Page 154 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

CATALOG OF BREEDS | SCENT HOUNDS

Beagle

HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN Variety of colors
13–16in 20–24lb 13 years
(33–40cm) (9–11kg)

One of the most popular scent hounds, this active,
happy-go-lucky dog has a strong chasing instinct

A sturdy, compact dog with a cheerful hours. The breed has a loud bark and can
disposition, the Beagle looks similar to an be noisy, which may irritate neighbors if
English Foxhound (see p.158) in miniature. the barking becomes excessive. Fortunately, Straight,
level topline
The Beagle’s origins are unclear, but it Beagles are relatively easy to train, and do
appears to have a long history, possibly best with an owner who combines fondness
being developed from other English scent with firmness and clear leadership. This
hounds such as the Harrier (see p.154). In breed is good with children old enough to
England, from the 16th century onward, understand how to handle a dog, but cannot
packs of small Beagle-type hounds were be considered safe with small family pets.
kept to hunt hare and rabbit, but it was In the US two sizes are recognized, based
not until the 1870s that a standard for the on the height of the dog at the shoulders:
modern Beagle was recognized. Since then those under 13in (33cm) and those between
the breed has remained remarkably popular, 13in and 15in (33cm and 38cm).
at first for hunting and now as a companion
dog. This versatile hound has also been
used by law enforcement agencies to
sniff out drugs, explosives, and other
illegal items.
The Beagle’s friendly and tolerant nature
makes it an excellent pet, provided it has
plenty of company and exercise—it does
not easily tolerate long periods of solitude,
which may lead to behavioral problems.
A typical scent hound, this dog is highly
active and has a strong instinct for following
a trail. Left alone in an inadequately fenced
yard, or allowed to run off the lead, a Beagle
can disappear swiftly and stay away for PUPPY

SNOOPY—THE SILENT HERO

Snoopy the dog is a cartoon Beagle from the long-
running comic strip Peanuts, created by Charles M.
Schulz. The Beagle is usually drawn sitting on top of his
doghouse. Snoopy is shown as having an ironic view
of the world and a rich fantasy life, featuring himself in
glamorous roles, including World War I flying Ace. In
1969 Schulz depicted Snoopy as an astronaut flying
to the Moon—and the real astronauts of NASA’s Apollo
10 lunar mission went on to name their lunar module
after this famous Beagle.

SNOOPY FROM PEANUTS

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