Let me guess.
You’re trying to settle an argument about whether beagles have hair or fur? Or you’ve been discussing a beagle’s coat, and it’s the first time you’ve ever considered what on earth it’s actually made of?
Whatever your reason for landing here, we know one thing for sure.
We’re going to finally end the debate on whether beagles have hair or fur, what the differences are, and how you can tell them apart.
Let’s first explain the differences between dog hair and fur, and see whether you can subsequently guess the type of coat a beagle has…
The Difference between Dog Hair vs Dog Fur
Dog hair and dog fur grow from the same kind of hair follicle. They are both made of a protein called keratin, which can be found in skin and nails. But while they have much in common, there are some key differences between them.
Some of the main differences between hair and fur are:
- Length
- Thickness
- The density with which it grows, and
- The level of shedding that occurs
Hair tends to be longer in length than fur. It goes through a much longer growth cycle, resulting in less frequent (or visible) shedding.
Whilst it is smoother and finer than fur, it can be straight, wavy, or curly, with curly hair being the most likely to trap the hair that sheds, giving the appearance that less shedding is taking place than it actually is.
Dog fur, on the other hand, is usually shorter and denser. It tends to have shorter growth cycles so that it can shed and grow thicker during the colder months.
So, do Beagles have Hair or Fur?
Most people that typically refer to a beagle’s coat as hair will be surprised to hear that… beagles actually have fur!
Although hair and fur are technically the same thing (keratin), fur is shorter and will stop growing at a certain point. The growth cycle of fur is much faster, leading to more shedding than dog breeds with hair.
Breeds with hair only have one single layer, whilst breeds with fur are likely to have two layers, known as a double coat, or a top coat and an undercoat.
Do Beagles have Double Coats?
As beagles are working dogs, they have a double coat to help with regulating their body temperature whilst out on long, grueling hunts.
Their coats can withstand harsh environments, such as cold winter days, along with protection against sharp, prickly undergrowths where they give chase to rabbits and hares.
This double coat provides two layers – a thicker overcoat and a soft, fine undercoat, which leads to more shedding than most dogs with a single layer of hair.
How much do Beagles Shed?
One of the biggest noticeable differences between hair and fur is the amount of shedding. Beagles are usually described as moderately shedding dogs, however, several factors are at play when it comes down to the amount they actually shed.
They shed the most when entering the winter and summer months, as this is the time they will typically lose these coats.
Artificial lighting and central heating can also trick the beagle’s system into shedding their winter coats, in the belief that summer is approaching, so you’ll probably be cleaning more of it off of your clothes and furniture!
Here’s a perfect guide on exactly how much shedding you can expect from a beagle.
What this means for Allergies
Some people want to know if beagles have hair or fur to help them determine whether they are hypoallergenic. However, it’s not usually the hair or fur (itself) that causes allergies.
Dander (dead skin cells) and compounds in the skin and saliva of dogs are often the main factors that cause allergic reactions in humans – not whether dogs have hair or fur.
One of the primary differences to consider between hair and fur coats is how they affect allergies. As beagles have fur, their coats are less likely to trap dander than dogs with long curly hair, subsequently spreading more of it into and around their environment.
Although there’s no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog, this means that beagles are not the best option for people suffering from allergies.
How to Care for a Beagle’s Coat
Beagles are fairly low maintenance in comparison to other dog breeds when it comes to grooming and care.
Brushing their coat once or twice a week with a suitable de-shedding tool will help to remove any loose or dead hair that’s trapped in the undercoat, along with bathing once a month with an oatmeal dog shampoo.
This can go a long way to getting rid of that typical beagle smell most owners frequently complain of. Once you’re armed with everything you need in your beagle grooming kit, you can ensure that you provide the best care for your pooch’s coat needs.
Beagle Hair vs Fur Debate
It can be tough figuring out what type of coat a beagle has when you don’t know exactly what you’re looking for.
We now know that beagles have fur (not hair) and can better understand the characteristics behind their coat that make them different from dogs with hair.
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