CANNONBALL KENNELS Home Of Champion Gun Dogs

Beagle History

The actual origin of the Beagle seems to be obscure with no reliable documentation on the earliest days of development. There are accounts of packs of hounds in England before the times of the Romans, and these dogs are thought to be the basis of both sight and scent hounds. By the 18th century, fox hunting became quite popular, and the Foxhound was developed by crossing a buck hound and a Beagle. Two distinct types came through this mixture, one of which was named the Southern Hound and the other the North Country Beagle.

Previous to 1870 in the United States, the little hunting hounds of the southern states, then called Beagles, were more of the type of straight-legged Bassets or Dachshunds with weaker heads than the Bassets. These dogs were snappy, tireless hunters full of energy and quickness but lacking in type. The turning point for American Beagles came in the 1860's, when dogs from a well-bred strain in England were imported to inject beautiful breed type. Then in 1888, the National Beagle Club was formed and held its first trial. From that time on field trials carrying championship points sprang up rapidly all over the United States, and classes developed for hounds under 13 inches and 13-15 inches.

Beagles are still used today for hunting in packs on larger hare, but are equally prized for their companionship, courage and stamina. Their compact size, short easy to care for coat and intelligence make the Beagle an excellent family dog. 

Official U.K.C. Breed Standard

General Appearance

The Beagle has been referred to as "a foxhound in miniature." A smooth, short-haired hound; slightly longer than tall. Ears lay close to the head. Usually tri-color (black, white and tan), but all typical hound color combinations are acceptable.

Because the Beagle is first and foremost a hunting hound, scars (the result of honorable wounds) shall not be considered faults nor shall they be penalized by Judges. This includes cuts, nicks, notches on the ears, and/or ears that are frayed at the edges from working in brush, tall grass, etc.

Characteristics

An independent personality is a generalization of most hounds, although individuals may vary. Has a good hound voice. Usually friendly disposition. Can make a good house pet or outside dog.

Head and Skull

The skull is fairly long. It is slightly domed at the occiput. The cranium is broad and full. The muzzle is of medium length. It is straight, and square cut, with the top moderately defined.

Teeth

A full complement of strong, white teeth meet in a scissors or level bite.

Eyes

The large eyes are set well apart. They have a soft, hound-like expression; gentle and pleading. They are brown or hazel in color.

Ears

The ears are set moderately low, setting close to the head. The forward edge turns slightly into the cheek. They are long-reaching when drawn out, extending nearly to the end of the nose. They are fine in texture. The ears are fairly broad and rounded at the tip; with almost no erectile power.

Neck

The medium-length neck rises free and light from the shoulders. It is strong in substance, yet not loaded. The throat is clean and free of folds of skin. A slight wrinkle below the angle of the jaw is acceptable.

Faults - A thick, short neck carried on a line with the top of the shoulder. Throat showing dewlap and folds of skin, termed "throatiness."

Forequarters

The clean, muscular, sloping shoulders convey the idea of freedom of action with activity and strength. They are not heavy nor loaded.

Forelegs

The straight forelegs have plenty of bone in proportion to the size of the hound. The pasterns are short and straight.

Faults -- Straight, upright shoulder. Out at the elbows. Knees buckled or bent backwards. Crooked or bowed forelegs.

Body

The chest is deep and broad, but not so much as to interfere with the free play of the shoulders. The back is muscular and strong. The broad loins are slightly arched. The well-sprung ribs provide an abundance of lung room.

Faults: Disproportionately wide chest. Lack of chest depth. Very long, swayed, or roached back. Flat, narrow loins. Flat, narrow ribs.

Hindquarters

The strong, well-muscled hips and thighs provide an abundance of propelling power.

HIND LEGS -- The stifles are strong and well let down. The firm, symmetrical hocks are moderately bent.

FEET -- The feet are close, round, and firm. The pads are full and hard.

Faults -- Long feet. Open, spreading feet.

TAIL -- The tail is set moderately high. It is carried gaily over the back with a slight curve, not turned forward. It is short as compared with the size of the hound, and has a brush.

Faults -- A long tail. Excessive curve. Inclined forward from the root. Rat tail with absence of brush.

Coat

The Beagle has a close, hard, hound-coat of medium length.

Color

All typical hound color combinations. No solid colors are acceptable.

Height

Not to exceed 15 inches. Height is measured across the shoulders at the highest point (withers), with the hound standing in a natural position, with its feet well under it; not leaning forward or backward.

Disqualifications

Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Over 15 inches in height. Overshot bite. Undershot bite. (Overshot or undershot is defined as having a visible gap between the upper and lower teeth.) It is recommended that Beagles exhibiting these disqualifications not be used for breeding nor be U.K.C. registered.

 

The U.K.C. Hunting Beagle is a "total" dog, excelling as a hunter while possessing excellent conformation. Looks and ability go hand-in-hand in developing the ideal U.K.C. Hunting Beagle.