The beagle

This small dog with an intense gaze and a playful temper, could seem little and defenseless but, actually, it's a strong hound, born to chase its preys even on the most difficult and dangerous grounds. To understand and know its origins we must make a big step backward in history.

There are in fact several stories and legends, dating back to ancient Greece, that deal with hounds whose descriptions could lead us to think the Beagle already existed in very ancient times. It seems the Normans had imported it in England in 1066. The Beagle is even mentioned in a poem by the Gaelic bard Ossian, written in III century, and in St. Albans's Book, written some centuries later by Juliana of Berners.

In Great Britain, at the time of Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I, the Beagle was already known with its present name, but its size was much smaller then the present one. It was very common as a hound among the high middle class and it was used for the hunting on foot, both because men could easily follow it, and because he was able to find its preys even in the most hidden places.

In 1895 London saw the birth of the first "Beagle Club" and ever since the fame of this small hound grew without limits, overpassing the Atlantic Ocean until, in the 50's, it became the most widespread dog in the U.S.A.

The famous cartoonist Charles M. Schultz took inspiration from the Beagle to create his tender Snoopy; in fact he owned one called Spike.

In the U.S.A., where there is the highest number of dog registration, besides being widely used for every kind of hunting activity, it is also very appreciated as pet dog. The American President Lindon Johnson had several of them with him, in the White House, too.

In Europe it is still used for the hare hunting.
 

Charles M. Schulz

Elizabeth I

What dog to choose?

If you want a pet dog
Beauty is not important for a dog which must not attend Dog Shows. But it is always a good rule to ask the breeder to show us the puppy's parents, when you buy a puppy from his kennel. The Beagle is a suitable dog both for children and for elderly people. But don't forget it is a hound and so it cannot be satisfied by staying at home all day long, it needs to have long walks, to play and run in the open air.

If you want a show dog
You must soon explain that to the breeder, who can help you to choose the best puppy. Keep in mind that it is not enough to see our friend's parents. It is true the puppy inherits half of its genes from its father and half from the mother, but also the genes of its ancestors are very important; in short you must check the subjects has got a good blood line in general.