Disappointment in Finding Beagle Breeder

[missy83]

I never thought it would be this hard in finding a beagle breeder with hunting blood lines in that you could purchase a pup off that are either good to there animals or get back to you. 1st guy I contacted I had it all set up with him for a male pup and I sent a $100 deposit which is fine. I later find out from him after I committed in purchasing a pup off him that he gives the dogs that don't perform at his standard lead poisoning. So I backed out of the deal. I won't support a breeder that kills a perfectly good dog just because he's not satisfied in the animals hunting ability.
2nd breeder I contacted said I could purchase a pup off him but it would be a male and would be 4th or 5th pick of the litter. I was fine with that and asked if he wanted a deposit and he said no, but would let me know when pups were born and we go from there. The pup were born over a week ago and I haven't heard anything so I sent a msg and still no reply.
I had no idea it would be this hard to find a good beagle pup with hunting blood lines.

[Sharon]

NOt unusual for any breed. It helps to be in the loop.

Use the "contact us" tab here or find the Elgin County Beagle Club on Facebook. Any of those people could tell you about upcoming litters. These are field trial people but OFTEN have dogs/pups etc that aren't field trial prospects but would be excellent hunting dogs. Let me know if you are successful.

http://www.ckc.ca/Clubs/Club.aspx?ClubNumber=0270

Consider attending a Thames Valley Beagle club trial and TALK to anyone you can about upcoming litters.

https://www.ckc.ca/Event-Calendar/Ev...s.aspx?id=3469

Call the event secretary listed to make sure the event is still on ( enough registrants), and what time it starts - usually 8 a.m.

If you see an old lady there with white hair and a setter - that's me!

[swampsinger]

There are no "professional" Breeders of good hunting stock Beagles in Ontario. There is no market for them. The only breeder in Canada who carries the inventory to supply decent pups on demand is Branko, and they survive on the american market. As Sharon stated being in the loop as well as patience helps. I just had a litter of pups here 2 males and 5 females it was a well planned breeding and the pups were spoken for. Timing also helps. I advertised a Champion female on here a while back, an outstanding hare Hound easy handling and trash proof. I had to take her out the breeding program because she had trouble in whelp lost the pups and had to get her fixed. Not one response on here so a local lad got the deal of a lifetime for a hunting dog.

[swampsinger]

I would also stick to Sharons advice on up coming litters, don't go to trials looking to buy mature Hounds. Unfortunately some would rather take cash out of your hands for a faulty Hound, than do the right thing. Pick of the litters are over rated unless your looking for something specific like color or sex etc. No one can pick out the champions at 3 weeks old, your odds are as good as the breeders of getting a good pup.

[Sharon]

Well said swampsinger- I would say though that sometimes a young hound has proven itself unacceptable for a future in winning trials, but could be an excellent personal hunting hound.

[terrym]

Don't limit your search to Ontario only. Google is your friend. New York, Michigan aren't much of a drive and importing healthy papered pups is easy. Although I can't believe you can't find a good beagle in Ontario ?

[swampsinger]

Don't limit your search to Ontario only. Google is your friend. New York, Michigan aren't much of a drive and importing healthy papered pups is easy. Although I can't believe you can't find a good beagle in Ontario ?

Yes, it seems like the golden age of Beagling has past here in Ontario as well as Quebec. For thirty years or more the Beagle ruled the CKC stats in litter registration. Rabbit hunting is not as popular as it once was, and the influence of the GTA would see an end to us all together. There are other easier options for hunters these days. I remember that deer were scarce in Ontario for many years and no turkeys at all. The maritimes has a long and still strong tradition of hare hunting and in Newfoundland its a growing sport. All those kids that grew up snaring rabbits have found a great pastime in pursuing hare with the little Hounds.

[terrym]

Lack of hunting grounds likely has a big influence.

[swampsinger]

Lack of hunting grounds likely has a big influence.

I'm sure that does have an impact in certain areas. Here in eastern ont there are lots of opportunities. In the past ten years I've only bumped into one other group hunting Snowshoe hare with Beagles and maybe a half dozen hunters "on foot".
Maybe I should be careful what I wish for.

[Sharon]

Don't limit your search to Ontario only. Google is your friend. New York, Michigan aren't much of a drive and importing healthy papered pups is easy. Although I can't believe you can't find a good beagle in Ontario ?

Good point1 I forgot to mention. that. Start reading /asking questions at this forum Missy. Michigan ,Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York State is not a big drive.

http://americanbeagler.huntingboards.com/