Beagle Facts | Facts about Beagles

What breed is Snoopy?

Snoopy, the famous dog from Charles Schulz's "Peanuts" comic strip, is a Beagle, which makes him probably the most famous Beagle in history.

What is the Beagle Brigade?

The USDA's "Beagle Brigade" uses Beagles at US airports to sniff out illegal fruits, meats, and plants in travelers' luggage that could carry pests and diseases.

How strong is a Beagle's sense of smell?

Beagles have about 220 million scent receptors in their noses, which makes them among the best sniffers in the dog world and explains why they're always following their noses.

What is "baying"?

Beagles are famous for baying, a long, musical howl they use when they pick up a scent, so hunters could follow the pack even when they couldn't see it.

Why are Beagles commonly used in laboratory research?

Beagles are the breed most commonly used in laboratory research because of their manageable size and gentle, easygoing temperament. This has led to many Beagle rescue and adoption efforts.

What were "pocket beagles"?

Queen Elizabeth I of England kept tiny "pocket beagles" or "glove beagles," hunting dogs so small they could supposedly fit inside a saddlebag or a gloved hand.

Why do most Beagles have a white tip on their tail?

Many Beagles have a white-tipped tail, which breeders encouraged so hunters could spot the dogs in tall grass while they were tracking.

Which US president got in trouble for lifting his Beagle by the ears?

In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson caused a public uproar when he was photographed lifting one of his Beagles, named Him, by the ears. Johnson also owned a second Beagle named Her.

How does the AKC divide Beagles by size?

The AKC divides Beagles into two size varieties: those under 13 inches tall at the shoulder and those between 13 and 15 inches.

What ship was named after the Beagle?

HMS Beagle, the ship that carried Charles Darwin on the voyage that inspired his theory of evolution, was named after the Beagle dog breed.