The Beagle
Breed: Hunting Group Size: 13-16” in Height Weight: 18-35 lbs.
Initially this breed was developed primarily for hunting and scenting purposes in the tracking of hare, rabbit and other small game during the hunt. They are better at ground tracking of game, rather than picking up a scent in the air, which is why they not often included as rescue dogs. These dogs are often ideal for work in the detection industry in detecting prohibited agricultural product imports and foodstuffs because of their keen sense of smell. Beagle-type dogs have existed for over 2,000 years, but the modern breed was developed in Britain around the 1830’s from several different breeds. It is believed to be derived from the Talbot Hound, the North Country Beagle, the Southern Hound and possibly has Harrier ancestors as well. In the 1830’s Reverend Phillip Honeywood produced a dog that was the for-runner of today’s animal that was both a proficient hunter and an attractive animal. This version came in two varieties, a smooth coated and a rough coated variety. The rough-coated variety was seen up until about 1969, but this is now extinct. Small pocket-sized Beagles that were small enough to fit on a man’s glove were referred to in written works in the days of Edward II, Henry VII and Elizabeth I. You will sometimes see references to these pocket-sized versions on the market for sale, but in reality these smaller versions are now extinct, although modern breeders have tried unsuccessfully to re-create the line. The modern version of this animal is more popular in Canada and in the US than they are elsewhere in the world, including their country of origin, England. Today’s animal looks much like the Foxhound in appearance but is smaller and with shorter legs. They have a broader head and shorter muzzle than the Foxhound with a head that appears domed. There eyes are large and expressive with a ‘pleading’ look and are usually hazel or brown. They have soft, long and floppy ears with rounded edges. These dogs have a broad chest and a muscular build. Their slightly curved tails have a white tip and tend to stand straight upright when they are active or running during a hunt. This animals’ coloration can come in any of the typical hound colors. They are sometimes even tri-colored, with the three most common colors being brown, black and white. The two-colored versions typically have a white base with patches of another color. The most common of these colors is light tan, and other colors can include lemon, very light tan, red, reddish brown, liver or dark brown. They have a medium length coat that is smooth and hard. This type of dog is known for its amiable, gentle disposition. They are not overly aggressive or timid, and tend to be very good with children. They are also good with strangers, which makes them not particularly good guard dogs. They are intelligent, but can be stubborn, especially when they are distracted with a scent, which may make them difficult to train. Beagles are also known for their howl or bay tendencies. These gentle animals are, however, generally obedient and fit into a family atmosphere well.
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