Thinking of getting a lemon beagle puppy? We don’t blame you. Who can resist such a sweet-looking pup? Find out more about the lemon beagle dog and what sets it apart from other beagles.
Breed Overview: Lemon Beagle
Pedigree: Beagle
Breed Group: Hound
Breed size: Medium
Height: 13 inches and under (female) ; 13-15 inches (male)
Weight: Under 20 lbs for 13 inches and under ; 20-30 lbs for 13-15 inches
The lemon beagle is a purebred dog with one of the color variations of the beagle dog breed. Lemon beagles are white with lemon or golden markings.
This lemon color variation is quite uncommon among beagles. As such, they typically cost more than other beagle colors. Lemon beagle puppies can fetch between $500 to $1300.
Lemon or lemon and white beagle color variations are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as two of the purebred beagle’s breed standard colors along with tricolor, red and white, and other variations.
Like all beagles, the lemon beagle has “hound coloring”, which means that they have at least two colors in their coat. No purebred beagle has a solid coat color as they lack the gene for solid colors.
Lemon Beagle Facts
Here are some interesting beagle/ lemon beagle facts:
Lemon beagles are not albino beagles. While usually lighter in color than tan and white beagles, the lemon and white beagle dogs are recognized color variations of the beagle dog breed.
Like all beagles, lemon beagles are bred for hunting. Their sense of smell, smaller size, and slower speed compared to foxhounds made them popular hunting dogs among those who were unable to ride horses during hunts.
Their long ears help them smell. The long, droopy ears of lemon beagles help catch scent particles and keep them close to their nose while tracking.
Lemon beagles and other beagle dogs can vocalize in three ways. They can bark, bay (a type of bark usually reserved for hunting), and howl.
Lemon beagles are escape artists. They can be determined to follow a scent wherever it may lead. It is advised that yards accessible to beagles are fenced in to keep them secure.
Queen Elizabeth I owned pocket beagles. Pocket beagles were small enough to fit in saddlebags.
The Beagle’s History
The origin of the Beagle dog breed is not known, with the breed’s name often a subject of debate. Some say that the name is derived from the Gaelic word “beag” which means little, while others say that its origin is the French word “be’geule” which means “be mouthful”. This is likely due to the sound the scent hounds make while on a hunt.
Since the 11th century, hounds have been used to hunt in Britain when William the Conqueror brought the St. Hubert Hound and the Talbot hound to Britain. Some believe that the Southern Hound is an ancestor of the beagle. It is an extinct breed whose origins are also not confirmed.
However, most writers suggest that the Southern Hound is derived from the Talbot hound – another extinct breed that is claimed to have come from Normandy to Britain.
While quite similar to the harrier and the Southern Hound, beagles are smaller in size and slower than other hunting dog breeds. As such, the term “beagle” was commonly used in England to describe smaller hounds that are not necessarily the same as the modern beagle.
These smaller hounds were also called foot hounds. The term “foot hound” was coined because hunters did not need horses to follow the smaller and slower dogs. They could easily follow them on foot while the dogs track rabbits, unlike the faster harriers and foxhounds.
The foot hounds quickly became popular among hunters in England and North America, especially those who were unable to take horses on hunts. Even older hunters were able to keep up with the packs of smaller scent hounds.
After the Civil War, beagles were soon imported into America. They grew in popularity among rabbit hunters. The modern-day purebred beagle is said to have descended from the bloodline that General Richard Rowett bred from beagles that were imported from England.
In 1885, the AKC registered the distinct breed and its first beagle: Blunder.
The Lemon Beagle’s Appearance
Known for its cute, friendly face and puppy dog eyes, the lemon beagle and other beagle colors are popular family pets that love going on adventures with their family members.
Eyes
The lemon beagle shares the same “large, set well apart-soft and houndlike-expression gentle and pleading” eyes as other beagles. This is the breed standard as set by the AKC. On the lemon beagles, eyes are hazel in color, while beagles of other shades have brown or hazel eyes.
Head/ Muzzle
The lemon beagle’s skull is slightly domed and fairly long. The muzzle should be squarish and straight, while the nose is broad. The muzzle should also be of medium length.
