Considering getting a puppy

[shilala]

Originally Posted by Dave128

We were considering a beagle. I need to research them a bit. My grandfather used to raise them as field trial dogs. Always had at least 8 at a time. He even had a grand champion that won all sorts of competitions all over the country. They were great dogs.

Just for the record, I'm not looking to get it into field trial competitions.

They're awesome dogs, but they stink like hell, Dave.
They have a very thick undercoat of hair and you have to run them through the briars and jing-weeds to keep that stuff combed out.
I'm sure they have good "beagle brushes" by now. They didn't have anything 25 years ago except getting them out in the woods a few times a week.

They LOVE people, especially kids, aren't high strung, and don't require a lot of exercise. They are great guard dogs but piss-poor attack dogs, which is what you guys are looking for, I'm sure.
Don't take "don't need a lot of exercise" as "lazy". They are not. But you don't have to run them at full speed for two hours, either (like the idiot Bubs). A good walk or two a day will do it. Or put him on the treadmill, or throw a ball at him for an hour. Done.
You don't have to wear them out so they'll rest, and it only takes about 15 minutes of exercise to get them ready to train (or teach tricks).

They are gorgeous dogs. I'd go see a few breeders in your area. You'll find them, guys hunt a lot up there.
Any small hound will work for you, they're all about the same. You might find another type of beagle or a cross that you like better and is even more chill.

I think you picked really good, brother!!!
(I think I might be more excited than you are, my friend.)