HISTORY OF THE BEAGLE

The story of the Beagle is actually as old as time itself, tracing back through the ages to the forerunner of all dogs – Canis lupis, the wolf.

In their study of the development of the dog breeds, The Natural History of Dogs, authors Richard and Alice Feinnes classify most dogs as having descended from one of four major groups: the Dingo group, the Greyhound group, the Northern group and the Mastiff group.  Each of these groups trace back to separate and distinct branches of the wolf family.

The descendants of the Mastiff groups are widely divergent but are known to include many of the scenting breeds – breeds that find game by the use of their olfactory senses rather than by sight.  These breeds include those that we now classify as Sporting breeds and the true hounds.  The Beagle is included in this group.

Reference to Beagle-type dogs are made in Greek writings as far back as 400 BC. The popularity of these small hounds continued on through the ages with consistent reference being made to their small size, distinctive “song” and unswerving dedication to the hunt.

The first known reference to Beagles by that name is found in the account books of  Henry VIII where mention is made of payment to a Robert Shere. Shere was entrusted with the care and feeding of the King’s “Begles” which “(were to) be kept sweet, wholesome and clean,”

It is not known for sure why the name Beagle was given to this Breed.  Some say it is a derivative of the old French word Begueule, which in turn owes its origins to the word beer, meaning to open wide, and guele, which meant throat.  This may well have described the Beagle’s deep throated call as it pursued its prey.  Still others believe the name came from either Old English begle or French beigle, both word meaning small.

While not always the quickest to learn their roles, these scent hounds were valued because they stubbornly refused to be diverted once on the trail.  They would persist in plugging in to recapture the coldest of trails. These are characteristics which typify the scent hound of today.  Often accused of being slower on the uptake than say a terrier, once the scent hound has made up his mind what the task at hand is, it is extremely difficult to dissuade the dog from his objective.  This creates a special kind of persistence that must be dealt with intelligently on the part of the dog’s owner.

A true “pack” animal the Beagle is happiest surrounded by friends.  A Beagle is a dog for all seasons that can accompany his owner anywhere, regardless of the weather.  Bred to locate game, the Beagle’s extraordinary nose and devotion to the hunt  remain constant.  The Beagle is one of the few breeds that is exceptional as a pet, show dog, field contender and hunter.  The Beagle’s even temperament and sweet disposition are reasons for his continued popularity.  The Beagle makes an excellent addition to the household, but make sure the entire family is ready for the responsibilities of dog ownership.

In terms of grooming the Beagle is a low maintenance dog.  The time you want to spend on grooming should be a consideration before choosing a breed.  A Beagle’s curiosity and single-mindedness can often lead him sway from home.  He should be securely confined when not supervised.