Ears
Lemon beagles have long, floppy ears. When drawn out, the ears could reach, if not almost reach the end of the nose. According to the AKC, the ears should not be short, set high on the head, or with a tendency to rise above the point of origin.
Body
The lemon beagle’s body is muscular. Purebred beagles’ chests are deep while their back is straight.
Lemon beagles’ tails are not long. On the contrary, they are a bit short compared to the size of the dog. The tail is set moderately high and has a white tip. Often used as a hunting hound, the white-tipped tails made it easier for hunters to follow the beagle while it is in pursuit of its quarry.
Height/ Weight
Like other beagles, the lemon beagle comes in two varieties. The AKC recognizes the 13-inch variety for beagles less than 13 inches or 33 cm, and the 15-inch variety for those that measure between 13 and 15 inches (33 and 38 cm).
The average weight of lemon beagles 13 inches and under is 20 lbs (9.07 kg) or less, while the average weight for 13-15 inches is around 20 to 30 lbs (9.07 to 13.6 kg).
Coat
The lemon beagle’s coat is a short, smooth, hound coat. The double coat is quite easy to maintain with just 1-2 brushings per week. This breed is not hypoallergenic. Lemon beagles are considered moderate shedders.
Their coats repel a lot of dirt and debris, keeping them looking clean even after a hunting session in the woods or playtime in the dog park.
Coat Color
Lemon and white/ lemon beagle puppies are born almost completely white. As they grow into adults, the lemon markings of their adult coat will start to get darker and more distinct. Lemon beagles are usually white with lemon-colored patches that can be lighter or darker in various parts of the body.
While some lemon-colored beagles may be a bit lighter than others, these dogs are not albino beagles.
Lemon-colored beagle puppies’ coats can be classified as lemon (AKC registration code 114) or lemon and white (AKC registration code 115). Purebred beagles always have at least two colors. The same is true with lemon beagles and lemon and white beagle dogs.
The Lemon Beagle Temperament/ Personality
Lemon beagles are known for being affectionate dogs that enjoy the company of their family members. They adapt well to households with children, as well as other pets which makes them good family dogs. This is likely due to them being bred to be pack dogs.
Cheerful and energetic, beagles love joining their family and other pack members in activities such as playtime in the park, jogging, or going on walkies.
If you are considering getting a lemon beagle puppy or adult dog, keep in mind that they are always led by their noses. They do not respond well to harsh training. Positive reinforcement is the way to go when it comes to training beagles.
Bred as hunting dogs and having one of the most developed senses of smell in the canine world, lemon beagle dogs can be pretty determined once they have picked up a scent. It can be quite a challenge to recall a lemon beagle once it is in pursuit of a scent.
This is why it is recommended that beagles be walked on a leash at all times to prevent them from running off.
Their powerful noses are the reason why they are often used as detector dogs. They sniff out anything from contraband to termites and bed bugs.
Being bred as hunting dogs does not equate to being good guard dogs. The lemon beagle’s friendly nature means that while they will bark at strangers, it is not that hard to win them over.
Beagles love being active but will happily chill at home as long as they are surrounded by their loved ones. A lemon beagle that has been left alone for many hours at home may howl, bark, or show destructive behavior. Having another dog or pet may help ease their boredom and separation anxiety.
Exercise for the Lemon Beagle
The intelligent hunting hound needs mental stimulation to keep them from getting bored. It is recommended that adult lemon beagles get at least an hour of exercise per day.
There are several ways you can ensure that your lemon beagle is healthy, active, and given the enrichment that he or she needs. No matter what activity you pick, always keep your dog hydrated and secured.
Walking or Jogging
Like any beagle, lemon beagles need to be walked at least once per day. This is a great way for them to maintain healthy muscles and keep fit; release pent-up energy; socialize with other dogs and people, as well as explore the outside scents, sights, and sounds.
Taking them for a jog around the area can be enjoyable for beagles too. These energetic pups can certainly keep up with their owners’ active lifestyles. If taking the dogs for a run, the exercise time can be shortened to around 20-30 minutes depending on your dog’s health.
Beagles are not built for long-distance running. Around 3 to 5 miles (5 to 8 km) runs should be the maximum for the lemon beagle. If you have a lemon beagle puppy, 1 mile should be the maximum distance that they walk until they reach adulthood.
