Normally, finding beagle puppies isn’t that difficult. Beagles are an extremely popular dog and so there are probably several local breeders near where you live. There may also be rescues and shelters that have beagle puppies available for adoptions. You can also check the local papers for hobby breeders who may have a litter of beagle puppies to sell.

Checking Out The Breeder

If you are getting your puppies from a breeder whether it is a regular breeder or a hobby breeder there are going to be some things you want to know about the breeder, his experience and about the particular litter that is available or will soon becoming available. The best way to find out most of what you want to know is to request an on premise visit. During this visit you will want to:

• Check the conditions of the place. Is it clean and well maintained, are the puppies being raised indoors around family members or left out of doors in kennels or doghouses?
• How long has the breeder had beagles and how long have they been breeding?
• Ask to see the parents of the puppies and determine their overall condition and personality.
• Ask to see the vet records for the puppies. Even a hobby breeder should be concerned enough to have the puppies receive the correct shots, vaccinations and healthy puppy checks.

Dealing With Rescues And Shelters

If you are considering adopting a puppy from a rescue or shelter then you will want to know a few things there as well. These things include:

• How much background they have on the beagle puppies that are available for adoption. In some cases, there may be a lot of background information while in other cases there may be next to none.
• You will also want to know if the beagle puppies have been checked out by a vet and what shots, vaccinations or medicals issues they have had or are having.
• Any other information the shelter or rescue may have that will help you know more about the puppy’s health or personality.

Choosing Your Puppy

When you go to choose your individual puppy, don’t rush the decision making process.

• Stand back and watch all the puppies interact with one another. You want to note the ones who seem playful and alert without being bullies.
• Ask to see each puppy individually. Check his eyes, ears and nose to ensure that there is no discharge. Check his teeth and gums to make sure he isn’t missing teeth nor is there any apparent swelling or bleeding and look at his bottom to make sure that there is no sign of diarrhea.
• Take note if the puppy likes to be cuddled and then set him down and see how he acts without his littermates around. If he appears curious about you or his surroundings, doesn’t shrink at your approach and seems playful and energetic, this is a good sign.

Once you have chosen your puppy and bring him home, immediately have him checked out by your own vet to ensure that he is in good health.