Frequently Asked Questions
AKC means the puppy is top quality and healthy, correct?
While AKC registration is an important credential, it does not inherently guarantee the quality or health of a Beagle. 🐶✨ The responsibility for ensuring a Beagle meets the breed's standards in appearance and temperament lies with the individual breeder. This is why you may notice a wide variation in styles, quality, and health among AKC-registered Beagles. Technically, a Beagle could have AKC registration based on its verified lineage, yet not conform to the typical breed characteristics you expect.
How do you know how a Beagle should look at act?
Every dog breed is guided by a Parent Club (The National Beagle Club) that establishes a standard outlining the ideal appearance and behavior for the breed. 🐕📜This standard serves as a blueprint for breeders who are passionate about preserving the essence and integrity of their breed. It is the responsibility of each breeder to adhere to these guidelines, ensuring that their dogs embody the distinctive qualities that define their breed.
I am not interested in a show dog, just a family companion, so why does the standard matter?
After carefully choosing a breed based on personality, grooming needs, and temperament, it is equally important to select a breeder who consistently produces dogs that truly embody these qualities. 🐶✨ Choosing a breeder who adheres to and demonstrates commitment to the breed standard is the best way to ensure your new companion aligns with your expectations and desires.
Are all of your puppies show quality?
The majority of our puppies are destined to become cherished family companions, and that is the most important goal of our program. 🐾❤️ On average, we select one out of every ten puppies to retain as a show prospect for our breeding program, while the others are lovingly placed in homes as delightful family members.
What differences would make a puppy a family companion?
Though we focus on producing top family pets, the distinction between a show-quality puppy and a family companion is often subtle, with differences so slight that they are not easily noticeable to the untrained eye. 🐾✨ Features such as ears that are set a bit too high, a tail carried slightly more over the back, or being just a touch longer in length can influence our decision on whether a puppy is destined for the show ring or a loving home.
What if I decide I want to breed my dog or participate in AKC competitions?
If you're considering entering the world of dog shows or breeding, I highly recommend reaching out to me for more information before you make your puppy purchase. 🐶✨ I offer my family companion puppies with a limited AKC registration, which means they cannot be bred to produce litters or participate in most competitions. While you can earn certain titles with a limited registration, participation in prestigious conformation shows, such as Westminster, or producing AKC-registered puppies requires a Full AKC registration.
Full registration is granted selectively and at a higher fee, to individuals who are genuinely committed to learning, competing, and breeding under a mentorship and partnership model. This ensures the continued excellence and integrity of the breed. 🌟🏆
How much are your puppies?
Our current pricing for family companions with a limited AKC registration is $1,750.00 - $2000.00, regardless of sex or color. 🐾✨ For those interested in competition prospects, prices range from $2,500.00 to $3,500.00, reflecting the individual puppy's quality. 🌟
Do you accept payment plans?
We do not accept payments after the puppies have joined their new families. We accept payments in advance, but all puppies must be paid for in full before being released to their new family. We are working on offering a payment plan option through Klarna or Afterpay however. Please check our Purchasing Information page for current information.
How much money do you win at dog shows?
In the world of AKC dog shows, the primary focus is on earning points towards prestigious titles, rather than monetary rewards. 🏆✨ Achieving a Championship title typically involves an investment of $4,500 to $6,500 per dog, while pursuing a Grand Championship requires an additional $2,500 to $3,500. These efforts reflect a deep commitment to excellence and the dedication to showcasing the best qualities of each breed. We do not win money, but I sure wish we did!
If you don’t make money showing dogs, why do you show them?
Our involvement in dog shows is driven by two main passions. Firstly, they offer a delightful and engaging way to spend time with our beloved dogs, as well as family and friends, within a vibrant community. 🐾👨👩👦👦 Secondly, we firmly believe in the importance of demonstrating the quality of our dogs through meaningful achievements, reinforcing our commitment to excellence beyond mere breeding for profit. 🏆✨
In addition to traditional dog shows, we are excitedly exploring various activities such as agility, rally, obedience, dock diving, trick dog, farm dog, and Canine Good Citizenship titles. These endeavors not only showcase our dogs' versatility but also strengthen our bond with them while promoting their well-being. 🌟🐕
What health clearances do you do?
To ensure the highest health standards for our Beagles, I conduct a comprehensive DNA panel that screens for a range of critical genetic issues, including Musladin-Lueke Syndrome and Factor VII bleeding disorders, among other health concerns. 🧬🐶 Additionally, our assessments include patella checks, eye exams, heart checks, hip X-rays, and various other tests to safeguard their well-being.
