Little Pawz -- Beagle -- Small Dogs -- Small Dog Breed Information -- Toy Dogs -- Miniature Dogs -- Dog Breeds

The Beagle is a merry, affectionate little fellow, loving humans and other pets alike. The Beagle adores children and is a wonderful companion, equally ready for a romp or to lie by your feet on the hearthrug. This breed is equally at home in a small house or a mansion, and will guard its home and owner faithfully. It is not a barker, being mostly heard at the chase, in full cry. But, like most other hounds, it has the wanderlust, so care must be taken never to leave gates ajar.

The Breed Standard states: a merry hound whose essential function is to hunt, primarily hare, by following a scent. Bold with great activity, stamina and determination. Alert, intelligent and of even temperament. A sturdy and compactly-built hound, conveying the impression of quality without coarseness.

Size
Height: 16 – 13 inches (40.5 – 33 cm)
There are two varieties of Beagles: the smaller being 13 inches, and the larger not exceeding 16 inches in height.

Coat and Colour
A close, hard, hound coat of medium length. Any true hound colour (black, brown and white splotches).

Exercise
Exercise is no problem, because Beagles keep themselves fit as easily in a small yard as on a farm. But, like most dogs, they should be taken for a walk every day. They are notoriously healthy and robust, so you rarely need the services of a veterinarian.

Grooming
The short coat of the Beagle is tough and weatherproof, and needs no grooming. It is recommended that after a muddy walk the Beagle is left in its box for an hour to clean itself up.

Feeding
One meal a day is syfficient for a full-grown Beagle, with no treats or titbits afterwards, as this is a breed that is inclined to put on weight. One to 1 1/2 cans of name-brand dog food (13.3 oz 376 g size), with a biscuit or two, or 3 cups of dry dog food. Always have plenty of fresh water available for your Beagle.

Origins and History
The Beagle is one of the smallest of the hounds, embodying all their virtues. An ancient breed, the Beagle has proved a joy to sportsmen for hundreds of years. Beagles were first mentioned by name in writings published in 1475. Followed on foot and on horseback, they have been hunted in packs after hare from time immemorial, and were first imported to North America for this purpose.

Beagles are esteemed all over the world and have hunted many different quarries in varying climates, including jackal in the Sudan and Palestine, wild pig in Ceylon, and deer in Scandinavia. In the United States and Canada Beagles are used as gun dogs to seek out and retrieve game, and to hunt by scent in competitive Field Trials.

Celebrity Owners
Former president Lyndon Baines Johnson owned two Beagles named Him and Her. Author James Herriot of All Creatures Great and Small fame owned several Beagles, one named Sam.