Beagle Dog Breed

A Beagle Dog breed is classified in the AKC Hound group. There are two size varieties of the Beagle – under 13 inches and from 13 to 15 inches at the withers. According to the AKC breed standard, purebred Beagles should look like miniature Foxhounds and be solid, well-balanced, and strong. The back of the Beagle is short and muscular. The loin should be broad and arched; the ribs are well sprung. The shoulders should be muscular, but not too heavy to interfere with freedom of action. The chest should be deep and broad. The neck of the Beagle is of moderate length, with a clean throat. There should be no folds of skin and dewlaps on the throat. The neck should be rising free and strong in substance.

The legs of the Beagle Dog breed should be straight and well-boned, with short and straight pasterns and firm, round feet. Hips and thighs of these dogs should give abundance of propelling power. The tail of the Beagle should be set moderately high and carried gaily with a slight curve. Like all hounds, Beagles should have a hard, close coat of medium length. Any coat color typical of hounds is accepted in this breed.

A Beagle Dog breed is easily recognizable by its head, which is fairly long and rectangular in shape. The ears are long, reaching to the end of the nose. They should be set low and feel fine to touch. The eyes of the Beagle are large, round and set well apart. The expression of the Beagle’s eyes is soft and pleading. Preferable eye colors are brown and hazel. The preferable bite in this breed is level; the lips should be free from flews.

Beagles are often judged in a pack. A pack of purebred high quality Beagles should present a unified appearance. All dogs in a pack should be of the same body type, size and coat color. All Beagles in a pack should be cheerful and eager to work. They should obey all commands readily. A Beagle Dog breed is usually shown with a master (huntsman) and whips who carry a horn and several whips.