#I love that he made sure to have that handy for a 6-day voyage

[goatsandgangsters]

another reason jack and alan didn't fuck on the lyric is that jack force fed alan his entire bottle of lube when he was unconscious and didn't have any more

(meanwhile there’s alan, waking up on the floor and a beautiful man is pointing a gun at him and his mouth inexplicably tastes like olive oil and he’s gotta be like “okay either a microaggression happened... or the ancestors are speaking to me and they want me to fuck this man.”)

[ozsaill]

Tanked: mixology woes aboard

The dull thud of your heart sinking at that horrifying moment when you realize what you just did and consequences will follow: we all dread it. It happens anyway. Cruising comes with higher highs, and lower lows… pouring the wrong stuff in your diesel tank is one of those lower points.

In mid-2012, Totem was being prepped to move after five months mostly at a dock and a year and a half in Australia. This was the first step to depart Australia: shifting from dockside liveaboard to river mooring before sailing north to Papua New Guinea and beyond. Wrapping up school (the kids’ first and only formal stretch of four-walls education as cruisers), untangling the threads that weave a life integrated to shoreside people and places, packing up for multiple months off the grid and away from stores… we were a little busy, a little distracted.

One of our last steps before kicking off the dock: top of the water tanks. From below deck I listened to liquid gurgling in from the deck fill, and then came the unfortunate cry: “ah, shit.” Jamie doesn’t swear lightly. It hit me even before he filled in the detail, as sound locations processed: the water hose had been in Totem’s diesel tank fill.

Whoops. We own it now!

Water in the diesel tank

I dashed up to the cockpit and we looked at each other, mouths agape. Jamie got that faraway look in his eyes, then headed up to tell the marina manager we’d be late departing…regrets to the boat they had waiting for our berth.

The entire contents of our diesel tank were decanted and filtered, and like bad wine on a tropical island, salvageable.

Jamie started by turning off the valve between the diesel tank and primary fuel filter and lining up jerry cans to decant. Our magical dock neighbors, a French/South African family on the Dean 44 Merlin, offered time and support to get it done. Petroleum and water don’t mix, but kids play always!

Greg helps his daughter, Clea, and Siobhan swing from the rigging aboard Merlin – Brisbane, 2012.

Greg brought over a diesel transfer pump they kept on Merlin which made the job far easier. Contaminated fuel was removed to jerry cans. At first we hoped that putting fuel through a funnel filter would remove the water – NOPE! Only trace amounts of water came out.

Borrowing Merlin’s transfer pump to return diesel to Totem’s primary tank

Enter our old friend, Gravity. Allowing the water to settle to the bottom (it’s heavier) of a jerry can, diesel on the top could be pumped into a clean jerry can. Rinse, repeat with a series of jerry cans until the entire contents were filtered. Ten gallons of water were ultimately removed.

Gas in the diesel tank

Jump ahead to yesterday around tea time. This was a call from Serendipity, but not about serendipity. Anchored off Antigua with guests arriving soon and plans to head for Barbuda, it was time to top up the diesel tank. With their permission, sharing the event in Kevin’s words as related in the closed Facebook group for coaching clients, Totem Raft-Up (self-named – the TRU Crew!).

TRU Crew comes through again! This post is at my pride’s expense, but I’m going to eat the proverbial crow and share. It’s long but there are some lessons here and recommended gear that saved my ass today and could save yours.

They say bad decisions happen when you are forced into a movement due to timelines like company coming. Looking back, I think it played a part in my stupidity today. We have guests arriving to Antigua tomorrow, and we want to take them up to Barbuda Wednesday. I spent some time the last few days getting the boat ready, and one last chore was to fuel up with diesel. We were happy in an anchorage, it was Callum’s birthday (our 8 year old), and Stephanie was busy making a cake and cleaning up for arriving guests. I had a few hours to kill so I decided instead of moving the boat to the marina I’d just bring 30 gal worth of diesel cans in and fill them, then transfer to that boat. It would save us some time in the morning from having to motor into the harbor to fuel up. No problems…

TRU crew in Barbuda: Steph & Kevin from Serendipity (Live the Voyage) at center, Dave & Marcie from Kairos5 at right.

Well, as this plan was finalized Steph had a good idea to bring extra gasoline to Barbuda. We carry 15 gallons on the rail, but there is no fuel in Barbuda, and with guests from home visiting for week, we plan to spend a lot of time in the dinghy (snorkeling, tubing, etc). So I grabbed an extra yellow jerry can, wrote “GAS” on it, and proceeded to shore….I’m sure you know where this is going.

When I got back I unloaded the fuel, and started to fuel pretty quickly. I was distracted as it was Cal’s bday and wanted to get going. I used a shaker siphon to fuel, which is handy on a boat. I started the siphon and quickly put 5 gallons of fuel into the boat. I started my second can, and then went to clean up the first can and when I grabbed it I saw “GAS” written on the back side of it. Holy shit, 5 gallons of gasoline into my diesel tank. I seriously looked like Jim Carey on Liar Liar kicking my own ass!

