Beagle Puppies
A Beagle puppy is ready to go into its new home once it is at least 8 weeks old. A bitch who is more than 8 years old or who has already reared six litters of puppies cannot be registered at the Kennel Club.
On purchasing your puppy, the breeder should hand over a signed Pedigree, the kennel Club Registration Certificate and a diet sheet. Always buy a puppy from a specialist breeder where you will see the puppies with their mother and sometimes even their father. Never obtain a puppy from a pet shop, puppy dealer or market.
The Secretaries of Beagle Breed Clubs and also the Kennel Club or your local veterinary surgeon may be able to give you the names and addresses of reputable breeders in your area. Responsible breeders will have begun the process of socialising puppies so that they have met a variety of visitors and are familiar with some of the household sounds and activities.
Very Young Puppies
Beagles are born in a variety of colours and markings in the same litter and their final colour develops with time. In the first week or two they may look black and white but gradually the tan comes through usually first on the face and ears and then on the flanks and neck/shoulders by the time they are ready to go to their new homes. Lemon and white puppies are born looking nearly white with just cream markings and ears whereas their tan and white littermates will have definite tan markings at birth.
Not all bitches are happy to have visitors when they have young puppies but by the time the litter are being introduced to more solid food from 3 weeks of age they are usually very happy to show-off their family. By 6 weeks of age the puppies will normally be completely weaned from their dam and receiving four meals a day of a proprietary puppy food.
A Beagle puppy is ready to go to its new home by 8 weeks of age and you are advised to continue the feeding regime used by the breeder. During this time the responsible breeder will also have wormed the puppies at least twice and kept the puppies' nails trimmed and you should also continue to regularly carry out these routines.. Feel free to bath your Beagle whenever needed, but don't let your hound get cold and remember clean bedding helps to keep your hound healthy. Never treat a young puppy for fleas without first obtaining veterinary advice.
Vaccinations
As soon as you obtain your Beagle puppy contact your local Veterinary Surgeon to find out their programme of vaccinations. This does vary with the type of vaccinations used, but until your puppy has received its first full course, it must not be taken out where other dogs have been. You can still take your puppy out to get used to new noises and sights by wrapping it in a blanket and carrying it safely in your arms, or taking it for short journeys in the car. Most vaccines need a yearly booster, and licenced boarding kennels will need proof that this has been kept up to date.
Finally.. Once your Beagle has settled in and is of suitable age, do attend a good training class. Vets normally know of local classes or you may have a neighbour or friend who can recommend a club.