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 responsibility 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. A reputable breeder will spend some time finding out if the prospective buyer and his home are suitable for a beagle, so please do not object to a lot of questions which are to satisfy the breeder that his puppies are not being purchased for breeding (unless discussed with and approved by the breeder beforehand) or re-sale to research or the export market.

Your puppy's breeder should be able to show you the kind of environment in which your puppy was raised, your puppy's dam (mother), littermates 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 commitments 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!

COST

It is always difficult to predict as prices are constantly spiralling - kennelling, feeding, and veterinary fees etc. However, purely as a guide, one should expect to pay between $800 and $900 for a pedigree pet puppy at eight weeks of age. A potential show dog could cost considerably more. Prospective puppy buyers should ensure that the price includes the first needle, microchip and that the puppy has been correctly wormed. If you wish to show your beagle it will be necessary for you to join the Royal NSW Canine Council. They will be pleased to forward the relevant information and application forms to you (address & phone No's follow).

Dogs NSW (The Royal New South Wales Canine Council)
PO Box 632
St Marys NSW 2760
Phone : (02) 9834 3022 or 1300 728 022
Fax : (02) 9834 3872
E-mail : info@dogsnsw.org.au

If there is anything more you wish to know about either the breed or the Club, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the Breed Enquiry Officer, Bev on 02 9679 1169 or Gwenda by email.

If after reading all the information you are interested in getting a beagle puppy then please contact the Breeders listed in the Breeder Directory. Available puppy details will NOT be given over the phone or by email. Breeders listed there are members of the Club.
 

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