The Lemon Beagle is a unique and captivating variation of the popular Beagle breed. Known for its distinctive yellow or tan and white shades, this bi-color coat sets the Lemon Beagle apart from its tri-color counterparts. In this guide, we’ll delve deep into the world of Lemon Beagles, exploring their history, characteristics, and some fascinating facts.

Key Takeaways:

• Lemon Beagles have a distinctive yellow or tan and white bi-color coat.
• They are not albinos; they have dark noses, eye rims, and lips.
• Lemon Beagles, like all Beagles, are scent hounds primarily used for hunting rabbits.
• They are known for their friendly temperament and strong sense of smell.
• The Lemon Beagle’s origin remains a mystery, but Beagles have been around since the time of the Romans.

Lemon Beagle vs. Albino Beagle

Is The Lemon Beagle Albino?

Absolutely not! While Lemon Beagles have a light-colored coat, they are not albinos. Albinos lack pigmentation throughout their body, resulting in pink eye rims, noses, and lips. In contrast, Lemon Beagles have dark features in these areas.

Puppy Color Changes

Many Lemon Beagles are born looking almost completely white. However, as they grow, their tan coloring darkens, giving them their distinctive two-toned appearance.

Lemon Beagle Coat Varieties

Hound Coloring

All Beagles, regardless of their specific coat color, have what’s known as “hound coloring.” This means they always have at least two colors in their coat. The Lemon Beagle’s coat is just one of eleven recognized colors for this breed.

The Dirty Lemon

Some Lemon Beagles have a marking known as “ticking,” which consists of tiny spots on their legs and underside. On a Lemon Beagle, this can make them look like they’re in dire need of a bath!

Lemon Beagle History and Purpose

Bred for Hunting

Lemon Beagles, like all Beagles, are classified as scent hounds. Historically, they’ve been used primarily for hunting rabbits. Many Beagles are still used for this purpose today, especially in the southern USA. In fact, tracking competitions, known as “field trials,” are quite popular. In these events, Beagles track rabbits while judges on horseback assess their performance.

The Working Lemon Beagle

Beyond hunting, Beagles have a strong sense of smell that’s been put to use in various roles. For instance, they work with the U.S. Customs & Border Protection Agency as detector dogs. The “Beagle Brigade” was even established in 1984 to help keep airports safe.

Lemon Beagle Temperament

Beagles are known for their friendly and lively nature. They’re perfect for roles that require a keen sense of smell, a calm disposition, and a high food drive.

Origin of the Lemon Beagle

The exact origin of the Beagle, and especially the Lemon Beagle, remains somewhat of a mystery. By the time dog breeds began to be standardized, Beagles were already well-established, and the lemon and white coloring was already present.

Famous Lemon Beagles

There are some Lemon Beagles that have achieved a degree of fame. For instance, Maymo the Lemon Beagle is known for his ability to mimic other animals, like Panda Bears. And while he’s not a Lemon Beagle, Snoopy from the “Peanuts” cartoon is one of the most famous Beagles ever.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lemon Beagles

1. What is the difference between a Lemon Beagle and an Albino Beagle?

Lemon Beagles are often confused with Albino Beagles due to their light-colored coat. However, they are distinct breeds. Albino Beagles have pink eye rims, lips, and noses, while Lemon Beagles possess dark features in these areas. Lemon Beagles are not a result of any genetic mutation, unlike the Albino Beagles.

2. Are Lemon Beagles rare?

Yes, Lemon Beagles are considered a rare breed. Among the eleven recognized Beagle colors, the lemon-white combination is the most adored but also the rarest. This rarity adds to their price, making them slightly more expensive than other Beagle variants.

3. How did Lemon Beagles originate?

The exact origin of Lemon Beagles is not well-documented. However, Beagles, in general, were bred in European cities for over a century. Historically, Beagles were as small as Chihuahuas and were known as wire-haired Beagles. The Lemon Beagle variant gained popularity as a pet around the 1960s.

4. What are the unique features of Lemon Beagles?

Lemon Beagles have several unique features:

• They are one of the 11 purebred Beagle types, with the lightest color coat.
• They have a dark nose, which is a standout feature.
• Some Lemon Beagles have a pied pattern with a nose resembling a butterfly’s appearance.
• If not purebred, their color might change due to parental effects, resulting in various shades like pure white, lemon pied, and light lemon white.

5. What is the average lifespan of a Lemon Beagle?

The average life expectancy of a Lemon Beagle ranges from 12 to 15 years. This duration can vary based on genetics and overall health. As they age, especially after 13 years, their energy levels might decrease, indicating their advancing years.

6. How much does it cost to raise a Lemon Beagle?

The monthly cost of raising a Lemon Beagle can be approximately $200. This includes dog food, vet check-ups, grooming, toys, and training. Additionally, there might be unforeseen expenses due to their playful nature, which can sometimes lead to minor injuries.

7. What are the temperament characteristics of Lemon Beagles?

Lemon Beagles are known for their calm and friendly nature. They are great with kids and other pets, making them ideal family dogs. They are affectionate, social, energetic, playful, and food-loving. Their temperament is such that they can sense their owner’s mood and act accordingly to uplift it.

8. Do Lemon Beagles face any health issues?

Yes, like all breeds, Lemon Beagles are prone to certain health issues. Common problems include gum and teeth issues, obesity, and glaucoma. Regular vet check-ups are essential to ensure their well-being.

9. What nutrition do Lemon Beagles require?

Lemon Beagles, due to their energetic nature, require a balanced diet rich in nutrients. An adult Lemon Beagle weighing between 25-35 pounds needs about 922 calories daily. It’s essential to consult with a vet to create a tailored diet plan for your pet.

10. How are Lemon Beagles trained?

Training a Lemon Beagle requires patience and creativity. They are independent by nature and might not always be receptive to training. Using treats as rewards can be an effective way to train them.