Beagle Fact

It’s easy to find a Beagle fact sheet on the Internet, as this breed is very popular and there are many breed clubs and fanciers who are glad to share information on the Beagle with anyone who needs it. The history of the breed is long and bright. The ancestors of the modern Beagles were used in Greece and Europe more than a thousand years ago. Popularity with the British nobility and royalty became crucial in the development of the breed. Beagles were selectively bred to suit the needs of the rich. Besides working abilities of the Beagles, their size and voice were taken into consideration. It resulted in breeding small Glove and Pocket Beagles, who could not run fast and were admired by ladies, and Singing Beagles, valued for their pleasant voice.

It’s a historical Beagle fact that this breed was loved by Henry VII, Edward II, and Elizabeth I. They enjoyed fox hunting and kept large packs of purebred Beagles. The Beagle of that time was considerably smaller than its modern descendants. The breed obtained its modern looks in the early 19th century. Nowadays, American and European breed standards for the Beagle vary a little. The AKC standard accepts only two size varieties of the Beagle: under 13 inches and under 15 inches at the withers. In Europe, larger dogs are also considered purebreds.

Learning even a minor Beagle fact in advance helps novice owners enjoy the dog ownership. Although Beagles are very intelligent and low-maintenance, they are not versatile to suit any lifestyle and perform any task. Like all hunting breeds, Beagles are very active, inquisitive and curious. They like to investigate everything new and should not be kept in a small apartment with nothing to do. Inborn hunting instincts make Beagles explore and chase everything they see. Such habits can cause troubles, if the dog runs away following an interesting smell.

Beagles are neither territorial, nor protective. They cannot guard the property, as they would play with the intruders instead of keeping them off the yard. Beagles are not obedient in a general sense. They are too self-assured to obey dull commands and enjoy drill and boring exercises. Only those who understand the personality of the breed besides knowing essential Beagle fact can become good Beagle owners.