An Insight On Beagles

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Legend has it that Beagles, those "merry little hounds with big hearts", descended from hounds used by King Arthur and his knights. Some say their ancestors came to England with William the Conqueror. It isn't easy, however, to establish exactly when the breed first made it's appearance, as the ancient Greeks also used scent hounds for the hunt in about 400 BC, and some speculate these were ancient ancestors of the Beagle. Nevertheless, the Beagle is a strictly British development, and the word "beagle" comes from the celtic word "beag", meaning small.

It is supposed the early Beagles were developed by crossing the Harrier with Southern hounds, and in those early days they were often referred to as "little Harriers". Breeders did much experimenting with size, resulting in dogs up to 21 inches, and a miniature breed called the Queen Bess. This dog was too small for hunting, and rapidly lost popularity. To this very day there can be much variance in size within the Beagle varieties.

The present day Beagle received a number of characteristics from several other breeds; the Kerry Beagle, Miniature Bloodhounds, Foxhounds, and Coonhounds. It was in about 1860 that General Richard Rowatt brought over some good specimens from England, resulting in a successful breeding program in the United States. The American/English Beagle Club was formed in 1887, and the standard was drafted. This standard, (with a few tweaks over the years) is the one still used today.

Shortly after the turn of the century, interest in Beagles increased dramatically, and the first Beagle trials were held November 4, 1890. The next year, there were more trials, and more entries, and one can say that nothing could stop the popularity of the Beagle.

The Beagle is a member of the "scent hound" group of dogs, as it was developed as a dog that hunts rabbits by following a scent. He is divided into two different sizes, the under 13" but not over 15", and the under 13". He wears a close hound coat, of which any true hound colour is acceptable. The Beagle has a long hanging ear, and a white tip on the end of his tail. This tip is so he can be seen in the field, as his nose is always on the ground scenting! The properly proportioned Beagle is notoriously healthy, robust and muscular. Typically, it will have the "wear and tear look of the hound that can last in the chase and follow it's quarry to the death.

The good Beagle has a chiseled head, with a square cut muzzle, and level jaw. He has pleading brown or hazel eyes. His legs are straight and strong, and his feet are nice and compact. He is definitely a Beagle, and there should be no hint of his ancestors in his appearance. With proper nutrition, coat care, and exercise, he should gleam with shine, and carry himself with a joyous and proud posture.

The Beagle is an absolutely merry little hound. He is a responsive, naturally curious breed, who makes a wonderful companion. Always ready for a romp, Beagle puppies can be very rambunctious, and need to be well exercised. They also need a firm hand to let them know what is acceptable behaviour and what is not. Much of Beagle training is about teaching your dog self control in his expressions of complete delight with the world. Beagles will often play with boundless energy, and then crash out on the couch for a wonderful snooze, all in the space of ten minutes! Beagles are great "kid dogs", with an inherently gentle personality, and because of their pack dog heritage, tend to get along well with other dogs, cats, and animals.

Most are natural fielders and fetchers, but need to be convinced to bring the toy back to you! Beagles, like other scent hounds, can have a tendency to follow their nose and get lost. This behaviour is not running away, but doing what they were bred to do - find a scent and follow it. Beagles were bred to be independent thinkers, and to be followed by people not to follow them, so keep this in mind when your Beagle exhibits his truly honest "congenial stubbornness".

This truly amazing little hound tends to bring a smile to all he meets. He has no hidden agenda, loves everybody he meets, and brings with him his wonderful zest for life, and in turn, brings much joy to ours!