9781422279281

few centuries hunting larger game, such as deer and boar, on horse- back proved more popular than hunting small game on foot. However, the smaller hounds survived, and in the 14th century there is reference to “small houndes” belonging to the Prioress in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales . In Tudor times, Elizabeth I had a pack of “singing Beagles,” so-called for their vocalization when hunting. The dogs were said to be small enough to fit inside a lady’s gauntlet. Establishing a type By the turn of the 19th century, there was a variety of Beagle-type hounds that were used for hunting. There were Southern Beagles, Northern Beagles, and Cotswold Beagles. Some were wirehaired and some were smooth-haired. There was also much interbreeding between Harriers and other hounds; the Kerry Hound from Ireland may have been added to the mix. This black and tan dog, resembling a miniature Bloodhound, is thought to have contributed to the Bea- gle’s scenting ability.

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