A scent hound with excellent sight abilities, there are references to Beagles beginning in 1475. They were much smaller then, Chihuahua sized, so that women and the elderly could follow the hunt.
An incredibly intellegent animal, even for the hound class, it needs consistent social interactions. They are wonderful with kids but will follow a trail until they are lost. Stamina dogs to the core, they have a fantastic bay, called a Beagle Voice. These dogs are known as wonderful actors and will try to manipulate you.