The beagle is a scent hound, developed primarily for hunting hare (beagling). Some writers suggest that the beagle's scenting ability may have come from cross-breeding earlier strains with the Kerry Beagle. Originally used for hunting stags, it is today used for hare and drag hunting. Rabbit hunting. Woods N' Water, Inc. pp. Rabbit hunting. Woods N' Water, Inc. pp. 22–23.