Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
The Beagle is one of the oldest English hound breeds, descending from hunting dogs used in Britain as early as the 14th century. The earliest mentions of Beagles date back to the courts of King Edward II and Queen Elizabeth I, where miniature hounds were kept for their keen scent and pleasant voice. The breed was originally developed for hunting hares and small game, capable of working in a pack while maintaining close contact with humans. The modern Beagle type was established in the 19th century in Great Britain through systematic breeding aimed at improving both appearance and working qualities. Today, the Beagle is recognized worldwide as an energetic, intelligent, and friendly dog that successfully combines hunting instincts with the temperament of a devoted family companion.
General Appearance
The Beagle is a compact, well-proportioned, and sturdy dog with a harmonious build and an expression of liveliness and intelligence. The body is strong but not heavy, with well-developed muscles and a straight back. The chest is deep, ribs moderately sprung, and the belly slightly tucked up. The head is of medium size, proportional to the body, with soft lines and a friendly expression. The ears are long, rounded at the ends, low set, and beautifully frame the face. The tail is of medium length, set high with a slight upward curve, covered with dense hair. The limbs are straight, strong, and provide freedom, lightness, and endurance of movement. The overall impression is that of a balanced, energetic, and kind-natured dog with a firm bone structure and cheerful temperament.
Important Proportions
The Beagle’s proportions are harmonious, with the body length slightly exceeding the height at the withers, ensuring stability and endurance. Adult dogs stand between 33 and 40 cm at the withers, while the body remains compact and balanced. The head is proportional to the body, the muzzle almost equal in length to the skull, with a smooth stop. The chest reaches the elbows, the back is straight and strong, the loin short but muscular. Limbs are straight and strong, with correct angulations, ensuring effortless, steady movement. The tail is of medium length and should not curl over the back. All proportions reflect harmony, strength, and lightness, emphasizing the Beagle’s natural energy and functionality.
Temperament and Character
The Beagle is a merry, balanced, and friendly dog with a lively temperament and keen intelligence. It is energetic, curious, and always ready for outdoor activities and play. Owing to its hunting heritage, the Beagle has an excellent sense of smell, stamina, and natural tracking instincts. Loyal and affectionate with its family, the Beagle shows no aggression and gets along well with children and other animals. Though somewhat independent, it is socially oriented and dislikes solitude. Intelligent and observant, it learns easily though may show occasional stubbornness. The Beagle’s character combines activity, kindness, and steadiness, making it both a cheerful companion and a reliable family dog.
Head
The Beagle’s head is proportional to the body, without coarseness, featuring smooth and well-balanced lines. The skull is slightly domed, moderately broad, with a gentle stop. The muzzle is of medium length, square at the base, and not pointed. The nose is large, black, with wide nostrils, though lighter shades are acceptable in lighter-colored dogs. Lips are moderately developed, not pendulous. Eyes are large, dark brown or hazel, with a soft, kind expression. Ears are long, fine, low set, and rounded at the tips, lying close to the cheeks. The head expresses intelligence, openness, and friendliness.
Foreface
The foreface is well-defined yet soft, expressing friendliness. The muzzle is medium in length, straight and deep, broad at the base, and slightly tapering toward the nose without becoming pointed. The nose is large and black, with wide open nostrils providing excellent scenting ability. Lips are close-fitting and slightly rounded, without looseness. The chin is firm and even, highlighting the balanced muzzle. Cheeks are smooth and not protruding. The facial expression is open, intelligent, and lively, reflecting the breed’s friendly and confident nature.
Eyes
Eyes are large, almond-shaped, and set wide apart with a gentle slant, giving the Beagle a soft, intelligent expression. The color is typically dark brown or hazel, depending on coat color. The gaze is friendly, alert, and expressive, often with a touch of thoughtfulness, contributing to the breed’s distinctive “intelligent” look. Eyelids are dark and tight-fitting. Eyes should neither be protruding nor too small. Their shape and placement emphasize the Beagle’s good-natured and balanced character, reflecting curiosity and liveliness.
Ears
Ears are long, soft, and fine, with a velvety texture, set low — at or below eye level. They hang close to the cheeks, framing the face and giving a gentle, friendly expression. The tips are rounded and reach almost to the end of the nose when drawn forward. In movement, the ears swing lightly, adding to the Beagle’s energetic impression. The ears should not be short, thick, or high set. Correct ears enhance the Beagle’s recognizable look and underline its kind and expressive nature.
