Type of Beagle and Type of Breeding Help

[mrramthun]

I would like some honest dialoge about the differnt types of beagles such as the patch, the northern fast hare hound type ect. It seems like everyone is selling the dog they have. I am just starting out, last year I purchased a hound and I am not sure if this is the type of beagle that I want to have. I would like to know the pros and cons of each type of beagle, what lines of breeding seem to produce this type of hound, and different kennels that breed this type of hound.

I have been reading as many books as I can about beagling and this is some of the information I haven't really been able to find. If any one knows of good books that I should read on beagling, please pass them along also.

I just want to do a bunch of research before I invest in another dog. I don't want to be disappointed and get another dog that I am really not satisfied with. I get way to attached to my dogs, so they are going to be with me for a long time.

Thank You in Advance Mike Ramthun

[beagle crazy]

It may be easier, on here at least, to let us know what kind of dog you're looking for. Do you want a rabbit hunting dog, a hare hunting dog, a dog for field trials--and if so which trials. Are you looking for a fast hound? A slower hound? Etc....
Some of the "experts" on here could help you out a lot easier if they know what you were looking for.

[mrramthun]

I understand what you are saying. I didn't really want to bias some ones opinion and have them tell me what they think the right dog for me is. I really would like to decide for myself what the right dog is by going to see some of these certain types of hounds in action. I live in South Eastern Wisconsin, and mainly I hunt cottontail. I might be interested in attending some field trials and running braces, SPO maybe. First and foremost I want a good hunting beagle. The beagle I acquired last year is really slow. Some people believe that this is the type of dog you want. I am not convinced of this. I am really interested in the different traits of the different types of hounds to help me make a more informed decision.

Thank you

Mike Ramthun

[Tim H]

Nothing compares to going and seeing as many dogs run as you can. You are wise to realize that if you say what you're looking for, everyone who has a dog for sale will all the sudden have that exact dog. Go to the different field trials. See as many registries and formats as you can. Find people that you think are like minded in what they think a dog should be and pick their brains for where you will see most of that style of dog. Then go see as many dogs as you can that have the things in them that you think will satisfy you. Then go watch more dogs and only chose a dog when you think you can pick a good one when you see it. Don't chose a dog until you are confident you know what a good dog is, then you'll not have to live with a dog that someone else thought you would like. You will be much happier with a dog you took the time to chose and will not worry about who to be mad at when things don't work out. On the flip side, no one else can take credit when you brag about the dog you picked out, cause it's doing just what you want.

Did I mention go see dogs run?!

[mrramthun]

Thanks Tim, I totally agree with you and I plan on doing just that.

[PBJ]

Go to laneline's beagle website. Tons of information and some videos of different types of beagles. Its interesting anyways. Good luck as we are all continually searching for the perfect beagle.

[mrramthun]

Thanks,

It is funny you should mention Lanelines website, I just talked to Jim Lane and he gave me a lot of great information. Jim is a great guy, and honest as the day is long. Which is really something I respect. He really helped me to clear up some of the mysteries associated with beagles. I would recommend anyone just starting out to contact Jim and he will point you in the right direction.

Sincerely,

Mike Ramthun

[swing]

Mike,
How much experience do you have with raising and training hunting dogs ? And how much have you been around hunting dogs ?

[mrramthun]

Hi Trent

I have quite a bit of experience raising and training coon hounds, but I got away from it because I was working construction and had no time for the dogs. I hurt my back and had to have a spinal fusion, so I am not able to chase dogs all over the country side any more. I started hunting with beagles about 2 1/2 years ago with a buddy of mine who has some pretty good grade males. I really enjoyed it and feel its the best of both worlds. Here I can have hounds and not have to trek all over the country side in the dark chasing them. So I decided to get into the beagle game and bought a pup a year ago, within about 4 1/2 to 5 months I had the girl started really good. The problem is she is way too slow, I mean way to slow! I have the dog behaving and minding perfect, I can direct her where I want her to go by hand and voice commands, she will fetch a rabbit and bring it to who ever I tell her to. One breeder even gave me a field champion who was shot and really abused and I have totally turned her around, though she still needs some work on listening and behaving to commands but I finally decided to resort to a training collar and am just waiting for it to arrive to start working with her on these things.

Does this answer your question Trent.

Thanks

Mike Ramthun

[JakesPop]

Mike,
How much experience do you have with raising and training hunting dogs ? And how much have you been around hunting dogs ?

It does show don't it, Swing? Hold on, its coming. Bye, Bye! I'm outa here.
Pop

[swing]

Yes you answered my question.