More than 200 years ago, in a book entitled The General History of Four-Legged Dogs, Thomas Buick wrote about this breed: “They follow the smell of prey and with such accuracy and perseverance follow the trail of the [hare] no matter how tortuous it is”
Bivik had in mind the valor and value of the breed as a hunter. The modern Beagles hounds are in no way inferior to their historical ancestors and can show "the most excellent and unforgettable show" to their many fans.
Even in movies and not on television, the beagle captured the love of the public. For example, “Snoopy” or Buddy - “ugly beagle” from the MTV2 series “Where are my dogs?”. The best dog in the United States from 1954 to 1959 is the Beagle. Since then, little has changed, as before, the breed is animated fifth in popularity.
So what is the secret to all this beagle success? Are these inspired eyes, soft, flexible ears and a sweet expression on the face? Or a cozy and playful person?
These characteristics were of little interest to English breeders who were engaged in the creation of the breed somewhere until the 16th century. They wanted a small, sturdy dog for hunting rabbits and hares, a tireless ranger with a loud voice, which the hunter could watch from a distance. The name of the breed may have come from the French term bégeule, which means “open throat,” or it could have come from the Old English begele, French beigh, or Celtic beag, which all means “small”.
As with most old working breeds, no one cared about how the dogs looked; only their abilities were important. The dog for hunting rabbits was of different sizes, shapes, and even wire-haired specimens were found. Pure breeds, such as we see today, did not exist before. Various dogs, such as greyhounds and hounds, as well as random terriers, were free to cross in accordance with the needs of a particular area or the tastes of the owner.
Miniature beagles less than nine inches tall, called "pocket" or "glove", were popular in the Tudor era. Although, whether they were more used as fashion accessories, such as Chihuahuas and Shih Tzu of the present, or were real tiny hunters, now for sure no one knows.
With the advent of dog shows as a hobby at the end of the 19th century, clubs and kennels began to develop and recommend special characteristics to breeders in order to distinguish one pure breed from another. It was then that the appearance of the beagle gradually became fixed.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) now recognizes two sizes: up to 13 inches and 13 to 15 inches in height. The beagle can be any “true hound”, the most common is the three-color brown, black and white, as well as many shades of red and white, from lemon and white to red and white.
The AKC standard describes the breed as: “a strong and large dog for its growth, a dog that can chase prey to death.”
Not only does Beagle have the physical characteristics of a beagle, which “will follow its prey to death,” but, as many owners find to their horror, it has an individuality. The Beagle Interpretation Standard (IW Carrel; 1929) states: "The main qualities of these hounds are the nose ... and the desire to chase and chase."
When the Beagle was used mainly for hunting, their determination, concentration, and indifference to discomfort were highly valued; Now that most beagles are pets, these same qualities can be a real challenge for some people. Many experts warn that Beagles should never be let off the leash in enclosed spaces, as well as in yards without high fences.
Owners of the hound who think that they will manage with an “invisible” electronic fence will be shocked - their dogs will most likely run right through the fence without paying any attention to it.
Beagles were also bred to work in packs, and they really need communication, which makes them great friends. Full of energy and fun, they love to play and just be with people of all ages. But keep in mind that if the Beagle does not receive enough physical and mental stress from his owner, he will find other ways of entertainment, including chewing and / or eating everything that you put in sight.
When the veterinarian is not busy removing foreign objects from the beagle’s stomach, he can probably tell the other owner that his Snoopy is very fat: obesity has recently been very common in this breed. Other diseases inherent in this breed: “cherry eye”, edema of one of the eyelids, epilepsy and hypothyroidism.
A unique combination of breed characteristics, including size, smell, curiosity and love of food, made it the most suitable for the US Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Beagle crews patrol airports throughout the United States, identify prohibited agricultural products before they are brought into the country, and, without a doubt, provide pleasant entertainment to many bored passengers, who watch dogs busy with their work.
Do you see them moving through piles of luggage at the airport, scampering deep in the wet grass of a city park, or chasing the irresistible smell of game, or maybe just staring at their owners with such gentle and smart eyes ... these dogs are always “the most excellent entertainment” for all who were lucky enough to meet the "little funny hounds."