The Kerry Beagle is one of the oldest Irish Hounds, believed to be descendant from the Old Southern Hound or Celtic Hounds, detailed pedigrees date back as far as 1794. Originally bred as a scent hound used to track game, larger hounds were then sent in to do the actual hunting. This breed is still used today for hunting fox, hare and takes part in drag hunting.
The Kerry Beagle almost died out and may have been revived by adding braque de l’Ariège, a French hound.