Lesson – if you use a yellow can to fill gasoline, mark the shit out of it! 

Here is how TRU saved my ass. Going back to the fall, I lost my engine due to debris that clogged the fuel line. I got it running, but after had my fuel polished. Jamie was awesome help with this, and even though I didn’t use his recommended “emergency” polisher, I took his advice and ordered some parts that you may not think to have on board. It takes two pieces of gear to polish your fuel in a pinch. First, a 12 volt transfer pump, and second, a funnel with a filter.

You could pull the fuel out of the tank and back in through the filter, removing debris. Well, I didn’t use the funnel today but damn did that fuel pump earn it’s keep.

I opened the tank through one of the access holes and removed 23 gallons of contaminated fuel. I then used this handy pump to get the rest. I was able to empty all but maybe a couple ounces out of the tank. I’m going to put a minimum of 40 gallons in the tank before I start the engine. That’s 5,120 ounces. Even if there is a quart of contaminated fuel, that’s only .6% and only a fraction of that is gasoline. I think I’ll be okay, but damn, what a dumb move!

I called Jamie during all of this and he talked me off the ledge. Thanks! So don’t be me and don’t let distractions mess you up!

Serendipity’s crew recovered quickly. It helps to know you’re far from the first, and other TRU chimed in with their (mis)adventures in fueling. I didn’t even get to bringing up the story about our own cruising mentors and the time they added diesel to the water tank… a step further in the levels of cruiser hell. Our highs are higher, but our lows can be lower!

Meanwhile, this is Serendipity’s recent view. The squall passed; it wasn’t such a bad day after all.

TRU Crew anchored off Barbuda: thanks to Stephanie at Live the Voyage for this pic!

Gear to consider

A few bits that clearly can be really useful… and for more than just these scenarios, where the wrong liquid ends up in a diesel tank.

Twelve-volt transfer pump.

This diesel transfer kit from Orion Motor Tech would serve both Totem and Serendipity’s uses. We purchased ours (similar to this model) just a few weeks after the water-into-diesel debacle in Australia from a cruiser unloading gear prior to selling their boat.

Other everyday cruising uses: our 12v transfer pump (see top two pics of Jamie using it) is currently loaned to another boat in the anchorage that needed to polish their fuel to try and remove a diesel bug (a microbial contamination gunking up their fuel, common enough a problem). It’s bailed us out from similar situations when we had a persistent diesel bug in Southeast Asia, and most recently helped polish dirty fuel we boarded at an outer island in the Bahamas.

Fuel filter.

Mr Funnel filters come in a range of sizes depending on how much fuel you’re running through them. We keep a small one for gas going into the dinghy and generator. And a large one for diesel. We also have a Baja filter, which haven’t been made for over a decade. Note that funnel filters remove debris and trace amounts of water (but not more).

Fuel is almost always filtered before it goes in our tanks. The only time we don’t filter is at a high-volume dock or place with a solid reputation. If there’s concern about fuel quality, we put some in a glass jar and wait a few minutes to see if there’s separation.

Siphon hose.

Self-priming hoses mean you don’t get your mouth involved in the siphoning process (yuck!). There are no fuel docks in most of the miles we’ve cruised; siphoning from jerry cans is a fact of life, and it’s good to be prepared.

Sponsorship/advertising note: we have zero association with these brands listed above. These recommendations do use Amazon’s affiliate program, so if you click through a product link and purchase something (anything) on Amazon, that slides some coin in our cruising kitty (thanks!).  I point it out since a couple of people have asked if we had sponsorship from any of products mentioned in our new tools on Totem article recently. Nope! No affiliation with them at all, just like these; we’re just sharing some kit that’s working well on board. Do we have sponsors? Yes, we do. It’s a very few, deliberately kept to the select products/services that we love can be genuinely enthusiastic about, and in limited number to avoid ever being taken as shills. For more information, see our Values Statement.

from Sailing Totem http://bit.ly/2ULe3Op via IFTTT

[buynewsoul]

Meet Everyone’s Favorite Dog: the Beagle

The post Meet Everyone’s Favorite Dog: the Beagle by Allan Reznik appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

America loves the Beagle. There is nothing fancy or exotic or designer about him, but his loving temperament and handy size make him a perennial favorite, always among the top five most popular dogs in the American Kennel Club’s yearly ranking of its 194 breeds and varieties. Here are eight fun facts about this familiar little hound.

1. Sniffing out Beagle history

A beagle howling. Photography ©Mark Rogers Photography.

