The Beagle was developed in England and is said to descend from the Talbot Hound brought there during the Norman Conquest (1066). The first written reference to the Beagle dates back to the 15th Century; the name is most likely derived from the Celtic word "beag" which means "small." The Beagle looks most like the Foxhound and is the smallest of the scent hounds. Its main prey when hunting is the hare in England and Cottontail rabbit in North America. Beagle field trials are extremely popular overseas for many sportspeople. The first beagles reported to be introduced in to New Zealand were imported in 1868 by Governor Sir George Grey.
Temperament
The Beagle has a cheerful, upbeat personality and is great with kids although at times a little too boisterous. Like all scent hounds, Beagles have retained their hunting instincts and are an independent breed, at times they may prefer to "follow their nose" - ignoring your protests to come back.
Upkeep
An adult Beagle needs daily exercise, either a long walk on leash or free running in a well fenced yard. They can live outdoors in temperate climates as long as warm shelter and bedding is available. They are a social dog, however, and needs the companionship of either other dogs or their human family; as such, they are usually happiest if they can divide their time between the house and yard. A well fenced property is essential.
Head The skull should be fairly long, slightly domed at occiput, with cranium broad and full.Ears--Ears set on moderately low, long, reaching when drawn out nearly, if not quite, to the end of the nose; fine in texture, fairly broad-with almost entire absence of erectile power-setting close to the head, with the forward edge slightly inturning to the cheek--rounded at tip. Eyes--Eyes large, set well apart-soft and houndlike--expression gentle and pleading; of a brown or hazel color. Muzzle--Muzzle of medium length-straight and square--cut--the stop moderately defined. Jaws--Level. Lips free from flews; nostrils large and open. Defects--A very flat skull, narrow across the top; excess of dome, eyes small, sharp and terrierlike, or prominent and protruding; muzzle long, snipy or cut away decidedly below the eyes, or very short. Roman-nosed, or upturned, giving a dish-face expression. Ears short, set on high or with a tendency to rise above the point of origin.
Neck and Throat--Neck rising free and light from the shoulders strong in substance yet not loaded, of medium length. The throat clean and free from folds of skin; a slight wrinkle below the angle of the jaw, however, may be allowable. Defects--A thick, short, cloddy neck carried on a line with the top of the shoulders. Throat showing dewlap and folds of skin to a degree termed "throatiness."
Shoulders and Chest Shoulders sloping--clean, muscular, not heavy or loaded--conveying the idea of freedom of action with activity and strength. Chest deep and broad, but not broad enough to interfere with the free play of the shoulders. Defects--Straight, upright shoulders. Chest disproportionately wide or with lack of depth.
Back, Loin and Ribs Back short, muscular and strong. Loin broad and slightly arched, and the ribs well sprung, giving abundance of lung room. Defects--Very long or swayed or roached back. Flat, narrow loin. Flat ribs.
Forelegs and Feet Forelegs--Straight, with plenty of bone in proportion to size of the hound. Pasterns short and straight. Feet--Close, round and firm. Pad full and hard. Defects--Out at elbows. Knees knuckled over forward, or bent backward. Forelegs crooked or Dachshundlike. Feet long, open or spreading.
Hips, Thighs, Hind Legs and Feet Hips and thighs strong and well muscled, giving abundance of propelling power. Stifles strong and well let down. Hocks firm, symmetrical and moderately bent. Feet close and firm. Defects--Cowhocks, or straight hocks. Lack of muscle and propelling power. Open feet.
Tail Set moderately high; carried gaily, but not turned forward over the back; with slight curve; short as compared with size of the hound; with brush. Defects--A long tail. Teapot curve or inclined forward from the root. Rat tail with absence of brush.
Coat A close, hard, hound coat of medium length. Defects--A short, thin coat, or of a soft quality.
Color Any true hound color.
General Appearance A miniature Foxhound, solid and big for his inches, with the wear-and-tear look of the hound that can last in the chase and follow his quarry to the death.
Varieties There shall be two varieties: Thirteen Inch--which shall be for hounds not exceeding 13 inches in height. Fifteen Inch--which shall be for hounds over 13 but not exceeding 15 inches in height.
Disqualification Any hound measuring more than 15 inches shall be disqualified.
Manners The hounds must all work gaily and cheerfully, with flags up--obeying all commands cheerfully. They should be broken to heel up, kennel up, follow promptly and stand. Cringing, sulking, lying down to be avoided. Also, a pack must not work as though in terror of master and whips. In Beagle packs it is recommended that the whip be used as little as possible.
