BEAGLE Breed Standards
The Beagle is a rather old breed, whose first mention in English literature dates back to 1475. It is suggested that the term Beagle could have come from several different sources: the French beguele which means "open throat," the Welsh beag which means small, or possibly from the German word begele meaning "to scold."
The Beagle was bred specifically for rabbit hunting, and King Edward III is known to have used the dog for just that purpose. Hunting with Beagles is done on foot, rather than horseback and has been called "beagling." The Beagle did not become as popular in America as it was in England for quite some time. It was not until 1885 that the American Kennel Club registered its very first Beagle. In 1888 both the National Beagle Club and the breed standard was established in the States. These days, the Beagle is occasionally used for practical purposes, for example, sniffing out out contraband at airports and locating traces of flame accelerants at disaster sites where arson is suspected. Generations of breeding specifically for loyalty and obedience have also made the Beagle a fantastic companion, which is why so many families today have welcomed the Beagle into their homes. The most famous Beagle in the world is Snoopy, from the popular syndicated comic strip Peanuts.
SKILLS: Family pet, rabbit hunting.
The skull should be fairly long, slightly domed at occiput, with cranium broad and full. Ears - Ears set on moderately low, long, reaching when drawn out nearly, if not quite, to the end of the nose; fine in texture, fairly broad-with almost entire absence of erectile power-setting close to the head, with the forward edge slightly inturning to the cheek - rounded at tip. Eyes - Eyes large, set well apart-soft and houndlike - expression gentle and pleading; of a brown or hazel color. Muzzle - Muzzle of medium length-straight and square - cut - the stop moderately defined. Jaws - Level. Lips free from flews; nostrils large and open. Defects - A very flat skull, narrow across the top; excess of dome, eyes small, sharp and terrierlike, or prominent and protruding; muzzle long, snipy or cut away decidedly below the eyes, or very short. Roman-nosed, or upturned, giving a dish-face expression. Ears short, set on high or with a tendency to rise above the point of origin.
SIZE: The shoulder-height is 33-41cm (13 - 16 1/4 in) and the dog weighs about 15kg (33lb).
COAT: The coat is short and weather-protective. The three toned Beagle is the most usual - that is a white ground, a brown head and back, with a black saddle, but any recognized hound colorings are permissible. Liver-colored Beagles are not acceptable.
CARE REQUIRED: Brush the coat daily to remove dead and loose hairs. In common with other breeds with hanging ears, the ears should be regularly checked to ensure they are clean.
CHARACTER: This is a lively, cheerful, sociable, brave and intelligent dog with a mind of its own, that is resolute, and vigilant. They have the tendency to follow their nose.
TRAINING: The Beagle is both an independent hunting dog and also a highly suitable pet for your home. Take your Beagle to an obedience class so it can learn what is expected of it.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: Beagles normally tend to get on well with other dogs and children but even strangers will get a friendly greeting. Get them used to cats and other household animals when they are young to avoid possible problems later.
EXERCISE: This breed needs quite a bit of exercise. A well fenced yard will prevent your Beagle from running away. Take it for long walks regularly but do not allow it to trot around freely off the leash until you are certain that you have the dog well under control or you run the risk of disappearing in search of wild game.
