26 
Beagles and Beagling 
colors has led to more or less prejudice against the 
Blue Caps. 
There has been more or less discussion over the 
Blue Caps and their origin, some making the claim 
that the color comes from the old blue spotted 
harrier, or a native small-eared foxhound. As far 
hack as in 1888 some writers in the sportsmen’s 
journals advised keeping away from the “Blue 
Belles,” “Blue Boys” and “Blue Caps” if they 
wished to bred pure beagles. Fortunately, this 
advice was not heeded judging from the success 
that this strain has had as field trial dogs and as 
hunting companions as late as this present season 
of 1923. 
The small-eared native foxhounds might have 
figured in the cross with the Blue Caps after they 
came to this country, but, if the old blue spotted 
harrier had anything to do with making the strain 
the rabbit dogs that thev are, then he deserves the 
everlasting* gratitude of real field beaglers. It is 
stated through other writers that the Blue Caps 
came originally from the kennels of Sir Arthur 
Ashburnham, in England, and that William Asshe- 
ton was responsible for the first importations. In 
conformation and particularly in markings they 
were entirely different from the Rowetts, although 
perhaps even more showy. Many of them are 
blanketed with black from shoulder to stern, while 
the collar, underbody and legs are mottled with blue 
and tan ticks and the head is a rich tan. Personally, 
I always had a great admiration for these markings, 
and after seeing so many of them in the field and 
