Written about as far back as the 1400s and possibly tracing to small hunting hounds of ancient Greece, the Beagle was developed in England as a "foot hound" — a dog small enough to hunt hare and rabbit on foot, in packs, without a horse. Reverend Philip Honeywood's 19th-century breeding pack in Essex is generally credited as the foundation of the modern Beagle, and the breed crossed the Atlantic and was formally recognized by the AKC in 1885.
Everything about the Beagle traces back to its nose. It's a compact, muscular hound with a broad snout, long drooping ears that help stir scent up toward the nostrils, and a high-carried tail that historically let hunters spot the dog above tall grass. That same nose can make a Beagle single-mindedly determined — and prone to wandering off — the moment it catches an interesting trail.
| Size | 13–15 inches at the shoulder, 20–30 lbs (a smaller "13-inch" variety stays under 20 lbs) |
|---|---|
| Coat | Short, dense, weather-resistant double coat; classic tri-color (black, tan, white), also red-and-white or lemon-and-white |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years |
| Temperament | Merry, friendly, curious, sociable — good with children and other dogs, but can be vocal and independent-minded |
| Exercise needs | About an hour a day; secure fencing is a must, as a strong scent can override recall training |
| Known for | "Baying," a distinctive howl-like vocalization used on the trail; a famously food-motivated appetite |
The Pomeranian descends from much larger Spitz-type sled and herding dogs from the Pomerania region along the Baltic coast, in what's now Germany and Poland — early Poms could weigh up to 30 pounds. The breed shrank dramatically in the 18th and 19th centuries, largely thanks to European royalty: Queen Victoria's fondness for a particularly small Pomeranian in the late 1800s helped cut the breed's average size roughly in half within her lifetime. The AKC recognized the Pomeranian in 1900.
What's left is a compact, fox-faced dog with an alert expression, a thick double coat that puffs out around the neck and chest, and a plumed tail carried flat over the back. Poms rarely seem to notice how small they actually are — they're bold, watchful, and quick to bark at anything unfamiliar, making them surprisingly good little watchdogs.
| Size | 7–12 inches at the shoulder, 3–7 lbs |
|---|---|
| Coat | Thick double coat — harsh, long outer coat over a soft, dense undercoat; nearly every color and pattern is possible |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years |
| Temperament | Extroverted, alert, intelligent, and bold — a natural performer that enjoys learning tricks |
| Exercise needs | Modest — a couple of short walks and some play, but mentally needs regular engagement |
| Known for | A voluminous coat that needs brushing several times a week; a big personality in a very small body |
Side by side
| Trait | Beagle | Pomeranian |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Hound | Toy |
| Original job | Pack hunting hare & rabbit by scent | Herding & sled work (larger ancestors) |
| Height | 13–15 in. | 7–12 in. |
| Weight | 20–30 lbs | 3–7 lbs |
| Coat care | Low — short, wash-and-wear coat | High — frequent brushing needed |
| Vocal tendencies | Bays and howls on a scent trail | Barks at anything unfamiliar |
| Good with kids | Yes, sturdy and patient | Yes, with gentle handling |
| AKC recognized | 1885 | 1900 |