Portraits of Beagles are surprisingly rare in the nineteenth century, possibly because by then, Foxhounds had become more popular with a younger generation on a hunt because they were faster than Beagles which were followed on foot.

A Beagle pack (20-40 hounds) was typically enjoyed by ‘retired’ fox hunters who were either feeling the effects of too many injuries, had lost the agility to ride horseback, or were simply too “mature” to “beagle” any other way than on foot. Little wonder that “hip” kids of the 1800s wanted to avoid a breed associated with old fogies.

That said, we’re suckers for Beagles and are happy to report that others are as well. There are 59 Beagle packs in the UK registered with the AMHB, all of them listed by regions of England. In the USA, meanwhile, Beagle field trials, a sport found only in America and Canada, are thriving. Brace trials (the oldest type of AKC beagle field trials), Small Pack Option, Large Pack, Gundog Brace field trials and Hunt Tests are among the many options available to Beagle owners wanting to work with their dog. To find such a Beagle event near you, click here.

“Beagle on White Plastic Chair” by Jenni Cator
Stockbridge Gallery
http://www.dogsinart.com