By 1550 hound breeds were being classified and given specific names according to size and the type of game they hunted. The larger hounds that were used on deer and boar were called "buck" and "boar" hounds, smaller breeds used specifically on hare and rabbits were called, in French, "Begles" which anglicized became "Beagle".

These dogs though were not our modern day Beagle although they were an important link in the chain that produced the Foxhound, Harriers and, in turn, the Beagle. All three of these modern breeds are similar in appearance except for size.

The Kerry Beagle, a small Bloodhound type, as well as the Southern English Hound also contributed to the Beagle's heritage. In England the breed was originally quite varied in size and there was also a wire coated family said to have been keen and hardy hunters in inclement weather.

As a breed, the Beagle is a merry and eager little fellow and the finest rabbit/hare hound extant.

The modern Beagle comes in two sizes. The smaller variety is not to exceed thirteen inches at the withers while the larger size, must exceed thirteen inches but not be taller than fifteen inches.

In the show ring the Beagle holds his own. Many good ones are being shown all over North America while Beagle trials are also a popular form of competition with many clubs established for this purpose.