Hepper is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Beaglematian (Beagle & Dalmatian Mix): Info, Pictures, Traits

Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

By Nicole Cosgrove

Beagle Dalmatian mixed breed puppy

Height: 15 – 20 inches
Weight: 35 – 60 pounds
Lifespan: 10 – 12 years
Colors: White, pied, yellow, black, brown
Suitable for: Families of any size, active owners, experienced owners, homeowners
Temperament: Energetic, lively, cheerful, needy, intelligent

The Beagle and Dalmatian mix, commonly referred to as the Beaglematian (and sometimes spelled Beaglemation), is an adorable dog breed that combines some wonderful traits from both parent breeds to make an intelligent and goofy pup who’s full of energy.

Both parent breeds were originally bred as working dogs, so your Beaglematian is likely to have a hard-working spirit. These dogs are also affectionate, so they’ll be happy to snuggle up with you after a day of exercise, work, and play.

Beaglematians can make excellent family pets, but they aren’t for everyone. We’ll go over everything you need to know about this hybrid so you can choose this breed with confidence!

Divider 1

Beaglematian Puppies

Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

The biggest factor when considering this breed is by far their energy requirements. Both parent breeds, but especially Dalmatians, have very high energy levels, so your Beaglematian is more or less guaranteed to have a sometimes overwhelming amount of pent-up energy. They require a very time-consuming exercise program, and unfortunately, many owners don’t realize this before committing to the breed. Make sure you are prepared for at least an hour and a half of dedicated exercise every day before purchasing a Beaglematian.

You’ll also need to be prepared for barking or howling from your Beaglematian, especially during puppyhood. These dogs inherit a high tendency to bark from their Beagle parents, so they aren’t recommended for apartment dwellers or anyone with noise constraints where they live.

Lastly, you need to be ready to begin a regular training schedule almost immediately upon bringing your dog home. Beaglematians are known to be stubborn and willful. While there is no way to ensure your dog becomes obedient, beginning training early on and remaining consistent is the best way to help your dog become the most obedient and well-behaved version of themselves they can be.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Beaglematian

1. Their Temperament Can Vary Quite a Bit

Mixed breeds can vary in temperament depending on which parent breed they inherit their behavioral and personality traits from. This is largely unpredictable, and your pooch could resemble one parent over the other or be a mix of both in terms of temperament. Some people are turned away by this unknown factor, while others embrace it.


2. They Have an Extensive History

Although the Beaglematian hybrid is a relatively new breed that came about in the late 1900s along with many other designer breeds, both parent breeds have very long-standing histories. The Beagle’s origin is unknown, but some believe they can be traced back to around 2,000 years ago in Rome, where they were used to hunt and flush out small game. Dalmatians can be traced back to around the 16th century when they were bred to run alongside and protect carriages hauling cargo.


3. They Can Be Goofy

Many people picture Dalmatians and Dalmatian mixes as regal and reserved dogs, and while they sometimes are very proper in how they carry themselves, they can also be goofy and silly. The Beaglematian can inherit this tendency, so you may end up with a dog who loves to be the center of attention and the cause of laughter and joy.

Parent Breeds of Beaglematian
Image Credit: Jumpstory

Temperament & Intelligence of the Beaglematian 🧠

Beaglematians are very intelligent dogs who will pick up commands, rules of your home, and new tricks very quickly. They may not always choose to listen, but they’ll know what you’re trying to communicate to them!

These dogs enjoy human interaction and can be affectionate, but their true passion is for exercise and work. Beaglematians are very energetic and will enjoy running and playing more than just about anything else.

They are generally friendly dogs who don’t have a tendency to show aggression, but they can get a bit agitated if they’re interrupted while at work patrolling your yard or protecting your home.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

Beaglematians can be very good family pets for the right family. They tend to be a bit wary around strangers, but they are always loving and friendly toward familiar faces. They will often have no issues with any of your family members, and this includes children.

It’s very important to note that their Dalmatian parent breed gets a bad reputation for being aggressive toward and not getting along with children. Dalmatian mixes like the Beaglemation also get this reputation. Unfortunately, this is due in large part to poor breeding practices, as irresponsible breeders will sell deaf dogs who can easily be startled by kids and snap in fear. Beaglematians are naturally very good with children, so you shouldn’t have to worry as long as you find a reputable breeder.

Like we mentioned before, Beaglematians have a staggering energy level, so they actually do best in homes where there is always someone to exercise or play with. The more people you have pitching in to tire out your pooch, the less likely your Beaglematian will be to resort to destructive behavior out of boredom.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Beaglematians are confident and comfortable around other dogs, so you will very rarely run into any issues bringing yours into a home with other canines. They are also generally friendly and welcoming toward unfamiliar dogs they meet at dog parks or while exercising.

