The American Beagler Forum

being in rescue I cannot claim to have extensive knowledge of hunting...though I do ALOT of work with local hunters and have gone on several trials with them and thier dogs.
I read through the "whats everyone think" post and all it replies. I love you guys! A few of you are true purists when it comes to your dogs and thier hunting. It is great to see...
some of the replies were kind of matter of fact though...
for instance one of you mentions about dogs being "hobby dogs" if they were only trial dogs. I ask that you please not forget that there are a great number of Beaglers who live in areas where it is very difficult to hunt thier dogs in any other manner than trials. My area ("chicagoland") for instanace doesnt have alot of areas left for hunting. The hunting seasons are short, locations not readily available, and the use of guns prohibitted in even many of the rural, non incorporated areas. The hunters here are resigned to pulling permits, paying farmers (usually far from home) high fees to hunt thier land, and running thier dogs in empty lots in half built industrial parks and the like. These guys are left with trials and not much else. To say that these guys are hobbiests is not entirely fair. Many of these guys are the last, clinging to the end of the rope, hunters trying to keep alive a way of life with more and more BMW driving Biff and Buffy yuppies types breathing down thier necks everyday. These guys truely love the sport, thier dogs, and do everything they can in a sad situation.

just an opinion....

D.E Lee
RobDars Beagle Rescue

Lee, Thanks for your input. The situation in urban America for hunters can indeed be a tough situation I suppose.

I was the one in the other thread that used the title "hobby hounds". However, most trials are stating they are promoting Gundog field trials. If the dogs they are showcasing are not suitable to be a hunting dog under the gun, what is it? Hence a "hobby hound". The term is not meant to be a bad. But if a dog is not proven under a gun, what else could it be, other than a pet or field trial "hobby" hound? Most folks that attend field trials have at least some interest in hunting. Some dont I suppose. I have read about judges that hav never hunted in their lives! Now that's a scary thought!

One can go back to the traditional brace beagle, stop and study the history of it, and realize what devestation it has done to the beagle as a useful hunting companion. Notice I said useful hunting companion. Not all beagles are hunting dogs. Many are great household pets, etc., and nothing wrong with that at all! However, when trialing formats crown their best and promote a gundog when in fact it is not suitable for hunting purposes, something is amiss and the breed as a hunting dog is what suffers. If an association wants to promote a dog that is for "trialing purposs only", thats fine, but call it that!

I hate to add the 5th wheel here...but I think my hounds are "hobby" hounds...and I kill rabbits in front of them whenever I want and I trial them with some success, by my standards.

I may be missing something, but I dont see what makes a gun dog anything other than a hobby hound. I dont intend on ever being a "big time" breeder who makes my living in beagles, maybe dream of a living this way, but I never intend on it ever being more than a dream
If it dont provide my living..... its a hobby. Hunting is a hobby for most of us. Trialing is a hobby for most of us.

On the same hand.....I wouldnt be bent out of shape if someone said my hounds are "hobby" hounds.....thats what I think they are.

Just my 2 cents.....

Merry Christmas and have a safe New Year!

Randy

Good perspective Randy. I appreciate that post.

I see your point about being proven under the gun. I would for instance see a possibility for a bloodline, not proven under the gun though wonderful trial dogs, to develope generations of gun skittish dogs...and without being proven...who would know. I guess I misunderstood the intent on the wording "hooby hounds".
You mentioned Bracing.....
Heres a thing I need to learn more about...
Is Bracing still popular?
What exactly is the difference in the performance of the dog?
What does one look for in a Bracing dog?
I am asking because we have a Beagle right now who we sent out with the president of our local hunt club(Mr. Hammond) to see if he would hunt for him ( the dog was an AKC registered hunting dog with papers and all when we pulled him from the shelter....he was turned in because ...as his owner put it.."his speed is all wrong for me") I havent had the chance to go out with the dog but Mr Hammond left us a message about him...he said that he is a great hunting dog but must have been trained for bracing.
I know that no one around here runs bracing Beagles anymore.