Faults.—A drooping nose; sickle-shaped carriage of the tail, short back, weak forehand, etc.
Club.—The Borzoi, formed in 1892.
The Beagle
This is a very ancient variety of sporting dog, and one that was much in favour during the Elizabethan period, these miniature Hounds even at that time being spoken of as the "merry, singing Beagles."
The typical Beagle is a modification of the Foxhound, and has every appearance of having been derived, by selection, from this source.
Just as the Foxhound is used for hunting the fox, the Harrier for hunting the hare, so is the Beagle employed for rabbit-hunting—hence the term "Rabbit Beagles," of which there are many small packs of these splendid little creatures up and down this, and other countries sometimes used for hare-hunting.
The smaller ones—Pocket Beagles in particular—are lovely little Hounds, and to the sportsman who loves hunting on foot, they are ideal field companions.
Typical specimens of the breed are, in our opinion, handsome; their symmetrical form and workmanlike appearance carry an irresistible charm into the heart of the rabbit-hunter.
There is also the Rough-coated Beagle, and for these a class is usually provided at the Kennel Club and Cruft shows, in London.
In order to breed Pocket Beagles it is advisable to select as small a sire and dam as possible, because there seems to be a natural tendency for these Hounds to become over, rather than under, sized.