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Hound breeds: Beagle
Origin
No research has ever brought to light the true origin of this breed, but they may have come from crossings of ancient English hounds called "Buck Hounds" and possibly the French "Begle" during the time of the ancient Romans. It's generally accepted that the Beagle is one of the oldest breeds and, along with the Bloodhound and Otterhound, closest to the original breed of hounds.
In the middle of the 19th century, Parson Honeywood got together a good pack, and this dates as the beginning of the modern Beagle. Previous to 1870 there were dogs in America known as Beagles, but they were more of a Basset Hound or Dachshund type. Good Beagles were imported from England in the 1860s, to Illinois, and bred into the rangy American Beagle to produce the modern Beagle. It was the turning point of the breed in America. In 1880 and 1886, packs were also brought in from England and the breed was set.
In 1888 the National Beagle Club was formed and held its first field trial. There are thousands of people all over the United States who keep a few Beagles and hunt them individually as well as many true packs that are registered with the National Beagle Club.
General description
Height: under 15 inches
Weight: 18-30 pounds
Color: Any hound color is allowed.
Note: For show purposes, the Beagle is divided into two varieties: those who do not exceed 13 inches in height and those who are over 13 inches but not over 15 inches. Interestingly, a dog can compete in both varieties during his life, depending on his size at the time.
Grooming requirements
Grooming this breed requires little more than a curry brush, spray conditioner and some time. Regular ear cleaning and nail clipping are necessary.
Health considerations
The Beagle is one of many breeds that can have autoimmune problems. They have few other major health concerns. Attention must be paid to their diet as they have a tendency to overeat and get too heavy. They have a tendency for pyruvate kinase deficiency, a deficiency of a specific red blood cell enzyme.
Breed characteristics and personality
Affectionate, cheerful and clean, the Beagle has enjoyed great popularity as a companion dog. Care must be taken that he is secure in his yard. Once loose, they have a tendency to wander off and get lost.
The Beagle is a barker. This is a clean dog. The Beagle is not particularly intelligent. He must be kept securely confined, as he is a master of escape. He can live in the home or outside. If in a kennel, it should be secured from digging out.
Uses
This is a specialized breed for hunting hare, pheasant and quail. They are used individually or in a pack.
Web links
AKC Beagle page
Beagles on the Web
The Beagle Show Resource Center
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