The Beagle dog breed dates back historically to 19th century England. The breed is thought to have descended from the "Harrier," a medium sized English hound used for hunting. Beagles were officially registered as a breed with the American Kennel Club in 1885. Though Beagles derived from inter-breeding of the Harrier and other hunting dogs, they are viewed as a pure breed today.



The subject of this article is finding good Beagle breeders and learning how to avoid bad breeders. Good Beagle breeders ensure the well being of their Beagles. They set up kennels to care for the breed they produce. They care about their reputation. Bad breeders set up puppy mills where they over-breed Beagles without regard to comfort or happiness.

Beagle breeders can be good or bad. There are some sure-fire ways to discern between the two. Good breeders are be backed up by references, which they should be able to provide on demand. Word of mouth is a good way to get a general idea of a breeder's reputation. Specifics of a good breeder are as follows: They have their own kennels. Their Beagles have received appropriate medical screening and immunizations. Their dogs may have been spayed or neutered prior to sale. They do not breed Beagles with known medical conditions or behavioral problems. They do not sell puppies to pet stores or pet brokers.

Breeders are experts on their breed and are affiliated with Beagle rescue. Breeders have good references such as the AKC (American Kennel Club). Most importantly: breeders love their Beagles! Genuine affection for the breed is a must-have in a successful breeder.

Bad breeders can usually be discovered by word of mouth. They may not be versed on even basic Beagle information. Many illegitimate breeders have entered the computer age and use the Web to advertise. Some sites offer "next day" puppy processing which is a sure sign of a bogus business. It is important to report unethical breeders.

Research Beagle breedersthoroughly before choosing one to buy your Beagle from. A good place to start your research is the American Kennel Club's website. Though the AKC cannot specifically endorse the breeders it lists, its subsidiary AKC Parent Clubs can recommend local breeders in each state. Contact phone numbers and other information for breeders are available on the AKC's site.

Make sure to list specific questions before contacting the breeder. Also visit the facility or kennel if possible to make sure your potential Beagle has been raised in appropriate conditions. Does the breeder offer a warranty and/or return policy? Is medical documentation available? You may also want to ask about rescued Beagles.

Also read up on your state's "puppy lemon laws." Yes, there is such a thing. There are specific guidelines that must be followed but a sick Beagle can be returned or exchanged just like a "lemon," or defective, car.