06/27/2025
Why would I buy a show quality puppy if I just want a pet?”
I get this question a lot — and I completely understand. You’re looking for a friendly, loving beagle to join your family, not a dog to win ribbons. So why not just grab that cute pup on Kijiji or from the local ad?
The thing is, when I breed, I’m not just thinking about who’s going to win in the ring — I’m thinking about who’s going to thrive in someone’s home for the next 12 to 15 years. That starts with sound structure, good temperament, and a strong foundation of health. I invest in health testing not because it’s trendy, but because I want to do everything in my power to reduce the chances of painful or expensive health problems down the road. I know the lines behind my dogs. I’ve lived with them, raised their puppies, and watched how they age.
Even the puppies in a show litter that aren’t kept for the ring are still bred with intention — they’re built right, have stable, social temperaments, and come from dogs who’ve proven themselves not just in appearance, but in soundness and longevity. Those things matter for family dogs too. Structure isn’t just about looks; a well-put-together dog is less likely to suffer from joint pain, injuries, or early breakdown as they age.
There’s also the raising. Puppies here are born and raised in my home, right in the middle of daily life. They’re exposed to people, sounds, experiences, and handling from day one. That kind of early foundation plays a huge role in shaping a confident, well-adjusted adult dog. You don’t always know what kind of start you’re getting when you choose a pup based only on a photo and a price.
And perhaps most importantly — I don’t disappear the day you take your puppy home. I’m here for the long haul. Whether it’s a question about training, health, or just sharing updates, I’m part of the journey. That’s not something you usually get when you buy from someone who just had a litter to make some money or “accidentally” bred their dog.
I’m not accepting applications until I successfully have another litter, that could be 3 months, it could be 3 years, but until then, I’m always happy to recommend other breeders who share my values and put the same care and thought into their programs. Every beagle deserves to be bred right, raised right, and loved for life — and every family deserves that kind of start, too.
www.rosabelbeagles.com