BEAGLE COLORS
The Beagle standard previously stated “Any hound color”. When the old beagle masters in the 1950’s were writing the standard they were considering the typical hound colors and color patterns of the Foxhound breeds. In the last few years pictures appeared on public forums from owners and prospective owners of a new color pattern in beagles that has never been known to exist in the breed. This new color pattern was being called "Norwegian blue", "Russian blue" and "leopard" beagles. They are actually incorrect names of what appeared to be a merle (dapple) patterned Beagle. The dapple gene or "merle" gene has never been known or documented to exist in the Beagle color genetic pattern. The merle gene is Dominate- meaning it cannot remain hidden for generations like a recessive gene. One of the parents of a merle beagle has to be a merle. Merle beagles would be very common due to the dominate nature of the gene if it existed in the beagle gene pool. All of the genetic references do not list this color pattern as being one identified in the Beagle breed. Not ONE Beagle breeder in any other country stated they had seen a merle patterned beagle or is this color pattern acceptable in any foreign registry. Repeat--Merle is not listed as a registration color pattern option with AKC or any other registry internationally.
When information about a few AKC registered “merle” beagles was obtained, AKC was notified and a request was made for investigation. AKC did investigate and those registrations were cancelled.
The brindle is not a true hound color pattern for a beagle. It appeared in Sweden about 30 years ago near the Norwegian border. It is thought to be a mixture of a Drever which is a
short legged Swedish breed. Just like the merle gene the brindle gene is dominate and there fore should be wide spread in the beagle population if it ever existed. There are no reports of a brindle beagle in the US at this time.
NO reputable breed club recognizes merle and has "merle" or “brindle” as a color pattern option.
NO research has found the “merle’ or “brindle” gene to be in beagles.
The fact is that merle and brindle color patterns have been introduced into the beagle breed by various untold means or reasons. It should not be promoted, prized, or bred for by guardians of our breed.
To maintain the integrity of our breed, the National Beagle Club of America voted to add the DQ of merle and brindle to the standard. Following AKC protocols the AKC Board approved the change.
“Any allowed hound color. Merle and brindle colors patterns are not acceptable and shall be disqualified.”
