White Beagle: Pictures, Guide & Unique Facts

Breed Overview

Beagles are popular family dogs known for their adorableness and happy dispositions. They're also known for their traditional tricolor coloring of black, white, and tan. But do Beagles come in any other colors? Yes, they do, but we’re here to specifically take a look at white Beagles. We touch on the Beagle’s history and popularity and whether there is even such a thing as a white Beagle.

Breed Characteristics

The Earliest Records of Beagles in History

Beagles have been around for a long time, but no one truly knows where or how came about. There are only theories and a few educated guesses, without any official records.

That said, some accounts show that similar-sized hounds were used in Ancient Greece around 400 B.C. and in England around 200 A.D. While these hunting dogs didn’t have an official name, they are considered early ancestors of the Beagle.

It’s thought that during the Roman invasion of Britain, the Romans brought their smaller hounds, which bred with the local British hunting hounds. Over the centuries, more breeding likely occurred with these British and European hounds.

The earliest records for dogs called “Beagles” were small hounds in England in the 15th century, used for tracking hares. They became popular at this time because they could be used in hunts without horses, which worked well for anyone who couldn’t afford a horse. This is where they earned the moniker, “foot hound.”

How Beagles Gained Popularity

The Beagles’ ability to hunt on foot led to their popularity in England, and they started arriving in the U.S. sometime after the Civil War. They were an immediate hit with rabbit hunters, and in 1885, the American Kennel Club (AKC) registered the first Beagle by the name of Blunder.

The National Beagle Club of America was formed in the late 1880s, and more Beagles were brought over from England. These hounds bred and eventually were developed into the Beagles that we know and love today.

They are still popular hunting dogs, but due to their charming temperaments, they are also beloved family pets. The first Beagle to win the coveted “Best in Show” at the Westminster Kennel Show was Uno in 2008.

Formal Recognition of White Beagle

Are white Beagles a formally recognized breed? The Beagle has been among the AKC’s top 10 favorite breeds since they were first registered in 1885. Currently, Beagles are the seventh most popular dog out of 197 breeds.

However, a solid white Beagle is not one of the recognized colors. There are 11 colors formally recognized by the AKC, and Beagles can be found in “any hound color,” which doesn’t include white.

In fact, a purebred Beagle can’t be completely white, even if you believe that you are looking at one. Purebred Beagles will only have hound colors, and you would be hard-pressed to find a pure white hound unless they have albinism — this means no pigmentation, so you’ll also see a pink nose, eye rims, lips, etc.

However, sometimes due to age or certain color combinations, some Beagles might appear to be white. The following examples are when you might think that you’re looking at a white Beagle:

• Lemon and white puppies that haven’t developed their full color
• Lemon and white adults with only slight pigmentation
• Dogs with albinism
• Piebald Beagles with predominantly white coats
• Mixed breeds from a Beagle and an all-white breed

Top 8 Unique Facts About Beagles

1. Beagles are genetically unable to be white

Hound dogs were specifically bred to have more than one color so they would be easier to see when on the hunt.

2. The Beagles’ tails make them visible

Like how the multiple colors make them easier to spot in the wild, their tails are usually white-tipped for the same reason.

3. The Beagle puppy’s coat will change color as they age

Beagles that are lemon and white-colored are more likely to look white when puppies. Some breeders might advertise that they have a white Beagle puppy for sale, but the lemon coloring will start to darken as they age.

4. Albinism is rare and comes with health issues

Albino Beagles are sensitive to light, at risk for skin cancer, can have eye problems, and might be born blind. Without any skin pigmentation, they need sunscreen or coats to protect against the sunlight and sometimes sunglasses to protect their eyes.

5. The Beagles’ long ears help their noses

The Beagles’ ears are long enough to reach their noses, and when their ears catch scent particles, they can smell these particles with their noses, which gives them more information.

6. No one really knows where they got their name

They come from the U.K., and some people believe that the name “Beagle” comes from the Gaelic word “beag,” which means “little” or “small.” Others think that it comes from the French word, “be’geule,” which means “mouth,” but it is also thought to refer to the unique baying sound that Beagles make.

7. Snoopy is a Beagle

In the “Peanuts” franchise, Snoopy is a white Beagle with black ears and a large black spot on his back and the base of his tail.

8. Pocket Beagles were a thing

Back in the 1500s, there were pocket-sized Beagles that were popular even with Queen Elizabeth I. They were about 8 to 9 inches at the shoulder.

Do Beagles Make a Good Pet?

Beagles make fantastic family pets! They are affectionate and friendly dogs that are quite sociable, which makes them ideal for families. Beagles were bred as pack dogs, so they do quite well with other dogs and make friends easily with almost everyone they meet.

They are adaptable dogs and do just as well in the country as they do in the city. They do need a bit of space to run around, so a backyard would be ideal, but they can do quite nicely with regular visits to dog parks. Beagles are also low maintenance with their short coats.

But there are a few cons. Beagles can be stubborn, which can make training a challenge. Since they are scent hounds, they love to follow intriguing smells, which means whenever they are outside, they must be on a leash at all times or at least in a securely fenced area.

Beagles also enjoy a good digging session, so expect a torn-up backyard, and they are excellent escape artists. Unsurprisingly, they are loud, vocal dogs. They are one of the loudest breeds, which should be considered if you have close neighbors.

Final Thoughts

There aren’t actually any true white Beagles unless they have albinism. If a white Beagle puppy is advertised, it’s either albino, a lemon and white breed, or a mixed breed.

But as awesome as it would be to have a dog that is a rare color, your focus should be on having the dog as a companion and not as a status symbol. Finding a dog that fits in well with your family is far more important than how they look.