Archive for Hound Group
The Beagle
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Beagles are a “most excellent diversion”
Over 200 years ago, in a book titled A General History of Quadrupeds, Thomas Bewick wrote of Beagles: “They follow by the exquisiteness of their scent, and trace [the hare’s] foot steps through all her various windings with such exactness and perseverance, that they afford most excellent diversion.”
While Bewick was referring to the breed’s prowess as a hunter, the Beagles of today still “afford most excellent diversion” for their many fans. From Peanuts’ Snoopy through Lou, the hound hero of Cats and Dogs, to Buddy the “ugly Beagle” of MTV2’s series Where My Dogs At?, Beagles have captured the public’s affection in a way other breeds can’t match. The United States’ top dog from 1954 to 1959, the Beagle has not given much ground since then, still ranking fifth in overall registrations in 2006.
So what’s the secret behind all this Beagle bliss? Is it the soulful eyes, soft, floppy ears, and sweet expression? Is it the snuggly and playful personality?
These characteristics were certainly of little or no interest to the English breeders who developed the Beagle sometime before the 16th century. They wanted a sturdy little hound to hunt rabbits and hares, a tireless tracker with a baying voice that the master of the hunt could follow from a distance. The breed name may have originated with the French term bégeule, which means “open throat,” or it may have arisen from the Old English begele, the French beigh, or the Celtic beag, which all mean “small.”
As with most old working breeds, no one cared much what the dogs looked like; it was their ability that counted. The rabbit hunting hound came in many sizes, shapes, and even a wire-haired version. Pure breeds as we think of them today didn’t really exist and the various hounds, such as Harriers, Foxhounds, Greyhounds, and Beagles, as well as the occasional terrier, would be freely interbred to suit the needs of the particular terrain or tastes of the owner. Diminutive Beagles under nine inches tall—called “Pocket” or “Glove” Beagles—were popular in the Tudor era, though whether they were kept more as fashion accessories à la celebrity Chihuahuas and Shih Tzu of today or as actual tiny hunters is open to debate.
With the advent of dog showing as a hobby in the late 19th century, kennel clubs dictated specific characteristics to distinguish one pure breed from another and the appearance of the Beagle as we know it gradually became fixed. The American Kennel Club (AKC) now recognizes two sizes: under 13 inches and from 13 to 15 inches tall. Beagles may be any “true hound colour,” the most common being the tan, black, and white tri-colour and the many shades of red and white, ranging from lemon and white to mahogany and white.
The AKC standard describes the breed as: “solid and big for his inches, with the wear-and-tear look of the hound that can last in the chase and follow his quarry to the death.”
Not only does the Beagle have the physical characteristics of a hound that will “follow his quarry to the death,” but, as many owners discover to their dismay, it has the personality to match. The Beagle Standard with Interpretations (I.W. Carrel; 1929) states: “The foremost qualities in these hounds are nose…and the will to go on and on.”
When Beagles were mainly used for hunting, their determination, focus, and indifference to discomfort were highly prized; now that most Beagles are pets, however, these same qualities can be a real challenge to exasperated human companions. Many experts warn that Beagles should never be let off leash in unenclosed areas, nor should they be left in yards without high fences. Beagle owners who think they will get by with an “invisible” electronic fence are in for a shock—their dogs will likely run straight through the fence without paying the slightest attention.
The little hounds were also bred to work in packs and have a strong need for companionship, which makes them great buddies. Full of energy and fun, they love to play and just be with people of all ages. But be warned that if a Beagle doesn’t get enough stimulation from his owner, he will find not-so-diverting ways of amusing himself, including chewing and/or eating everything in sight.
When the vet isn’t busy removing foreign objects from a Beagle stomach, she’s probably telling another shamefaced owner that his “Snoopy” is seriously fat: rotund Beagles are all too common. Other health conditions that commonly affect the breed are “cherry eye,” a swelling of one of the eyelid glands, epilepsy, and hypothyroidism. The National Beagle Club of America provides an excellent webpage devoted to health concerns at clubs.akc.org/NBC/beagle_health_problems.htm.