Dogs that resemble today’s Beagle in size and purpose can be traced back to the 5th century B.C. in ancient Greece. Xenophon, who was born circa 430 B.C., refers in his treatise On Hunting to a hound that hunted hares by scent and was followed on foot. Canute’s Forest Laws confirm that Beagle-type dogs were present in England before 1016. Miniature breeds of Beagle type were known from the times of Edward II and Henry VII, who both had packs of Glove Beagles, so named because they were small enough to fit on a glove, and Queen Elizabeth I kept Pocket Beagles that measured a mere 8 to 9 inches at the shoulder.

2. Two Beagle sizes

The official AKC breed standard recognizes two size varieties: The 13 Inch, for hounds not exceeding 13 inches in height at the shoulder, and the 15 Inch, for hounds over 13 inches but not exceeding 15 inches in height at the shoulder. Any Beagle measuring more than 15 inches at the shoulder is disqualified in the American show ring.

3. All about the Beagle tricolor

A tricolor Beagle. Photography ©alexkich | Getty Images.

The Beagle standard is very concise, allowing “any true hound color.” But what does that mean, exactly? While the vast majority of Beagles are tricolor, meaning tan and white with a big black saddle marking covering the back, Beagles are also seen in other hound color patterns. On some Beagles the saddle is not black but liver (reddish brown) or blue (a smoky gray). There are also red-and-white and lemon-and-white Beagles, without black markings. Finally, there are Beagles with colored flecks, speckles or ticking, similar to the color pattern of the Bluetick Coonhound.

4. The Beagle’s hunting roots

Rabbit hunting is so much a part of the Beagle’s history that the AKC breed standard, approved in 1957, actually includes a section on Beagle packs, with headings like Individual Merit of the Hounds, Manners (“The hounds must all work gaily and cheerfully”), Appointments (“Master and whips should be dressed alike, the master or huntsman to carry [a] horn, the whips and master to carry light thong whips”) and Recommendations for Show Livery, or apparel of the hunters (“Black velvet cap, white stock, green coat, white breeches or knickerbockers, green or black stockings, white spats, black or dark brown shoes. Vest and gloves optional. Ladies should turn out exactly the same except for a white skirt instead of white breeches.”).

5. With Beagles, the nose knows

A beagle looking up. Photography ©aradaphotography | Getty Images.

Along with the Bloodhound and Basset Hound, the Beagle’s sense of smell is one of the most acute in dogdom. While Beagles are incredibly affectionate, they are stubborn scent hounds, never more so than when they get a whiff of an intoxicating smell. At times like this, forget about the Beagle coming back when called. Obedience is not the breed’s forte. Be sure your fenced yard is escape proof, and always walk your Beagle on leash, unless you are in a safe, enclosed area.

Where the Beagle’s superior nose is highly valued is as a sniffer dog: The Beagle Brigade of the United States Department of Agriculture employs the breed to detect food items in luggage being brought into the country. After testing several other breeds, Beagles were chosen because their small size does not intimidate those who are afraid of dogs. They are also easy to care for and work well for rewards. (Detection of explosives involves climbing over luggage and on conveyor belts for which larger breeds are better suited.)

6. The Beagle is a social pack hound

Because Beagles have traditionally been raised in large packs, they do not do well as a single pet, left alone all day. Their frustration will quickly lead to excessive barking and destructive behavior. A second dog for companionship is strongly recommended.

7. Iconic Beagles

Snoopy the beagle. Photography ©CREDIT | Alamy Stock.

Charles Schulz’s beloved comic strip, Peanuts, features the world’s most famous Beagle, Snoopy. While he’s been known to enjoy an occasional joke at Charlie Brown’s expense, Snoopy is, for the most part, a devoted pet, and many a Beagle owner over the decades first succumbed to the charms of the breed thanks to Snoopy. In the glamorous world of dog shows, two real-life Beagles have attained ultimate stardom by winning Best in Show at the nationally televised Westminster Kennel Club event in New York City: “Uno��� in 2008 and “Miss P” in 2015.

8. Beagles in pop culture

Former U.S. President Lyndon Baines Johnson owned several Beagles and created an uproar when he picked one up by the ears. The ship on which Charles Darwin made the voyage that provided much of the inspiration for On the Origin of Species was named the HMS Beagle, after the breed. Celebrity Beagle owners include singer Barry Manilow (who named one Bagel), Bravo TV talk-show host and producer Andy Cohen, actor Frankie Muniz, singer/dancer KayCee Stroh and Helio Castroneves, Brazilian racing-car driver.

Thumbnail: Photography ©olaser | Getty Images.

About the author

Allan Reznik is a journalist, editor and broadcaster who specializes in dog-related subjects. He is the former editor-in-chief of Dogs in Review and former editor of Dog Fancy magazine. A city dweller all his life, on both coasts, he now enjoys the rural South with his Afghan Hounds, Tibetan Spaniels and assorted rescues.

Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Dogster magazine. Have you seen the new Dogster print magazine in stores? Or in the waiting room of your vet’s office? Subscribe now to get Dogster magazine delivered straight to you!

Read more about dog breeds on Dogster.com:

5 Wrinkly Dog Breeds

Meet the Outgoing, Sporty Labrador Retriever

Why Do Dogs Howl? 5 Reasons

The post Meet Everyone’s Favorite Dog: the Beagle by Allan Reznik appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

[stiles-wtf]

Meet Everyone’s Favorite Dog: the Beagle

The post Meet Everyone’s Favorite Dog: the Beagle by Allan Reznik appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

America loves the Beagle. There is nothing fancy or exotic or designer about him, but his loving temperament and handy size make him a perennial favorite, always among the top five most popular dogs in the American Kennel Club’s yearly ranking of its 194 breeds and varieties. Here are eight fun facts about this familiar little hound.

1. Sniffing out Beagle history

A beagle howling. Photography ©Mark Rogers Photography.

Dogs that resemble today’s Beagle in size and purpose can be traced back to the 5th century B.C. in ancient Greece. Xenophon, who was born circa 430 B.C., refers in his treatise On Hunting to a hound that hunted hares by scent and was followed on foot. Canute’s Forest Laws confirm that Beagle-type dogs were present in England before 1016. Miniature breeds of Beagle type were known from the times of Edward II and Henry VII, who both had packs of Glove Beagles, so named because they were small enough to fit on a glove, and Queen Elizabeth I kept Pocket Beagles that measured a mere 8 to 9 inches at the shoulder.

2. Two Beagle sizes

The official AKC breed standard recognizes two size varieties: The 13 Inch, for hounds not exceeding 13 inches in height at the shoulder, and the 15 Inch, for hounds over 13 inches but not exceeding 15 inches in height at the shoulder. Any Beagle measuring more than 15 inches at the shoulder is disqualified in the American show ring.

3. All about the Beagle tricolor

A tricolor Beagle. Photography ©alexkich | Getty Images.

The Beagle standard is very concise, allowing “any true hound color.” But what does that mean, exactly? While the vast majority of Beagles are tricolor, meaning tan and white with a big black saddle marking covering the back, Beagles are also seen in other hound color patterns. On some Beagles the saddle is not black but liver (reddish brown) or blue (a smoky gray). There are also red-and-white and lemon-and-white Beagles, without black markings. Finally, there are Beagles with colored flecks, speckles or ticking, similar to the color pattern of the Bluetick Coonhound.

4. The Beagle’s hunting roots

Rabbit hunting is so much a part of the Beagle’s history that the AKC breed standard, approved in 1957, actually includes a section on Beagle packs, with headings like Individual Merit of the Hounds, Manners (“The hounds must all work gaily and cheerfully”), Appointments (“Master and whips should be dressed alike, the master or huntsman to carry [a] horn, the whips and master to carry light thong whips”) and Recommendations for Show Livery, or apparel of the hunters (“Black velvet cap, white stock, green coat, white breeches or knickerbockers, green or black stockings, white spats, black or dark brown shoes. Vest and gloves optional. Ladies should turn out exactly the same except for a white skirt instead of white breeches.”).

5. With Beagles, the nose knows

A beagle looking up. Photography ©aradaphotography | Getty Images.

Along with the Bloodhound and Basset Hound, the Beagle’s sense of smell is one of the most acute in dogdom. While Beagles are incredibly affectionate, they are stubborn scent hounds, never more so than when they get a whiff of an intoxicating smell. At times like this, forget about the Beagle coming back when called. Obedience is not the breed’s forte. Be sure your fenced yard is escape proof, and always walk your Beagle on leash, unless you are in a safe, enclosed area.

Where the Beagle’s superior nose is highly valued is as a sniffer dog: The Beagle Brigade of the United States Department of Agriculture employs the breed to detect food items in luggage being brought into the country. After testing several other breeds, Beagles were chosen because their small size does not intimidate those who are afraid of dogs. They are also easy to care for and work well for rewards. (Detection of explosives involves climbing over luggage and on conveyor belts for which larger breeds are better suited.)

6. The Beagle is a social pack hound

Because Beagles have traditionally been raised in large packs, they do not do well as a single pet, left alone all day. Their frustration will quickly lead to excessive barking and destructive behavior. A second dog for companionship is strongly recommended.

7. Iconic Beagles

Snoopy the beagle. Photography ©CREDIT | Alamy Stock.

Charles Schulz’s beloved comic strip, Peanuts, features the world’s most famous Beagle, Snoopy. While he’s been known to enjoy an occasional joke at Charlie Brown’s expense, Snoopy is, for the most part, a devoted pet, and many a Beagle owner over the decades first succumbed to the charms of the breed thanks to Snoopy. In the glamorous world of dog shows, two real-life Beagles have attained ultimate stardom by winning Best in Show at the nationally televised Westminster Kennel Club event in New York City: “Uno” in 2008 and “Miss P” in 2015.

