Visualization of the
Breed Standard
The Beagle is a small scent hound, bred to track rabbit and hare as the hunter follows on foot. The Standard describes the required physical attributes and the point scale emphasizes the relative importance of these qualities needed to accomplish their task.
A good head allows for maximum function of the olfactory (sense of smell) system. Correct running gear is critical for endurance and speed, a good chest and strong back also ensure endurance. A Beagle’s neck must be supple and long enough for its nose to reach the ground comfortably. Well-boned legs provide sturdy support. Balance is important for efficient running and good feet necessary for rough terrain. Thin coats offer little protection against brambles and sharp brush, and a too gay tail cannot be seen over high groundcover.
General Appearance
A miniature Foxhound, solid and big for his inches, with the wear-and-tear look of the hound that can last in the chase and follow his quarry to the death.
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The proper English Foxhound is a beautifully proportioned hound, elegant in style, balanced fore and aft and nicely boned. “Big for its inches” means plenty of bone (particularly the round bone of the forelegs) for the height of the hound. Too much bone results in coarseness, too little in a spindly look. There should be no suggestion of ‘toyishness”.
Temperament
This “Merry Little Hound” is just that: happy, friendly, and courageous without being foolhardy. As pack hounds, they must be good-natured and coexist and work with other dogs happily. Shy or mean Beagles are problem hounds and should not be tolerated. Bred for scenting game, the Beagle’s nose may move automatically to the ground when shown on a loose lead.
Presentation in the Ring
The Beagle is a working scent hound and should have a natural look. Excess hair may be trimmed from the neck and body, tidying the outline, but still maintaining a natural appearance, not appearing barbered or shaved. The long hairs at the tip of the tail are shaped to give a smoother natural appearance, ending in a properly rounded tip, not flattened or squared off, nor should the hair on the tail be teased and backcombed to resemble a bottle brush. Whiskers may be trimmed to give a clean line to the muzzle, but may also be left untrimmed. Whiskers serve as sensory organs, probably serving to protect the eye as the Beagle hunts in close brush. Dewclaws may be removed to give a clean line to the legs. Nails are kept trimmed to help maintain the compact foot. Clean teeth, clean coat with a natural healthy gloss enhance the appearance of any hound. Provided the coat is a true hound color, color and markings in the breed are of no consequence. Artificial enhancement to color of the coat, nose or eye rims, is prohibited by the American Kennel Club and is not to be tolerated.
Varieties/Disqualification
Varieties:
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There shall be two varieties: Thirteen Inch, which shall be for hounds not exceeding 13 inches in height. Fifteen Inch, which shall be for hounds over 13 but not exceeding 15 inches in height. Disqualification Any hound measuring more than 15 inches shall be disqualified.
Height is the only disqualification in the Beagle Standard and thus proper importance should be placed on it. The division into two sizes should be just that, the 13” should be a smaller replica of the 15”. And both should be smaller proportionate versions of the English Foxhound. The Beagle was always bred in a range of sizes in the United States due to the differences in terrain, groundcover and quarry, and the personal preference of the huntsman. When competing in field trials and pack meets, the smaller hounds were at a disadvantage and as a result, the two varieties were established to allow for a more level playing field when competing. In the ring there is no other preference to size, including variations of height within a variety.
The height of a Beagle can be very deceiving, dependent on shoulder placement. If a hound has poor shoulder angulation, it’s possible that the highest point over the shoulder blades could reach up into the neck. A Beagle with good shoulders can actually be a considerably overall larger hound and still measure within the limits of 13 or 15 inches. Judges are encouraged to measure as part of their routine examination of the Beagle