The smaller ones--Pocket Beagles in particular--are lovely little Hounds, and to the sportsman who loves hunting on foot, they are ideal field companions.
Typical specimens of the breed are, in our opinion, handsome; their symmetrical form and workmanlike appearance carry an irresistible charm into the heart of the rabbit-hunter.
There is also the Rough-coated Beagle, and for these a class is usually provided at the Kennel Club and Cruft shows, in London.
In order to breed Pocket Beagles it is advisable to select as small a sire and dam as possible, because there seems to be a natural tendency for these Hounds to become over, rather than under, sized.
By instinct, the Beagle seems to take to work.
Taking puppies out along with a "schoolmaster" or "mistress" will generally be sufficient education, if carried out in systematic lessons.
These Hounds are, as a rule, quiet and affectionate, and some are not at all bad house dogs, though, of course, this is quite outside the uses for which they have been designed.
When purchasing Beagles, more especially for work, there are several important matters to look to.
Buy Hounds having a dense, rather coarse coat; short, strong, upright pasterns, cat-like feet, short back, heavily muscled on the quarters and second thighs, and well-hearted, _i.e._, a deep chest and well-sprung ribs.
[Illustration: A GROUP OF LEYSWOOD BEAGLES.]
[Illustration: POCKET BEAGLE CHEERFUL OF RODNANCE (Property of Mrs OUGHTON GILES).]
Long ears, low set on, fine, and hanging close to cheek are additional points of beauty.
The classes at the London Kennel Club shows are:--
1. Not exceeding 10 inches. 2. Not exceeding 12 inches. 3. Over 10 but not over 12 inches. 4. Over 12 but not over 16 inches. 5. In the Novice Class--any height. 6. Class for Rough Coats.
The following descriptions and standards of points will afford the reader the best information upon the subject, but as the English and American standards differ somewhat in details, the author deems it advisable to insert the descriptions framed by both clubs.
_Head._--Of fair length, powerful, without being coarse, skull domed, moderately wide, with an indication of peak, "stop" well defined, muzzle not snipy, and lips well flewed.