Neck
The Beagle’s neck is of medium length, strong yet elegant, with a slight arch that adds grace to its outline. It is long enough to allow the dog to follow a scent trail comfortably. The skin fits tightly without excessive folds, though a slight dewlap at the throat is acceptable. The transition from neck to body is smooth, highlighting the sturdy and balanced build. Musculature is well developed, especially at the base, ensuring strength and flexibility. Proper neck length gives the Beagle a proud carriage and dignified expression.
Body
The Beagle’s body is compact, strong, and balanced, without coarseness or heaviness. The back is straight, short, and firm, with a wide, muscular loin that provides strength and stability. The chest is deep and well developed, ribs moderately sprung but not barrel-shaped. The abdomen is slightly tucked up, and the topline smooth and level. The croup is slightly rounded, without a sharp slope. The overall body proportions convey strength, agility, and endurance, maintaining balance between compactness and mobility.
Tail
The tail is of medium length, thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. It is set high but never curled over the back. When in motion, it is carried cheerfully upright, reflecting the Beagle’s lively and confident temperament. It is covered with dense hair, often tipped in white, serving as a visible “flag” while hunting. In repose, the tail hangs naturally. A correct tail completes the balanced silhouette and emphasizes the breed’s energetic and characteristic appearance.
Forequarters
The forequarters are straight, strong, and muscular, with solid bone. Shoulders are long, sloping, and well laid back, allowing for free, easy movement. The elbows are directed straight back, neither turned out nor in. Forearms are straight and parallel, pasterns short, slightly sloping, and resilient. Feet are compact, round, with thick pads and tightly closed toes. The forequarters give the Beagle stability, strength, and correct movement amplitude.
Hindquarters
The hindquarters are strong, muscular, and well balanced, providing powerful drive. Thighs are broad with well-developed muscles. Stifles are well bent, hocks low set and firm. Metatarsi are short and straight when viewed from behind. Feet are compact and round with firm pads. The hindquarters ensure strength, speed, and stability, harmoniously balanced with the front.
Gait and Movement
The Beagle’s gait is free, active, and balanced, with strong rear drive and good front reach. Movements are straight and smooth, without body roll or crossing of legs. The back remains level, and the tail carried gaily, reflecting the breed’s vitality. Each step is energetic yet effortless, showing endurance and functionality. Proper movement displays strength, coordination, and natural grace.
Coat
The coat is short, dense, smooth, and close-lying, protecting the dog from weather and moisture. It is firm to the touch, neither soft nor silky, with a natural sheen. The undercoat is moderate, providing insulation. The coat uniformly covers the body, emphasizing neatness and fitness. Faults include long, thin, or wavy coats.
Acceptable Colors
All traditional hound colors are acceptable. The most common are tricolor (black, white, and tan) and bicolor (lemon and white, red and white, or tan and white). White is always present on the chest, legs, tip of the tail, and muzzle. Boundaries between colors must be clear and even. Blue, liver, or solid colors are disqualifying.
Size
Beagles are medium-sized, compact, and proportional. Height at the withers for males ranges from 36–40 cm, for females 33–38 cm. Weight varies from 9 to 14 kg. The body is slightly longer than tall, sturdy but agile. All measurements should reflect harmony, endurance, and functionality.
Faults
Faults include deviations from the standard that affect balance and function: overly light or coarse build, short or elongated muzzle, narrow skull, light or protruding eyes, short or high-set ears, soft or long coat, weak topline, narrow chest, or poor angulation. Behavioral issues such as timidity, aggression, or excessive stubbornness are undesirable.
Disqualifications
Serious faults that exclude from breeding or shows include incorrect bite (overshot or undershot), asymmetry of head, blue or mismatched eyes, deformities of limbs or tail, untypical colors (solid, gray, chocolate), absence of white markings, or spinal deformities. Dogs showing unprovoked aggression, fearfulness, or lacking breed temperament are also disqualified.
Notes
Special attention is given to balance, bone strength, movement, and the characteristic friendly and intelligent expression. The dog must be active, joyful, and steady, without signs of aggression or timidity. Preservation of the Beagle’s typical traits — compact body, straight back, strong limbs, and expressive eyes — is essential.
Conclusion
The Beagle is a harmoniously built, energetic, and friendly breed combining hunting instincts with intelligence and a balanced temperament. Distinguished by strong structure, confident movement, and cheerful disposition, the Beagle is both a skilled hunter and beloved companion. Participation in ICCF shows and breeding is permitted only for dogs with official ICCF documents confirming origin and conformity to standard, ensuring preservation of the breed’s health, character, and classic type recognized worldwide.
