| There are few breeds of dogs that are as popular in | | | | although the same care was not taken at first to |
| this country today as the Beagle. This compact pup is | | | | preserve the breed. |
| big on personality, and with patient and persistent | | | | A man in Illinois by the name of General Richard |
| training, can be a welcome addition to many homes. | | | | Rowett imported Beagles from England and began the |
| But how did the Beagle end up in this country? This | | | | careful process of breeding high quality dogs. In 1885, |
| breed of dog has a long and interesting history that | | | | the American Kennel Association began to recognize |
| can be traced back to the early years of civilization. It | | | | the breed of Beagle, and by 1888, standards were |
| is thought that Beagle-type dogs existed in early | | | | established for these dogs and the National Beagle |
| Greece, and later in England. It is also possible that | | | | Club was formed. Since that time, Beagles have |
| Beagles were used in countries like France and Italy. | | | | continued to be one of the most popular choices in |
| However, the Beagle as we know it today probably | | | | dogs in this country, due to their looks, skills and |
| originated in Great Britain in the first part of the second | | | | temperaments. |
| century. Beagles are thought to be a descendant of | | | | Beagle can make the perfect pet for many families |
| the Talbot Hound, along with Foxhounds and the | | | | since the characteristic of this breed is usually a |
| Southern Hound. These dogs were primarily bred for | | | | friendly, social nature. However, the popularity of |
| hunting purposes, and many Beagles are still used in | | | | breeds like Beagles has led to the establishment of |
| this function today. The most popular hunting prey for | | | | many puppy mills where dogs are bred for profit |
| the Beagle is the hare, since the instincts of this breed | | | | instead of health and quality of the animals. This is why |
| are tailored specifically to locating and coaxing out | | | | it is so important that you take the time to do plenty of |
| these critters for hunters. | | | | research before you purchase your Beagle by reading |
| The Beagle spent many years in England developing | | | | articles like this, scanning the Internet for up to date |
| as a breed by many in the field. During the middle of | | | | Beagle information and talking to experts like reputable |
| the 1800's, Reverend Phillip Honeywood began | | | | breeders and veterinarians for information and |
| breeding Beagles that are the closest to the dogs that | | | | recommendations. |
| we are familiar with today. However, these animals | | | | It is also helpful to understand the history of the Beagle |
| were bred for function rather than looks. Another | | | | so that you have a good idea of what these dogs |
| Englishman, Thomas Johnson took that breeding a | | | | were bred for and what you should expect from your |
| step further to combine the best of both worlds - an | | | | own pet. Beagles that are carefully chosen can bring |
| attractive dog that was a competent hunter as well. | | | | their owners and families plenty of love and fun for |
| Beagles came to the United States at about this time, | | | | many years to come. |