Known and instantly recognized everywhere, few dog breeds are more universally adored than the Beagle. With their superb sense of smell and excellent tracking instincts, the Beagle has consistently been ranked as one of the AKC’s Top 10 Dog Breeds for over 30 years.
Beagle Dog Breed: A British Hunting History
The Beagle was developed in Britain around the 1830s from several breeds, including the Talbot Hound, North Country Beagle, Southern Hound and possibly the Harrier. Since medieval times, the name “beagle” was used generically for various small dogs. Both Edward II and Henry VII kept packs of “Glove Beagles”, so named because they were small enough to fit on a glove. Queen Elizabeth I kept “Pocket Beagles” that measured 8-9 inches at the shoulder, small enough to fit in a “pocket” or satchel to go hunting. The larger dogs would run the prey on the ground, then the smaller dogs would be released to continue the hunt through the underbrush. It is said that Elizabeth I referred to her dogs as “Singing Beagles” and often entertained guests by allowing the Pocket Beagles to frolic on the royal table, dashing around the cups and saucers.
Reverend Phillip Honeywood established a pack of Beagles in Essex in the 1830s which formed the basis of the modern breed. Honeywood focused on hunting prowess. Another Beagle enthusiast, Thomas Johnson, honed his breeding to produce dogs that were both capable hunters and attractive to watch. In 1887 there were 18 Beagle packs in England; the Beagle Club was established in 1890 and the first standard was developed at the same time to give the breed a more cohesive appearance.
The Beagle comes to the United States
Beagles arrived in the United States in the 1840s. The first were imported strictly for their hunting ability, and many have been described as resembling straight-legged dachshunds. Serious breeding began in the early 1870s when General Richard Rowett of Illinois imported the best dogs he could from England; These dogs were the models used to establish the first breed standard. The American Kennel Club accepted the breed in 1885.
Interestingly, Beagles have always been more popular in the United States and Canada than in their native England. The National Beagle Club of America was formed in 1888, and by 1901 a Beagle had already won a Best in Show there. Two different Beagles have won top honors at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the nation’s most prestigious all-breed competition: “Uno” in 2008 and “Miss P” in 2015. In the United States, Beagles have always been in the top 10 most popular breeds for over 30 years.
The Beagle’s Super Smell
Along with the Bloodhound and the Basset Hound, the Beagle has one of the most developed senses of smell in dogs. In the 1950s, John Paul Scott and John Fuller began a 13-year study of canine behavior. As part of their research, they tested the scent abilities of different breeds by placing a mouse in a one-acre field and timing how long it took the dogs to find it. The Beagles found him in less than a minute while the Fox Terriers took 15 minutes and the Scottish Terriers failed to find him at all. The Beagle’s long ears and large lips are thought to help trap smells near the nose.
beagle colors
While most Beagles we encounter have a tricolor pattern with a black saddle, tan markings on their head and body, and white trim, the breed standard states that Beagles can be “any true color of dog”. This includes red and white, lighter lemon and white, chocolate tri (a dark brown saddle replacing the more familiar black), and blue tri (a blue-gray saddle instead of black). Chocolate and blue dogs, being genetically dilute in coloring, will have lighter eyes and brown or slate gray noses, respectively.
The Beagle Brigade: Beagles as Detection Dogs
Beagles are widely used as detection dogs in the United States Department of Agriculture’s Beagle Brigade. Dogs are used to detect food in luggage transported in the United States. Several breeds were tested, but Beagles were chosen because of their small size and friendly appearance (not all travelers are comfortable with dogs), intelligence, ease of maintenance, and of their willingness to work for rewards. Other countries, including New Zealand, Canada, Japan and Thailand, also employ Beagle detection dogs. Larger breeds are generally used for detecting explosives, as this often requires climbing over luggage on large treadmills, where the size of the Beagle would be a disadvantage.
Beagles and Animal Testing
Beagles are the most used dog breed in animal testing due to their size and gentle nature. These medical, cosmetic, aesthetic and chemical tests are highly controversial. Testing of cosmetic products on animals is prohibited in the Member States of the European Union. It’s allowed in the United States but not required if safety can be verified by other methods, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
Beagles in popular culture
The Beagle has been a mainstay of comics and cartoons since the 1950s, with Snoopy appearing in Charles Schulz Peanuts. Snoopy is often referred to as “the most famous Beagle in the world”.
The ship on which Charles Darwin made the voyage that provided much of the inspiration for About the origin of species was named the HMS Beagle.
Former US President Lyndon Baines Johnson has kept several Beagles and caused an uproar when he grabbed one by the ears during an official greeting on the White House lawn.
Porthos is a Beagle who is owned by Jonathan Archer, the captain in the TV series Star Trek: Enterprise.
Famous Beagle Owners
With his sweet and affectionate nature, lovable looks and portable size, the Beagle has a worldwide fan club, including James Herriot (author of the All creatures big and small books), Barry Manilow, KayCee Stroh, Andy Cohen, Bob Dylan, Meghan Markle, Miley Cyrus, Brazilian racing driver Helio Castroneves and Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones.
15 facts about the Beagle dog breed:
- Where does the Beagle come from?
He is originally from England.
- How did the Beagle get its name?
Hare hunting was known as “beagling”. According to oxford english dictionary, the first mention of the Beagle by name in English literature dates from around 1475 in The squire of low degree, in which it was spelled begle. The origin of the word “beagle” is uncertain, although it has been suggested that the word derives from Middle French prank, which means “gaping throat”.
- How big is the Beagle?
There are two sizes, 13 inches and under and 13 to 15 inches. The weight is less than 20 pounds (for the smallest variety) and 20 to 30 pounds (for the largest variety). Life expectancy is 10 to 15 years.
- What is the Beagle temperament?
Affectionate, playful, affectionate, great fun.
- How active is the Beagle?
High level of energy. He’s a hunting dog. Not safe off leash in unfenced areas.
- Is the Beagle good at all canine sports or activities?
Beagles are stubborn and training can be a challenge. They’ll gladly ignore you if they can hunt a rabbit instead. Some do well in agility, rally and obedience, so you can give it a try.
- Is the Beagle Good for Dog Work?
Yes. They are certainly versatile and adaptable.
- Is the Beagle good for new owners?
Generally, yes. They are affectionate, playful and treat everyone like their best friend. An easy and simple breed if their needs are met.
- Is the Beagle a good pet?
Generally, yes. As a general rule, they are tolerant and patient with young children and good with other dogs (assuming they have been well socialized). As a hunting dog, it’s not the best choice for homes that keep rabbits and other rodents.
- Is the Beagle a good house dog?
He is a very energetic hunting dog that needs plenty of safe exercise. Maybe not the best choice for apartment living. The Beagle needs a lot of mental stimulation; without it, boredom can lead to chewing, screaming, and destructive behavior.
- Beagle training: Is it easy to train a Beagle?
Like all dog breeds, the Beagle has a stubborn side. Training will require patience. Beagles don’t live to obey your commands.
- Is the Beagle good at excessive barking?
Yes! They are very vocal.
- Is the Beagle a good traveler?
They can. Get him used to car travel early. Crate training is essential for safe car travel, hotel and motel stays, overnight visits to the vet, and more. Consider your Beagle’s barking when planning your vacation activities.
- Beagle grooming: Is the Beagle easy to groom?
Yes. The Beagle has a tight, hard coat of medium length. Expect moderate shedding all year round, but regular brushing several times a week will remove a lot of loose hair.
- How popular is the Beagle?
#7 in the American Kennel Club’s list of most popular breeds in 2022, based on annual registrations. (There are 200 recognized breeds in all.)