Beagles

We got our Beagle puppy two years ago at Heddins Simmental Ranch and Kennel. It is in Bowie, Texas ###-###-####. It is a bit of a drive from Keller, about an hour and a half...but worth it. I called and got directions from them and we made a Sunday drive out of it. They are a dog breeding farm with labs, cocker spanials and beagles. They have both the 13 and 15 inch beagles and are tri-colored. We got out Beagle in April, but she was born in Feb. so now might be a good time to see what is available. The kennel was VERY clean, well-maintained, family owned and VERY busy. They have fenced off areas so you can play with the puppies before buying them and they send you out with food, a blanket and instructions. They also offered to do the next round of shots for free, but we decided not too because of the drive and we wanted to establish a relationship with a vet. Our beagle has been WONDERFUL and the only problems we have had have been ear infections but that is common in the breed nothing to do with the kennel. The email address is
____@____.com Also, two years ago beagle puppies were $300 for males and $350 for females. After tons of research, I found that to be the going price for a purebreed. We love our beagle and she has been fantastic with our 4 month old son. Good luck!!

Try www.puppyfind.com to look for TX breeders

I would suggest checking the classifieds in the Dallas Morning News or Beagle Rescues.

I have had beagles all my life. I love the breed, but I'm not sure you want a puppy puppy with a 17 month old. Beagles as a breed are very stubborn and hard to train if you do not give them one on one attention. They respond very well to food rewards in training and can be potty trained with vinegar fairly easily since they are scent hounds.

I had to put down my beagle boy of 15 years last month. Rugby was one of the best dogs I ever owned. He was treated like a baby and my kid all his life and he acted as such. He never knew he was a dog. He was crate trained, but he was also rocked to sleep as a pup.

I currently have a new American BD puppy and am 24 weeks pregnant. It was planned this way so that he will be 6 months and out of the puppy stage by the time the little girl comes into this world. Luckily he also has a big basset sister to help train him. All puppies BITE and have SHARP teeth. It takes a while for them to get rid of their baby teeth and I don't know what I would do if my baby had the puncture wounds on her little hands and face that I have from my over zealous new baby boy. Also, anything that is on the floor is fair game: toys, furniture, shoes, etc....

After saying all this, I am by no means telling you not to get a dog. Believe me, my best friend went all over me for getting a puppy being pregnant. I didn't care. After losing Rugby, the house just seemed empty. Monster has been a dream of a puppy after we got past the first week. He is potty trained and knows commands of sit and down at 9 weeks. We are still working on the biting.

If you want to have a pup and a two year old at the same time, and you have the patience and LOVE for both of them, you are a saint! Just know that just like your baby boy, you will have to learn what the new puppy's personality is and if it takes a water bottle to get him to stop, or vinegar, or cayene and males are more stubborn than females.

Good luck!!!!

Jodi

Hi K.,
I know you didn't ask, but I recommend waiting till your son is just a tiny bit older. Like maybe 5. I foster dogs and cats sometimes, and have my own pets and whenever anyone asks, I say wait till the kids are 5. Then the child goes to school for a few hours so you can train the puppy, and the kids can participate more with the care of the puppy. At 17 months, your son won't remember the puppy-hood experience....but at 5 he will.

However, if you're getting the puppy for you and you have the time and energy for both a puppy and your son, then go for it.

Just as an FYI i am also looking for a beagle, for my son and I, let me know if you find something great, if you could! thanks!