General Appearance: This perky,
alert, and active scent hound may have received its name from the
Celtic word "beag" meaning "small". It has a compact, yet hardy and
strong appearance.
Head: Dome shaped with a
well defined stop. Square shaped muzzle of medium length. The ears
are low set, fairly broad with rounded tips held close to the head.
The brown or hazel eyes are set wide and large. While being alert,
they tend to have a pleading expression.
Body: The chest is somewhat
broad and deep. The shoulders have a clean muscular slope. The back
is short, strong, and also muscular. The forelegs as well as the
hind legs are straight turning neither in nor out. The strong,
fairly short tail is carried upright with no curvature towards the
back.
Color: The smooth, short,
waterproof coat is tri-colored in any true hound color. (Black,
White, Tan)
Size: Females: class I:
under 13 inches // 15-20 pounds class II 13-15 inches // 20-30
pounds
Males: class I: under 13
inches //15-20 pounds class II 13-15 inches // 20-30 pounds
Temperament: While beagles
are good natured, they can be willful, so benefit from firm
handling. They are very energetic and loyal companions.