A sturdy, compactly-built hound, conveying the impression of quality without coarseness. The Beagle is a small hound bred for hunting rabbit and hare. In appearance the Beagle is a fairly compact dog with legs of medium length. Strong bone, neat cat feet and well-letdown hocks are required, with straight front legs, a fairly long neck and a level back.

The head is the Beagle's attraction, with a deep; medium-length muzzle is square and straight with a somewhat defined stop. Eyes are hazel or deep brown in color, large and set apart with a soft, "pleading" expression that is common to most hounds.

What is referred to as a tail in other breeds is called a 'stern' in hunting jargon. Ears Long, with rounded tip, reaching nearly to the end of nose when drawn out. Set on low, fine in texture and hanging gracefully close to cheeks.

The Beagle's stern is carried up, slightly sickle-shaped and never curved over the back, which is a very serious fault. The hair is short and smooth and glossy, and also very waterproof, an important point since hounds may be required to spend long hours hunting in all sorts of weather conditions.

In recent years the Beagle has achieved considerable popularity as a show dog and household companion. Its size, coat, and pleasant disposition make the show Beagle a very suitable family dog providing it is sensibly managed and properly trained from puppy hood.

Badly managed, a Beagle can be willful and headstrong as is often the case with pack hounds, but when well disciplined it makes a good pet. All hounds have a tendency to wander and only those owning well-fenced gardens should keep them. Beagles are very intelligent and quick to learn. They can be obstinate, but once they grasp what they have to do, they never forget.

The Beagle, although affectionate and attached to its family, will never show that constant desire for attention that some of the toy breeds display. The Beagle has its own ways of finding satisfaction; this is through its inquisitive and questing nature. So although it will enjoy being patted and told it is a "good dog', your Beagle will retain an independence not found in the majority of breeds.

As a family pet the Beagle must be well controlled, It will take advantage of human weakness if it is given the chance. If allowed to do as it likes, on occasion it will trade on this and soon will be the master of the household.

The trouble springs partly from the irresistible appeal of the Beagle puppy even when it is being a nuisance and chewing up the telephone directory or one of the best cushions. However amusing the situation may appear to be, it is unwise to show your amusement, for the puppy is intelligent enough to realize it has made you laugh and so has reduced your annoyance