The American Beagler Forum

what qualitys are most important to look for in a new pup? im going to look at a litter next week . any suggestions would be great . thanks

Hunter, it all depends on what you're trying to do or expect from your dog. Are you going to trial it? Are you just going to use it for hunting? Look at the parents, the bloodline, and I would suggest watching parents run first. But you know, when it really comes right down to it,...it's really a crap shoot. I've seen some fantastic dogs come from crummy parents, and some crummy dogs come from fantastic breedings and bloodlines. I think above all else though is make sure your potential pup is in good health, and that you are dealing with a decent breeder. I always look at the condition of the kennel. Do they appear to be clean, etc. You don't want to take anything more home than your puppy. In reguards to the breeder, if I can't get along with or don't care for a breeder, I won't usually get a pup from him. I always inquire about some sort of a health guarantee also. Myself as a breeder, I always give a 6 month guarantee with all my pups. I feel that a reputable breeder should stand behind his dogs for at least some amount of time anyways. If you have any real doubts,...take along a more experienced beagler with you if possible. Also ask alot of questions. It's the folks that don't ask any or many questions I wonder about. A respectable breeder should have no quams about answering questions. I don't take purchasing a puppy too lightly, and don't just sell ours to just anyone either. It really should be an important decision. A decision you should be able to live with (and hunt/trial with) for awhile. Take your time,...don't get in a hurry or be pressured into anything. If a warning flag goes up,..pay attention to it. It probably is telling you something about the dog or the breeder. Good luck.

hi hunter,red briar is correct.once you bring that pup home and your family gets attached its hard to get rid of,now you got a pet you have to feed for 10 years.you wanna make sure its out of hunting stock.make sure the guy is reputable,ask for ref.you know a lot of advice i give people is buy a6 month old already started at least your able to see what your getting.hunter when getting any dog be sure to look at eyes,make sure they are clear,see if you could get pup to follow your finger.smell there ears,pick the pup up click your fingers to the right and then to the left,make sure pup is not deaf.check belly,should be smooth,if there is a lump could be a hernia.take dog out by itself look at his hind qaurters make sure they look good.check out ther mouth for underbites remember look at dogs tale it tells you alot.ask about the parents health,make sure there wormed and got shots up to date.take your time buying a dog.good luck.brian