A new dog is a long-term investment for a family that should never be taken lightly. This is why it is so important to do your homework before you select the breed that you want and find the breeder that can provide your dog of choice. If you decide that the breed you want is a Beagle, one of the most important steps that you can take to ensure that you end up with a healthy, happy puppy is to take your time searching for a reputable breeder. There are many Beagle breeders across the globe to choose from, but not all of them are created equal. It is your job to do the correct research and ask the right questions before handing over any money and bringing a dog home.
There are two different ways that you might come in contact with a Beagle breeder, either in person if the breeder lives in your area or over the Internet. There are precautions that you can take to check the reliability and integrity of your breeder, no matter how far away the person may live from you.
The first step in selecting a reputable Beagle breeder is to ask the right questions before you ever select a puppy from the litter. A good breeder will not mind your interview, and will even appreciate that fact that you are taking the time to find the best place to get your dog from. Questions for your Beagle breeder should include finding out if you can meet one or both of the parents of the litter to see the appearance and temperament of the dogs. It is important to note that a shy dog may breed other shy, skittish dogs, so a responsible breeder will generally not use dogs of this temperament for breeding purposes.
You should also ask your potential Beagle breeder about genetic health problems of the breed. Your breeder should be knowledgeable about these issues, and should provide documentation to show that his dogs have been properly tested for potential problems. Other concerns to address include immunizations, food and the age that puppies are allowed to go to their new homes.
Another popular method for finding AKC puppies today is with the help of the Internet. While it may seem like an odd way to bring a new pup into your home, the advantage of this method is that you can broaden your base to find the exact dog that you are looking for. Many Beagle breeders advertise their litters this way, and even keep wait lists for prospective owners electronically. Keep in mind that if you decide to acquire your dog through electronic means, there is some additional steps to take to ensure that you get what you pay for. First, always follow up email correspondence with a phone call to a live person, and make sure that payments are going to the same address that is on the breeder’s website. You can also request a signed contract prior to the exchange of funds so that you have a form of recourse if something goes wrong in the transaction.
There are plenty of good Beagle breeders today, and many ways to find them. Make sure that you protect yourself and your future family pet by doing your homework before you make your final purchase.