If you're interested in discussing these health issues or specific tests in more detail, I welcome you to reach out to me directly. Given the extensive nature of the information and my personal insights on certain tests, I’m more than happy to provide a thorough explanation during a conversation. 📞💬
What colors do you produce?
At our facility, we primarily produce Black, Tan, & White puppies, known for their classic and charming appearance. 🐶✨ However, we occasionally delight in offering a variety of other stunning color combinations, such as Blue, Tan & White; Brown (Chocolate), Tan & White; and Lemon (Tan/Red) & White, each in their own unique and acceptable patterns. You can check out Beagle colors and Patterns on THIS page.
How frequently do you have litters?
While we ideally aim to have puppies ready to join families in the mild seasons of spring and fall, nature's timing means that litters can arrive throughout the year, based on the mothers' schedules. 🌸🍂 Female dogs typically come into season every 6-8 months, with a brief window of just a few days when they are receptive to breeding. This natural cycle results in the availability of litters at various times.
How many people care for all of your dogs?
In addition to the dedicated efforts of myself and my husband Keith, we are supported by a full team of professionals to ensure our dogs receive excellent care and abundant attention. 🐶✨ Our team typically includes at least one full-time kennel worker, a part-time puppy caretaker, a professional handler, and a skilled trainer.
This comprehensive support network guarantees that each dog is nurtured and thrives in our care.
How many litters do your mothers have?
At our facility, the well-being and happiness of our mother dogs are of utmost importance. 🐾💖 We ensure that they are never overbred, prioritizing their health above all. If a mother is best suited to raising just one litter, we honor that and ensure her care aligns with her needs. Typically, our females have 3-4 litters before we retire them, at which point they are lovingly placed as cherished family companions.
While we provide exceptional care here, we recognize that a dedicated family can offer an even more enriching life for our girls once they retire. 🌟🏡
Are your puppies home raised?
Absolutely! All of our puppies begin their journey in the cozy comfort of our living room, ensuring they are surrounded by love and care from day one. 🏡❤️ As they grow and reach around 3 weeks of age, we transition them to spacious playpens in our dedicated "puppy room," allowing them more room to explore and play. Weather permitting, they enjoy time outside, and they are regularly handled, bathed, have their nails trimmed, and of course, are showered with affection.
To prepare them for their future homes, we introduce crate and house training at around 7 weeks, setting the foundation for well-adjusted and happy companions. 🐾✨
Are your puppies dewormed and vaccinated?
Certainly! All of our puppies receive regular deworming and are administered Neopar for early protection against parvovirus, ensuring their health before their initial veterinary visit. 🐶✨ At 7-8 weeks of age, they undergo a comprehensive examination by our veterinarian, which includes full parasite checks and another round of deworming. During this visit, they receive their first official combination vaccine and are microchipped for identification and safety.
In compliance with legal requirements, each puppy must successfully pass their health exam to be issued a health certificate, confirming their excellent health before they join their new families. 🏥📜
Do you allow visitors?
To ensure the utmost safety of our precious puppies, we limit visitor interactions until they are given their first vaccinations. 🏡🐶 This precaution guards against cross-contamination, which has proven to be devastating in the past. Rest assured, we are happy to provide you with photos and videos in advance, allowing you to view the litter or individual puppies remotely. If you decide not to bring a puppy home, your deposit can be seamlessly transferred to another puppy or future litter from 18 months from the date of submission.🌟🐾
Do you select our puppy for us, or do we select our own puppy?
We conduct thorough evaluations of each puppy at 5 and 7 weeks of age, providing invaluable insights to assist your family in making an informed selection. 🐶✨ This detailed information serves as a helpful tool during the decision-making process. While I offer my expert recommendations based on these evaluations, the ultimate choice of which puppy to welcome into your home rests with your family.
How are puppies selected and what is the process?
Once your deposit is received, we are committed to keeping you informed about litters or puppies that align with your family’s preferences. 🐾✨ We provide regular updates, including photos and video, and conduct comprehensive evaluations of each puppy at five and seven weeks. These evaluations consider factors such as energy level, trainability, and more, to help you make an informed decision.
Puppy selections can begin at 7 weeks remotely. Selections can also be made in person from 8 weeks onwards. Please note that by law, puppies cannot be taken home before they are 8 weeks old..
Are males or females better as family pets?
The choice between a male and female puppy often depends on personal experiences and preferences. 🐶✨ People tend to form opinions based on their unique interactions, with some having wonderful experiences with females and others with males. Ultimately, much of it boils down to the individual dog's personality rather than its gender.
From my perspective, males generally house train faster but may be less cuddly when they're young. As they mature, females often become more independent, whereas males tend to become more engaging. Training needs are generally similar across genders, though this is a general observation and others may have different experiences. 🐾
I live in an apartment. Is that OK to raise a Beagle?
