THE BEAGLE stands between 13 and 16 inches high at the shoulder when fully grown. It is a strong, medium sized hound with a dense short coat that was originally bred for hunting hares in packs. They have a natural instinct to follow a scent. Today Beagles are normally sociable, mischievous, healthy and delightful members of an active household.

Beagles enjoy company, whether it is human, canine or feline, and dislike being left on their own. A household where the whole family is out all day is quite unsuitable for a Beagle. So too is a home without a garden, which needs to be fenced with 'Colditz' in mind! Some Beagles can dig as well as jump, so 5 to 6 foot high fencing is recommended. "Elizabethan Beagles" and "Pocket Beagles" mentioned in certain publications and Internet sites are not available in the UK.

Remember that your adult hound will need to be exercised for at least an hour each day, and part of that time should, if possible, be free running in a safe area away from traffic or livestock. Do not over exercise young puppies or let them play and chase with older dogs. Gradually increase exercise after they have completed their vaccination course. 15/20 minute walks at 4 - 5 months should be more than sufficient building up to about an hour at approx. 8 - 9 months. It is unwise to exercise with a bicycle.

 Beagles are quite tough, and love being with a family, but children must be taught to respect all dogs and not treat them like toys. Your hound should be provided with a special place of its own where children are not allowed to go without supervision. Children should not be allowed to carry puppies as they can easily be dropped and seriously injured.

Bringing a Beagle into your home is a great commitment in time and patience and some people have found that they are unable to also cope with a very young family at the same time.

If you are absolutely sure that a Beagle will suit your lifestyle and you have the right environment and time to train a puppy to ensure a happy and contented life then you are strongly advised to buy a puppy from a breeder who is a member of one of the Kennel Club registered Beagle organisations.

 Advice on Buying a Beagle Puppy

ALWAYS buy a puppy from a specialist breeder where you will see the puppies with their mother, and sometimes even the father. NEVER obtain a puppy from a Pet Shop, Puppy Dealer/farm or Market. The Secretaries of Beagle organsations and also The Kennel Club or your local Veterinary Surgeon may be able to give you details of reputable breeders in your area but you may have to wait several months before a suitable puppy becomes available.

Responsible breeders will have begun the process of socialising puppies so that they have met a variety of visitors and are familiar with some of the household sounds and activities. Talking to a breeder and with other owners, perhaps at a dog show or one of the Kennel Club sponsored events like "Discover Dogs" (Earls Court, London 13th & 14th November and in March at the N.E.C. Birmingham during Crufts), will also give you additional information about the Beagle.

Beagles are born in a variety of colours and markings in the same litter and their final colour developes with time. In the first week or two they may look black and white but gradually the tan comes through usually first on the face and ears and then on the flanks and neck/shoulders by the time they are ready to go to their new homes.

Lemon and white puppies are born looking nearly white with just cream markings and ears whereas their tan and white littermates will have definite tan markings at birth.

Not all bitches are happy to have visitors when they have young puppies but by the time the litter are being introduced to more solid food from 3 weeks of age they are usually very happy to show-off their family.

By 6 weeks of age the puppies will normally be completely weaned from their dam and receiving four meals a day of a proprietary puppy food. A Beagle puppy is ready to go to its new home by 8 weeks of age and you are advised to continue the feeding regime used by the breeder. During this time the responsible breeder will also have wormed the puppies at least twice and kept the puppies' nails trimmed and you should also continue to regularly carry out these routines.