| Good Beagle breeders ensure the well being of their | | | | and immunizations. Their dogs may have been |
| Beagles. Though making a profit motivates many | | | | spayed or neutered prior to sale. They do not breed |
| breeders, the best also care for the breed they | | | | Beagles with known medical conditions or behavioral |
| produce. The subject of this article is finding good | | | | problems. They do not sell puppies to pet stores or |
| Beagle breeders and learning how to avoid bad | | | | pet brokers. The kennels are clean and meet the |
| breeders. | | | | Beagles' basic and social needs. Breeders are experts |
| A breeder is anyone who breeds animals. Purebred | | | | on their breed and are affiliated with Beagle rescue. |
| breeders mate specific breeds. Breeders want to be | | | | Breeders have good references such as the AKC |
| deemed reputable. Many maintain kennels where they | | | | (American Kennel Club). Most importantly: breeders |
| house and care for their breed. Beagle breeders must | | | | love their Beagles! Genuine affection for the breed is |
| be knowledgeable of Beagle information. The breed | | | | a must-have in a successful breeder. |
| dates back to 19th century England. Beagles are | | | | Research Beagle breeders thoroughly before |
| thought to have descended from the "Harrier," a | | | | choosing one to buy your Beagle from. A good place |
| medium sized English hound used for hunting. Beagles | | | | to start your research is the American Kennel Club's |
| were officially registered as a breed with the | | | | website. Though the AKC cannot specifically endorse |
| American Kennel Club in 1885. | | | | the breeders it lists, its subsidiary AKC Parent Clubs |
| Beagles can have problems with their pendulous ears | | | | can recommend local breeders in each state. Contact |
| as moisture and bacteria can collect if the dog is not | | | | phone numbers and other information for breeders |
| groomed regularly. Beagles also have a history of | | | | are available on the AKC's site. |
| conditions such as cataracts, congenital heart | | | | Make sure to list specific questions before contacting |
| conditions and degenerative spine disease. Because of | | | | the breeder. Also visit the facility or kennel if possible |
| the breed's popularity, many are caged in puppy mills | | | | to make sure your potential Beagle has been raised in |
| where they are forced to breed constantly. They are | | | | appropriate conditions. Does the breeder offer a |
| not socialized and resulting litters suffer due to the | | | | warranty and/or return policy? Is medical |
| mother's declining health. Over-breeding causes a | | | | documentation available? You may also want to ask |
| degeneration of the gene pool. | | | | about rescued Beagles. These are usually adult |
| Beagle breeders can be good or bad. There are | | | | Beagles who have suffered trauma such as |
| some sure-fire ways to discern between the two. | | | | abandonment and neglect. They are less expensive |
| Good breeders are be backed up by references, | | | | but purebred, though complete lineage information |
| which they should be able to provide on demand. | | | | may not be available. |
| Word of mouth is a good way to get a general idea | | | | You will be able to enjoy your Beagle for the next |
| of a breeder's reputation. Specifics of a good breeder | | | | ten to fifteen years. Make sure he is a healthy |
| are as follows: They have their own kennels. Their | | | | Beagle raised appropriately by a reputable breeder. |
| Beagles have received appropriate medical screening | | | | |