The Beagle - Where it Began

There are few breeds of dogs that are as popular in this country today as the Beagle. This compact pup is big on personality, and with patient and persistent training, can be a welcome addition to many homes. But how did the Beagle end up in this country? This breed of dog has a long and interesting history that can be traced back to the early years of civilization. It is thought that Beagle-type dogs existed in early Greece, and later in England. It is also possible that Beagles were used in countries like France and Italy.

However, the Beagle as we know it today probably originated in Great Britain in the first part of the second century. Beagles are thought to be a descendant of the Talbot Hound, along with Foxhounds and the Southern Hound. These dogs were primarily bred for hunting purposes, and many Beagles are still used in this function today. The most popular hunting prey for the Beagle is the hare, since the instincts of this breed are tailored specifically to locating and coaxing out these critters for hunters.

England is the country that can receive the majority of credit for making the Beagle breed what it is today. It began in the middle of the nineteenth century with an Englishman by the name of Reverend Phillip Honeywood who bred these dogs as skilled hunters without much regard for the look of the animal. Another man from England, Thomas Johnson, took the breeding process to the next level by creating dogs that were beautiful as well as skilled hunters. When Beagles first came to the United States, the same care was unfortunately not taken to keep the breed intact.

The good news is that a man named General Richard Rowett decided to import English Beagles to breed, and completed the process in a deliberate and careful fashion. This resulted in Beagles making an appearance with the American Kennel Association in 1885, and standards being established for this breed by 1888, when the National Beagle Club was formed. Today, Beagles are still used as hunting dogs, although many more are simply enjoyed as family pets, due to their abundant energy and friendly natures.

A Beagle can make the perfect pet for many families since the characteristic of this breed is usually a friendly, social nature. However, the popularity of breeds like Beagles has led to the establishment of many puppy mills where dogs are bred for profit instead of health and quality of the animals. This is why it is so important that you take the time to do plenty of research before you purchase your Beagle by reading articles like this, scanning the Internet for up to date Beagle information and talking to experts like reputable breeders and veterinarians for information and recommendations. It is also helpful to understand the history of the Beagle so that you have a good idea of what these dogs were bred for and what you should expect from your own pet. Beagles that are carefully chosen can bring their owners and families plenty of love and fun for many years to come.