The breed’s unique combination of characteristics, including size, sense of smell, inquisitiveness, winning personality, and—yes—love of food, has made it the sniffer of choice for the U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. “Beagle Brigade” teams patrol airports across the U.S., detecting prohibited agricultural products before they enter the country, and, no doubt, providing welcome entertainment to many a bored passenger as they watch the busy dogs at work.
Whether they are seen climbing over piles of luggage at an airport, running nose-deep in the wet grass of an urban park as they single-mindedly chase down an irresistible scent, or simply gazing up at their owners contentedly with those gentle and intelligent eyes, Beagles indeed afford “most excellent diversion” to all who are fortunate enough to encounter the “merry little hounds.”
Dog breeds – Hound (American Fox Hound)
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Overview
A direct descendant of English and French hounds, this breed was used during the 17th century to seek out Indians. However, in later years the American Foxhound was prized for its talent in hunting wild animals. This breed was never intended to be solely a pet. They were a popular breed with the wealthy who enjoyed fox hunting.
Character
A sleek and athletic breed, the American Foxhound possesses great stamina. They are keen hunters known as scent hounds. As an active hunting dog, they will follow any scent irregardless of commands. American Foxhound’s are tolerant, social, amiable, and active.
Temperament
Although by tradition the foxhound is not a house pet, it is actually well-mannered in the home. It gets along best with human or canine companionship. It is a tolerant, amiable and gentle dog, even though it is not very demonstrative. Most are reserved with strangers. It is first and foremost a hunter, ever ready to hit the trail. It needs daily exercise in a safe area. Once on a scent, it will follow gleefully, heedless of commands. This is a dog that likes the outdoors; it is not a city dog. It bays.
History
This most American of breeds dates back to 1650, with the first record of fox-chasing hounds arriving from England. By the 1700s, riding to the hounds had become extremely popular with the upper class; even George Washington found it a favorite pastime. Imports from England, France and Ireland helped shape the breed. Foxhound pedigrees have been recorded in America since 1850. Around this same time, the sport spread to the southern United States, particularly the mountains of Kentucky and Tennessee, and hunters there preferred a faster dog with the ability to start, chase and kill a fox alone, and also to give chase to deer. The dogs became more streamlined than their English counterparts. The dogs further developed into different strains, the most popular being the “Walker.” This strain descends from a dog named Tennessee Lead, alleged to have been stolen from a deer chase by a dog trader, who subsequently sold him to George Washington Mauphin, who is sometimes called the father of the breed. His breeding of this fast-running foxhound produced some of the best running dogs ever seen. Dogs from that strain were subsequently called Walker hounds because the Walker brothers kept careful records of dogs produced from this strain. Other strains of foxhounds include Trigg, Goodman, July, Calhoun and Hudspeth. These dogs eventually became specialized as either running hounds or show hounds, with the former being even further specialized as competitive field trial hounds and pack hounds. The pack type is generally considered the prototypical foxhound. These dogs combine great speed, endurance and jumping ability with a strong nose and willingness to give chase as a pack member. The American foxhound was one of the earliest breeds to be registered by the AKC, although registrations have never been particularly high. The low AKC registration numbers belie the foxhound’s popularity, however, because most foxhounds are kept in large packs by hunters with little interest in AK
Upkeep
The foxhound needs daily exercise, preferably in the form of a long walk or jog. If allowed to run off leash, it should only do so in a safe, enclosed area. Foxhounds traditionally live outside, although only with warm shelter and bedding and in temperate climates. They are highly sociable, however, and should never be expected to live alone. The coat is easily maintained, requiring only occasional brushing to remove dead hair.
