Meet The Breed: The Beagle

The Beagle is a traditional scent hound and was originally bred to hunt Hare. Like the Fox Hound, Beagles would hunt in packs although today there are less than 60 registered packs in the UK. This is compared with over 200 registered Fox Hound packs.

It should be noted at this point that hunting both Fox and Hare with a pack of dogs is now illegal in the UK. Today, hunts use their pack for “drag hunting” rather than hunting live animals.

The Beagle can trace it’s ancestry back for over 2,500 years but the modern breed was developed in the UK in the 1830s. Whilst intelligent the Beagle is very single minded which any owner can attest too.

Did you know that a Beagles’ ears help it smell? This is because the long ears catch scent particles and keep them close to his nose.

Along with the Basset Hound and the Blood Hound the Beagle has one one of the best developed sense of smell of any dog breed. They are often used as detection dogs for prohibited agricultural imports and foodstuffs in quarantine around the world. Again, any Beagle owner will know how well they can sniff out food! These guys make great pets as whilst very strong willed they have a very gentle nature and love a good fuss.

Life Span: 12 – 15 years

Characteristics: Dignified and aloof but trustworthy companions

Dog Breed Group‎: Hound

Height‎: ‎33 – 41 cm

Colour: Tricolor or white in combination with black & tan/brown or brown/tan

Coat: Short Haired, medium length

Fun Fact: Snoopy is the probably the world’s most well know Beagle

If you think you would like to have one of these wonderful dogs as your next best friend a list of registered breeders can be found here

My Best Friend Dog Care Services

At My Best Friend we offer a range of dog care services including Dog Walking, Doggy Day Care, Home Boarding, Pet Sitting and Puppy Care. We work hard to provide a caring, convenient and professional service to your best friend and we take pride in treating your dog as if they were our own.