Description: The Kerry Beagle is not a small dog and is not like a Beagle. They are a hunting dog and this is what it is used for today, as well as being a pet. The height is 22-24 inches and the weight is up to 60 pounds. They are medium in size and look hound like with the long ears broad head and short coat that is hard and smooth. The muzzle is broad and tappers to a nose that is large with open nostrils, to pick up the scent. They are agile in look and have stamina. The tail is set high and is medium in thickness. The colors are black and tan, tan and white blue mottled and black or tan.

History: The Kerry Beagle is from Ireland and has, for century’s, been used as a hunting dog. They have been used to hunt stag and are scent dogs of great skill. It is thought that they came to Ireland with the Celts. This dog changed over the years to adapt to the dog we see today by breeding the early dogs with Southern Hound and the French Hound. Over the 18th and 19th centuries the numbers fell until there was only one kennel in County Limerick owner by the Ryan family. The Kerry Hound was saved in part by bringing in the Braque de l’Ariege, a French dog. The numbers started to rise again as people became interested in native breeds and there are now packs all over rural Ireland. Some Kerry Beagles went with the Irish over to America and contributed to the Trigg strain of the American Foxhounds and also to the American Black and Tan Coonhound.

Check Out The Great Ebooks Below!

Temperament: The Kerry Beagle is a hunting dog and they run true to their strong hunting instincts. They are a pack hound and are good with other dogs. Today they are still used for hunting and are still a working dog. They are high in energy and are not for the person who wishes to just keep a dog but will suit an active family and they require at lest three walks a day. They will need to stay on the lead as this dog will chase and hunt when they get a scent. They will bay to let you know that they have a scent and then they are off on the chase.

They are loyal to their family and get on really well with children. In the home it is important that house rules are set and that boundaries are give to keep the dog in its place and happy. Socialize this dog well to help them with new situations and not to be over shy around strangers. They need to be able to have run time, which needs to be in a safe place where they do not run out into cars.

Small pets such as rabbits are not compatible with having a Kerry Beagle as the hunting instinct is too strong. Basic training needs to start when a pup. They are trainable and intelligent but be aware all the calling, if they are off on a chase, will not work. It can not be stressed enough that this is a high energy dog that really needs lots of walks a day and mental exercise to stay healthy both mentally and physically.

Health issues: There are few health issues with the Kerry Beagle and it is to be noted that without really good mental and physical exercise this breed can and will get bored leading to self inflicted injures and mental health issues.

Grooming: The Kerry Beagle needs little in the way of grooming, a good hound brush will meet their needs. Check the ears weekly and also the nails.

Living conditions: The Kerry Beagle is not really suited for city life. They need open space in which to run and a garden that needs to be medium to large with good fencing will suit this breed well. They are high energy and are not suitable for an apartment. The Kerry Beagle can live outside but will want to be with the family as much as possible.

If you can't find a local breeder in your area don't worry, many breeders are using the major airlines like American, Delta, Continental and Northwest airlines for shipping their puppies.

At this time the airlines will ship puppies to the following States: Alabama AL - Alaska AK - Arizona AZ - Arkansas AR - California CA - Colorado CO - Connecticut CT - Delaware DE - Florida FL - Georgia GA - Hawaii HI - Idaho ID - Illinois IL - Indiana IN - Iowa IA - Kansas KS - Kentucky KY - Louisiana LA - Maine ME - Maryland MD - Massachusetts MA - Michigan MI - Minnesota MN - Mississippi MS - Missouri MO - Montana MT - Nebraska NE - Nevada NV - New Hampshire NH - New Jersey NJ - New Mexico NM - New York NY - North Carolina NC - North Dakota ND - Ohio OH - Oklahoma OK - Oregon OR - Pennsylvania PA - Rhode Island RI - South Carolina SC - South Dakota SD - Tennessee TN - Texas TX - Utah UT - Vermont VT - Virginia VA - Washington WA - Washington, D.C. - West Virginia WV - Wisconsin WI - Wyoming WY - Hawaii HI.