Standard

In this summary you will find the official appearance and behaviour of the breed - if you want a real beagle, these are the basics!

The Beagle breed standards - everything you need to know!

The beagle is not only a beagle with a cute face and a happy tail, but also a smart and active breed with a serious pedigree. In this guide, we'll show you the looks and behaviour that make this special dog truly 'beagle' - whether it's for showing or for loving family life.

Here are the Beagle a general description of:

GENERAL APPEARANCE

A strong, solidly built dog - gives the impression of quality - without harshness.

IMPORTANT MESSAGES

The length of the head from the nape of the neck to the tip of the nose is divided by the stop into two equal parts. Elbow height is about half arm height.

BEHAVIOUR AND TEMPERAMENT

A lively dog whose main task is hunting, primarily for rabbits. Brave, with great activity, perseverance and determination. Alert, intelligent and of balanced temperament. Friendly, showing no aggressiveness or shyness.

The Beagle breed detailed analysis of:

Nose: broad, preferably black, but less pigmentation is allowed in lighter coloured dogs. The nostrils are wide.
Cheek: not flabby.
Lips: moderately drooping.
Jaw/teeth: the jaw must be strong, with a perfect - regular and complete - scissor bite, i.e. the upper incisors close without a gap in front of the lower incisors and perpendicular to the jaw.
Eyes: Dark brown or hazel, large enough, not deep-set or bulging, well spaced, with a gentle, introspective expression.
Ears: long, rounded at the end, reaching almost to the tip of the nose when pulled forward. They are pinned low and hang attractively next to the face.

The loins are short but well balanced.
Top line: straight and horizontal.
Groin: strong and flexible.
Chest: below the elbow. Ribs well arched and well laid back.
Bottom line and abdomen: without excessive tuck.
Tail: muscular, medium length. Highly set on, carried in a jaunty manner, but not arched over the back or bent forward at the withers. Well coated with hair, - especially on the lower half.

Shoulders: well laid back, not loaded.
Elbows: solid, - does not turn inwards or outwards.
Upper limbs: straight and well placed vertically under the body, with good weight, - not sloping towards the paw.
Midfoot: short.
Paws: compact and strong. Well boned and padded. Not rabbit paws. Short claws.

What else should you look out for?

Any deviation from the above points should be considered a fault - the assessment should be in exact proportion to the degree of deviation and its impact on the dog's health, well-being and ability to perform its traditional work.