Estonian hound and beagle: differences, comparison of breeds, character, owner reviews
Estonian hound and beagle: differences, comparison of breeds, character, owner reviews

Video: Estonian hound and beagle: differences, comparison of breeds, character, owner reviews

Video: Estonian hound and beagle: differences, comparison of breeds, character, owner reviews
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Some hunting breeds are very similar to each other. This is especially true for dogs such as the Beagle and the Estonian Hound, which are similar not only in puppyhood, but also in adulthood. This similarity is used by many unscrupulous breeders, giving out one type of dog after another. Also, many people cross these dogs, getting mutts instead of purebred puppies.

By themselves, these two breeds are excellent hunting dogs with different temperaments and exterior data that are similar only at first glance. Therefore, anyone who wants to make a friend of this breed needs to study the differences between the Estonian hound and the beagle.

History of two breeds

Both breeds belong to the species of hunting dogs and hounds on the trail. The Beagle is the oldest breed that was discovered in Great Britain in the 15th-16th centuries. According to legend, the Romans brought dogs to the country.took these hounds from the Greeks. Dogs were bred to help track down hares and other representatives of large rodents during the hunt. The breed itself was officially presented to the whole world in 1880. It was then that the first nurseries and beagle breeding clubs appeared. However, they have since been bred as an ornamental and family breed. The widespread distribution of these dogs began after the end of World War II.

If Beagles were raised and developed in a natural way, without the use of forced selection, then the Estonian Hound had to be subjected to some changes. At the beginning of the 20th century, Estonia extended a ban on hunting with hounds that were over 45 cm tall. This decree was created in order to provide protection to the then endangered roe deer. Therefore, the hunters set about looking for a way out of this situation.

beagle's appearance
beagle's appearance

Origin of the Estonian Hound

Having gathered their strength, they got the government to sponsor a new type of beagle dog. One of the founders of this campaign was S. N. Smelkov. It was he who brought straight from England some of the shortest beagles and proceeded to cross them with the same short hounds. These were Russian, Scottish, Finnish, English hounds, as well as harriers and foxhounds. The smallest puppies were selected from each new litter. This continued until the new breed of dog was brought to perfection. Already in 1959, a new breed of dog was introduced to the world - the Estonian Hound.

estonian hound exterior
estonian hound exterior

External differences betweendogs

For people who do not understand these two breeds, it is very difficult to find the differences between the Estonian Hound and the Beagle, as the dogs really look alike. However, their exterior data differ. Although not everyone can determine these differences.

According to the RKF breed standard, the beagle is a smooth-haired, small, but strong tricolor dog. The dog has an elongated body, a long back and a short loin. His chest is very low. It falls well below the elbows. The belly of the beagle is neatly tucked up, and the neck is long and arched. The limbs of the dog are straight, parallel to each other, located under the body and are particularly muscular. The paws are round and the nails are short.

The Estonian Hound is a hunting dog with a larger body and coarser coat. Her body is longer than that of a beagle, and her withers are sloping and protruding. The back of the dog is straight, the chest does not fall below the elbows, and the stomach is always slightly retracted. Her limbs, in contrast to the beagle's muscular paws, have a dry and bony appearance. The elbows are tightly pressed to the body. The paws are oval in shape, and the claws are quite large, compared to the small claws of a beagle. The weight of the Estonian hound is from 12 to 25 kg.

The tail of the dog resembles a saber, as it reaches the area of the hock. The delivery of the tail is medium, so an excited dog will not be able to lift it above the level of the back. Since the coat of the Estonian hound is very hard and thick, it seems thick and large in appearance. The beagle's tail is of medium size and length, straight and has no kink. Just like inEstonian hound, it is densely covered with wool. Beagle weight varies from 10 to 18 kg.

Estonian hound breed
Estonian hound breed

Differences in coat color

The differences between the Estonian hound and the beagle are quite difficult to determine by their color, since from the outside they do not seem so different. Classic Beagles have white coat with black and red spots. Also, the dog may have a red-white color, badger, white-lemon with red or red patches. The tip of the tail of the animal must be white, regardless of the main color of the coat. The hounds are mostly black and piebald in color with pronounced spots of a ruddy hue. Wool may also have a white background with black, yellow, red patches. The paws and tail of the dog are white.

Estonian hound for a walk
Estonian hound for a walk

Temperature difference

Feedback from the owners of the Estonian Hound confirms that the nature of this dog is strikingly different from the temperament of her fellow beagle. The breeds are very similar in temperament, as both are very mobile and active. Beagles, however, are more friendly, energetic, and curious. The Estonian Hound is much calmer and more balanced.

While the Beagle will be friendly to all passers-by and family friends, the Estonian Hound will remain neutral, giving his love and loy alty only to the owner and his family members. Beagles look like real energizers. They are trying to get in everywhere, draw attention to themselves and want to make contact with every living creature in the area. This is the whole character of the beagle. Full description of the Estonian hound breedopposite. This dog behaves with restraint, intelligence and respects the chain of command, subject to good education. She also vitally needs the attention of a person, but she does not demand it and is not imposed.

