Beagle

The Beagle is a sturdy, hardy little hound dog which looks like a miniature Foxhound. The body is squarely built and the skull is fairly long and slightly domed. The large eyes are brown or hazel and are set well apart. The wide, pendant ears are low set and long. The tail is set moderately high and never curled over the back. The coat is of medium length, close, hard, sleek and easy to care for. Any hound-type of colouring is acceptable including lemon, tri-colour, black and tan, red and white, orange and white, or lemon and white, blue tick and red tick. Beagles have a distinct howl / bay of a bark when they are on the hunt.

The first Beagles date back to the 1500s. English hunters would take packs of these dogs out on the hunt tracking rabbits, hare, pheasant, quail and other small animals. The breed probably originated as a cross between the Harrier and other types of English hounds. The dogs have since become one of the most popular breeds in the USA. The breed can hunt alone, in pairs or in packs. The name "Beagle" may have come from the French term "be ’ geule," which means “ gape throat, ” referring to the dogs baying voice. He has also served as an excellent narcotics detection dog and makes a fine family companion.

The Beagle is loving, sweet and gentle. Happy to see everyone, greeting them with a wagging tail. Sociable, brave and intelligent. Excellent with children. Beagles have minds of their own. They are determined and watchful and require patient, firm training.

Energetic and possessing great stamina, the Beagle needs plenty of exercise, including a brisk daily walk. It should have a fenced yard of reasonable size to romp in. Always use a lead when walking this breed or you will be running the risk of it disappearing in search of wild game. The Beagle's smooth short-haired coat is easy to look after. Brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe with mild soap only when necessary. Be sure to check the ears carefully for signs of infection and keep the nails trimmed. This breed is an average shedder.