Cardio
Another great way for your lemon beagle dogs to get good exercise while having fun is playing fetch. Most dogs love fetching balls and the beagle is no exception. Catching frisbees or any off-leash activity should be supervised at all times, or done in a fenced area as beagles can run off at high speeds in pursuit of a smaller animal or a scent that they may pick up.
Known for being escape artists, the AKC recommends having a fence at least five feet tall if you intend to give them unsupervised yard access. The fence should also extend underground to prevent the dogs from digging and tunneling.
Agility Course Runs
Some dog parks feature mini agility courses that dogs can enjoy for free. You can even use everyday objects to use as obstacles to train your pup in your yard or home. The food-motivated lemon beagle would certainly enjoy agility runs.
If you have a lemon beagle puppy, it is not recommended to let them jump off high places or obstacles often as their bones and muscles are still developing.
Treat Treasure Hunts
Hiding small pieces of treats in various places in your home can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience for your lemon beagle. Naturally inclined to follow their powerful noses, lemon beagles will follow the treats’ scent and uncover them one by one while getting a tasty snack.
This yummy treasure hunt is also a great opportunity for lemon beagle owners to train their intelligent dogs to follow simple commands like “stay”, “wait”, or “go” before sending them off to track the treats.
The Lemon Beagle’s Health
Are lemon beagles healthy dogs? The answer is yes. A generally healthy breed, the lemon beagle lifespan is an average of 10-15 years, which is quite common among medium-sized breeds.
Like in other relatively healthy dogs, certain conditions are commonly seen among lemon beagles and other beagles. Here are some conditions that are known to affect lemon beagles and other beagles.
Kennel clubs recommend getting lemon beagle puppies from responsible breeders as they test the breeding stock for conditions like hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, luxating patella (a dislocated kneecap), and eye disorders.
The following are the recommended tests for lemon beagles/ beagles from the National Beagle Club:
Hip Evaluation
Cardiac Exam
Ophthalmologist Evaluation
Thyroid Evaluation
MLS DNA Test
Nutrition
Any dog can benefit from high-quality dog food and a nutritious diet. The lemon beagle is no exception. Your dog’s food should be appropriate for his or her age, weight, activity level, breed size, and/ or any specific dietary needs. Along with a healthy diet, fresh, clean water must be available to your lemon beagle at all times.
Most lemon beagles are prone to weight gain, so your lemon beagle can benefit from a low-carb diet, especially if the dog does not have an active lifestyle. There is a wide variety of commercially available dog foods that can help dogs with weight management.
From low-fat, high-fiber weight management foods to ones that are low-glycemic, high-protein foods, these are all available on the market today.
Select treats that are nutritious and low-carb as well. There are lots of tasty limited-ingredient treats that do not have high-calorie fillers that can contribute to weight gain.
If your dog has food sensitivities, intolerances, and other health conditions, consult your vet on the best food for your pup.
Grooming a Lemon Beagle
Grooming a lemon beagle is fairly easy. They don’t need frequent baths and need to be brushed at least 1 to 2 times a week.
The lemon beagle’s short, but dense double coat gets heavier during winter. They will shed come springtime, which may require additional brushing sessions. For the rest of the year, these hounds shed moderately.
Grooming Lemon Beagle Puppies
It is recommended that dog owners start a regular grooming habit soon after taking a lemon beagle puppy home. This can help them get used to regular brushing, ear cleaning, nail clipping, bathing, and other grooming activities.
Make grooming sessions a positive experience for your young lemon beagle dogs by rewarding them with treats when they sit still and let you check their eyes, ears, or clip their nails.
Brushing can also be a great bonding time with your pup. Brushing stimulates blood flow and helps minimize shedding. Lemon beagles shed moderately all year round and shed more during springtime. Give your lemon beagle a gentle, soothing massage before or after a grooming session to help them relax.
Here are some grooming tools that can be handy when caring for a lemon beagle dog or puppy.
Grooming tools for a Lemon Beagle
Bristle brush for adult dogs or a soft brush for puppies – this can be used for their regular brushings and gentle on puppy fur and skin.
De-shedder – de-shedding tools are used to get hairs that have been shed but are still stuck in the lemon beagle's double coat. Regularly de-shedding dogs can help minimize shedding all over your home and can increase airflow into the skin. This prevents moisture from getting trapped in the coat which creates an environment that promotes the growth of fungi and bacteria.
