Enthusiastic beaglers are numbered by their thousands, packs of Beagles being in evidence all over the kingdom, and large entries are on view at some of the leading shows at which a sporting judge is officiating. The ancient Britons are said to have used them, or at any rate a hound to which they are closely akin, and they are likely to be popular so long as there are hares to be hunted and men and women to follow them. They have a keen sense of smell, and music that cheers the heart of the sportsman. The Beagle should not exceed sixteen inches in height, and preference is usually given to a pack of twelve inches.

His Work

His work is, of course, hunting the hare, the field following on foot. If you are getting a pack together it is necessary to have them level in size, and the man who sets about breeding them has much to learn. Pocket Beagles is a term applied to those under ten inches, and they are employed in rabbit hunting or shooting, or hunting a drag.

His Points

Skull domed but free from coarseness; head fairly long, and muzzle free from snipiness; lips well flewed; ears long and thin; eyes brown or hazel, not deep set or full; throat showing some dewlap; body short and compact; powerful loins; ribs fairly well sprung; legs and feet as good as we want to see on any hound. Any hound colour is admissible, but the blue mottled are much liked.