Beagles are one of the most popular dog breeds known for their playful and friendly nature.
The classic Beagle colors are tan, black, and white in a tricolor coat.
However, some Beagles come in more unusual color variations like black and white.
Black and white Beagle have a striking and beautiful bi-colored coat that makes them stand out.
This article will explore everything you need to know about this remarkable variant of the Beagle breed.
Contents
Origins of Black and White Beagles
The typical tricolor Beagle has origins tracing back to England in the 1830s. Black and white Beagles also emerged in the early foundation stock.
Selective breeding of the black and white traits produced Beagles with distinctive 50/50 coloration of black and white fur. Genetic diversity in early breeding stock allowed black and white coats to persist as a variation.
Recognized as Official Beagle Colors
All Beagle colors are considered acceptable according to the breed standards of major kennel clubs. Common colors like tricolor along with rarer black and white are officially recognized as part of the Beagle breed.
This means black and white Beagles, despite their unique coats, are considered purebred Beagles. They have all the wonderful traits of the breed in a beautiful color variation.
Black and White Beagle Appearance
The black and white Beagle has the same body shape and proportions as Beagles of other colors, standing 13-15 inches tall. Their defining feature is their two-tone fur coloring.
Striking Black and White Coat
As the name suggests, these Beagles have a coat made up exclusively of black and white fur. There are a few patterns the distribution of black and white can take:
- 50/50 split: Precisely half black fur and half white fur. Usually, the top half is black while the bottom half is white.
- Mostly black: >90% black fur with small white facial markings and/or feet.
- Mostly white: >90% white fur with small black facial markings and/or feet.
- Abstract patches: Blotchy patches of black and white fur are distributed abstractly.
The coat rarely consists of any tan/brown fur like that seen in traditional tricolor Beagles.
Eye Color and Nose Pigment
Black and white Beagles typically have dark brown eyes. Their nose is self-colored, meaning it matches the fur around it. So Beagles with black fur around their nose will have black noses.
Black and White Beagle Temperament
Aside from their unique coats, black and white Beagles have the same wonderful temperament as the breed standard.
They make lively, merry, and clever companions that get along well with people and other dogs. Their affectionate and gentle nature suits them very well to family living.
As pack hounds bred to hunt in groups, Beagles crave canine friendship and bonds. So black and white Beagles thrive when living with other dogs in the household. Socialization is important for shaping their interactions positively.
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Activity Levels
Like all Beagles, the black and white color variation has high stamina and needs daily activity and playtimes. Long walks, running in the yard, playing fetch – any vigorous exercise suits them well to expend energy.
Mental stimulation through interactive toys and training sessions also enriches their routine. This prevents boredom that leads to undesirable behavior like excessive barking or digging. Overall, plan to give them at least 1-2 hours of daily activity and attention.
Common Health Issues
All purebred dogs come with some health conditions commonly associated with their breed. Beagles are predisposed to orthopedic problems, eye issues, epilepsy, and hypothyroidism among other conditions.
Common Health Issues in Beagles
| Condition | Description |
| Intervertebral disc disease | Back/spinal disc issues causing pain, nerve issues, paralysis of hindlimbs |
| Hip dysplasia | The hip socket does not fully cover the ball portion of the femur bone causing arthritis |
| Epilepsy | Recurrent seizures |
| Cherry eye | Prolapsed third eyelid gland |
| Hypothyroidism | Underactive thyroid gland |
| Factor VII Deficiency | Bleeding disorder |
Reputable breeders screen parent dogs for these heritable conditions to reduce risk and breed only the healthiest dogs. Still, health testing each new puppy is important to catch issues early.
Overall, black and white Beagles are at risk for the same general health issues. Reach out to your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your Beagle’s health.
Tips for Grooming Black and White Beagles
The black and white Beagle has a smooth, dense double coat of medium-length fur. [H3]
Brushing
Using a rubber grooming mitt or hound glove once or twice a week removes loose hairs and debris. More frequent brushings during seasonal shedding keep their coat tidy.
