Whether your interest was peaked by Charles Schultz's Snoopy, or the 2008 Westminster Kennel Club winner Uno, if you're interested in adding one of these special animals to your family, read on to learn how to buy a purebred Beagle.

• Although beagles are small dogs, they are high energy and require exercise at least twice a day. If you're thinking of acquiring a beagle , you'll want to locate a breeder, select your dog, and visit the vet before you bring the beagle home.

• In order to get a healthy Dog, you'll want to find a reputable Beagle Breeder.

1. The National Beagle Club maintains a list of breeders who are members.
2. Ask your Veterinarian for referrals. If you don't already have a relationship with a Veterinarian, any local Veterinarian should be happy to help you find a Breeder.
3. Contact your local Beagle Rescue group to see if they can recommend a Breeder, or consider rescuing a Beagle instead of buying one.
4. Talk to Friends and Family members for recommendations.

(Creative Commons photo by Joe Cool)

• When you walk into the room where the litter is, you'll fall in love. It's important to put your emotions aside, and think carefully, however, as you'll be selecting a dog who will be a family member for the next 15 years. You want a Dog who is well socialized, curious, and friendly.

1. Some Breeders will use their experience and knowledge to match you with a Puppy. If your Breeder does not do this, however, you'll need to make the assessment on your own.
2. Watch the puppies interact with the litter as a whole. You probably don't want the most aggressive dominant Puppy, but you should also avoid any that seem overly timid or submissive.
3. Select a few "middle of the road" puppies to evaluate individually. Sometimes personalties change when the Puppy is separated from his litter mates.
   1. Does he/she seem confident and curious?
   2. Look at his body language. Is his tail up? Is he wagging it?
   3. When you talk, does he cock his head and look at you?
   4. Is he interested in playing with you? Does he lick your hand or nip your fingers?

• Your agreement with the breeder should be conditional on the Dog's passing a Physical Examination. After selecting your Puppy, drive immediately to the Veterinarian. Do not go home and fall in love with your Dog just yet. You need to make sure there are no serious problems lurking. Your Veterinarian will perform a general physical on the Beagle, as well as check for inguinal or umbilical hernias which may require surgical repair.

• A Beagle can be a loving and loyal member of your household for 15 years. Make sure you choose a reliable Breeder, and select your new friend carefully.

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• OFFICIAL BREED STANDARDS: American Kennel Club Breeds http://www.akc.org/breeds/index.cfm

• NATIONAL BEAGLE CLUB: National Beagle Club of America http://clubs.akc.org/NBC/

• WHERE TO FIND A BEAGLE TO RESCUE AND ADOPT: http://www.beagles-on-the-web.com/adopt/

• MAHALO BEAGLE INFORMATION PAGE: http://www.mahalo.com/beagle/

• ARTICLE: Beagle Mixed Breeds Best of Both By Michelle Adams In Dog Tips October 21, 2008 http://www.alldogsleadtobone.com/dog-...