The Use of Beagles for Tracking
The beagle was originally bred for hunting hare, pheasant and quail in Europe, and this is still what they excel at, though they can be used for tracking virtually any game. Most beagles have an excellent sense of smell and great enthusiasm for the chase. A beagle, when hunting, will follow its nose. A well-trained and enthusiastic beagle can track a trail that is many hours old and will usually be determined enough to follow the trail to its end.
Beagles make decent gun dogs, meaning they can scare up game, allowing the hunter to get a good shot. Their loud, baying cry can cause even the most reluctant prey to leave the security of a bush or thicket. Though this sound may be irritating to neighbors, it is valued by those in the field who choose to hunt with beagles.
Beagles can be hunted either singly, as a brace (otherwise known as a pair), or in packs. Whether hunted in groups, pairs, or alone, beagles do require the appropriate training to be effective in the field. Most kennel clubs, such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) organize and host field trials for dogs in the hound sporting group, in which beagles can participate. These same Kennel Clubs can usually point you towards a decent trainer, if you are not skilled in the training of beagles as hunting dogs.
Beagles Are Not Perfect for All Types of Hunting
However, there are some drawbacks to using this highly-spirited breed. Hunting with beagles means that once in a while, you may be led down the wrong path. Sometimes, a beagle will change trails without giving any noticeable sign. For example, if the beagle is tracking quail, and suddenly smells a fox, it may decide of its own accord to follow the fox trail instead. This could lead to frustration on the part of the hunter. A well-trained beagle is less likely to follow the wrong trail, so proper training is key for hunter and dog to work well together in the field.
It is also important to realize that hunting with beagles is not the same as hunting with other breeds. A beagle is not one of the many retriever breeds, and it certainly is not a foxhound or wolfhound. It is unrealistic to expect that your beagle will bound into the water to retrieve the downed fowl, as beagles tend to lack a natural retrieving instinct. It is unfair to think that your beagle, with its small stature, can successfully hold its own against a fox or raccoon, and it certainly cannot take down a deer. They are tracking dogs, and in that capacity, they function very well. They are not generally suitable for hunting outside of this very limited role.
The Effect of Hunting on the Personality of a Beagle
There has been some evidence to suggest that engaging in hunting may change the personality of a dog, regardless of breed. There is also evidence to the contrary. Most experts who have hunted with beagles themselves will agree that a beagle with a high prey drive, when used for tracking or as a gun dog, will experience little in the way of personality change. A dog without a high prey drive is probably not the best choice for a hunting dog anyway.
On the other hand, improper training methods can change the personality of a dog. Any dog which is suitable for hunting will require training methods which are compatible with the breed and temperament of your dog. If you are not familiar with the appropriate methods, consult a qualified trainer.
Beagles are very popular both as pets and hunting dogs in Europe and North America. They are excellent for tracking their prey over great distances and they can scare up game with very little effort. If these strengths are utilized, and they are not expected to do what they cannot, beagles can be a most effective hunting breed.
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