Recommended Grooming Tools for Beagles
| Tool | Uses |
| Undercoat rake | Removes winter undercoat during shedding season |
| Slicker brush | General brushing for neat fur |
| Rubber curry brush | Massages skin and promotes blood flow |
Bathing
Too frequent bathing strips the protective oils. Only bathe when dirty or smelly, using a mild dog shampoo. Common bathing frequency ranges from every 3-6 months.
Trim nails regularly to prevent overgrowth and cracking. Brush teeth weekly to support dental health.
Eyes and Ears
Gently wipe face folds and ears every few days with a damp washcloth to prevent infection from moisture buildup. Check and carefully clean your ears of excess wax and debris.
Feeding a Black and White Beagle
Black and white Beagles have the same nutritional needs as Beagles of other colors.
These medium-sized dogs use about 30-40 calories per pound per day. Most Beagles weigh 20-30 pounds as adults.
So the typical Beagle needs 600-800 calories daily to meet energy requirements.
As active dogs with a tendency to overeat, measured meals prevent obesity. Feed two or three scheduled smaller meals rather than free access to food throughout the day.
High-quality commercial dog foods designed for medium/large breed dogs suit Beagles well. Choose options with meat as the first ingredient and whole food sources.
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Daily Feeding Amount Guidelines for 20-30 lb Adult Beagles
| Dog Weight | 20 pounds | 25 pounds | 30 pounds |
| Calorie Needs Per Day | 600-800 | 750-1000 | 900-1200 |
| Daily Food Volume | 1 1⁄4 – 1 3⁄4 cups | 1 1⁄2 – 2 cups | 1 3⁄4 – 2 1⁄4 cups |
Puppies and adolescent Beagles need specially formulated growth foods to support their developing bodies. Tailor amounts to the puppy’s age and weight.
Treats should compose no more than 10-15% of their daily caloric intake to limit excess weight gain.
Finding Black and White Beagle Puppies
Black and white Beagle puppies may be advertised occasionally by breeders focused on uncommon Beagle colors.
However, their rarity means finding these specific puppies requires dedication and patience. Expect to be waitlisted if requesting this combination.
Reputable breeders invest significant effort into adequately socializing puppies for future family companionship. Visiting the breeder’s facility allows you to assess their practices in person.
Questions to ask the breeder include:
- What health tests were the parents screened for? Can I see medical records?
- How are the puppies raised? What is done for socialization?
- What is the breeding facility like? Can I visit?
- Do you provide post-purchase support if I have questions?
Avoid purchasing from pet stores or online marketplaces. These organizations typically source from irresponsible high-volume commercial breeders called puppy mills.
Be prepared to pay a higher price from quality breeders who properly invest in their breeding dogs and puppies. The initial cost saves on long-term medical and behavior issues.
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Conclusion
The rare black and white Beagle is a special variant of this classic dog breed. They have a striking two-tone fur coat setting them apart from the more common tricolor Beagles. [H2]
These dogs embody everything wonderful about the Beagle temperament – playful, affectionate, and lively. Their high energy makes them fun adventure buddies needing plenty of daily activity.
Like all dogs, responsible ownership includes proper healthcare, nutrition, grooming, and meeting their needs. But the joy of sharing your life with these merry little hounds outweighs the effort tenfold.
So if you admire their unique coloring, the black and white Beagle promises to be a loyal family friend for years to come. Reach out to knowledgeable breeders to learn more about availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are black and white Beagles rare?
Yes, the black and white coat coloring occurs less frequently compared to the classic brown, black, and white tricolor Beagles. But they are a recognized variety among breed standards.
They are prone to the same common health issues as found in the general Beagle breed. Reputable breeders screen for inherited conditions to lower risk. Still, a vet check of any new puppy is important for early condition detection.
Like all Beagles, the black and white variety stands around 13-15 inches tall at the shoulder once fully grown. They weigh in the range of 20-30 pounds as adults.
Yes, Beagles have a double coat that sheds moderately year-round. They blow out their dense winter undercoat in the spring which requires more frequent brushing to keep tidy.
Absolutely! The even temperament, playful antics, and overall merry personality of Beagles make them a wonderful family dog breed. They get along great with children and thrive when around people. Early socialization prepares them for their role around all types of people.
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