Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Beagle Breeders: Dog Eat Dog Competition

Article Title: Beagle Breeders: Dog Eat Dog Competition
Author: Michelle A Adams

Good Beagle breeders ensure the well being of their Beagles.
Though making a profit motivates many breeders, the best also
care for the breed they produce. The subject of this article is
finding good Beagle breeders and learning how to avoid bad
breeders.

A breeder is anyone who breeds animals. Purebred breeders mate
specific breeds. Breeders want to be deemed reputable. Many
maintain kennels where they house and care for their breed.
Beagle breeders must be knowledgeable of Beagle information. The
breed dates back to 19th century England. Beagles are thought to
have descended from the "Harrier," a medium sized English hound
used for hunting. Beagles were officially registered as a breed
with the American Kennel Club in 1885.

Beagles can have problems with their pendulous ears as moisture
and bacteria can collect if the dog is not groomed regularly.
Beagles also have a history of conditions such as cataracts,
congenital heart conditions and degenerative spine disease.
Because of the breed's popularity, many are caged in puppy mills
where they are forced to breed constantly. They are not
socialized and resulting litters suffer due to the mother's
declining health. Over-breeding causes a degeneration of the
gene pool.

Beagle breeders can be good or bad. There are some sure-fire
ways to discern between the two. Good breeders are be backed up
by references, which they should be able to provide on demand.
Word of mouth is a good way to get a general idea of a breeder's
reputation. Specifics of a good breeder are as follows: They
have their own kennels. Their Beagles have received appropriate
medical screening and immunizations. Their dogs may have been
spayed or neutered prior to sale. They do not breed Beagles with
known medical conditions or behavioral problems. They do not
sell puppies to pet stores or pet brokers. The kennels are clean
and meet the Beagles' basic and social needs. Breeders are
experts on their breed and are affiliated with Beagle rescue.
Breeders have good references such as the AKC (American Kennel
Club). Most importantly: breeders love their Beagles! Genuine
affection for the breed is a must-have in a successful breeder.

Research Beagle breeders thoroughly before choosing one to buy
your Beagle from. A good place to start your research is the
American Kennel Club's website. Though the AKC cannot
specifically endorse the breeders it lists, its subsidiary AKC
Parent Clubs can recommend local breeders in each state. Contact
phone numbers and other information for breeders are available
on the AKC's site.

Make sure to list specific questions before contacting the
breeder. Also visit the facility or kennel if possible to make
sure your potential Beagle has been raised in appropriate
conditions. Does the breeder offer a warranty and/or return
policy? Is medical documentation available? You may also want to
ask about rescued Beagles. These are usually adult Beagles who
have suffered trauma such as abandonment and neglect. They are
less expensive but purebred, though complete lineage information
may not be available.

You will be able to enjoy your Beagle for the next ten to
fifteen years. Make sure he is a healthy Beagle raised
appropriately by a reputable breeder.

About The Author: The owner of two cats, Michelle Adams
supports PETA and the ASPCA and also reports illicit Beagle
breeders and other illegitimate breeders. It is important to
know how to locate good
http://www.beagledogguide.com/Beagle_Breeders/index.php Beagle
breeders. This article provides Beagle information
http://www.beagledogguide.com/Beagle.php and explains the
difference between good and bad Beagle breeders.

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