Beagle is a breed of small scent hound used primarily for hunting rabbits and hares. Its name may seem straightforward in spelling, but its pronunciation can be confusing. The word "beagle" is spelled as /ˈbiːɡəl/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The two "e's" are pronounced separately, so the first syllable should be pronounced as "bee" and the second syllable as "gull." The final "e" at the end of the word is silent, making the pronunciation sound like "bee-gull." Proper spelling and pronunciation of words is essential for effective communication.
Beagle is a noun that refers to a small to medium-sized breed of domestic dog, characterized by its strong build, short legs, and long ears. Originating from England, it is known for its keen sense of smell, agility, and friendly nature. The breed falls under the scent-hound category, specifically bred for tracking and hunting small game, especially rabbits.
The beagle typically stands about 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs around 20 to 30 pounds, making it a compact and sturdy dog. It has a short, dense coat that comes in a variety of colors, including tricolor (black, white, and tan) or bicolor (lemon and white) patterns. The most iconic feature of the beagle is its long, droopy ears that help trap scents, enhancing its olfactory capabilities.
Beagles are highly sociable and playful dogs, renowned for their amiable and gentle demeanor. They are known for being good family pets, displaying a natural affinity for children and getting along well with other dogs. However, it is important to note that they have a strong instinctual drive for hunting and may occasionally become single-minded and independent when following scents.
Due to their exceptional sense of smell, beagles have also been employed in law enforcement as sniffer dogs, primarily for detecting prohibited items or substances. Additionally, they have been popularized in popular culture, appearing as beloved characters in literature, films, and cartoons, further adding to their charm and recognizability.
A small hunting-dog, tracking by scent.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "beagle" comes from the Middle French word "beagles", which was used to refer to a small hunting dog. It is believed that the French term itself originated from the Old English word "beag", meaning "small" or "little". The term was specifically used to describe small hounds used for hunting rabbits or hare. Over time, the term "beagle" came to be used exclusively for this specific breed of hunting dog.