8. Beagles in pop culture

Former U.S. President Lyndon Baines Johnson owned several Beagles and created an uproar when he picked one up by the ears. The ship on which Charles Darwin made the voyage that provided much of the inspiration for On the Origin of Species was named the HMS Beagle, after the breed. Celebrity Beagle owners include singer Barry Manilow (who named one Bagel), Bravo TV talk-show host and producer Andy Cohen, actor Frankie Muniz, singer/dancer KayCee Stroh and Helio Castroneves, Brazilian racing-car driver.

Thumbnail: Photography ©olaser | Getty Images.

About the author

Allan Reznik is a journalist, editor and broadcaster who specializes in dog-related subjects. He is the former editor-in-chief of Dogs in Review and former editor of Dog Fancy magazine. A city dweller all his life, on both coasts, he now enjoys the rural South with his Afghan Hounds, Tibetan Spaniels and assorted rescues.

Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Dogster magazine. Have you seen the new Dogster print magazine in stores? Or in the waiting room of your vet’s office? Subscribe now to get Dogster magazine delivered straight to you!

Read more about dog breeds on Dogster.com:

5 Wrinkly Dog Breeds

Meet the Outgoing, Sporty Labrador Retriever

Why Do Dogs Howl? 5 Reasons

The post Meet Everyone’s Favorite Dog: the Beagle by Allan Reznik appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

[jeffreyrwelch]

Meet Everyone’s Favorite Dog: the Beagle

The post Meet Everyone’s Favorite Dog: the Beagle by Allan Reznik appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

America loves the Beagle. There is nothing fancy or exotic or designer about him, but his loving temperament and handy size make him a perennial favorite, always among the top five most popular dogs in the American Kennel Club’s yearly ranking of its 194 breeds and varieties. Here are eight fun facts about this familiar little hound.

1. Sniffing out Beagle history

A beagle howling. Photography ©Mark Rogers Photography.

Dogs that resemble today’s Beagle in size and purpose can be traced back to the 5th century B.C. in ancient Greece. Xenophon, who was born circa 430 B.C., refers in his treatise On Hunting to a hound that hunted hares by scent and was followed on foot. Canute’s Forest Laws confirm that Beagle-type dogs were present in England before 1016. Miniature breeds of Beagle type were known from the times of Edward II and Henry VII, who both had packs of Glove Beagles, so named because they were small enough to fit on a glove, and Queen Elizabeth I kept Pocket Beagles that measured a mere 8 to 9 inches at the shoulder.

2. Two Beagle sizes

The official AKC breed standard recognizes two size varieties: The 13 Inch, for hounds not exceeding 13 inches in height at the shoulder, and the 15 Inch, for hounds over 13 inches but not exceeding 15 inches in height at the shoulder. Any Beagle measuring more than 15 inches at the shoulder is disqualified in the American show ring.

3. All about the Beagle tricolor

A tricolor Beagle. Photography ©alexkich | Getty Images.

The Beagle standard is very concise, allowing “any true hound color.” But what does that mean, exactly? While the vast majority of Beagles are tricolor, meaning tan and white with a big black saddle marking covering the back, Beagles are also seen in other hound color patterns. On some Beagles the saddle is not black but liver (reddish brown) or blue (a smoky gray). There are also red-and-white and lemon-and-white Beagles, without black markings. Finally, there are Beagles with colored flecks, speckles or ticking, similar to the color pattern of the Bluetick Coonhound.

4. The Beagle’s hunting roots

Rabbit hunting is so much a part of the Beagle’s history that the AKC breed standard, approved in 1957, actually includes a section on Beagle packs, with headings like Individual Merit of the Hounds, Manners (“The hounds must all work gaily and cheerfully”), Appointments (“Master and whips should be dressed alike, the master or huntsman to carry [a] horn, the whips and master to carry light thong whips”) and Recommendations for Show Livery, or apparel of the hunters (“Black velvet cap, white stock, green coat, white breeches or knickerbockers, green or black stockings, white spats, black or dark brown shoes. Vest and gloves optional. Ladies should turn out exactly the same except for a white skirt instead of white breeches.”).

5. With Beagles, the nose knows

A beagle looking up. Photography ©aradaphotography | Getty Images.

Along with the Bloodhound and Basset Hound, the Beagle’s sense of smell is one of the most acute in dogdom. While Beagles are incredibly affectionate, they are stubborn scent hounds, never more so than when they get a whiff of an intoxicating smell. At times like this, forget about the Beagle coming back when called. Obedience is not the breed’s forte. Be sure your fenced yard is escape proof, and always walk your Beagle on leash, unless you are in a safe, enclosed area.

