beagle, breed of small, compact hound developed over centuries in England and introduced into the United States in the 1870s. It stands between 10 and 15 in. (25.4-38.1 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs between 20 and 40 lb (9.1-18.1 kg). The breed is divided into two varieties on the basis of size: those under 13 in. (33 cm) in height and those between 13 and 15 in. (33-38.1 cm). The beagle's short, close-lying, harsh coat is usually colored black, tan, and white. Once widely used, either singly or in packs, to hunt hares, today it is more popular as a field-trial competitor and pet. See dog.