Yellow, I'm being lazy and haven't read all the posts so apologies if it's been said before, but here's my 2p worth (dog owner, fosterer, mum and rescuer):
- A beagle is not the best choice for a novice owner, think carefully!
- Breeders only have to be licensed under the following circumstances:
A dog breeding licence is required if either of the following applies:
* four or more other litters of puppies are born to bitches during any 12 month period. Litters will count towards the total of four or more other litters, where they are born to bitches which are either:
* kept at any premises during the 12 month period
* kept by any relative at the breeding establishment
* kept elsewhere
* kept by any person under a breeding arrangement
and at least one puppy from each litter is sold during the 12 month period
* Any other case where it is deemed that a business of breeding dogs for sale is being carried on from a premises
Ergo, unless the above applies, ANYONE can call themselves a breeder. KC registered does NOT necessarily mean healthy pups or reputable.
- BEWARE OF PUPPY FARMERS. They are far more rife than you might imagine. Read up on them online and if in any doubt, avoid. If you want more info on them, speak to Moreen (known as Mo) Davie, an animal welfare campaigner in South Wales (details should be online or put a yell on here with my name in the title and I'll put you in touch), she is THE authority on the subject imho.
- Please consider rescue. A reputable one will (yeah yeah, here I go again those who know me!) neuter, vaccinate, assess the dog, homecheck you for YOUR benefit as well as the dog's, microchip, offer lifetime support and take the dog back if ever, even 10 years down the line, you can't keep him. Avoid those which don't. This is not an absolute for the more experienced owner, god knows pound dogs without this in place need homes more than most in rescue, but is very important for novice owners ime.
- Speak to breed rescue and local ones, plus others further afield, some of whom will rehome miles away if they can arrange a homecheck. Many Tears is a good example of one like this. Let rescue guide you, they KNOW their dogs.
- Go into this with an open mind. What you need is a dog which will suit you and your lifestyle, not one that looks like a beagle/is small/is male/is white/whatever.
When I lost my small female collie cross and wanted a new friend I was looking for a similar dog of about 4-6 years of age. I ended up with a 9 year old male long haired white German Shepherd!
But do you know, he was the best dog in the world, perfect for me and my children. I thank whatever god is up there for the day I saw the advert about him and thought, "Hmmm... perhaps... I'll call them!".
HTH