Anyone familiar with Kerry Beagles?

[Kilted Jeeper]

Just curious if anyone has any experience with the breed. We have a dog we got from a local humane society almost 2 years ago and have always been unsure of the exact breed. The humane society called him a Beagle/Shepard mix and there is for sure no Shepard in him at all. We have gone along assuming he was a beagle/coon hound mix until my wife stumbled across some pictures and descriptions of Kerry Beagles.

We are pretty sure this is what he is, but I was hoping to be able to chat with someone more familiar with the breed.



Not a picture of my dog as the work network filter prevents me from uploading a picture, but this is almost exactly what my dog looks like.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Saying "Not a picture of my dog..." is almost like saying to the missing persons bureau, "Not a picture of my wife, but it looks almost exactly like her."

Does it really matter what the breed or mix of your dog is? Will you love it more as a Kerry Beagle than you would as a mixed breed rescue from the local shelter? I've hunted with Kerry's and they're decent dogs in the field. Beyond that... it's a dog; enjoy it for what it is.

[Duncanofcolorado]

You should try to determine the breed unless it's a mix. Some health issues are breed specific so if you can determine it's breed you would be helping the animal in time of sickness. Not familiar with the breed but there is probably a Kerry Beagle breed Association that would help. You should find one on the Internet.

[sydnie7]

Lots of vets offer doggie DNA testing that will ID many/all the strains present in your dog.

[NeoDruid]

There's another good reason to be aware of a dog's breed. We have two wonderful Pembroke Welsh Corgwyn. We researched dog breeds, and knew what we were getting into. Corgies are working dogs. If you don't give them a job, they'll either find one or become neurotic. One of our corgies has been on a therapy team with my wife, and I ran agility with the other. As we got more involved, we learned about all the corgies, and border collies, and Aussies in shelters. Smart, healthy, beatiful dogs that were shoved away because their owners never realized the energy and drive working breeds have. I was amazed at the number of pure bred dogs of all breeds at shelters and in rescue. Knowing the breed of your dog gives you a tremendous advantage in knowing what to expect. The corgwyn are the first non-mutts I've ever had. I've loved every mutt, mongrel, and stray my family has owned. The corgwyn we have now were just the eye openers to the possibilities and heart break out there.

[Kilted Jeeper]

Saying "Not a picture of my dog..." is almost like saying to the missing persons bureau, "Not a picture of my wife, but it looks almost exactly like her."

Does it really matter what the breed or mix of your dog is? Will you love it more as a Kerry Beagle than you would as a mixed breed rescue from the local shelter? I've hunted with Kerry's and they're decent dogs in the field. Beyond that... it's a dog; enjoy it for what it is.

MOR, he is a dog and a member of the family. We do enjoy him, just sparked some interest as he appears to be a breed I had never heard of and I figured this forum would have a few people familiar with the breed. Nothing more, nothing less. I have no interest in breeding (too late for that anyways ) or anything more than learning about the breed.

Thanks all for the additional input.

[Foxgun Tom]

This is the link to the Irish Kennel Club and their page on the Kerry Beagle page: http://ikc.ie/index.php?option=com_c...d=37&Itemid=59

These Beagle's are much longer in the leg than most? this suggests they may have neen used originally on bigger quarry eg: Deer rather the Hare?

Below is a photograph of me talking the the Master/Huntsman of an Irish pack of Beagles "Sunnyland Beagle's"

Tom

Just curious if anyone has any experience with the breed. We have a dog we got from a local humane society almost 2 years ago and have always been unsure of the exact breed. The humane society called him a Beagle/Shepard mix and there is for sure no Shepard in him at all. We have gone along assuming he was a beagle/coon hound mix until my wife stumbled across some pictures and descriptions of Kerry Beagles.

We are pretty sure this is what he is, but I was hoping to be able to chat with someone more familiar with the breed.



Not a picture of my dog as the work network filter prevents me from uploading a picture, but this is almost exactly what my dog looks like.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

These Beagle's are much longer in the leg than most? this suggests they may have neen used originally on bigger quarry eg: Deer rather the Hare?

Below is a photograph of me talking the the Master/Huntsman of an Irish pack of Beagles "Sunnyland Beagle's"

Tom

I'd agree that the Kerry Beagles have more leg than the standard beagles in your photo. I suspect that it may be due to the use of Scottish deer hounds when reviving the breed in the 19th century, much as Scottish deer hounds were used as the foundation to "breed back" the modern Irish wolf hound at about the same time.

[Detroitpete]

Does it only lift it's nose off the ground to howl? Does it never come when you call it, unless you have food in your possession? Is it a perpetual 'puppy'? If so, then I'd say it is a least part beagle

My dear beagle passed away this past weekend. Pup had made it to 20 years old. He liked his guinness warm and his pizza cold and was a great friend. I'm gonna miss him.

Best of luck and hopefully many enjoyable years with yours.

[Kilted Jeeper]

Does it only lift it's nose off the ground to howl? Does it never come when you call it, unless you have food in your possession? Is it a perpetual 'puppy'? If so, then I'd say it is a least part beagle

My dear beagle passed away this past weekend. Pup had made it to 20 years old. He liked his guinness warm and his pizza cold and was a great friend. I'm gonna miss him.

Best of luck and hopefully many enjoyable years with yours.

Sorry for the loss of your friend!