
Managing Shedding in the Home
The #1 way to control Beagle shedding is to brush regularly with proper grooming tools.
A de-shedding mitt is a good choice. This slips over your hand and allows you to easily reach all areas of the dog’s body, pulling trapped dead hairs from the inner layers of the coat.
Another option is a good de-shedding tool that pulls out dead hairs deep within the coat. During times of high shedding, go over the coat with one of these tools regularly; 3 days per week is usually sufficient.
How to stop excessive shedding?
You can’t stop any dog from shedding, but there are a few things you can do to help minimize the excessive shedding of a beagle’s skin and coat. These include;
- Grooming your beagle – brush your beagle frequently with a bristle brush to help remove loose and dead hairs. Bathe your beagle once every three months with a quality dog shampoo that will not strip all the oils from your dog’s skin, hair, and outer coat. Use a specific dog shampoo and not human shampoo!
- Diet – To help avoid health problems, feed your beagle with quality dog food that provides proper nutrition. Fish oil that is high in omega three will help keep your digs skin from drying out and keep hair and its double-layered coat healthy. The best quality food does not have to be expensive. Check out the raw food diet.
- Wellbeing – A stressed or anxious dog may shed more than normal. Ensure your dog has plenty of exercise and fresh air, which is especially important for high-energy beagles that are used to spending time outside.
- Supplements – If your Beagle’s diet doesn’t provide enough omega fatty acids, you must ensure he gets them another way. Omega fatty acid supplements can prevent shedding, detox food and chemical irritants in the body, and support a healthy coat. As a result, fish oil supplements have become the most popular medication and can be taken in pill or oil form.
What is the difference between normal and excessive shedding?
Knowing the difference between normal shedding and hair loss is important. If a beagle’s coat sheds clumps or patches or skin is inflamed, scaly, or oozing liquid, this is not normal and needs immediate vet assistance.
This hair loss could indicate a skin infection or other health issues and needs treatment to prevent the issues from worsening for your beagle.
Growth stages when beagles shed
Beagle coat goes through different growth stages during their life. The following guide explains the different types of shedding and when they occur:
Puppies – Beagle puppies are born with a soft, short coat that starts to shed around three months old. At this point, you will need to start brushing your puppy’s coat to help remove the sheddings.
Adult beagles will shed their puppy coat at around six months old. This is when their adult coat starts to grow. Beagles shed their adult coats twice a year, typically in the spring and fall.
Older dogs – Older beagles (over seven years old) may start to experience changes in their coat.
Are beagles good for people with allergies?
Beagles are a popular breed for people with allergies because they have less fur and do not shed as much hair.
This means that beagles may produce dander, an allergen that can cause inflammation to the nasal passages in humans.
There’s a misconception that there are hypoallergenic dogs, and those that believe that beagles are hypoallergenic.
According to James T C Li, M.D., Ph.D. Contrary to popular belief, there’s no such thing as a “hypoallergenic” dog breed.
Although some breeds may be less likely to cause allergies than others, it is still possible for these dogs to trigger symptoms.
How to ensure your beagle has a healthy coat
Frequent brushing, bathing with a quality dog shampoo and feeding your beagle a healthy diet are the best ways to ensure your beagle has a healthy coat.
You may also consider giving your beagle supplements, such as fish oil, to help keep his skin and coat healthy.
Frequently asked questions
Are beagles heavy shedders?
Beagles are moderate shedders and will lose some hair throughout the year. However, they do not shed as much as other breeds of dogs. Regular brushing can help to remove excess hair and minimize shedding.
Can you get a beagle that doesn’t shed?
The answer to this question is a little complicated. Some beagles definitely shed more than others, but it’s difficult to find a beagle that doesn’t shed at all.
Generally, beagles shed their winter coat in the spring and then again in the fall as they prepare for winter.
During these times, you’ll likely see an increase in the amount of hair your beagle is shedding. However, even when they’re not shedding their coat, beagles will still shed some hair.
Do beagles make good house pets?
Beagles are relatively active dogs, but they don’t require excessive exercise. A short daily walk or play session should be enough to keep them happy and healthy.
Beagles shed, but it’s not as bad as with other breeds. They don’t tend to lose huge clumps of hair; rather, they come off in smaller amounts all the time. This means they don’t need to be brushed very often, but you will still find hair all over your house.
It’s worth considering if you’re looking for a low-maintenance pet.
Why do beagles stink?
Beagles have a lot of smell-producing microbes that like damp and wet environments. Their coat absorbs moisture and releases an unpleasant smell through oily secretions of their sebaceous glands (hair follicles).
All dogs will have the ‘wet dog’ smell, but beagles tend to have it worse.
Do beagles have hair or fur?
Beagles have hair, which is the same as fur. Fur is shorter and will stop growing at a certain point.
The growth cycle of fur is much faster, leading to more shedding than in other dog breeds with hair.
Do beagles shed more during winter or spring?
A beagle typically sheds more during the spring as they prepare for summer. However, they may also shed a little more during the fall as they prepare for winter.
During these times, you’ll likely see an increase in the amount of hair your beagle is shedding.
Are beagles hypoallergenic?
Read our post Are Beagles Hypoallergenic?
In summary
You can manage how much your beagle sheds hair with good grooming, a healthy diet, and plenty of fresh air and walks. So if you’ve been considering adopting or purchasing a new furry friend, you now know how much beagles shed.