Beagles were originally bred to track and hunt small game, so Beaglematians will almost always inherit a very high prey drive. These dogs will love nothing more than chasing and pinning down a squirrel or rabbit, and unfortunately, their interest extends to other small pets you may have as well. These hybrids are not recommended for homes with cats, rabbits, hamsters, or other small animals.

Divider 4

Things to Know When Owning a Beaglematian:

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Given their size and energy requirements, you should choose a commercial dog food for your Beaglematian that is formulated specifically for medium-sized, high-energy dogs. You should plan to feed them about 2.5 cups of dry food a day, and you should plan to split this into two or three meals to help maintain their energy levels.

Many people incorrectly believe that Dalmatians and their mixed breeds need a low-protein diet based on their common urolithiasis ailment, which causes stones to form in the urinary tract. In fact, a high-purine diet is what should be avoided with these dogs.

Purines are found in some meats that are often used as filler protein sources in dog food, including liver and kidney. Choosing a high-quality dog food with good low-purine meat sources is best, and, of course, if in doubt, check the ingredient list or consult your vet if you’re unsure about a specific food.

Lastly, while there’s no certain way to prevent the formation of urinary stones, providing your dog with plenty of fresh water at all times is a good way to reduce the risk. Always make sure your pooch has access to clean water.

Exercise 🐕

Beaglematians are highly energetic dogs, and they are likely to outlast you when it comes to exercise. You need to provide your Beaglematian with at least 1.5 hours of exercise every single day, and this is best accomplished with vigorous exercise like running, playing fetch, or agility training.

Skimping on exercise time with these dogs can exacerbate health issues and lead to unwanted, destructive behavior. If you’re unable to commit to this amount of time for daily exercise, you really should reconsider this breed, as it’s very important they get their energy out in a positive manner.

Because they have a high prey drive, they are likely to lunge at or have the desire to chase squirrels, rabbits, or other small animals they see on walks or runs. It’s important to keep your Beaglematian on a sturdy leash and harness during exercise so they don’t take off on the chase.

These dogs are also very intelligent, so mental stimulation will help deplete some of their energy and keep their minds sharp. Logic games or puzzle toys are a great way to entertain your pooch, but they shouldn’t replace physical exercise in any capacity.

Training 🦮

Beaglematians are intelligent and will pick up on commands quickly, but they also have a tendency to be stubborn and resist obedience. For this reason, these dogs are not recommended for new owners or those inexperienced in obedience training.

It’s important to begin training early on with your Beaglematian and stay consistent. With regular training, these dogs will become fairly obedient, but it takes an owner willing to put in time and dedication to make it happen!

Grooming ✂️

Luckily, Beaglematians are very easy dogs to groom, so coat maintenance won’t be very time consuming for you. They have short, straight fur that doesn’t get matted or tangled, so brushing once a week or even once every other week with a rubber brush is recommended to help cut down on shedding and help distribute natural skin oils for a healthy, shiny coat.

These dogs also have a coat that naturally resists debris, so bathing will be infrequent as well. You can plan to give your Beaglematian a bath as needed or once every 2 months or so.

These dogs do have floppy ears that can pick up dirt and debris fairly easily, so plan to wipe their inner ears clean once a week. You should also brush their teeth about once a week to help maintain dental cleanliness and cut down on doggy breath.

Lastly, you’ll want to be very careful to keep your dog’s nails trimmed. Highly active breeds like the Beaglematian are prone to nail breaks and cracking, which can lead to infection, and properly trimmed nails can help reduce this greatly.

Health Conditions ❤️

Unfortunately, Beaglematians can inherit quite a few health issues from their parent breeds. You’ll want to schedule regular vet checkups at least once or twice a year and be on the lookout for the below common ailments to catch them as quickly as possible.

Minor Conditions
  • Ear infections
  • Deafness
  • Eye issues
  • Dry skin and allergies
Serious Conditions
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Intervertebral disc disease
  • Urolithiasis
  • Epilepsy
  • Hypothyroidism

Divider 5

Male vs. Female

The size and temperament of your Beaglematian can vary quite a bit, but your individual dog’s height, weight, and personality depend more on which parent breed they more closely resemble more than it does on gender. Male Beaglematians tend to have a high prey drive and more energy, and they can also be a bit more wary around strangers. For the most part, both sexes will be about equal in their temperament.

Divider 3

Final Thoughts

The Beaglematian is an adorable and beautiful dog breed that is sure to bring a lot of energy, joy, and laughter to just about any family.

They enjoy human interaction and will make very good companions, but their main focus will usually be on exercise, energetic play, and having a job to do. This can include chasing small animals like squirrels out of your yard, agility training, or protecting your home.

Beaglematians can make wonderful family pets and will be very friendly toward all of your family members, including children. As long as you have the time and commitment to provide these dogs with the exercise and training they need, this could be the perfect breed for you.


Featured Image: Sutiwat Prutthiprasert, Shutterstock

Related Articles

Further Reading

Vet Articles

Latest Vet Answers

The latest veterinarians' answers to questions from our database