So you think you'd like a beagle?

If you answered "NO" to any of the above questions, then I strongly suggest that you think twice about purchasing a beagle. Chances are a beagle IS NOT FOR YOU!

If you have read this far and are still keen on getting a beagle, then here is some more information about the breed.

The beagle is a very old pure bred, first records of it can be found more than 2,000 years ago in Ancient Greece. In Britain it has been used as a hunting hound since the 14th. Century and packs of them are still used to hunt hare. However, the beagle has been domesticated very successfully during recent years and is now a very popular pet and show dog.

In appearance the beagle is a lively, sturdy looking hound. The most common colour is the tri-colour a combination of black, tan and white and tan and white or lemon and white. The tail (stern) should always have a white tip and the eyes should be dark. It's coat is short, dense and weatherproof. making it easy to groom and keep clean. It is of medium size, being between 13" and 16" high measured from the top of the shoulder vertically to the ground, thus it can fit easily into most households and cars. A healthy beagle that is not overweight should weigh between 12 to 15 kgs.

One of their greatest attributes is their extremely good temperament. They are bold, with an even temperament, and a merry disposition. For this reason they make an excellent family pet, and are one of the few breeds that can be recommended for children

Because the beagle was bred as a pack animal, it is important that he receives plenty of company.This can be from his human family or from other dogs (preferably beagles, of course!). If your family and lifestyle is one where nobody is home for long periods during the day, or if you want the dog outside and you inside, then the beagle is not for you. If you are regularly away from home for long periods and must have a beagle, then I highly recommend you get two. This is not meant to be a sales pitch to sell another dog - if he has company of a friend while you are away, he will be much more settled, dig far fewer holes, bark a lot less and won't get as fat.

A beagle must be able to roam free in a securely fenced backyard and or in the house. Chaining a beagle to a kennel for long periods is cruel. They are not adapted to this form of living. The yard must also be escape proof. If you cannot provide an escape proof backyard without having to chain your dog up, DO NOT BUY A BEAGLE.

Beagles were bred to hunt regularly over long periods of time and have developed a high level of stamina which needs regular exercise. Regular walks on a lead are important, especially for the young beagle. A beagle is a scent hound, and once on a scent, he focuses only on this. It is almost as though his ears and eyes are closed to the world as he works diligently on the scent before him. For this reason, for his own safety walks on a lead are a necessity, as is a well enclosed back yard.

Your beagle puppy must be handled with firmness and with love or you will find that your lovely puppy has grown into a disobedient and unruly dog. A little extra time spent with your puppy, teaching it what it can and can't do will lead to a happy beagle and a happy owner.

If all breeds were as healthy as the beagle, many vets. would go out of business! Provided they are looked after, they will rarely need veterinary attention. They will of course, require their annual vaccinations against disease and regular anti-worm (including heartworm) treatment. Of course, completely unexpected complaints can occur from time to time. Reputable breeders will not knowingly breed with an animal that has a problem. The average lifespan is 10 to 15 years so if you have any long term plans that will eventually affect your beagle, rethink getting the puppy.

If your beagle has been purchased as a pet, it is advisable to have it desexed. Not only does this stop unwanted puppies being born but also attracts a discount on the registration fee with your local Council.

Before buying your puppy, ask yourself why you want one? Are you prepared for the responsibility that goes with owning a dog? Who is the puppy for? Never buy a puppy for just one of your children. The dog you buy must be looked on as a family pet. Everybody must take responsibility for the care of the dog. It is unrealistic to think a young child will take responsibilty for the puppy and for cleaning up after it!

Some breeders may not sell to couples that work, so if you both work long hours and are not home very often, it is worth considering whether you really do want a dog and if you have the time required to devote to it. If you are garden proud, you must also consider whether you want a dog. Most puppies will chew plants and dig the garden given half a chance.

Acquiring your puppy or dog from a reputable breeder is of utmost importance. Your puppy's breeders should be able to show you the kind of environment in which your puppy was raised, your puppy's dam (mother), liitermates and occasionally the sire (father). The breeder should also supply you with information about feeding, grooming, veterinary care (including vaccination details and future needs) and your puppy's registration certificate with the State's controlling body or a copy of its pedigree. If any problems arise at any time in the future, your dog's breeder should be available for consultation.

You will not be able to purchase a puppy until it is at least 8 weeks of age, but most breeders will let you see the puppies at 6 or 7 weeks. Sometimes you may not get to choose between a whole litter, this will depend on other committments the breeder has to fulfil.

There is something magical about owning a beagle. Their antics never cease to amuse you. They are loving, happy little hounds with personality plus. people seem to love them or hate them. But the saying goes that if you have managed to live with a beagle for two years, you will never want to own another breed!

If you would like further information about the breed that has not been covered above or you would like to know how to get in conatct with a reputable breeder, please don't hesitate to get in contact with me.

Over 20 years of my own experience!!
"So You Want to Know more About Beagles" - A pamphlet published byThe Beagle Club of N.S.W. Inc.
An information pamplet published by the Beagle Club of South Australia

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