The American Beagler Forum

My best female is about 12 inches and weighs about 18 lbs. She's never been bred and is 5 years old. I want some pups out of her before its too late. Concerning whelping issues, should I stay away from the large males? Has anyone experienced whelping problems due to the pups being too large?

Ron I actually had a B&T Coonhound chew his way into my kennel when my female was in heat, she was not much bigger than yours, went to the vet and he told me puppies are only born so big no matter what, and when she had them they were no bigger than any litter of beagle pups I have seen. Hope this helps. I would say youre problem might be getting her to stand to be bred, she is small, 5 years old and never been bred, you may want to go to a vet and have him breed her artificially, take the male and female together, cost around 50 or 75 bucks and takes only about 15 minutes

Ron, don't worry about it. Take her to the male of choice and nature will take care of the rest. Dogs don't need instructions, no matter the age, to reproduce. It is very rare that bitches won't take a male, if they are in heat, and just as rare that beagles won't have a normal delivery. Just be sure to give her exercise while carring pups and don't let her get too fat.