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 puppy, but also in adulthood. Many unscrupulous breeders take advantage of this similarity, passing one type of dog after another. Many also cross these dogs, receiving mutts instead of purebred puppies.
By themselves, these two breeds are excellent hunting dogs with different temperaments and exterior data, which 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.
The story of two breeds
Both breeds belong to the type of hunting dogs and hounds on the trail. The Beagle is the oldest breed that was discovered in Britain in the XV-XVI centuries. According to legend, dogs were brought into the country by the Romans, who took these hounds from the Greeks. Dogs were raised so that they would help in hunting to hunt hares and other representatives of large rodents. 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, since then they began to breed them as an ornamental and family breed. The wide distribution of these dogs began after the end of World War II.
If the beagles were grown and developed naturally, without using forced breeding, the Estonian hound had to undergo some changes. At the beginning of the twentieth century, Estonia issued a ban on hunting with hounds, whose height was above 45 cm. This decree was created in order to provide protection for the roe deer that were dying at that time. Therefore, the hunters began to search for a way out of this situation.
The origin of the Estonian hound
Having gathered strength, they got the state to sponsor a new type of hound 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 low hounds. These were Russian, Scottish, Finnish, English hounds, as well as hare and foxhounds. From each new litter the smallest puppies were selected. This continued until a new breed of dogs was brought to perfection. Already in 1959, the world introduced a new breed of dog - the Estonian hound.
External differences between dogs
It is very difficult for people who do not understand these two breeds to distinguish between the Estonian hound and the beagle, since the dogs are really similar to each other. However, their exterior data vary. Although not all can determine these differences.
According to the standard of the RKF breed, the beagle is a smooth-haired, small, but strong dog of a three-color color. The dog has an elongated body, a long back and a short lower back. His chest is very low. It sinks far below the elbows. The beagle’s belly is neatly picked up, and the neck is long and curved. The limbs of the dog are straight, parallel in relation to each other, located under the body and are particularly muscular. The paws are round and the nails are short.
The Estonian Hound hunting dog is distinguished by its larger body and stiff coat. Her body is longer than that of the beagle, and the withers are sloping and protruding. The dog’s back is straight, the chest does not fall below the elbows, and the stomach is always slightly retracted. Her limbs, unlike the muscular legs of the beagle, 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 the beagle. The weight of an 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 supply of tail is average, so an excited dog will not be able to raise it above the level of the back. Since the hair of the Estonian hound is very stiff and thick, it seems thick and large in appearance. The beagle has a tail of medium size and length, straight and has no kink. Like the Estonian hound, it is densely covered with wool. Beagle weight varies from 10 to 18 kg.
Dog color differences
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 wool with black-red spots. Also, the dog can have a red-white color, a badger, a white-lemon with red or red blotches. The tail tip of the animal must be white regardless of the primary color of the coat. The hounds are mostly black and piebald with pronounced spots of ruddy hue. Wool can also have a white background with black, yellow, red patches. Dog's paws and tail are white.
Character difference
Owner reviews of the Estonian hound confirm that the character of this dog is strikingly different from the character of its fellow beagle. In terms of temperament, the rocks are very similar, since both are very mobile and active. However, the beagles 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 friends of the family, the hound from Estonia will be neutral, giving her love and loyalty only to the owner and members of his family. Beagles look like real energizers. Everywhere they try to get into, attract attention and want to make contact with every living creature in the area. This is the whole character of the beagle. The description of the Estonian hound breed is completely opposite. This dog behaves restrained, intelligent and respects subordination, subject to a good upbringing. She also needs the attention of a person, but she does not require it and does not impose it.
This dog owes this character to the careful selective 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 and hunt well. Beagles are more suitable for the role of a pet. This is facilitated by the nature of the breed. Description of the beagles is impossible without mention of their charm. It is unlimited, and therefore dogs feel great, being companion dogs. Of course, their hunting reflexes are developed at the genetic level, but in comparison with the Estonian hounds they significantly lose in their expression.
Attitude towards children and family
Differences between the Estonian hound and the beagle can be determined by the attitude of dogs to family members. Beagles trust all. They rejoice to everyone who reciprocates. Greyhounds from Estonia are more finicky and careful in their choice. They always single out one owner for themselves. Only they will obey him implicitly, but the instructions of other family members can be ignored. Communication with children also gets along better with the beagle. A dog of this breed will be for them an indefatigable, active and cheerful friend who is always ready to play actively and enjoy life. The dog can rush for hours around the little one in the yard and entertain it with its sonorous barking.
Based on the description of the breed of the Estonian hound, it will not show the same enthusiasm for the child. This dog always understands that its main task is hunting, not entertainment on the lawn. Of course, she will not behave aggressively with children. The hound will never hurt or bite them, but will play in the rare case, if there is a corresponding mood.
Despite the friendliness and love of the beagles for games, you can not leave a small child alone with such a dog. The dog can play too much, and then knock the baby off its feet or inadvertently push it.
Dog attitude to strangers
A comparison of the Estonian hound and beagle is easy to do on the street. During the walk, the differences between these dogs are very pronounced. The beagle will happily wag its tail to meet every passerby. He runs to all people, animals and children without fear. He craves attention and simply adores when he is given it. A dog of this breed will no doubt go for any treat or toy that will beckon it. That is why the beagles need to be trained from puppyhood so that they respond as little as possible to passers-by and carry out the owner's commands. 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. A stranger will not be able to lure or interest her. No treat or toy can obscure her mind. Many people love this breed precisely for an 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. They will chase any cat, hamster, parrot and dream of killing as a victim. The only difference between these two dogs is that the beagle can be accustomed to a cautious attitude to another species of animal, but the hound 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 another. The Estonian hound, even in puppyhood, will hunt for any small animals, since its instincts are more developed than that of the beagle.
Dog training
The Estonian hound responds very well to training if you do it as soon as possible. From about two to three months, it is necessary to gradually begin training teams, increasing the intensity of classes, based on age. The dog has good perseverance and memory. She quickly remembers all the teams, and she is very good at demonstrating them. The Estonian hound loves to learn, but hunting skills will have to be developed for quite some time, practicing them in practice. Therefore, if using a dog for hunting is not a priority, it is better not to bury the dog with unnecessary knowledge.
Beagles, unlike Estonian hounds, are very restless. Teaching them commands will be difficult, as the dog does not like to sit still. She constantly runs, jumps, plays and tries to provoke the owner to action. 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.
Dog Performance Comparison
Despite their predisposition to hunting, in fact, dogs are strikingly different in their performance characteristics. Estonian hounds love to hunt animals such as hare, lynx, fox. They can also track down roe deer, a small wild boar and a bird. Many hunters who use this breed to catch prey argue that it is impossible to teach a hound to search for animals along the trail of a hoof.
It is much easier to take it than a hare trail. In the future, a dog accustomed to this method will hunt only ungulates. Beagles are very good at hunting hares, rabbits and other large rodents. They will not be able to master the larger production, unlike the Estonian hounds. The latter love to track and drive their prey on their own. But the Beagles prefer a flocking method of work.
Dog Owner Reviews
Based on the feedback of 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, more joyful, and more energetic. With such a dog, they are never bored.
The Estonian Hound is a loyal, steadfast and loyal friend who will feel his master and adapt to his life. The owners of these dogs claim that a more reliable dog than the Estonian hound, simply can not be found. This breed is very like calm, reasonable people. They note that with such a friend they are comfortable in any place, because, thanks to their disposition, the Estonian hound is great for people who travel often.