Health
• Major concerns: none
• Minor concerns: thrombocytopathy
• Occasionally seen: none
• Suggested tests: (blood)
• Life span: 10 – 13 years
Form and Function
The American foxhound is slighter of bone and higher on leg than the English foxhound, with more rear angulation and arch over the loin. These attributes give it greater speed and agility for hunting over rough terrain. It has a melodious voice when on the trail. Its coat is hard and of medium length. Its expression is gentle and pleading.
Related Dogs
Basenji
Basset Hound
Beagle
Black and Tan Coonhound
Bloodhound
Dachshund (Standard)
English Foxhound
Harrier
Otter hound
Dog breeds – Hound (English Beagle)
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Overview
The Beagle was originally bred for hunting purposes and does remarkably well. Being a scent hound, this breed has the tendency to follow his nose and ignore anything and everything so obedience training at an early age is a must. The Beagle originated as a cross between the Harrier and many other hounds in England. This breed does best when hunting hare, pheasant, or quail.
Character
The Beagle is full of energy and does great in a family environment. They are very lively, active, and high energy making a wonderful childs companion given the proper socialization. This breed is alert and of even temperament and should never show signs of aggression or timidity. The Beagle can be very mischievous and very bold at times so proper precautions must be taken when training and/or socializing this fun loving breed.
Temperament
One of the most amiable hounds, the beagle was bred as a pack hunter and needs companionship, whether human or canine. It loves to explore the outdoors and is an enthusiastic trailer. Given adequate exercise, it is a calm, tractable house pet. It is an excellent child’s dog, gentle, incredibly tolerant and always ready to join in a game or an adventure. It is an independent breed, however, and may run off if a trail beckons. It barks and howls.
History
By the 14th century, hare hunting had become a popular sport in England, and the dogs used were probably of beagle type. The origin of the name beagle may be from Old French words meaning “open throat” in reference to the breed’s melodious bay, or from the Celtic, Old English or Old French words for “small.” The word beagle was not used until 1475, however, but can then be found frequently in writings from the 16th century on. Hunters could follow these dogs on foot and could even carry one in a pocket if the need arose. By the 1800s, beagles existed in several sizes, but the smaller “pocket-size” dogs were particularly popular. These dogs measured only about 9 inches and often needed the hunter’s assistance in crossing rough fields. One of the special appeals of the smaller beagles was that the hunt could be followed even by “ladies, the aged or the infirm,” as they slowly followed the winding path of the hare. The first mention of the beagle in America was in 1642. Beagles were used in the South prior to the Civil War, but these dogs bore little resemblance to their English counterparts. After the war, English imports formed the basis of the modern American beagle. By the end of the 19th century, beagles were popular competitors in both field and conformation exhibitions. But the merry little scenthound did not stop there: It continued to become one of America’s all-time favorite breeds, finding its special niche as a family pet.
Upkeep
The beagle needs daily exercise, either a long walk on leash or a romp in a safe area. It can live outdoors in temperate climates as long as it is given warm shelter and bedding. It is a social dog, however, and needs the companionship of either other dogs or its human family; as such, it is usually happiest if it can divide its time between the house and yard.
Health
• Major concerns: intervertebral disc disease, CHD
• Minor concerns: glaucoma, epilepsy
• Occasionally seen: deafness, hemophilia A, cataracts
• Suggested tests: hip, (eye)
• Life span: 12 – 15 years
Form and Function
The beagle should look like a miniature foxhound, solid for its size. The beagle’s moderate size enables it to be followed on foot. It can also be carried to the hunt, and once there, can scurry around in thick underbrush. Its close hard coat protects it from underbrush. Its moderate build enables it to nimbly traverse rough terrain. The beagle’s amiable personality allows it to get along with other dogs and to be a successful pack hunter. The beagle is noted for its melodious bay, which helps hunters locate it from a distance.
