Beagle Puppies

History of the Beagle Breed

In England during the Middle Ages, two varieties of Hounds existed: Northern Hounds and Southern Hounds. In addition, there were also larger type hounds used for trailing deer, and some of the smaller type (Harriers and Beagles), used for trailing hare. There are written records of the Beagle in 16th-17th centuries and pictures which show members of the Roayal court of Queen Elizabeth hunting with Beagles. Beagle was the smallest of the Hounds known for his keen nose, great stamina and the extraordinary ability to trace the hare with unraveled persistance.

Legend has it that beagles, those "merry little hounds, with big hearts", descended from hounds used by King Arthur and his knights. some say their ancestors came to England with william the Conqueror.

It isn't easy, however, to establish exactly when the breed first made its appearance. It is known that the ancient Greeks used so-called scenting hounds for the hunt 400 years or so before Christ.

The present day Beagle received a number of characteristics from several other breeds. Its keen nose is supposedly derived from the Kerry beagle, a miniature bloodhound, and all its other traits were acquired by crossing foxhounds and coonhounds.

The American Beagle bloodlines arose from English stock imported to this country by General Richard Rowett in 1870's. About 1880, Mr. Arnold, RI, imported a pack of the Royal Rock strain from Northern England. These dogs and their offsprings also proved a significant influence on the development of the Beagle in America.

Today, the Beagle ranks among the most popular breeds in America. The Beagle may be hunted singly, in braces, or in packs. Although the main usage of the gun Beagle is in hunting rabbits, he is quite capable of hunting many other types of game, such as hare, fox, pheasant, deer, etc.

As a companion dog, the Beagle earned his popularity by his calm disposition and even temper and his readiness to keep company to his master. Beagles are seldom noisy, only if they are left alone for long hours. They are very intelligent and cheerful. Their hunting instincts may prevail sometimes and they will chase a cat or some other house animal, but Beagles are usually kind to other pets and very affectionate toward children.