Hounds of Beagle type have been known for centuries and the Beagles is probably one of the oldest hounds of the chase – the hounds that hunt by scent. The beagle therefore has a long history in the hunting field, but show beagles are a more recent development, increasing in popularity greatly in the latter half of the 20th Century.

The popularity of beagles grew rapidly in the UK after the Second World War. Just one beagle was registered with the Kennel Club in 1945, but by 1962 the number had risen to 2518 taking the breed to 18th place in the top 20 breeds in the country. Beagles have also been very popular in the USA and were imported to the UK after the war. The blend of the two lines is the basis of our current hounds which are seen in the UK show ring today.

This rise in beagle numbers resulted in new applications to the Kennel Club for new clubs to be formed, in addition to the Beagle Club, which was founded in 1890. 1962 saw the recognition of the regional clubs Northern and Midland Counties beagle Club and the Beagle Club of Northern Ireland and our own national club – the Beagle Association which was created specifically to support the growing interest in the smaller American type beagle.

The Beagle Association celebrated it’s Ruby Anniversary in 2002 and it’s 40th Championship show in 2004.