They are robust, healthy creatures; there have been reports of them living to 20 years, although they do have a tendency to put on weight. According to the breed standard there are two varieties of Beagles, the 13 inch and the 15 inch and they share these characteristics:

eyes: hazel/brown, gentle expression nostrils: large and open head: slightly domed

ears: drooping, rounded at tip back: short and muscular

tail: set high and carried proudly

Earliest historical records identify Greece and France as the countries of origin of the Beagle in around 400 BC. The first English Beagles were recorded in 200 AD. William the Conqueror brought large, white hounds to Britain and these are thought to have helped develop the Beagle. Beagles are also often mentioned in the stories of King Arthur and his knights. Beagles have had many royal admirers: packs of Beagles were used during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I and she particularly enjoyed the "Pocket Beagles". Edward II enjoyed hunting with hounds and records of the court of King Henry VIII often refer to the "Begle" hounds who the King instructed must be "kept sweete, wholesome and cleane".

In America it was not until the 1870s that Beagles were imported from England and breeding began in that country. The Beagle is descended from the Otterhound, probably through the Bloodhound. Until the late 19th century , Beagle packs were for fox hunting and, until recent changes in UK law, a few packs still hunt hares.

Janet Bache

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