The Kerry Beagle is one of
the most ancient breeds of Irish dog. Popularly thought to have
descended from a dog known vaguely as “The old southern hound”. Next
to the Irish Wolfhound the Kerry Beagle may actually be the oldest
native Irish breed, it is generally assumed that the dog referred to as
“GADHAR” in Old Irish texts may be the direct ancestor of the modern
day Kerry hound.
The most likely outline of the
history of this breed is a Celtic hound going back probably to the time of
the first Celtic settlements in Ireland, which in the middle ages and
later centuries was mixed through breeding experiments with hounds from
the continent to produce a very efficient hunting dog. Their fortunes
suffered during the great hunger in Ireland in 1847 when they were
decimated by starvation.
The name Beagle curiously enough is
thought to be derived from the Irish word “beag” (meaning small) and
certainly the Beagle is a small hound used to hunt small game like hares,
whereas the Kerry Beagle was often used to hunt stag. The present day word for
the Beagle in Irish is “Pocadan” which refers to its use as a hunting dog
rather than its size.
The Kerry Beagle is one of the oldest Irish Hounds, believed to be descendant from the Old Southern Hound or Celtic Hounds, detailed pedigrees date back as far as 1794.. Originally bred as a scent hound used to track game, larger hounds were then sent in to do the actually hunting. This breed is still used today for hunting hare and takes part in drag trials. The Kerry Beagle almost died out and may have been revived by adding Chein d'Ariege a French hound.
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AppearanceThe Kerry Beagle is a medium sized hound with a broad head, a short coat and long ears. Height is between 56-61cm (22-24in). Weight is up to 27kg (60lb). Black and Tan is the more common colour but the coat may be tan and white, blue mottled and tan or black, tan and white. The breed's looks suggests speed and endurance.
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TemperamentThis breed of dog is a pack hound and does hold the hunting instinct strong. They do however make very good pets as they are good with children and other dogs. They require a lot of exercise, regular twice to three times daily walks and free runs.
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HEAD Moderately long, broad skull, oval from eyes to poll, about the same length from the nasal indenture between the eyes to point of nose should slope or slightly arch from eyes to point of nose. Forehead low, eyebrows strong and raised somewhat, cheeks not full. Eyes large, bright and intelligent varying in colour from bright yellow to deep buff, and deeper brownish yellow. Muzzle long, slightly arched round, and full under. Nose fine in texture, not square, but slightly tapering, Nostrils Large. Upper lips hanging, and fuller towards the corner of the mouth.
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TEETH* level, of elegant form and strong. EARS* Large, pendulous, falling below the neck, and set on low on the side of the head. BODY* Muscular, fairly thickset, moderate length, strong, well set on legs.
NECK Slightly arched, thick nearly level with the back of the skull at the point of joining. Skin full in front and dewlap developed. CHEST* Deep, not broad underneath. Shoulders strong, and broad across the back, which is moderate in length, and strong. LOINS* Broad and muscular, and slightly arched. Thighs thick and slightly curved.
TAIL: Long and evenly furnished with hair, thickset at the root, and carried curved upwards from the loins. LEGS* With plenty of bone and muscle, short and strong; feet round and close. COAT* Hard, close and smooth.
COLOUR Black and tan; blue mottled and tan; black, tan and white; tan and white. HEIGHT * 24 inches (61cm), more or less, which should depend upon the depth of the body.
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree. NOTE Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
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Kerry Beagle
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