10 Beagle Fun Facts

1. They're Thousands of Years Old

Beagles are an old dog breed, so old that their exact origins are unknown. However, modern-day Beagles' ancestors lived in England around the Roman Empire era or before, and became popular with the rise of fox hunting in the area.

2. The First Beagles Were Miniature

Early "Beagles" were only eight or nine inches high – small enough to carry in a pocket. Known as pocket Beagles or miniature Beagles, it wasn't until later that these tiny dogs were bred into the larger hunting hounds we known today.

3. Beagles Have White-Tipped Tails

If a Beagle is purebred, it will have some white in its tail. It may only be a few hairs at the tip, or it may be mostly white, but a "Beagle" without any white in its tail is probably a mix.

4. Beagle Means "Loudmouth" in French

Beagles are known for being very vocal, with barking, baying and howling. According to Paw Nation:

"In fact, it is believed the name 'Beagle' comes the Middle French 'bee gueule,' literally 'wide throat,' but more poetically translated as 'loudmouth.'"

5. They're Very Popular in the US

Beagles are one of the most beloved dog breeds in America. As of 2014, they were the fifth most popular breed (down from fourth place in 2013).

6. Snoopy Is a Beagle

The "Peanuts" character Snoopy is arguably the most famous fictitious Beagle. Snoopy was silent for the first few years of the comic strip, but later was given an active imagination and inner monologue.

7. Queen Elizabeth I Loved Beagles

Queen Elizabeth II is known as a corgi fan, but the first Queen Elizabeth loved and owned pocket Beagles, which were small enough to fit in one hand.

8. Beagles in the White House

President Lyndon Johnson had two Beagles, named Him and Her, in the white house during his presidency. He was often photographed walking and playing with the dogs.

9. Barry Manilow Loves Beagles

Singer Barry Manilow adopted a Beagle in the '70s and named him Bagel. Bagel was featured on several album covers, including one featuring Manilow wearing a t-shirt that read "I Love Beagles."

10. The US Department of Homeland Security Has a Beagle Brigade

The US government trains Beagles to sniff out luggage at airports, helping to find contraband agricultural products and prevent them from reaching American soil.