Beagle Colors: A Guide to the Different Coat Variations of Beagles

Beagles are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, and for good reasons. They are friendly, loyal, energetic, and adorable dogs that make great companions for families and individuals alike. But did you know that Beagles also come in a wide range of colors and patterns? In fact, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC), there are 25 different Beagle color combinations and 6 markings recognized by the breed standard.

In this article, I will explore the different Beagle colors and markings, and what they mean for your furry friend. We will also look at some of the rare and unique Beagle colors that you may encounter. Whether you are looking for a Beagle puppy or just curious about this amazing breed, read on to learn more about the beautiful colors of Beagles.

Table of Contents

The Basic Beagle Colors

Before we dive into the specific color combinations and markings of Beagles, let’s first understand the basic colors that make up their coats. All official colors are different combinations and markings of the following 7 colors:

Black: Black is one of the most common and dominant colors in Beagles. It usually appears on the back, ears, tail, and face of Beagles, often forming a “saddle” pattern. Black can also be mixed with other colors to create various shades and patterns.
Tan: Tan is another common color in Beagles, often appearing on the head, ears, legs, chest, belly, and tail tip. Tan can range from light to dark shades, such as lemon, red, copper, or brown. Tan can also be mixed with other colors to create different variations.
White: White is the third most common color in Beagles, usually appearing on the paws, chest, muzzle, neck, and tail tip. White can also form patches or spots on other parts of the body. White can also be mixed with other colors to create different variations.
Blue: Blue is a rare color in Beagles, caused by a recessive gene that dilutes the black pigment. Blue is not a true blue color, but rather a faded shade of gray with scattered dots and patches of darker gray. Blue can appear on any part of the body where black would normally be.
Lemon: Lemon is a light shade of tan or yellow that can appear on any part of the body where tan would normally be. Lemon is caused by a recessive gene that dilutes the red pigment. Lemon can also form patches or spots on other parts of the body.
Red: Red is a dark shade of tan or orange that can appear on any part of the body where tan would normally be. Red is caused by a dominant gene that intensifies the red pigment. Red can also form patches or spots on other parts of the body.
Fawn: Fawn is a rare color in Beagles, caused by a recessive gene that dilutes both black and red pigments. Fawn is a light beige or cream color that can appear on any part of the body where black or tan would normally be. Fawn can also form patches or spots on other parts of the body.

The Standard Beagle Colors Combinations

These are the most common and popular beagle colors that are recognized by the AKC as the breed standard. These colors are usually preferred by breeders and show judges.

Black Tan & White

The black tan & white tri-color is by far the most popular and classic color for Beagles. It is also known as the traditional hunting color or Snoopy’s color. This color combination consists of a large “saddle” of black across the back, reaching as far as the sides, neck, and tail. Tan appears on the head, ears, and around the eyes of these Beagles, plus their thighs, their butts, and undersides of their tails. Their paws, chests, muzzles, and the tips of their tails are white.

Black Red & White

The black red & white tri-color is similar to the black tan & white tri-color, except that the tan is replaced by a darker shade of red or orange. This color combination also consists of a large “saddle” of black across the back, reaching as far as the sides, neck, and tail. Red appears on the head, ears, and around the eyes of these Beagles, plus their thighs, their butts, and undersides of their tails. Their paws, chests, muzzles, and the tips of their tails are white.

Black Tan & Bluetick

The black tan & bluetick tri-color is a rare and unique color for Beagles. It is also known as the blue ticked Beagle or the blue belton Beagle. This color combination consists of patches of black on the head, face, ears, back, and the base of the tail. Bluetick surrounds the black patches, covering everything but the muzzle and paws, which are tan or copper brown. Bluetick is a faded shade of gray with scattered dots and patches of darker gray.

Blue Tan & White

The blue tan & white tri-color is another rare and unique color for Beagles. It is also known as the blue Beagle or the blue tricolor Beagle. This color combination consists of patches of blue on the head, face, ears, back, and the base of the tail. Blue is not a true blue color, but rather a faded shade of gray with scattered dots and patches of darker gray. Tan surrounds the blue patches, covering everything but the paws and chest, which are white.

Brown & White

The brown & white bi-color is a simple and elegant color for Beagles. It is also known as the chocolate Beagle or the chocolate and white Beagle. This color combination consists of patches of brown on any part of the body where black would normally be. Brown can range from light to dark shades. White covers everything else.

Brown White & Tan

The brown white & tan tri-color is a variation of the brown & white bi-color. It is also known as the chocolate tri-color Beagle or the chocolate tan & white Beagle. This color combination consists of patches of brown on any part of the body where black would normally be. Brown can range from light to dark shades. Tan appears on any part of the body where tan would normally be. White covers everything else.

Lemon & White

The lemon & white bi-color is a light and bright color for Beagles. It is also known as the lemon Beagle or the lemon and white Beagle. This color combination consists of patches of lemon on any part of the body where tan would normally be. Lemon is a light shade of tan or yellow that can range from pale to dark shades. White covers everything else.

Red & White

The red & white bi-color is a warm and vibrant color for Beagles. It is also known as the red Beagle or the red and white Beagle. This color combination consists of patches of red on any part of the body where tan would normally be. Red is a dark shade of tan or orange that can range from bright to deep shades. White covers everything else.

The Non-Standard Beagle Colors Combinations

These are the less common and rare beagle colors that are not recognized by the AKC as the breed standard. These colors are usually avoided by breeders and show judges, as they may indicate health issues or genetic defects.

Fawn & White

The fawn & white bi-color is a very rare and unique color for Beagles. This color combination consists of patches of fawn on any part of the body where black or tan would normally be. Fawn is a light beige or cream color that can range from pale to dark shades. White covers everything else.

Lemon Tan & White

The lemon tan & white tri-color is a rare and unique color for Beagles. This color combination consists of patches of lemon on any part of the body where tan would normally be. Lemon is a light shade of tan or yellow that can range from pale to dark shades. Tan surrounds the lemon patches, covering everything but the paws and chest, which are white.

Tan & White

The tan & white bi-color is a simple and elegant color for Beagles. This color combination consists of patches of tan on any part of the body where black would normally be. Tan can range from light to dark shades. White covers everything else.

The Beagle Markings

Markings are patterns or spots that appear on top of the base coat colors of Beagles. They can add more variety and uniqueness to their appearance. The AKC recognizes 6 types of markings for Beagles:

Black Markings: Black markings are patches or spots of black color that appear on any part of the body where black would not normally be.
Blue Markings: Blue markings are patches or spots of blue color that appear on any part of the body where blue would not normally be.
Brown Markings: Brown markings are patches or spots of brown color that appear on any part of the body where brown would not normally be.
Lemon Markings: Lemon markings are patches or spots of lemon color that appear on any part of the body where lemon would not normally be.
Red Markings: Red markings are patches or spots of red color that appear on any part of the body where red would not normally be.
Tan Markings: Tan markings are patches or spots of tan color that appear on any part of the body where tan would not normally be.

Conclusion

Beagles are beautiful dogs that come in a wide range of colors and patterns. Whether you prefer a classic tri-color, a rare blue ticked, or a simple bi-color, there is a Beagle color for everyone. However, no matter what color your Beagle is, what matters most is their personality and temperament. Beagles are loyal, friendly, playful, and curious dogs that make great companions for anyone who loves them. So, don’t judge a Beagle by its cover, but by its character.