Buying a Beagle Puppy
What to expect from a breeder who puts Health, Welfare and Temperament first.
Essential Documents
- Heath Certificates (both parents)
- Signed AWF Puppy Contract
- KC Registration Certificate (if applicable)
- Microchip Registration Certificate
- Temporary Pet Health Insurance
- Vaccination Certificate
A Good Breeder Will:
- have socialised and habituated the puppy
- provide a supply of food
- provide a blanket smelling of Mum
- follow the Code of Practice for Dog Breeding
Official Health Schemes
- BVA/KC screening for eye disease. DBRG recommends that all dogs should be visually examined by an ophthalmologist before breeding.
DNA Tests Relevant to Breed
- Lafora disease
- MLS – Musladin-Lueke syndrome
- NCCD – neonatal cerebellar cortical degeneration
- Factor VII deficiency
- IGS – Imerslund-Gräsbeck Syndrome/cobalamin malabsorption
Brief explanations and other diseases that may be more common in the breed – if in doubt then consult your vet for guidance:
Official Health Schemes Explained
The BVA/KC eye testing scheme checks for many inherited abnormalities that can cause progressive blindness or pain.
DNA Tests Explained
Lafora disease – progressive twitching and weakness
MLS – Musladin-Lueke syndrome – multiple serious abnormalities, can shorten life
NCCD – neonatal cerebellar cortical degeneration – wobbly gait and paralysis
Factor VII deficiency – abnormal blood clotting
IGS – Imerslund-Gräsbeck Syndrome/cobalamin malabsorption – weakness and anaemia
Other Diseases Explained
No current health scheme or DNA test available.
Hypothyroidism – insufficient thyroid hormone, chronic lethargy & other problems
Obesity – beagles are prone to weight gain, which can cause health problems