Kerry Beagle Dog Breed

Below are details and specs on the Kerry Beagle dog breed.

A medium-sized breed. Weight for both males and females is 50-60 pounds; height, 22-24 inches at the shoulders.

This breed is doubly good as both a hunting and a family companion. Kerrys are assertive and vigorous when on a hunt, but gentle and affectionate otherwise; their intelligence, "pack"-oriented natures, and playful spirits make them terrific with kids and other pets.

These low-maintenance dogs require little care. Kerrys don't need much grooming or training, but will require a lot of exercise.

The Kerry Beagle had its origin in Ireland, and is one of the most ancient native breeds of that country. Though its exact origins are unknown, this breed's ancestry can be traced back to Celtic Ireland as early as 500 BC; ancient texts from that time period refer to a dog known as the "gadhar," from which historians believe the Kerry descended. Experts also suggest that Kerrys were further developed sometime during the Middle Ages (from the 5th to 15th century), when Irish hunters crossbred various hunting breeds like the Southern Hound (a British scenthound that is now extinct) and the Irish Wolfhound, possibly to develop a larger hunting dog to be used for tracking larger game. It is also unclear exactly why the word "Beagle" is included in this breed's name, as the Kerry Beagle is larger than, and shares few physical traits with, other Beagle breeds.

By the mid-1800s, the breed's existence had dramatically reduced in number in Ireland. Only the Scarteen House, a noted equestrian and dog training facility in County Limerick, Ireland, maintained a number of Kerry Beagles; most Kerrys in existence today are said to have descended from the Scarteen Kerrys. The breed has since been revived somewhat; today, though fairly rare outside Ireland, Kerry Beagles are used to hunt foxes and hares worldwide.

This breed has a short-haired, close-lying coat. The Kerry's muscular, limber body is usually about equal in length and height; the head is of moderate length (with a broad skull), the large eyes are almond-shaped and exist in varying shades of yellow or brown, and the ears are long, low-set, and floppy. The chest is somewhat narrow, and the legs are slim, long, and well-muscled, which gives the Kerry great speed and agility. The tail is long and slightly curved, and is carried level, or erect when the dog is in motion.

Good-natured, intelligent, obedient, and extremely athletic, the Kerry Beagle is valued for both its hunting skills and its easygoing disposition. Kerrys have hunted in packs for centuries, so this breed will instinctively become part of a family "pack" as well. One interesting attribute of a Kerry Beagle is that when hunting, it displays an authoritative, sometimes aggressive temperament; when not "on the job," it is laid-back, affectionate, and quite personable, and makes a fantastic family companion. Due to its intelligence, a Kerry is extremely easy to train, and its inquisitive nature and braying bark make it a great watchdog. Overall, this breed is well-balanced and exceptionally easy to deal with, and no behavioral issues are known.

Life expectancy is 10-14 years. No significant health issues are known.