Beagle

Part of the Hound Group, the Beagle is a small to medium-sized dog breed. It looks similar to the Foxhound. It was developed as a scent hound for tracking rabbit, hare, and other game. As a result, they are commonly used as working dogs because of their keen sense of smell. They are also a popular pet as they have a passive nature.

Beagles are scent hounds

There are dogs that are quite beagle-like which have existed for more than 2000 years. However, the modern breed of Beagles were developed in the 1830s in Great Britain. It was bred from several breeds, including the North Country Beagle, Talbot Hound, Southern Hound. Beagles may have also been bred from the Harrier.

The famous 'pleading look'

In appearance, the Beagle looks like a miniature Foxhound. They are about 13 – 16 inches tall and weigh about 18 – 35 pounds. Females are just slightly smaller than males. Their skulls are smooth and dome-like. Beagles also have a square-cut muzzle and a black gumdrop nose. Their jaw is quite strong. Beagles are known for their ‘puppy dog eyes’ which look almost like a pleading look. Beagles come in a range of different colours. Tri-colour is the most common, which is basically white, black, and light brown. However, there are also two-coloured dogs such as tan and white, lemon and tan, and more.

They have been well-loved since the Elizabethan era. They have been featured in paintings and literature before the 19th century, such as works by William Shakespeare, John Dryden, John Webster, and more. In more modern times, the world’s most famous is Snoopy, from the famous comic strip, Peanuts; as well as Odie in another famous comic strip, Garfield. They have also been featured in Grape Ape by Hanna-Barbera and Beagle Boys by Walt Disney.