Are you still trying to breed for the same type dog now as you did in the past?
By Ralph Gillum, BraceBeagling Columnist
October 14, 2002



Recently I was going through some of my old dog papers and came across a list I had made of the traits I then thought would be a special beagle. The paper wasn’t dated but was in with my 1980 stack of papers. So, I am sure that was the date I listed a description of my perfect beagle. This was an overall description and was not a ranking in order of importance. My list was as follows:

1.Calm and quiet in the kennel.
2.Slow but ability to keep rabbit moving.
3.Straight on the line.
4.Back to the point.
5.Close on checks.
6.Tie into line with free tongueing mouth.
7.Flat.
8.Independent and noncompetitive.
9.Stretch or gooseneck to the next track.
10.Spread hind legs as straddles line.
11.Run relaxed but with extreme concentration.

In looking over this old list some twenty years later, this was obviously just my personal thoughts at that time and certainly not for publication. In any case, it pretty much describes the type of beagles I am still trying to breed. Of course, there are a few changes. For example, I am not as concerned now about my dogs having a straight back to the point style. I now place more value on my dogs being careful enough with enough concentration and directional ability to take the point with them during their runs. If they perform well, they don’t have to come back to the point as they either take it with them or stay on or near the point as they work their checks. Also, I no longer want my dogs to spread their hind legs as I now prefer my dogs to stand straight up with no hip wiggle and only moderate tail wagging. It seems to me that my dogs are more relaxed and cool running this way and are more fully able to concentrate on their work.

There is one thing I would now add to the list. I now want my dogs to get from jump to jump with a soft, smooth, catlike type of movement. I am now more concerned about what they do between jumps than what showy style they exhibit while on the jumps.

I’m sure many beaglers share my desire to have many of these characteristics in their dogs. However, each breeder would have some differences as some of these characteristics are just personal preferences. These differences in the traits we value and the degree of importance we place on each determines what we ultimately select to keep and breed. This accounts for the uniqueness of each bitchline, strain and family of our brace beagles.

After reviewing my list, I was pleased to see that I had not deviated much from my original ideals. I firmly believe that the two biggest factors limiting breeding success is breeders either not having specific traits and characteristics in mind or else having a plan but not sticking to it over a period of time. Some adjustments to our individual plans are understandable as hopefully we learn and develop additional insights. Also, some limited accommodations to current trends may be necessary in order to stay competitive in our sport. However, for long range breeding success, I strongly recommend committing to paper the specific traits and characteristics you are shooting for and really try to stick to it!