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.

If you are considering Beagle as a family pet you can rest assured that you will be getting a dog with a rich and colorful history. Whether you plan to use your dog as a hunting companion or simply a companion to curl up on the couch with on cold winter nights, this dog can fit the bill. Unfortunately, the history and the popularity of this breed has led to many Beagles getting bred in puppy mills, meaning that you need to do your homework before purchasing a Beagle to ensure that you are getting a dog that will be healthy and social. By understanding a bit of the history of the breed and collecting other types of Beagle information you will go far in helping yourself to find the right dog for you. You can find this information through articles like this, by studying websites on the Internet and by talking to your veterinarian or responsible breeder. The right dog will bring your family joy for years to come. Enjoy your Beagle!