Related Dogs
American Foxhound
Basset Hound
Black and Tan Coonhound
Bloodhound
Dachshund (Standard)
English Foxhound
Harrier
Otter hound
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Dog Breed – Basset Hound
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Overview
This is a naturally well-behaved breed making him the perfect household pet. The Basset Hound is very gentle, sweet, and loving. This breed is prone to howling and barking so he makes a good alarm dog, but is much too gentle to be a guard dog.
Character
The long ears of this rather lazy breed are sensitive, which makes him best for a life with older and more respectable children. The Basset Hound has the tendency to be stubborn, but never timid. Should never display signs of aggression, as this is a naturally fun loving and gentle dog.
Temperament
The basset hound is among the most good-natured and easygoing of breeds. It is amiable with dogs, other pets and children, although children must be cautioned not to put strain on its back with their games. It is calm inside, but it needs regular exercise to keep fit. It prefers to investigate slowly, and loves to sniff and trail. It is a talented and determined tracker, not easily dissuaded from its course. Because of this, it may get on a trail and follow it until it becomes lost. It tends to be stubborn and slow-moving. It has a loud bay that it uses when excited on the trail.
History
The first mention of the basset dog is found in a 16th-century text about badger hunting. Dwarfed short-legged specimens occur in many breeds and have been known since ancient times, but it is difficult to know at what point such dogs were purposefully bred and which ones led to the present basset hound. The word basset is derived from the French word bas, which means “low thing or dwarf,” so that definitive evidence of the breed may be hard to follow. Short-legged dogs were used by the French for hunting at a slower pace, but most of these dogs were dispersed, and their fates undocumented, during the French Revolution. The history becomes clearer after the revolution, when greater numbers of commoners took up hunting, often aided by guns. They needed a dog that they could follow on foot, but that still had great scenting ability and strong, heavy bone — in essence, a short-legged version of the pack hounds popular with the aristocracy. Because the basset could not pursue its quarry at speed, the quarry was less likely to be on the run and thus presented an easier target for the gunman. The dogs would hunt all mammals but were especially suited for rabbits and hares. Four different versions of short-legged hounds were created, with the basset Artesien Normand most closely resembling today’s basset. In the late 1800s (and again in 1930), crosses with bloodhounds were made to increase size; the results were then tempered with subsequent crosses to the Artesien Normand. The first bassets were brought to England and America in the late 1800s, and interest in the breed grew gradually. By the mid-1900s, the basset’s droll expression had won it a place in advertising and entertainment and in many new pet owners’ hearts.
Upkeep
The basset needs mild daily exercise, which can be satisfied by walking on leash or playing in the yard. It does best as a house dog with access to a yard. Its coat needs only minimal grooming, but its face may need regular cleaning around the mouth and wrinkles. Bassets tend to drool.
Health
• Major concerns: foreleg lameness, OCD, entropion, ectropion, otitis externa, intervertebral disc disease, glaucoma, vWD, CTP, gastric torsion
• Minor concerns: foot cysts and infection
• Occasionally seen: patellar luxation
• Suggested tests: eye, blood
• Life span: 8 – 12 years
• Note: Obesity is a problem in the breed, especially because it contributes to intervertebral disk disease.
Form and Function
The basset’s long, heavy body and short legs make it easy to follow on foot and give it an edge in dense cover. The basset hound has heavier bone, in proportion to its total size, than any other breed. Its thick, tight coat protects it from brambles without becoming caught in them. It is speculated that its long ears may stir up ground scent, and the wrinkles trap the scent around the face. The large muzzle gives ample room for the olfactory apparatus. Such room would not be available in a miniature dog; only a large dog with shortened legs can combine the short height with large muzzle size. The basset’s movement is smooth and powerful; it tends to move with nose to the ground.
Related Dogs
American Foxhound
Beagle
Black and Tan Coonhound
Bloodhound
Dachshund (Standard)
English Foxhound
Harrier
Otter hound
Rhodesian Ridgeback.