Where the Beagle’s superior nose is highly valued is as a sniffer dog: The Beagle Brigade of the United States Department of Agriculture employs the breed to detect food items in luggage being brought into the country. After testing several other breeds, Beagles were chosen because their small size does not intimidate those who are afraid of dogs. They are also easy to care for and work well for rewards. (Detection of explosives involves climbing over luggage and on conveyor belts for which larger breeds are better suited.)

6. The Beagle is a social pack hound

Because Beagles have traditionally been raised in large packs, they do not do well as a single pet, left alone all day. Their frustration will quickly lead to excessive barking and destructive behavior. A second dog for companionship is strongly recommended.

7. Iconic Beagles

Snoopy the beagle. Photography ©CREDIT | Alamy Stock.

Charles Schulz’s beloved comic strip, Peanuts, features the world’s most famous Beagle, Snoopy. While he’s been known to enjoy an occasional joke at Charlie Brown’s expense, Snoopy is, for the most part, a devoted pet, and many a Beagle owner over the decades first succumbed to the charms of the breed thanks to Snoopy. In the glamorous world of dog shows, two real-life Beagles have attained ultimate stardom by winning Best in Show at the nationally televised Westminster Kennel Club event in New York City: “Uno” in 2008 and “Miss P” in 2015.

8. Beagles in pop culture

Former U.S. President Lyndon Baines Johnson owned several Beagles and created an uproar when he picked one up by the ears. The ship on which Charles Darwin made the voyage that provided much of the inspiration for On the Origin of Species was named the HMS Beagle, after the breed. Celebrity Beagle owners include singer Barry Manilow (who named one Bagel), Bravo TV talk-show host and producer Andy Cohen, actor Frankie Muniz, singer/dancer KayCee Stroh and Helio Castroneves, Brazilian racing-car driver.

Thumbnail: Photography ©olaser | Getty Images.

About the author

Allan Reznik is a journalist, editor and broadcaster who specializes in dog-related subjects. He is the former editor-in-chief of Dogs in Review and former editor of Dog Fancy magazine. A city dweller all his life, on both coasts, he now enjoys the rural South with his Afghan Hounds, Tibetan Spaniels and assorted rescues.

Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Dogster magazine. Have you seen the new Dogster print magazine in stores? Or in the waiting room of your vet’s office? Subscribe now to get Dogster magazine delivered straight to you!

Read more about dog breeds on Dogster.com:

5 Wrinkly Dog Breeds

Meet the Outgoing, Sporty Labrador Retriever

Why Do Dogs Howl? 5 Reasons

The post Meet Everyone’s Favorite Dog: the Beagle by Allan Reznik appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

[daddyslittlejuliet]

Meet Everyone’s Favorite Dog: the Beagle

The post Meet Everyone’s Favorite Dog: the Beagle by Allan Reznik appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

America loves the Beagle. There is nothing fancy or exotic or designer about him, but his loving temperament and handy size make him a perennial favorite, always among the top five most popular dogs in the American Kennel Club’s yearly ranking of its 194 breeds and varieties. Here are eight fun facts about this familiar little hound.

1. Sniffing out Beagle history

A beagle howling. Photography ©Mark Rogers Photography.

Dogs that resemble today’s Beagle in size and purpose can be traced back to the 5th century B.C. in ancient Greece. Xenophon, who was born circa 430 B.C., refers in his treatise On Hunting to a hound that hunted hares by scent and was followed on foot. Canute’s Forest Laws confirm that Beagle-type dogs were present in England before 1016. Miniature breeds of Beagle type were known from the times of Edward II and Henry VII, who both had packs of Glove Beagles, so named because they were small enough to fit on a glove, and Queen Elizabeth I kept Pocket Beagles that measured a mere 8 to 9 inches at the shoulder.

2. Two Beagle sizes

The official AKC breed standard recognizes two size varieties: The 13 Inch, for hounds not exceeding 13 inches in height at the shoulder, and the 15 Inch, for hounds over 13 inches but not exceeding 15 inches in height at the shoulder. Any Beagle measuring more than 15 inches at the shoulder is disqualified in the American show ring.

3. All about the Beagle tricolor

A tricolor Beagle. Photography ©alexkich | Getty Images.

The Beagle standard is very concise, allowing “any true hound color.” But what does that mean, exactly? While the vast majority of Beagles are tricolor, meaning tan and white with a big black saddle marking covering the back, Beagles are also seen in other hound color patterns. On some Beagles the saddle is not black but liver (reddish brown) or blue (a smoky gray). There are also red-and-white and lemon-and-white Beagles, without black markings. Finally, there are Beagles with colored flecks, speckles or ticking, similar to the color pattern of the Bluetick Coonhound.

