Hello - just wondered if the wise one's on here could give me some info concerning any breeders in Cornwall.  Did the search thingey but none in Cornwall, so looks like maybe have to travel, not a problem.   Any thoughts and observations in relation to beagles would be appreciated.  I consider myself reasonably experienced in dog owning/living, we have a black lab at present now coming up for 5 and whilst I would like another lab again, again and again, OH says he'd like a beagle or similar sized dog.  Any advice would be appreciated thanks in advance.

I have been told by a beagle owner/breeder that they can't be let off lead as they just run and run. I'm sure that some experienced beagle owners will come along eventually.

I've been doing my research bit and thus hoped for first hand info about that particular point.  Thanks for your reply let us hope other come along shortly.

I have met a number of Beagles who could be let off in a large safe area (our Country park) if the owners were not expecting instant obedience.  I wouldn't have said they were much worse than many Jack Russell's etc of my acquaintance.

Okay, so it is possible to have a reasonably well trained Beagle!! Loads of safe areas we already visit with our lad.  Great info, all being gratefully received.

I like Beagles, I only know 5 but they all have lovely temperaments, lovely friendly dogs,   2 can not be let off lead at all the owner has no control over them whatsoever, they are off, off and away! Partners in crime. 3 others I know are let off lead, but only when around doggie friends whom they have known since they were pups, as they will stay with them and the dogs all go exploring together, guess it is a pack thing. and  just need leading when directions are changed or at home time.

Usually when you have a dog already a pup will bond with it and they will walk explore together, not sure if this is the same with Beagles though, it may well have a mind of it's own.

As already said, safe area's will be the key and plenty of training, though instincts often can over-ride them. But for temperament and dog friendliness IME they are really nice dogs.

(Well.......... unless you are a fox )

There are a number of beagles which come to EMDAC agility shows. I am sure that they have had plenty of training, which is reflected in the results they all achieve, they never seem to go home without a rosette. Obviously then can be trained to a very high standard. They are lovely, happy, well adjusted, smiley medium size dogs. I think they are great.

One of my childhood dogs was a beagle. He was a beautie, fabulous temprement, loved everyone.

The downside was yes when let of lead, he ran and ran and ran. I remember scouring the streets and puting up posters on more than one occasion. He always came home though, alone used to just trot up as though he'd never been anywhere. I remember my mum once bringing him to school during playtime. Cause I was so distraught at him going missing.

The other downside was he used to hate being left alone at all. And was very destructive anything and everything he could sink his teeth into he would.

I do remember him though with great fondness. Possibly one of the nicest dogs. I have ever had. Would love to sumday have one again. But do firmly believe they have to be in the right homes

i can recommend someone in devon who will be able to give you some advice if you want to pm me.

Tis me with Beagles at Emdac;-) Yes they can be trained and can be let off lead but you need alot of food and praise. Your best bet is to contact the Beagle Club http://www.thebeagleclub.org/ they will put you in touch with breeders that have got pups in your area and you can be sure that they come from good breeders.

Beagle are very loving, funny, hard work and stubborn but also the best breed in the world.

My friend has a beautiful lemon/white Beagle. He's only a baby, I think he's about a year old. He certainly runs rings around his owner, she keeps him on a flexi lead most of the time I think, as he has been known to run off. He's got a wonderful character and is very cheeky, he is her first dog and I know she is very keen to get another Beagle soon. She wouldn't have any other dog now. He's also very good with other dogs and has a lovely friendly nature.

MEL................I have pm'd you
Pauline

Great thanks to you all for the time and efforts made in making reply.  I'm nose down and off in search of my new addition to the family which might well turn out to a  beagle - I'll let you know.