JUDGING THE BEAGLE By Kathy Forbes

he General Appearance portion of the AKC Standard gives great insight into the essence of the Beagle. A miniature Foxhound, Tsolid and big for his inches, with the wear- and-tear look of the hound that can last in the chase and follow his quarry to the death. One side note, it is referring to an English Foxhound and the quarry is rabbit and/or hare. Beagles are a moderate breed. If your eye is drawn to some exaggerated portion of the dog, it is not correct. Please remember the drag of this breed is long and low. We have issues with dwarfism in this breed, and you will see some of those characteristics in the show ring today. A 15" body on 13" legs does not make a 13" Beagle. Balance is key! The only disqualification in this breed is any hound measuring over 15" in height. As a judge you should never utter the words, “I did not use your dog because I felt it was too big.” When in doubt, measure! “THE sTANDArD rEfErs To A BEAGLE that is solid and big for his inches.”

The standard refers to a Beagle who is solid and big for his inches. There in the mix because. Judges don’t look at Often referred to as the “Merry Little can be quite a size range within each them as individuals but instead compare Beagle” it goes without saying you want variety. The standard refers to a beagle them to the larger exhibits in the ring. to see them moving around the ring in a that is solid and big for his inches. 13½" Remember, the standard says solid and happy manner. Aggressive or shy behavior Beagles may appear too small next to a big for his inches not solid and big. Please should not be tolerated. Beagle measuring 15". We have a lot of look at every Beagle as an individual when When viewing the Beagle in profile on high quality, 13½" Beagles who get lost assessing size, bone and balance. the table, first of all, make sure the front

ShowSight Magazine, November 2012 • 201

1211 Beagle J 3.indd 1 11/2/12 10:20 AM