Goals and Purposes

The purpose of this breed standard includes:

• Providing guidelines for breeders who wish to maintain and improve the breed’s quality.
• Unifying the breed standard worldwide.
• Serving as a guide for judges.

Breeders and judges should avoid any condition or exaggeration that may harm the health, well-being, essence, and soundness of the breed. Any deviation from the standard should be considered a fault, and its severity will depend on its impact on the dog’s health and ability to perform its traditional function.

History

The origin of the Beagle is uncertain. They are known throughout Europe and are the smallest of the scent hounds. They have been mentioned in literature since 1475.

In the United States and Canada, Beagles have been one of the most popular breeds for over 30 years.

The UKC Hunting Beagle is a well-rounded dog, an excellent hunter with exceptional conformation. Appearance and hunting ability go hand in hand in developing the ideal Beagle.

General Appearance

The Beagle is described as a «miniature Foxhound.» It is a short-haired, smooth-coated hound that is slightly longer than tall. Its ears fall close to the head. They are generally tricolored (black, white, and tan), though all typical hound color combinations are accepted.

Since the Beagle is a hunting dog, scars resulting from working injuries are not considered faults and should not be penalized by judges. This includes cuts, notches, and worn ears due to working in brush or tall grass.

Disqualification:

• Any dog measuring over 15 inches in height.

Characteristics

The Beagle usually has an independent personality, though this varies by individual. It has a good hound voice and is generally friendly. It can be both a house and an outdoor dog.

Disqualifications:

• Extreme aggression or extreme shyness.

Head and Skull

• Skull: Relatively long, slightly domed at the occiput. Broad and well-formed.
• Muzzle: Medium-length, straight, and well-defined.
• Teeth: Complete, white, and strong, with a scissor or level bite.

Disqualifications:

• Undershot or overshot bite with visible separation between upper and lower teeth.

Eyes

• Large, well-set apart, with a sweet and pleading expression.
• Brown or hazel in color.

Disqualification:

• Blindness.

Ears

• Set moderately low, close to the head.
• Long, reaching almost to the tip of the muzzle.
• Fine texture, broad, with a rounded tip, incapable of standing erect.

Disqualification:

• Deafness.

Neck

• Medium length, strong but not loaded.
• Free from skin folds, though a slight wrinkle under the jaw is allowed.

Faults:

• Thick and short neck.
• Excessive skin folds («dewlap»).

Forequarters

• Muscular and sloping shoulders, allowing free and strong movement.
• Straight and well-proportioned front legs.

Faults:

• Straight or heavy shoulders.
• Turned-out elbows.
• Knees bent backward.
• Bowed or twisted front legs.

Body

• Deep and broad chest.
• Strong and muscular back.
• Broad and slightly arched loins.
• Well-arched ribs for lung capacity.

Faults:

• Chest too broad or too shallow.
• Long, sagging, or excessively arched back.
• Narrow loins or flat ribs.

Hindquarters

• Well-muscled hips and thighs, providing powerful propulsion.
• Strong and well-angled hocks.

Feet

• Compact, rounded, and firm.
• Thick and durable pads.

Faults:

• Elongated or open feet.

Tail

• Set high, carried happily with a slight curve.
• Short in proportion to the body.
• With a «brush» of hair at the tip.

Faults:

• Tail too long.
• Excessive curvature or forward tilt.
• Thin tail without a brush.

Coat

• Short, dense, and weather-resistant.

Color

• All typical hound color combinations are accepted.
• Solid colors are not accepted.

Disqualification:

• Albinism.

Height and Weight

• Must not exceed 15 inches.
• Height is measured at the withers with the dog in a natural stance.

Eliminating Fault:

• Over 15 inches in height.

Eliminating Faults and Disqualifications

Eliminating Faults

• (None specified beyond height over 15 inches.)

Disqualifications

• Height exceeding 15 inches.
• Extreme aggression or shyness.
• Undershot or overshot bite.
• Blindness or deafness.
• Albinism.