The Beagle rose from the anonymous ranks of 'hound-dom' in the 1500s in England. Packs of dogs were used at the time to hunt small game such as rabbits and pheasants. The Harrier, which is not only taller than the Beagle, but weighs almost twice as much, provided the foundation stock for the Beagle. Originally, Beagles were used by people who would be unable to follow a hunting pack in the usual headlong manner. The infirm or elderly were able to ride at a leisurely pace, and the Beagle provided hunting opportunities for those who had no horses. The dogs could be followed on foot. This is the way Beagles are used today for hunting. The French word "be'guele" is probably the source of the dog's name and referred to the sound of the hunting bay.
Beagles are generally a friendly dog breed. They do well with children. Beagles are inherently curious. When you see a beagle, chances are you will see it with its nose to the ground, tracking something. Because they were originally bred as hunting dogs, beagles track things constantly. This can create a problem for the beagle owner because beagles have a tendency to dig out of yards and run after something that they are tracking. Vets usually recommend beagles be implanted with ID chips because of their tendency to get out.
A hardy, sturdy squarely built small hound, the Beagle has a sleek, easy care, short coat, in tri-color, red and white, orange and white, or lemon and white. The Beagle looks like a small English Foxhound. The skull is broad and slightly rounded, and the muzzle is straight and square. The black nose has full nostrils for scenting. The long, wide ears are pendant. The brown or hazel eyes have a characteristic pleading expression. The tail is carried gaily, but never curled over the back. There are two height classes, 13-15 inches and under 13 inches.
Height: 13 to 15 inches.
Weight: 20 to 30 pounds.
Weight: 20 to 30 pounds.
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