Beagles For Dummies Cheat Sheet

As you research options for finding a healthy beagle to bring into your home as a new pet, consider well-respected, dependable breeders. These guidelines can help you determine whether a breeder has a dog’s — and your — best interests in mind:

• Belongs to the National Beagle Club of America and exhibits their dogs in conformation, obedience, or other events

• Screens the dogs they breed for hip problems and eye diseases, and can show you the results of such screenings

• Owns the mother dog (the dam) but not the father dog (the sire)

• Doesn’t breed any female dog under 2 years of age and never breeds any female more than once a year

• Raises the puppies inside her home

• Begins socializing the puppies as soon as possible after birth

• Takes the puppies to their veterinarian for checkups and their initial shots

• Refuses to sell a puppy who’s less than 7 weeks of age

• Investigates prospective buyers

• Guarantees the puppy’s health and temperament in writing

• Stays in touch after the sale

When choosing a beagle puppy, use these tips to help you select a happy, healthy new pet to welcome into your family and your household.

• A clean, healthy, friendly mother

• Easy movement without limping or apparent pain

• Bright, clear eyes

• Dry, odor-free ears

• Clean skin and full coat with no bald spots

• Healthy stools

• A friendly but not hyperactive personality

Your beagle needs a house and yard that’s safe and comfortable. Take the following steps to beagle-proof your home before your new dog joins your family:

• Install an escape-proof fence around your yard.

• Put away all loose and hazardous items inside and outside.

• Fasten electrical cords to the floor or wall with duct tape.

• Block staircases with baby gates.

• Install door guards for kitchen cabinets.

• Move houseplants out of reach.

• Move wastebaskets out of reach.

• Put the toilet seat down!

Equip your home for your beagle’s arrival by picking up the right puppy gear. These pet supplies will help the homecoming go more smoothly for both you and your dog.

• Dog crate

• Baby gates and/or exercise pen

• Dog dishes

• Dog food

• Collar and leash

• Grooming gear including a brush, nail clippers, doggy toothbrush and toothpaste, doggy shampoo

• Plastic bags to pick up poop

• Pet stain cleaner

• A doggy first aid kit

Fill in and keep these phone numbers close at hand, in case your beagle needs emergency medical care, or you need someone to take care of your pet when you’re away. Don’t forget to put these numbers in your cell phone!

Vet’s Office: ____________

Emergency Care Clinic: ____________

Breeder: ____________

Pet Sitter/Dog Walker: ____________

Animal Poison Control: 888-426-4435 ($50 consultation fee)