The American Beagler Forum

Me and my wife recently purchased a AKC registered puppy. We have not sent in the registration as of yet. Sire- Johnston's Lemon Hobo and the Dam- Dements Black River Jewell. Curious to know if anyone has heard of these Beagles. We bought her in southern Illinois at Johnston's Beagle Farm. Our puppy is a tri-colored. We were told she will be a 13" and a medium to medium fast dog. She was the best looking one of the litter. We had seen the Sire and the Dam and they looked good. Our puppy is 9 weeks old and she got her first smell (and )taste of Rabbit last night! She was estatic! She couldn't get enough! I drug the bunny across the yard when she wasn't lookin' and then called her over and she tracked it really good! I was so proud of her. I didn't know who was more excited, me or the dog! Any help on the info would be greatly appreciated.Thanx...Curt

Without starting any trouble I would like to ask a couple of questions. How many dogs were at Johnston's when you were there ? How many were in each pen or above ground kennel ? Was the place clean or was there alot of feces about ? My wife and I went there some years back and I did everything I could to get him shut down. We saw 7-8 beagles in above ground kennels, we saw dogs in truck boxes sitting out in the sun, and the dog he showed us was covered in feces. I have nothing against Mr Johnston, but that is no way of keeping dogs. I heard others say he was nothing more than a puppy mill. Please don't everyone start throwing mud, but if I hear of puppy mills or mistreatment of beagles I will do what I can to shut them down or make life hard for them. Andy Smith

well, true enough he maybe called a puppy mill and there were above ground kennels, however, the ground was cleared and the feed & water dishes were full & clean. None of the dogs or pups looked ill, or distressed and my wife has been in the dog business for many years, we would have joined in a fight to close down a mill of ill repute or care of the dogs.

So do you know anything about the bloodlines or just Mr. Johnston?

curt & cathie

No, I didn't buy anything from Mr Johnston and really have no info on any of his dogs. I did contact officals of the state of Illinois and reported him. I was only trying to help the dogs not hurt Mr Johnston. I hope your puppy turns out to be a good one, there is no more fun in the world than watching a young beagle run a rabbit. We just had a litter of pups 3 weeks ago and I am already thinking about the day they are out in the field. Good luck with your pup and I hope it makes you happy and you get as much enjoyment from yours as we do ours. Andy Smith.