In
1999 The Danish Kennel Club asked The Danish Beagle Club to co-operate in
publishing a new book about the breed. The result was a book written by the
people knowing most about beagles: "The Beaglemaniacs" - the
beagleowners. We made our contribution concerning the history of the beagle. (Unfortunately
the article is not translated and only available in the danish version).
The Beagle breed is probably one of the oldest Hounds. Packs
of these dogs may have existed across Britain before Roman times, when they
worked as hunters and trackers. They are certainly one of the progenitors of
Foxhounds, and perhaps, many other Hounds as well. The breed name probably
derived from the French word "begueule" meaning gape throat, and
refers to the
type
of barking made by a pack on the hunt.
The popular Beagle is a small, pack oriented hunting hound.
Although its natural instinct is to hunt, it is highly adaptable and adjusts
happily to a suburban backyard, as long as it has regular exercise to keep it
fit while providing it with a change of scene and scent, and company - either
human or another Beagle.
Friendly, playful and eager to please, the Beagle can be willful. Possessed of great stamina, determination and a definite mind of its own, this picturesque and personality - plus little hound has a tendency to roam. Beagles require a well fenced yard and firm, patient handling.
The Beagle is lively, active and extremely intelligent, making a devoted friend and companion.
Beagles
have a short, dense, weatherproof coat which comes in all hound colours, and
requires very little grooming. Beagles tend to keep themselves extremely clean.