Ear cleaner – a gentle ear cleaner and regular cleaning can help prevent your lemon beagle dogs from getting ear infections. Because lemon beagles have long, floppy ears, they don't get as much airflow into the ear canal.
Eye wipes – these can help keep your dog’s eyes and surrounding area clean and free from tear stains
Dental care – dental hygiene is important in keeping any dog healthy. Canine toothbrushes, toothpaste, and water additives can be used to help keep your dog’s teeth healthy. Use toothpaste made for dogs, as some kinds of toothpaste for humans contain artificial sweeteners that can be toxic to dogs.
Shampoo, conditioner, soaps, etc – any dog shampoo should be fine for a lemon beagle. If your dog is shedding a lot, there are de-shedder shampoos that you can get which are extra moisturizing to help remove stuck hairs easily.
Nail clippers – if you are comfortable clipping your lemon beagle’s nails, it is recommended to be done every 5-6 weeks.
Lemon Beagle Price
A lemon beagle dog or puppy costs higher than beagles of other color varieties. This is due to the lemon and lemon and white coat color being very uncommon. Breeding two lemon and white beagle dogs does not guarantee that it will produce lemon beagle puppies.
Lemon beagles can cost anywhere between $500 to $1300. If you wish to get a lemon beagle puppy, we advise searching for reputable breeders to ensure that the pups were bred responsibly.
Snoopy is without a doubt the most famous beagle in the world. While not a real dog, the anthropomorphic beagle is beloved by generations since the 1950s. A character created by Charles M. Schulz for his “Peanuts” comic strip, Snoopy’s legacy continues to stand the test of time.
Maymo
Lemon beagle Maymo is a pooch that has become famous all over the internet. Featured on the Ellen Show in 2012 for a video of Maymo playing with a toy mouse, the lemon beagle dog now has millions of YouTube subscribers, as well as Facebook and Instagram followers.
Maymo’s channel was one of the first to popularize funny dog-shaming content. This typically features Maymo posing with written signs stating his recent troublemaking stunts, such as hoarding water jugs, rolling on pickles, etc.
Frodo
In 2010, Frodo the beagle was awarded the PDSA Gold Medal award for his bravery and heroic actions.
The hero beagle saved his family from a fire that broke out in their home by waking up his owner and proceeding to race through the flames to the area of the house where one of the family members slept. Frodo was able to escape but required medical treatment for smoke inhalation.
According to the firefighters, lives would have been lost if not for Frodo’s determination and heroism.
Uno
Uno is the first beagle to win Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. The 2008 Best in Show winner is one of the most famous Westminster champions.
The 15-inch beagle from Belleville, Illinois attracted both the media’s and the public’s attention. Uno was the first Westminster champion invited to the White House to celebrate his victory. He was given a collar by then First Lady Laura Bush.
Conclusion
These beautiful dogs are just as adorable as tricolor and other two-color varieties of the breed. The rarity of the lemon beagle, however, sets them apart from the rest of their breed. It makes them highly desirable as a pet and even commands a higher price when purchased from a dog breeder.
While relatively healthy, proper care is still needed to make sure that these purebred dogs live long, healthy, and happy lives. Their need for affection from their owners is a huge part of what keeps a beagle happy and healthy. When left alone for extended periods, they often suffer from separation anxiety.
Whether from a reputable breeder or adopted from a shelter, the lemon beagle is a pup that craves lots of love, playtime, and snacks. Their pleading puppy-dog eyes make it pretty hard not to love beagles. Great with children and other pets, the lemon beagle will also happily relax at home as long as he or she is with her pack.
We encourage people to consider adopting lemon beagle rescue dogs from shelters or adoption organizations. As the lemon beagle dog is uncommon or some may prefer a puppy to raise from a young age, we recommend searching for responsible lemon beagle breeders who get their breeding stock tested for ailments to help minimize common health risks.
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For an impressive duration of four years, Elaine has been embarked on a voyage as a freelance writer within the domain of dog care. The profound fondness she nurtured for animals, ignited by the cherished companionship of her family's treasured pets during her developmental years, has flourished into a genuinely satisfying vocation focused on everything related to dogs.
