Beagle.

Beagle. Beagle, breed of small dog of unknown origin. It can be traced back to 16th-century England, where it is first known to have appeared as a distinct breed. Almost all modern English beagles are descended from a noted pack kept by an English clergyman in the middle of the 19th century. In the same century a type of beagle with some of the characteristics of the basset hound or the dachshund was known in the southern United States. Since about 1870, beagle packs imported from Great Britain have greatly improved the American strain. The typical American beagle is short-legged, stands 30 to 41 cm (12 to 16 in) high at the shoulder, and has a smooth coat that is usually white with black and tan. It has a long, slightly domed head; brown or hazel eyes that have a gentle expression; drooping ears; a straight and square-cut muzzle; sloping shoulders; muscular hips and thighs; and a short, slightly curved tail with a brush. In general, the beagle looks like a miniature foxhound. The beagle, which hunts by scent, is used for tracking down small game such as rabbits and is one of the most popular hunting dogs as well as house pets in the U.S. Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.