List of beagle, harrier and basset packs of the United Kingdom facts for kids
This article is about special groups of dogs called "packs" in the United Kingdom. These packs are made up of beagles, harriers, and basset hounds. Historically, these dogs were used for hunting small animals like hares or, for some harrier packs, foxes.
After a law called the 2004 Hunting Act, hunting with dogs in the traditional way became illegal. Now, these packs either practice "trail hunting" (where they follow a scent laid out by people, not a live animal), hunt rabbits (which is allowed for many beagle packs), or follow other special rules in the Act.
There are many of these packs across the UK. The main groups that register them are the Association of Masters of Harriers and Beagles (AMHB) and the Masters of Basset Hounds Association. The AMHB registers 59 beagle packs and 19 harrier packs.
Contents
Understanding Dog Packs in the UK
What are Hunting Packs?
A "pack" is a group of dogs that work together, usually led by people called "masters." For hundreds of years, these packs were used to follow the scent of animals like hares or foxes across the countryside. This was a traditional activity in the UK.
Today, the way these packs operate has changed due to laws. Instead of chasing live animals, many packs now do "trail hunting." This means a person lays down a special scent, and the dogs follow that scent. It's like a treasure hunt for dogs!
Types of Hounds in Packs
The packs in the UK mainly use three types of hounds: beagles, harriers, and basset hounds. Each breed has its own special qualities that make it good for scent work.
Beagles
Beagles are small to medium-sized dogs known for their excellent sense of smell and loud baying (barking). They are very energetic and friendly. Historically, beagles were used to hunt hares because they are fast enough to keep up but not so fast that they would quickly catch the hare. Many beagle packs now hunt rabbits or do trail hunting.
Harriers
Harriers are medium-sized hounds, a bit larger than beagles but smaller than foxhounds. They are strong and have a lot of stamina. Harriers were traditionally used for hunting hares, and some were also used for foxes. Like other packs, harrier packs now mostly do trail hunting.
Basset Hounds
Basset hounds are famous for their long, droopy ears, sad-looking eyes, and short legs. Despite their appearance, they have an incredibly powerful sense of smell, second only to the Bloodhound. Their short legs mean they move slower, which was useful for hunters on foot. Basset hounds were traditionally used for hunting hares and rabbits.
Where are These Packs Found?
These dog packs are located all over the United Kingdom. They are often grouped by the traditional regions of England, as well as in Northern Ireland and Wales. Each pack has its own history and traditions.
Beagle Packs by Region
Beagle packs are the most common type of hound pack in the UK. They are found in many different areas.
South West England
This region has many beagle packs. Some well-known ones include the Britannia Beagles, which started at Dartmouth College in 1878. Other packs here are the Chilmark and Clifton Foot Beagles, Dummer Beagles, and the Ilminster Beagles.
West Midlands
In the West Midlands, you can find packs like the North Warwickshire Beagles and the Shropshire Beagles.
East Midlands
The East Midlands is home to packs such as the Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Staffordshire Beagles (DNS) and the Oakley Foot Beagles.
South East England
This area has a large number of beagle packs. Some famous ones include the Eton College Beagles and the Radley College Beagles, which are linked to well-known schools. Other packs are the New Forest Beagles and the Old Berkeley Beagles.
East of England
Packs in the East of England include the Stour Valley Beagles and the Trinity Foot and South Herts Beagles.
Yorkshire and the Humber
Yorkshire and the Humber have packs like the Airedale Beagles, Ampleforth Beagles, and the Holme Valley Beagles.
North East England
In the North East, you can find the Newcastle & District Beagles and the Weardale & Tees Valley Beagles.
North West England
The North West is home to packs such as the Black Combe Beagles and the Cheshire Beagles.
Harrier Packs by Region
Harrier packs are also found across the UK, though there are fewer of them than beagle packs.
South West England
This region has several harrier packs, including the Axe Vale Harriers and the Cotley Harriers.
East of England
In the East of England, you can find the Cambridgeshire Harriers Hunt Club and the Dunston Harriers.
Yorkshire and the Humber
The Rockwood Harriers are a notable pack in Yorkshire and the Humber.
North West England
The Holcombe Harriers and the Pendle Forest & Craven Harriers are active in the North West.
West Midlands
The West Midlands has packs like the High Peak Harriers and the Ross Harriers.
Basset Hound Packs
Basset hound packs are less common than beagle or harrier packs. They are known for their unique appearance and amazing sense of smell.
England
In England, some basset hound packs include the Albany and West Lodge Bassets and the East Lincs Basset Hounds.
Scotland
Scotland has at least one basset hound pack, the Barony Bassets.
Wales
In Wales, you can find the Black Mountain Bassets.
