West of Argyll Terrier

The Beagle is a small to medium-sized scent hound with a solidly built, muscular body that appears substantial for its height. The breed comes in two size varieties recognized by major kennel clubs: those standing thirteen inches or less at the shoulder and weighing under twenty pounds, and those between thirteen and fifteen inches tall weighing twenty to thirty pounds. The Beagle's body is slightly longer than it is tall, with a level topline, a broad and deep chest that reaches to the elbows, and well-sprung ribs that provide ample room for heart and lung capacity essential for the breed's endurance during hunting. The Beagle possesses a distinctive hound appearance characterized by a slightly domed skull, a squarish muzzle of moderate length, and a broad nose with large, open nostrils that house the breed's exceptional scenting ability. The eyes are large, set well apart, and range from hazel to dark brown in color, conveying the gentle, pleading expression that is characteristic of the breed. The ears are one of the Beagle's most recognizable features, being long, soft, and low-set, reaching nearly to the tip of the nose when drawn forward. They hang close to the cheeks with rounded tips and help funnel scents toward the nose while the dog is tracking. The Beagle has a smooth, dense double coat that is weather-resistant and requires minimal grooming despite moderate year-round shedding. The breed comes in a variety of colors, with tricolor combinations of black, tan, and white being the most common. Other acceptable colors include red and white, lemon and white, and chocolate and white, as well as various combinations with ticking or mottling. The tail, known as the stern, is moderately long, carried high with a slight curve, and is white-tipped. This white flag was selectively bred to remain visible when the dog's head is down following a scent trail during hunting.

The West Highland White Terrier, affectionately known as the Westie, is a small but sturdy terrier that originated in Scotland as a capable hunter of small game. This compact breed stands ten to eleven inches tall at the shoulder and typically weighs between thirteen and twenty-two pounds, with males generally being slightly larger than females. The Westie has a distinctively balanced and well-proportioned body that is slightly longer than it is tall, giving it an athletic appearance despite its small size. The breed possesses a broad chest, strong muscular limbs, and a level topline that contributes to its surprisingly powerful build for a dog of its stature. The most striking feature of the West Highland White Terrier is its brilliant pure white double coat, which consists of a harsh, straight outer coat approximately two inches in length and a soft, dense undercoat. This distinctive white coloring was specifically developed so hunters could easily distinguish their dogs from the prey they were pursuing. The coat requires regular grooming and either hand-stripping or clipping to maintain its proper texture and appearance. The fur grows thicker around the neck, forming a characteristic ruff, while the hair on the face fills out to give the head a rounded appearance that is a hallmark of the breed. The Westie's head is proportionate to its body with a slightly domed skull that is broader than it is long. The breed features deep-set, almond-shaped eyes that are dark brown in color and convey an intelligent, alert expression. The small, erect, triangular ears are set wide apart on top of the head and are covered with short, velvety hair. The muzzle is slightly shorter than the skull with a defined stop, and the nose is always black. The tail is relatively short, carried upright, and is thicker at the base, tapering to a point. The paws turn slightly outward, an adaptation that aided the breed when climbing rocky Scottish terrain.