Characteristics of different breedings.

[friar]

I am very new to this and am seeking information on which strains of beagles have the traits I am looking for. What sites are out there that would provide this type of information. Thank you.

[AlabamaSwamper]

This is the site but we need to know what kind of traits you like. You might also try http://www.rabbithuntingonline.com. Go to the bullentin board there also and ask it in the rabbit hunting forum.

[friar]

I would be most interested in a strain of dog that would hit the brush & hunt for his own rabbits, would accurately/systematically stick to the line at a medium pace and be able to do so in a manner where the rabbit is run. Precision rather than speed, I guess.

[AlabamaSwamper]

Ok, there are several out there like this. Where are you located. Some areas have certain lines that are easier to get than others. Ex. Down around where I am from, you don't see any Branko, Northway ect, yet you see alot of Playboy, Skullfork/Blackcreek. I think the midwest is the best place for the most choices. I run Diamond II, Playboy, Skullfork, Gay and a couple of grade dogs. They are more medium speed with line control but there are probably faster than can hold the line. I am trying to get into that myself but it is taking time.

[friar]

PA

[KanesIrish]

PA can go either way when it comes to running a certain style of hound. I have only been to PA once to trial, however I have seen quite a few hounds out of PA run. Most of the hounds I have seen out of PA have been very good, but range in styles

Roger George of Hunters Creek Beagles bases his bloodlines on George Edward's Bungalow Hill dogs. These dogs are line bred Dingus MacRae, Chico's Northway Venture, and Nomad's Buckshot Mr. Bill bred. Roger has outcrossed these dogs to Kalagha, Burdette's Little Darbin, and Kingwood Shorty with much success. Roger's dogs, from what I've seen are hard going dogs, that will make mistakes...but keep the rabbit going.

Marshall Sparks hounds, Skeeter's Beagles, are based on Flat Creek Blake, and an old bitch he had that went back to hare breeding. He has told me the bitches name but I can't recall it. Marshall's dogs are more of a medium speed dog, with good noses. His dogs kill lead dogs from behind.

It really depends on what part of PA you are in and what style of dog you want to run.