Kerry Beagle

The Kerry Beagle is Ireland's native scent hound, and despite the name it is a large hound rather than a beagle.

History

It has been recorded in Munster since at least the seventeenth century, kept by Irish families for hunting hare and stag, and the name probably comes from an Irish word for hound rather than from the English beagle. It contributed to several American coonhound breeds through Irish emigrants, and survives in Ireland mainly with drag-hunting packs.

Temperament

The breed is known for being good-natured, sociable in a pack and determined on a line, friendly with people and rarely aggressive.

Care and training

It needs a great deal of exercise and secure ground. The short coat is easy and the long drop ears want routine checking. Recall is the standing difficulty of the group.

Health

Generally robust from working selection, with ear infections the usual complaint. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.