The American Kennel Club (AKC), recognizes two distinct “ types” of Beagles. The two varieties of Beagles were developed in the 18th century, the first being the “ Southern Hound Beagle”, the second being the “North Country Beagle”. This breed was recognized by the AKC in the year 1884.

The first beagle that the American Kennel Club registered was named Blunder, in the year 1885. As Beagles originate from England, they were imported to the U.S. in the early 1870’s; one of the main people who first imported these dogs to America is known as General Richard Rowett, from Carlinville, Illinois.

Beagles are considered to be “small hounds” that originate from England. This breed was developed primarily for hunting hares. As they are “scent hounds”, classified as hound dogs, they have an amazing scent of smell and are highly skilled at tracking. Due to their incredible tracking instincts, many beagles are used (employed) as detective dogs. Their “job” consists of detecting illegal agricultural imports throughout the world, in places such as airports.

These scent hounds may also be used to hunt certain other animals aside from hares, such as gophers, rabbits, and similar other small game. Known for their amazing driving trails, alertness, energy, determination, scent, and baying skills ( Unique bark that can be heard from long distances), Beagles are considered to be the top hunting dogs.

AKC.com

Beagles are known to be medium-sized dogs. Female beagles are usually from 13-15 in. (33-38 cm) in height. A male is slightly taller, they range from 14-16 in. (36-41 cm). In relation to weight, a beagle may be considered “light-weight”. Females are approximately 20-22 lbs(9-10 kg). Males weigh around 22-24 lbs(10-11 kg). Their lifespan ranges from 12 to 15 years.

Hip dysplasia, epilepsy, intervertebral disk disease, hypothyroidism, and cataracts are several health problems that may be seen in this breed. Few  beagles may be diagnosed with heart diseases, deafness, and dwarfism. For the most part, however, these dogs tend to be healthy as long as they are carefully cared for and supervised.

Dog Time.com

Beagles come in seven different coat colors, and 18 possible color combinations, including the following: tri-color, chocolate tri, red & white, lemon & white, orange & white, white & tan,as well as brown & white. A beagle’s coat is usually ticked, or has spots when they are either black or white. Various tri-colored beagles may also have several spots in white areas. When born, the majority of them are black and white, any brown colored spots may take up to two years to completely develop.

There are six possible markings that a beagle may have. Ticks, black markings, brown markings, spots, tan markings, and white markings are all of the possibilities of a beagle’s markings on their fur. Several beagle’s may be silver, a slightly diluted black, however, this is an extremely rare color, and not recognized by the AKC. The coat color of a beagle may change from the time that they are puppies to the time that they are adults, which is often referred to as a ‘break”.

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