Overview
Despite the name, the Kerry Beagle is not small. It stands well above an ordinary beagle and is built for speed and stamina. It is the only scenthound breed native to Ireland that still exists today.
It is first and foremost a pack hunting dog, but it is friendly with children and other dogs and can make a good companion for an active household.
History
The breed is believed to go back to the 16th century, and detailed pedigrees reach as far back as 1794. It was originally bred to hunt stags. By the 1800s its numbers had shrunk and only one major pack, the Scarteen hounds of the Ryan family in County Limerick, was kept going.
Today the hounds are used for fox and hare hunting and for drag hunting. The Irish Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1991. Irish emigrants carried the dogs to the Americas, where they became a foundation for the coonhounds and the American Foxhound. Their black and tan markings are also said to have inspired the nickname of the Black and Tans.
Appearance
A lean, athletic hound with a broad head, long ears and a short coat. The overall look suggests speed and endurance. The name comes from the Irish word beag, meaning small, since it was smaller than the wolfhounds it hunted with.
Black and tan is the most common colouring, though tan and white, blue mottled and tan, or black also occur.
Temperament
This is a pack hound with a strong hunting instinct. At home it is good-natured, gets along well with children and with other dogs, and does well in company.
Care and exercise
Exercise needs are high. Plan on two or three walks a day plus regular chances to run free in a safe place. A strong scent drive means it should not be let off the lead where it might follow a trail. The short coat needs only occasional brushing.
