About Beagles

Beagles were bred to be scent hounds; smaller beagles hunted rabbits and small animals, and larger beagles pursued deer and other game. Although the exact origin of the breed's name is not known, it could be a derivation of the Old English or Welsh word beag, which means "small," or an adaptation of the French term be'geule, which translates to "gape throat." Begueule, which means "loudmouth," is also an apt name for the braying breed.

It's rumored that during the Hundred Years' War in the 13th century, Edward III took packs of 120 or more beagles with him into battle, probably to sniff out the enemy. In the 16th century, English gentlemen began taking packs of beagles with them during their sporting hunts. By the Renaissance, the breed had spread to most of Europe, especially Wales and France, where they were used to hunt hares and wild pigs; in Scandinavia, their prey was deer. In the year 1954, beagles were the most popular dog in the United States, and have remained one of the most beloved dogs to this day. AKC (American Kennel Club) recognized the two sizes of beagle in 1885.