This dog owes its character to careful selection work that was carried out many years ago. Even after a lot of time, she remained an intelligent working hound, able to perform her duties well and hunt. Beagles are more suitable for the role of a pet. This contributes to the nature of the breed. The description of beagles is impossible without mentioning their charm. It is limitless, and therefore dogs feel great being companion dogs. Of course, their hunting reflexes are developed at the gene level, but in comparison with the Estonian hounds, they lose significantly in their expression.

beagle puppies
beagle puppies

Attitude towards children and family

The differences between the Estonian Hound and the Beagle can also be determined by the attitude of dogs towards family members. Beagles trust everyone. They rejoice in everyone who reciprocates them. Greyhounds from Estonia are more finicky and careful in their choice. They always allocate one owner for themselves. Only they will obey him implicitly, but they can ignore the instructions of other family members. Communication with children also goes better with the beagle. A dog of this breed will be an indefatigable, active and cheerful friend for them, who is always ready to actively play and enjoy life. The dog can run around the yard for hours after the baby and entertain her with his sonorous barking.

Based on the description of the breedEstonian hound, she will not show the same enthusiasm towards the child. This dog always understands that its main task is to hunt, not to play on the lawn. Of course, she will not behave aggressively with children. The hound will never offend or bite them, but will play in a rare case, if there is an appropriate mood.

Despite the friendliness and love of beagles for games, you can not leave a small child alone with such a dog. The dog may play, and then knock the baby down or accidentally push him.

Dogs treat strangers

Comparison between the Estonian Hound and the Beagle is easy to make on the street. During a walk, the differences between these dogs appear very clearly. The beagle will happily wag its tail to meet every passerby. He runs up to all people, animals and children without fear. He craves attention and just loves to be given it. A dog of this breed will without a doubt go for any treat or toy with which it will beckon. That is why beagles need to be trained from puppyhood so that they react as little as possible to passers-by and follow the commands of the owner. Such a dog is quite easy to steal because of his gullibility and thirst for communication. Therefore, you can not let the beagle off the leash in crowded places.

The difference between the beagle and the Estonian hound lies in the innate intelligence of the latter. The Hound is guided by manners, and therefore is very calm and alert. A dog of this breed will never run towards all living things or climb to passers-by. The stranger will not be able to lure or interest her in anything. Nonea treat or a toy will not be able to cloud her mind. Many people love this breed precisely for its innate sense of caution and restraint.

Dogs and other pets

Both breeds perceive other pets only as prey. Therefore, it is undesirable to have another animal. Any cat, hamster, parrot they will pursue and dream of slaughtering as a victim. The only difference between the two dogs is that the beagle can be trained to be wary of another kind of animal, while the beagle cannot. If the beagle will live in the same room with the cat from birth, then he will be able to represent her not as prey, but as a friend. The Estonian hound, even at a puppy age, will hunt for any small animals, since her instincts are more developed than those of a beagle.

Beagle as a child
Beagle as a child

Dog Trainability

The Estonian Hound responds very well to training if done as early as possible. From about two to three months, it is necessary to gradually start teaching teams, increasing the intensity of classes, based on age. The dog has good perseverance and memory. She quickly remembers all the commands, and she is excellent at demonstrating them. The Estonian Hound loves to learn, but hunting skills will take a long time to develop, practicing them in practice. Therefore, if using a dog for hunting is not a priority, it is better not to fill the dog's head with unnecessary knowledge.

Beagles, unlike the Estonian hounds, are very restless. Teaching them commands will be difficult, as the dog does not like to sit still. She isconstantly runs, jumps, plays and tries to provoke the owner to active actions. It takes a lot of patience to train a beagle well. If the owner does not have it, it is better to provide it to the dog handler. If you neglect the training of the dog, it will become uncontrollable both at home and on the street.

Comparison of working qualities of dogs

Despite the predisposition to hunt, in fact, dogs differ strikingly in their performance. Estonian hounds like to hunt such animals as hare, lynx, fox. They can also perfectly track roe deer, small wild boar and birds. Many hunters who use this breed for trapping prey argue that it is impossible to train a hound to follow the trail of animals.

It's a lot easier to take him than a hare's trail. In the future, a dog accustomed to this method will hunt only ungulates. Beagles are excellent at hunting hares, rabbits and other large rodents. They will not be able to overpower prey larger than them, unlike the Estonian hounds. The latter like to hunt down and drive prey on their own. But beagles prefer the pack method of work.

beagle on a walk
beagle on a walk

Owner reviews about dogs

Based on the feedback from those who own these two breeds, we can conclude that each of the dogs should be selected depending on the nature of the owner. People who have a beagle as a pet are active and cheerful individuals who feel the need for the same dog. They note that the beagle makes their life more fun, joyful and energetic. With such a dog, they are never bored.

The Estonian hound is a devoted, persistent and loyal friend who will feel his master and adapt to his life. The owners of these dogs assure that there is simply no more reliable dog than the Estonian Hound. This breed is very popular with calm, reasonable people. They note that they are comfortable with such a friend anywhere, because due to their temper, the Estonian hound is great for people who travel often.

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