4. The Beagle’s hunting roots

Rabbit hunting is so much a part of the Beagle’s history that the AKC breed standard, approved in 1957, actually includes a section on Beagle packs, with headings like Individual Merit of the Hounds, Manners (“The hounds must all work gaily and cheerfully”), Appointments (“Master and whips should be dressed alike, the master or huntsman to carry [a] horn, the whips and master to carry light thong whips”) and Recommendations for Show Livery, or apparel of the hunters (“Black velvet cap, white stock, green coat, white breeches or knickerbockers, green or black stockings, white spats, black or dark brown shoes. Vest and gloves optional. Ladies should turn out exactly the same except for a white skirt instead of white breeches.”).

5. With Beagles, the nose knows

A beagle looking up. Photography ©aradaphotography | Getty Images.

Along with the Bloodhound and Basset Hound, the Beagle’s sense of smell is one of the most acute in dogdom. While Beagles are incredibly affectionate, they are stubborn scent hounds, never more so than when they get a whiff of an intoxicating smell. At times like this, forget about the Beagle coming back when called. Obedience is not the breed’s forte. Be sure your fenced yard is escape proof, and always walk your Beagle on leash, unless you are in a safe, enclosed area.

Where the Beagle’s superior nose is highly valued is as a sniffer dog: The Beagle Brigade of the United States Department of Agriculture employs the breed to detect food items in luggage being brought into the country. After testing several other breeds, Beagles were chosen because their small size does not intimidate those who are afraid of dogs. They are also easy to care for and work well for rewards. (Detection of explosives involves climbing over luggage and on conveyor belts for which larger breeds are better suited.)

6. The Beagle is a social pack hound

Because Beagles have traditionally been raised in large packs, they do not do well as a single pet, left alone all day. Their frustration will quickly lead to excessive barking and destructive behavior. A second dog for companionship is strongly recommended.

7. Iconic Beagles

Snoopy the beagle. Photography ©CREDIT | Alamy Stock.

Charles Schulz’s beloved comic strip, Peanuts, features the world’s most famous Beagle, Snoopy. While he’s been known to enjoy an occasional joke at Charlie Brown’s expense, Snoopy is, for the most part, a devoted pet, and many a Beagle owner over the decades first succumbed to the charms of the breed thanks to Snoopy. In the glamorous world of dog shows, two real-life Beagles have attained ultimate stardom by winning Best in Show at the nationally televised Westminster Kennel Club event in New York City: “Uno” in 2008 and “Miss P” in 2015.

8. Beagles in pop culture

Former U.S. President Lyndon Baines Johnson owned several Beagles and created an uproar when he picked one up by the ears. The ship on which Charles Darwin made the voyage that provided much of the inspiration for On the Origin of Species was named the HMS Beagle, after the breed. Celebrity Beagle owners include singer Barry Manilow (who named one Bagel), Bravo TV talk-show host and producer Andy Cohen, actor Frankie Muniz, singer/dancer KayCee Stroh and Helio Castroneves, Brazilian racing-car driver.

Thumbnail: Photography ©olaser | Getty Images.

About the author

Allan Reznik is a journalist, editor and broadcaster who specializes in dog-related subjects. He is the former editor-in-chief of Dogs in Review and former editor of Dog Fancy magazine. A city dweller all his life, on both coasts, he now enjoys the rural South with his Afghan Hounds, Tibetan Spaniels and assorted rescues.

Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Dogster magazine. Have you seen the new Dogster print magazine in stores? Or in the waiting room of your vet’s office? Subscribe now to get Dogster magazine delivered straight to you!

Read more about dog breeds on Dogster.com:

5 Wrinkly Dog Breeds

Meet the Outgoing, Sporty Labrador Retriever

Why Do Dogs Howl? 5 Reasons

The post Meet Everyone’s Favorite Dog: the Beagle by Allan Reznik appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

[grublypetcare]

Meet Everyone’s Favorite Dog: the Beagle

The post Meet Everyone’s Favorite Dog: the Beagle by Allan Reznik appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

America loves the Beagle. There is nothing fancy or exotic or designer about him, but his loving temperament and handy size make him a perennial favorite, always among the top five most popular dogs in the American Kennel Club’s yearly ranking of its 194 breeds and varieties. Here are eight fun facts about this familiar little hound.

1. Sniffing out Beagle history

A beagle howling. Photography ©Mark Rogers Photography.

Dogs that resemble today’s Beagle in size and purpose can be traced back to the 5th century B.C. in ancient Greece. Xenophon, who was born circa 430 B.C., refers in his treatise On Hunting to a hound that hunted hares by scent and was followed on foot. Canute’s Forest Laws confirm that Beagle-type dogs were present in England before 1016. Miniature breeds of Beagle type were known from the times of Edward II and Henry VII, who both had packs of Glove Beagles, so named because they were small enough to fit on a glove, and Queen Elizabeth I kept Pocket Beagles that measured a mere 8 to 9 inches at the shoulder.

