Kerry Beagle Dog Breed Overview and Guide

The Kerry Beagle is a small to medium-sized hound dog that originated in Ireland. It's a friendly and energetic breed.

One of the most distinctive features of the Kerry Beagle is its short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming. They come in a variety of colors including lemon, black, and tan.

Kerry Beagles are known for their strong prey drive and love to hunt small game, making them a popular choice for hunters. They thrive on exercise and mental stimulation.

In terms of size, Kerry Beagles typically weigh between 20-30 pounds and stand between 10-15 inches tall at the shoulder.

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The Kerry Beagle is one of the oldest Irish breeds, with many pedigrees tracing back to the 17th century.

Its origins date back to the Middle Ages, when Celtic hunting dogs were introduced to Ireland. These dogs were originally bred to hunt deer and other wild animals.

The Kerry Beagle has no direct connection to the English Beagles, but is unique in its own kind. Its history is directly tied to Ireland, making it a purely Irish breed.

Detailed pedigrees of the Kerry Beagle go back to 1794, but it's likely that the breed existed in Ireland before then. Only monks were able to write and keep pedigrees of dogs, so these records don't account for common dogs.

The Great Famine of 1845 had a significant impact on the breed, with many Kerry Beagles dying out due to humans being unable to care for them. The canine training facility of Limerick Country was one of the few places that continued to breed and maintain the breed during this time.

Today, most Kerry Beagles can trace their ancestry back to the Scarteen House, which was a major breeding center for the breed.

Kerry Beagles are known for their friendly and even-tempered nature. They are loyal, playful, and patient with children, making them ideal family dogs.

They have a strong hunting instinct, which can sometimes display an independent spirit. However, they are very people-oriented and love to spend time with their families.

Kerry Beagles are sociable animals and get along well with children and other pets, especially if they've been socialized early. Their friendly and tolerant nature makes them a great fit for families.

They are not too demanding with regard to exercise, but regular exercise helps ward off weight gain, to which the breed is prone. Kerry Beagles can get tired when exercised, but they don't need to be worked to exhaustion before they'll rest.

Beagles are excellent with children and are often described as "merry" and "amiable." They enjoy company and are easily won over, making them great family pets.

Kerry Beagles are pack animals and can suffer from separation anxiety, causing them to destroy things when left unattended. Regular interaction and exercise can help prevent this condition.

They are not good guard dogs, as they are easily won over by strangers. However, their tendency to bark or howl when confronted with the unfamiliar makes them good watchdogs.

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The Kerry Beagle is a medium-sized dog with a muscular and robust build.

They typically have a short, dense coat that comes in a variety of colors including black, white, brown and sometimes tricolor.

Their long ears and expressive gaze give them a charming and distinctive look.

Adult Kerry Beagles reach a shoulder height of around 56 to 66 cm.

This size makes them strong yet agile dogs.

They weigh between 23 and 27 kg, which is a great balance of power and agility.

Their sturdy build allows them to navigate rocky mountainsides with ease, making them well-suited for their hunting heritage.

The Kerry Beagle's grooming needs are relatively uncomplicated, but don't let that fool you - regular brushing is essential to remove loose hair and keep their skin healthy.

Their short coat only needs a weekly brushing to stay clean and healthy, but if they've been on a hunting trip, they'll need a thorough brushing to remove burrs and thorns.

Regular visits to the vet are crucial to a Kerry Beagle's health and well-being, and a balanced diet will keep them happy and healthy.

The Kerry Beagle is an active dog that requires regular care to stay healthy. Their short coat needs to be brushed regularly to remove loose hair and keep their skin healthy.

Trimming their claws is essential, as they can get damaged easily. Brushing their teeth is also crucial to prevent dental disease.

Regular visits to the vet are vital to identify potential problems at an early stage. A balanced diet is also key to their overall health and well-being.

Their ears need to be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent infection. A weekly brushing is enough to keep their coat clean and healthy.

After a hunting trip, they'll need a thorough brushing to remove burrs and thorns that may have attached to their body.

For another approach, see: Irish Setter Coat

The Kerry Beagle is an easy to train dog with its bright and eager to please nature. They can learn basic commands and tricks very easily and quickly.

Regular grooming is essential for their overall health and well-being. Their short coat needs to be brushed regularly to remove loose hair and keep their skin healthy.

Proper leadership skills are necessary to win the confidence and respect of this breed. Consistent and loving training will help them learn quickly and develop good behavior.

Regular exercise is also crucial for their physical and mental health. As active dogs, their claws should be trimmed regularly and their teeth brushed.

Early socialization and obedience training are important to control their hunting instincts and ensure they get along well with other dogs and people. A balanced diet and regular visits to the vet also contribute to their health and well-being.

For another approach, see: Irish Setter Training

The Kerry Beagle's health is a top priority for any owner. This breed is generally a healthy one, with an average lifespan of 12-15 years.

Their small size means they don't require a lot of exercise, but regular walks and playtime are still essential. Beagles are prone to eye problems, so regular check-ups with a veterinarian are a must.

Hip dysplasia is another potential issue, but responsible breeding practices have minimized its occurrence. With proper care, your Kerry Beagle can live a happy and healthy life.

The Kerry Beagle is not as popular as some other breeds, particularly in Ireland where it originated. It's a foundation breed to many common breeds in America, but it's not particularly well-known itself.

In the United States, the Beagle is a much more popular breed, consistently ranking in the top-ten most-popular breeds for over 30 years. The Kerry Beagle, however, is not as well-suited for families who live in apartments or don't have a yard.

This breed requires a lot of exercise and mental stimulation, making it ideal for families who enjoy being outdoors and are willing to give their dog plenty of attention and exercise.

The Kerry Beagle is a great choice for active families with kids. They're large enough to not be injured by most toddlers, making them a relatively safe option.

However, they do require a good amount of exercise, so a fenced-in backyard is a must. They tend to run off when off-leash, so keeping them on a leash in public is strongly recommended.

This breed is known for being gentle and friendly, making them a great addition to families with other dogs. They're also quick and intelligent, so they need regular mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.

If you're an outdoorsy person who enjoys being active, the Kerry Beagle is a great fit. They love to be part of family life and need plenty of attention and exercise to thrive.

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The Beagle breed has been a popular choice for many dog owners over the years, especially in the United States and Canada.

In the UK, the breed was initially popular after its formation, but its popularity waned during World War I and didn't fully recover until after World War II.

Beagles have been consistently in the top-ten most-popular breeds in North America for over 30 years, with the American Kennel Club ranking them No. 1 from 1953 to 1959.

Despite their popularity in North America, Beagles are not as widely kept in their native England, where they ranked 28th and 30th in Kennel Club registrations in 2005 and 2006, respectively.

In the United States, the Beagle has been a top-five breed in recent years, ranking 4th in 2012 and 2013, behind the Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever.

The Kerry Beagle, on the other hand, is a rare breed that's not widely kept outside of Ireland, where it originated.

The Irish Kennel Club recognized the Kerry Beagle in 1991, but it's still not a popular breed, likely due to its rarity and the fact that it's often considered a foundation breed for other American breeds.

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