Before bringing a Beagle puppy into your apartment, it's crucial to confirm with your complex that dogs are permitted and that a Beagle fits within any weight restrictions they may have. 🏢🐶 If dogs are allowed, it's important to consider the logistics of house training. Having easy access to an outdoor area or living on a ground floor can simplify the process. Alternatively, you might consider using a terrace litter box or a designated potty area.
It's also important to be mindful of neighbors, as puppies can be vocal during crate training, which might not be appreciated in an apartment setting. While we've successfully placed puppies in apartments, we proceed with care and ensure families are aware of potential challenges. 🌟🐾
Could I purchase two puppies at once for my family?
Several families have joyfully welcomed two puppies at once into their homes. While this can offer companionship for the puppies and may seem less work in some aspects, it often presents unique challenges—much like managing two energetic toddlers! 🐶🐶 I generally advise families to fully potty train one puppy before introducing another. However, the decision ultimately depends on the family's experience, time commitment, and specific circumstances.
We are open to families purchasing two puppies simultaneously, but only after ensuring they fully understand the dynamics involved. This approach ensures a harmonious and rewarding experience for everyone involved. 🌟🏡
Could I purchase a puppy as a surprise for my family member?
We believe that welcoming a puppy into a home is a decision that requires thoughtful consideration and agreement from all responsible adults in the household. Therefore, we do not support the purchase of a puppy as a "surprise" for an adult family member or friend. 🏡🐶 It's essential that everyone involved is aware and enthusiastic about the new addition, ensuring a seamless and joyful transition for both the family and the puppy.
What age do you recommend spaying and neutering the puppy?
I recommend waiting until your male or female Beagle is at least 12 months old before considering neutering, though even this may be earlier than ideal. 🐶✨ Though most households are unable to do this, there are substantial health benefits to keeping your male or female dog intact for as long as possible, as studies by UC Davis have demonstrated. To aid in understanding this important decision, I provide new puppy owners with a comprehensive article on the topic. Neutering after 12 months of age significantly reduces the chance of more aggressive cancers later in life.
But if I get a male, won’t he be aggressive and want to lift his leg on everything?
Absolutely not! I have intact male dogs that are completely house trained and display no marking behavior or aggression. 🐾🏡 While some of my intact dogs might attempt to mark indoors if not supervised, this is typically due to the presence of breeding competition. For the average family companion, once house trained, marking indoors is unlikely unless there are females in season nearby, the dog has begun breeding, and there is competition from other dogs in the home. Interestingly, I find that my intact females are more likely to mark than my males, although even this is a rare occurrence.
But I was told that neutering will decrease the chance of cancer. This isn’t true?
While there's no definitive evidence supporting certain claims, studies do indicate that early neutering can increase the risk of more aggressive forms of cancer, as well as other health issues like liver, kidney, and autoimmune problems later in life. 🏥🐾 In my 35 years of breeding experience, and through conversations with hundreds of other breeders, I've encountered only one male that required a testicle removal due to cancer, and no females with ovarian or mammary cancer. Responsible breeders of well-bred dogs are committed to not perpetuating cancers or genetic issues, as it goes against both ethical breeding practices and competitive standards.
Are Beagles, as a breed, healthy?
They are! While any dog can face genetic or general health issues, Beagles are generally known for their robust health and vitality. 🐶✨ To gain a deeper understanding of specific health considerations for Beagles, I invite you to explore my Beagle Health Concerns page, where you'll find valuable insights and guidance.
Do your Beagles have genetic health issues?
That's an excellent question! When inquiring about genetic issues within a breeder's dogs, it's important to consider a few factors. If a breeder claims they have no genetic issues, it might indicate a lack of transparency, insufficient tracking of their puppies over time, or limited breeding experience. 🐶✨ On my Beagle Health Concerns page, I provide a comprehensive list of potential genetic health issues along with their associated risks. I highly recommend reviewing this information to make informed decisions.
How much do Beagles shed?
The climate of your region and the diet you provide for your Beagle significantly influence their shedding patterns. Generally, Beagles are moderate shedders. While they tend to shed a bit more during the spring, they tend to shed more evenly throughout the year and don't lose fur in large clumps like some other breeds. 🐶✨
How often should my Beagle be groomed?
I always recommend introducing your puppy to nail trims and baths a couple of times a month to help them become comfortable with the process. 🐾✨ This early exposure can prevent future struggles with grooming as they grow into adulthood. Typically, a bath is only necessary when your puppy gets dirty. However, if a trip to the dog park leaves them muddy, here's a handy solution: mix equal parts water and gold Listerine in a spray bottle. This mixture not only cleans but also combats hot spots and yeast, leaving them with a fresh scent.