2. Two Beagle sizes

The official AKC breed standard recognizes two size varieties: The 13 Inch, for hounds not exceeding 13 inches in height at the shoulder, and the 15 Inch, for hounds over 13 inches but not exceeding 15 inches in height at the shoulder. Any Beagle measuring more than 15 inches at the shoulder is disqualified in the American show ring.

3. All about the Beagle tricolor

A tricolor Beagle. Photography ©alexkich | Getty Images.

The Beagle standard is very concise, allowing “any true hound color.” But what does that mean, exactly? While the vast majority of Beagles are tricolor, meaning tan and white with a big black saddle marking covering the back, Beagles are also seen in other hound color patterns. On some Beagles the saddle is not black but liver (reddish brown) or blue (a smoky gray). There are also red-and-white and lemon-and-white Beagles, without black markings. Finally, there are Beagles with colored flecks, speckles or ticking, similar to the color pattern of the Bluetick Coonhound.

4. The Beagle’s hunting roots

Rabbit hunting is so much a part of the Beagle’s history that the AKC breed standard, approved in 1957, actually includes a section on Beagle packs, with headings like Individual Merit of the Hounds, Manners (“The hounds must all work gaily and cheerfully”), Appointments (“Master and whips should be dressed alike, the master or huntsman to carry [a] horn, the whips and master to carry light thong whips”) and Recommendations for Show Livery, or apparel of the hunters (“Black velvet cap, white stock, green coat, white breeches or knickerbockers, green or black stockings, white spats, black or dark brown shoes. Vest and gloves optional. Ladies should turn out exactly the same except for a white skirt instead of white breeches.”).

5. With Beagles, the nose knows

A beagle looking up. Photography ©aradaphotography | Getty Images.

Along with the Bloodhound and Basset Hound, the Beagle’s sense of smell is one of the most acute in dogdom. While Beagles are incredibly affectionate, they are stubborn scent hounds, never more so than when they get a whiff of an intoxicating smell. At times like this, forget about the Beagle coming back when called. Obedience is not the breed’s forte. Be sure your fenced yard is escape proof, and always walk your Beagle on leash, unless you are in a safe, enclosed area.

Where the Beagle’s superior nose is highly valued is as a sniffer dog: The Beagle Brigade of the United States Department of Agriculture employs the breed to detect food items in luggage being brought into the country. After testing several other breeds, Beagles were chosen because their small size does not intimidate those who are afraid of dogs. They are also easy to care for and work well for rewards. (Detection of explosives involves climbing over luggage and on conveyor belts for which larger breeds are better suited.)

6. The Beagle is a social pack hound

Because Beagles have traditionally been raised in large packs, they do not do well as a single pet, left alone all day. Their frustration will quickly lead to excessive barking and destructive behavior. A second dog for companionship is strongly recommended.

7. Iconic Beagles

Snoopy the beagle. Photography ©CREDIT | Alamy Stock.

Charles Schulz’s beloved comic strip, Peanuts, features the world’s most famous Beagle, Snoopy. While he’s been known to enjoy an occasional joke at Charlie Brown’s expense, Snoopy is, for the most part, a devoted pet, and many a Beagle owner over the decades first succumbed to the charms of the breed thanks to Snoopy. In the glamorous world of dog shows, two real-life Beagles have attained ultimate stardom by winning Best in Show at the nationally televised Westminster Kennel Club event in New York City: “Uno” in 2008 and “Miss P” in 2015.

8. Beagles in pop culture

Former U.S. President Lyndon Baines Johnson owned several Beagles and created an uproar when he picked one up by the ears. The ship on which Charles Darwin made the voyage that provided much of the inspiration for On the Origin of Species was named the HMS Beagle, after the breed. Celebrity Beagle owners include singer Barry Manilow (who named one Bagel), Bravo TV talk-show host and producer Andy Cohen, actor Frankie Muniz, singer/dancer KayCee Stroh and Helio Castroneves, Brazilian racing-car driver.

Thumbnail: Photography ©olaser | Getty Images.

About the author

Allan Reznik is a journalist, editor and broadcaster who specializes in dog-related subjects. He is the former editor-in-chief of Dogs in Review and former editor of Dog Fancy magazine. A city dweller all his life, on both coasts, he now enjoys the rural South with his Afghan Hounds, Tibetan Spaniels and assorted rescues.

Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Dogster magazine. Have you seen the new Dogster print magazine in stores? Or in the waiting room of your vet’s office? Subscribe now to get Dogster magazine delivered straight to you!

Read more about dog breeds on Dogster.com:

5 Wrinkly Dog Breeds

Meet the Outgoing, Sporty Labrador Retriever

Why Do Dogs Howl? 5 Reasons

The post Meet Everyone’s Favorite Dog: the Beagle by Allan Reznik appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.