Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, July 24, 1994                   TAG: 9407290085
SECTION: NEW RIVER VALLEY                    PAGE: NRV-11   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

BEAGLES: PERFECT FOR SPOILING

While beagles traditionally have been bred for hunting, they make great companions. As Bob Bracken, a beagle breeder from Pembroke says, they "spoil easy."

There are two kinds of beagles, the 13-inch and 15-inch. They differ in size by a few inches and by 10-15 pounds. Regardless of size, both beagles have big hearts.

The origin of the beagle is unknown, as well as its name, according to Jeff Douglas, director of public information at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. Some say the name "beagle" comes from the Celtic word "beag," meaning "small."

For more information, call the American Kennel Club at (212)696-8220.