Beagles Photos

Beagles Photos - Introduction and history

Picture source: Bumbling Beagles

Beagles originated in England. The name of the breed comes from the Celtic word 'beag', which stands for 'small'. Actually, the dog was so little that it could well fit in the pocket of a hunting coat. The dog's small size, lovely appearance and amiable behavior earned them boundless love among the court ladies and elderly people. They were referred to as Glove Beagles and Pocket Beagles.

Also, let us not forget about the dog's basic designation as a hunting dog. Beagles, both early representatives and modern species, feature a perfectly keen nose, which made them unique hunting companions. Their tireless muscular bodies contained enough energy to cover long distances in pursuit of game.

Beagles hunted individually or in packs. They could produce characteristic 'musical' sounds when hunting. Their white-tipped tails identified them in the field grass and allowed hunters to discern the paths of their routes. Beagles hunted rabbits, hares, quails, furry animals and so forth.

Beagles were imported to America from England in the late 1800s. The first National Club appeared in 1888, and the first field trial was held that year. There they promptly gained popularity between fox- and rabbit hunting. American Beagles are a bit smaller than the British Beagles. There are two size categories in the USA: 13-15 inches high, and species under 13 inches. English Beagles can be up to 16 inches high.