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Queen Elizabeth Pocket BeagleTM Breed Standard
In Medieval times, there was a breed of dog called a pocket beagle, which stood at 8 to 9 inches. Small enough to fit in a “pocket” or saddlebag, they rode along on the hunt. The larger hounds would run the prey to the ground, then the hunters would release the small beagles to continue the chase through the underbrush into their burrows. Queen Elizabeth I often entertained guests at her royal table by letting her pocket beagles cavort amid their plates and cups. This genetic line is now extinct.
The modern Queen Elizabeth Pocket Beagle was founded by Rebecca Van Meter of Indiana. The Queen Elizabeth Pocket Beagle breed name is trademarked. All dogs registered as such must have a Queen Elizabeth Pocket Breeds Foundation Birth Certificate. During the developing years of the breed, all dogs shall be required this proper birth certificate for acceptance in any registry. Having two registered parents does not automatically qualify a dog for registration if it lacks this birth certificate. Any exception is a violation of the Foundation's trademark.
General Appearance and Presentation
The beloved Beagle in miniature, a Queen Elizabeth Pocket Beagle is normally bred as a pet and may have a softer look than a hound bred for the field. Keeping in mind that this breed is only in it’s second decade from out cross, to reduce size , add colors, and coat patterns, some traits of the out cross will be visible in current generations. Though they may be awarded a lower placing these dogs should not be disqualified from breeding or exhibition as they are vital in diversification of the gene pool. Queen Elizabeth Pocket Beagles are presented on a table in the show ring.
Size
Queen Elizabeth Pocket Beagles may vary from 6-12 inches. They are to be exhibited in two varieties, which are measured by weight not inches, a dog should be under 13" at lowest part of withers.
Teacup-- 4 to 15pounds.
Toy--15 to 25 pounds.
Puppies are classified according to expected weight at maturity. A quality dog should never be faulted for a size smaller than listed.
Head
The skull should be fairly long, slightly domed. Ears--Ears are set moderately low, preferably reaching when drawn out nearly to the end of the nose. Ear length in developing years should be expected to vary some. Eyes--Eye size medium to large, set well apart-soft and hound type--expression gentle and loving. All eye colors and color combinations are acceptable, no color should be given preference or default in the show ring. Muzzle--Muzzle of medium length, straight and moderately square-cut, the stop moderately defined. Bite- a scissor bite is preferred. Overall Head appearance may be slightly softer,
less blocky, and more refined than it's larger counterpart.
Neck and Throat
Neck rising free and light from the shoulders.
Shoulders and Chest
Shoulders sloping and clean, muscular, not heavy or loaded. Conveying the idea of freedom of action with activity.
Back, Loin and Ribs
Back moderate to medium in length. Length from back of front leg to stop of tail preferred at a ratio of no more than 1:5 compared to height.
Forelegs and Feet
Forelegs are preferred straight with plenty of bone in proportion to size. Feet are round and firm. Pad full and hard.
Tail
Moderate as compared with size of the hound. The Queen Elizabeth Pocket Beagle should be shown with tail in natural position. Tail set may vary so long as it is not carried tightly onto the back.
Coat
Short to medium and sleek with good hair coverage. The Queen Elizabeth Pocket Beagle may have a softer coat or a slightly more harsh hound type coat. Neither coat is more preferred or should receive higher rating in judging over the other.
Color
All colors and patterns are allowed. This includes, but is not limited to Tricolor, Solid, Harlequin (merle), Piebald, and Brindle patterns in any coat color or shade and or dilution, with or without white or ticked markings. The variety in patterns and color is one major element which sets the Queen Elizabeth Pocket Beagle apart. No color should be given preference or default in the show ring.
Movement
The movement is easy, smooth, and purposeful with good propulsion by the hindquarters and parallel movement of the legs.
Temperament
Queen Elizabeth Pocket Beagle is a family dog first. Many of them are used for hunting, but should have a love for humans and a preference for it's master over its' canine pack. Preferably less vocal than most hunting hounds, they demonstrate lesser prey drive and activity level, making them more suited to the sedentary life of a house pet.
Major faults for disqualification
Bite being under or over by more than 1 cm.Neck short or heavily dew-lapped Back being roach or sway back.
A dog over 25 pounds does not qualify for competition.
Queen Elizabeth Pocket Beagle standard to be reviewed and revised periodically.
Last revised 08/21/07
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