10 Surprising Beagle Facts: Little-Known Secrets Revealed

Beagles are beloved dogs known for their friendly nature and great sense of smell. These small hounds have been popular pets for many years. But there’s more to beagles than meets the eye.

You might be surprised to learn some little-known facts about beagles. From their unique history to their special skills, beagles have many interesting traits. Let’s explore some fun and unusual information about these charming dogs that you may not have heard before.

1. Beagles have white-tipped tails, known as ‘flags.’

You might have noticed that many Beagles sport a distinctive white tip at the end of their tails. This feature is often called a ‘flag’ and is quite common in the breed. The white-tipped tail serves a practical purpose. When Beagles were primarily used for hunting, this feature helped their owners spot them easily in tall grass or thick underbrush.

2. Queen Elizabeth I owned pocket beagles.

You might be surprised to learn that pocket beagles were once royal pets. Queen Elizabeth I kept these tiny hounds as companions in the 16th century. These small dogs were different from the beagles you know today. Pocket beagles were much smaller than modern beagles. They stood only about 8-9 inches tall at the shoulder. You could easily hold one in your hand. That’s why they were also called “glove beagles.”

3. Beagles were bred for rabbit-hunting in England.

Beagles have a rich history as hunting dogs in England. Their small size and keen sense of smell made them ideal for chasing rabbits through dense undergrowth. These dogs were primarily used for hunting small game like rabbits and hares. This activity was known as “beagling” and became popular among English nobles.

4. They have an incredible sense of smell, second only to Bloodhounds.

Beagles are known for their amazing noses. You might be surprised to learn that these friendly dogs have around 220 million scent receptors. This gives them an incredible ability to pick up and follow scents. Their sense of smell is so powerful that it’s second only to Bloodhounds. This keen ability has made Beagles valuable in many roles beyond being great pets.

5. Beagles’ howl can be heard from a long distance.

You might be surprised to learn that a Beagle’s howl can travel quite far. These small dogs have powerful voices that can reach up to a mile away in ideal conditions. Beagles use their distinctive howl to communicate over long distances. This trait comes from their hunting background, where they needed to alert their human companions to their location during a chase.

6. They were initially called ‘beagling.’

You might think ‘beagling’ is just a fun way to describe hunting with Beagles, but it’s actually the original term for the breed. Beagling refers to hunting hares and rabbits with Beagles, taking advantage of their keen sense of smell. This practice dates back centuries in England. Beagling usually involved following a pack of 10 or more hounds on foot. Some hunters even rode horses, but this was less common.

7. The comic strip character Snoopy is a beagle.

You might be surprised to learn that Snoopy, the famous character from the Peanuts comic strip, is actually a beagle. Snoopy made his debut on October 4, 1950, and has since become one of the most beloved cartoon dogs in history.

As a beagle, Snoopy displays many traits typical of the breed. You’ll notice his small size and distinctive black and white coloring, which are characteristic of beagles. His floppy ears and expressive eyes are also typical beagle features.

8. Beagles come in two height variations—13 inches and 15 inches.

Did you know that Beagles aren’t all the same size? These popular dogs actually come in two distinct height varieties: 13 inches and 15 inches. The measurement is taken at the dog’s withers, which is the highest point of the shoulder blades. 13-inch Beagles stand at or below 13 inches tall, while 15-inch Beagles measure between 13 and 15 inches.

9. Beagles are prone to obesity without regular exercise.

Beagles have a tendency to gain weight easily. You might notice your Beagle packing on extra pounds if you’re not careful about their diet and exercise routine. These dogs have a strong food drive and will often beg for treats or table scraps. It’s important to resist those puppy dog eyes and stick to a healthy feeding plan.

10. Their noses have more scent receptors than other breeds.

Beagles are known for their incredible sense of smell. Their noses are packed with 220 million scent receptors, giving them an amazing ability to detect and track scents. This number is much higher than many other dog breeds. For example, Dachshunds have about 125 million scent receptors.

Origin and History

Beagles have a rich history dating back centuries. Their origins and development provide insight into their unique traits and popularity today.

Ancestry of the Beagle

Beagles trace their roots to ancient Greece around 400 BC. These early ancestors were small hounds used for hunting. Over time, they evolved into the dogs we know today. The name “beagle” likely comes from the French word “begueule,” meaning open throat. This refers to their distinctive howl. Another theory suggests it’s from the Old English “beag,” meaning small.

Beagles were bred for their keen sense of smell and tracking abilities. These traits made them excellent hunting companions, especially for rabbits and hares.

Development in Britain

Britain played a key role in shaping the modern beagle. In the 1830s, Reverend Phillip Honeywood established a beagle breeding program in Essex, England. Honeywood’s beagles became the foundation for the breed standard. They were known for their compact size and excellent hunting skills.

Rowett’s Beagles, developed by Thomas Johnson, further refined the breed. These dogs are believed to have inspired the first American beagle standard. The American Kennel Club recognized the beagle as a breed in 1884. This recognition helped boost the breed’s popularity in the United States.