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BuiltWithNOF
Guide to Buying a Puppy

                                                                                        

So you want a Beagle puppy, you have done your research and decided this is the breed for you. Where do you go to find a happy, healthy pup?

You will see pups advertised on Gumtree, Pets 4 Homes and even on social media. Sadly some of these puppies come from “Puppy Farms” as it is highly unlikely any responsible breeder would advertise on these sites. They may be a bit cheaper but like most things in life - you get what you pay for.

The Scottish Beagle Club has a breeders page (see menu) where all the breeders who are listed abide by a strict code of conduct and must have been a member of the club for 3 years before they are accepted. Contact one who is near to you - they may not have pups but should give you advice and point you in the right direction. Be prepared to wait for the right puppy and also be prepared to travel. You can also use the Kennel Club’s ‘Find a Puppy’ facility but there will be puppy farmed pups on there too so be careful. Prospective buyers should expect to be asked many questions by the breeder so they can decide whether or not you can provide a suitable home for a puppy.

When viewing a puppy you must always be able to see the mother but not always the father. The mother should look as though she has had puppies, with obvious signs of milk development and a good rapport with the pups. They should be fat, chunky things with short nails and possibly sign of dew claw removal. Beagle pups should never have stick like legs, pointy noses or ears stuck on the top of their head. Pot bellies may be a sign of worms and runny eyes a sign of infection or eye problems.

 

 

This pup shows the chunkiness desired.                             The pink spots on his nose should disappear in time.

 

 

 

 

The surroundings should be clean with no smell of urine or faeces.

This picture shows appropriate, safe housing for growing pups with toys for stimulation.

Health Testing

This should NOT be confused with a Vet check.

Health testing means that the parents have been genetically tested to ensure they are not carrying defective genes that could affect the pups. A Vet check is when the puppy is seen by a vet prior to sale and checked for heart murmers, hernias, undescended testicles, good general health etc.

At present in the UK we normally test for 5 conditions - MLS, NCCD, IGS, Laforas epilepsy and FVII deficiency. For further information on these and other health issues please refer to www.beaglehealth.info

Kennel Club Registration

Your puppy should come with a Kennel Club registration certificate like this....

        

It shows the name of the puppy and below it shows that this puppy has had the registration endorsed so that it cannot be bred from or issued issued with an export pedigree.

Below that it shows the genetic conditions she is free from. It then shows her father and his health status and then the mother’s.

On the reverse is a copy of the pedigree and you should check that it matches the one issued to you by the breeder.

You must complete the section asking for the new owner’s details and send this to the Kennel Club. This can be done online. The Kennel Club will issue you with a new certificate showing you as the owner.

Microchipping

It is the law that all pups must be microchipped before sale and you should receive this documentation from the breeder in whose name the microchip will be registered to. It is essential you complete the transfer form to change the name and address to your own. If your pet should wander or worse be stolen then this will be one way to reunite you. He should of course have a tag on his collar with your contact details.

Pedigree

You will be given a hand written or printed pedigree showing the pup’s ancestors. CH in front of their name denotes they are a champion in their breed and are of exceptional quality. Make sure it matches the one on the reverse of the registration document.

Worming

Your pup should have been wormed several times before you collect him and there may be a record of when and with what product he was wormed. Take this to your vet when going for his vaccination and he will advise on a future worming programme.

Cost

You can expect to pay between £900 and £1000 for a quality Beagle Puppy. This price may vary depending whether the pup has received his first vaccination.

Insurance

It is usual for the pup to come with insurance which covers the first few weeks that you have him. Vets fees are very expensive so it’s well worth continuing your policy. Do shop around though as prices can vary considerably.

Collecting the Puppy

When you collect your puppy you may be asked to sign a contract. If you are, read it carefully and make sure the breeder also signs and gives you a copy. You should also receive written information regarding feeding, exercise, grooming and the general welfare of your pup along with a supply of the food the puppy is currently being fed.

The breeder should encourage you to keep in touch and explain that they will be there to help should you have any problems.