The larger hounds would run the prey to ground, then the hunters would release the small dogs to continue the chase through underbrush. Elizabeth I referred to the dogs as her singing beagles and often entertained guests at her royal table by letting her Pocket Beagles cavort amid their plates and cups.
Larger hunting hounds would track down prey, after which smaller dogs were released to pursue them through bushes. Queen Elizabeth I called her beagle dogs "singing beagles" and enjoyed entertaining guests with them playing around her dinner table.