Myths of Hunting Beagles

Beagles can only be used to hunt rabbits.

Beagles won't retrieve.

This photo shows several things. But an explanation is required. This is Gertie and I with a wild pheasant that she tracked for no less than 200 yards, and flushed. I then shot the bird, and it landed in the worst possible area, a very full and very deep drainage ditch. (That is why this bird looks so rough). Gertie then swam into the ditch grabbed the bird and dropped it on my boots. Gertie has retrieved many rabbits that I assumed I had missed, and a few squirrels that gave their lives so that I could tie flies. She does a great job on grouse that get winged in some of the most impossible areas. The only game animal that she will not retrieve for me is wood cock. I finally hit one last year. She ran over to it sniffed it once and backed up like it was a skunk. I thought that was odd, and picked it up myself. I took it home and tried to cook it like it was grouse. I should have followed the dog's lead. Now I only shoot at wood cock if I need the feathers for flies.

Beagles are bull headed.
This is a point that needs to be clarified. I have heard bird dogs described as "four legs and a brain". I have heard beagles described as "four legs and nose". We got the very thing for which these dogs were bred, a strong desire to hunt, and a superior scenting ability. Some of the things that are desirable in a bird dog did not get included in the beagle genetic package. The high speed, head up, zigzag run of the bird dog is not a desirable trait in a trailing dog. Bird dogs need to be very connected to their handlers. If the handler can't see the dog, it is very hard to shoot the bird. If we had to watch the beagle all the time, we would get very tired on a those long snow shoe hare runs. Beagles need to be able to work independent of their hunters, but still be aware of who is in charge. This can only be accomplished through a good training program. That means time spent with the dog, teaching it how it is expected to behave. Also the person needs to know how to behave. Asking a beagle to leave a hot track is not reasonable.

Beagles who hunt can not be "house dogs".
This point needs to be clarified as well. If a dog is kept indoors except to go "potty", it will probably not be a very good hunting dog. If a kennel dog is brought into the house and expected to be a good house dog, it will be very frustrating for all involved. The dog can be both a good hunter and a good house dog. It simply needs experience in both worlds.

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