Beagle Picture

In the Beagle picture dated by the 13th or 14th century, you’ll see a small hunting dog, about 8-9 inches at the withers. Such tiny hounds could not cross rough fields during the hunt, but were favored for their melodious voice and a perfect sense of smell. A small size of these hounds was a benefit when hunting in a rough bush or undergrowth where large hounds could not find a game. Small Beagles were the first dogs that combined the role of a hound and a family clown. All other dogs were used either for work or for entertaining people.

In the 19th century, small Beagles lost their popularity and the modern breed standard was accepted. In the 1870s, Beagles were brought to America and formed a separate variety of the breed. American Beagles are smaller than the British variety, because in Europe Beagles were bred for fox hunting, and in the USA, they hunted rabbits. A Beagle picture of the 19th century features the first official breed standard that differs from the one accepted in the late 20th century.

In the present-day Beagle picture, you’ll see a small, muscular hound with the wear-and-tear look. The hallmarks of the breed are long pendant ears and large round eyes with a pleading, intelligent expression. The muzzle of the Beagle should be square; the preferred bite is level; the lips should be free from flews; and the neck free from skin folds. The body of the Beagle is short and well-muscled; the shoulders are clean, not heavily loaded. The forelegs are straight and well-muscled, with firm round feet. The tail of the Beagle is short and carried gaily with a slight curve, but not curled over the back. In the USA, Beagles are judged in two size varieties: under 13 inches at the withers and from 13 to 15 inches at the withers. In Europe, larger dogs are accepted.

Any hound coat color and pattern is accepted in Beagles. The common colors are white, black, and brownish varying from lemon to chocolate. The most common patterns are tricolor and bicolor. Pied and ticked dogs are rare. Solid colors don’t usually occur in this breed. Numerous Beagle picture galleries can be viewed on the websites of their breeders and owners.