Asking a lot of questions, and getting clear answers is an important part of researching any topic, including the buying of a dog. We have therefore, compiled a list of our most commonly asked questions, in the hope that it will help others in their quest for the perfect Beagle or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel for their family.


Question:   We are looking to purchase a Beagle (or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel). Do you have any for sale?

Answer:   Perhaps, but first it would help us a lot if you could tell us exactly what you are looking for in a Beagle or Cavalier, and your purpose for wanting one. Do you wish a loving companion for your home, a dog for hunting, or show? We at times do have dogs or puppies available, but we need to ensure they would be correct for your needs.


Question:   How long have you been involved in the breeding of dogs? If I request, will you provide me with written references?

Answer:   If you take a close look at the 'About Us' section of our web site, you will find a mini biography on us. Our club affiliations, our history, and our accomplishments are explained. As well, the number of years spent in the dog fancy is listed. Of course we would provide you with written recommendations should you wish. We also require them of many of our potential clients.


Question:   How many dogs do you have at your kennel?

Answer:   Cragland Kennels prefers to maintain a small number of dogs, approximately 20, to ensure quality time, training, and loving care and attention are devoted to each and every one. One full time person, and four part time people (all family members) dote on our dogs continuously. We truly live with and among our canine friends, allowing them the maximum benefits of family life and socializing.


Question:   Where do your dogs live?

Answer:   Our goal at Cragland Kennels is to mould the absolutely well adjusted dog. We begin this through proper genetics to ensure a genetically good temperament, and after birth, like sponges, we saturate our puppies with the life experiences that will help us achieve that goal of well adjustment. We feel it is important for our dogs to experience and see occasions of the many things and life situations they may someday be required to be in. For that reason, our puppies are born and raised in the house, and spend their first few weeks exclusively in the kitchen, in the middle of all household activity. As they get older, we ask them to adjust to many different environments, from crate training (to facilitate good travel manners), to a freer use of the house and home, to learning to frolic in one of our large, fenced outside encloses, or spending time in the kennel grooming area. An honest answer is "Our puppies live everywhere".


Question:   What kind of Beagles and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels do you breed?

Answer:   We are Breeders who are devoted to breeding Beagles and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with the health and temperaments that allow them to succeed as show dogs, compete in various dog sports, and most importantly, excel as loving family members. We breed for the characteristics that help us to achieve these goals. Breeding from health cleared stock (documentation is available); our Cavaliers are typical in size, lovely in expression, and with a sweet, and loving, yet feisty "do anything" temperament. We breed both sizes of Beagles, again with an emphasis on health, and the "happy go lucky" temperament of the Beagle


Question:   Do you recommend a puppy or an older dog?

Answer:   This depends greatly on your set of circumstances. We believe it is more important to consider the individual dog, and your particular situation, rather than limit the search for the right dog by only considering a specific age, colour, or sex. For some individuals who have the time, patience, and realistic expectations regarding puppies, this is the correct choice. For other people, and older puppy or adult dog is a wiser choice. Be realistic about your abilities and needs as a dog owner, and not blinded by romantic notions of dog-ownership that will not sustain you as you cope with the challenges of adding a new canine member to your household.


Question:   I'd like to buy a dog for my child; I think it would be a good way to teach my child responsibility. Do you have one to sell me?

Answer:   No. We will not sell a dog to a family that wants one only because their child does. We are very happy to consider homes with children, and love placing our companions in child filled families, but again we must be realistic. Children's interests can change over time, therefore the adults in the family must absolutely be willing to undertake the time consuming, hard working role of dog ownership. The adults must also absolutely want the dog as much as the child. There of course is also a financial burden with dog ownership, again making the adults the ones responsible. Children are well able to help with the care giving required for the family dog, and yes they will gain valuable lessons, but this always must be under the direct and ultimate responsibility of the parents.


Question:   We respect and understand your position on the previous question. We are fully prepared as a family to undertake the responsibility of dog ownership for the lifetime of our dog. We do though have children, and want a family dog that is compatible with them. Are your dogs good with children?

Answer:   It is our uncompromising belief that temperamental stability is an absolute must in any dog. Our dogs are genetically chosen for this stability, and are also socialized from birth with children. Sweet and loving dispositions, as well as a zest for life, make our dogs ideal family dogs. Puppies however, can be rambunctious, and subject to mouthing, and should at all times be supervised with children. All children should as well be taught the proper ways to handle the family dog. Once both children and puppy are well trained, a harmonious situation develops.


Question:   Do you always have dogs for sale? If I want one in a particular month, or to work around my holiday schedule, will you have one available?

Answer:   No. We breed our litters selectively, normally when we are looking for something to show for ourselves. Everything needs to be in order, so we can devote the necessary time to the litter, as well as look after the needs and pleasures of our adult dogs. We appreciate indications of preferred time periods from our clients, and definitely keep it mind, but when the correct puppy comes along its not always at the exact precise time you would prefer. Some flexibility is necessary in dog ownership, so we might as well start at the start. Unfortunately dogs don't come from the catalogue, and we can't always order them when we want.


Question:   We like the looks of the Beagle and the Cavalier. Which would make the best family dog?

Answer:   One breed is not better than the other, only different. We love both the Beagle, and Cavalier, and appreciate them for all their uniqueness. They are as different as night and day though, in character, grooming, health concerns, behaviours, etc. The Beagle is a scent hound, while the Cavalier is a toy dog, with a long ago infusion of some sporting blood. It is wise when looking for the right breed for your family, to consider what the dog was originally bred to do. This gives you some clues as to what behaviours this breed may exhibit. This format is not large enough to elaborate on each breed, but please contact us for detailed information on both breeds. Perhaps one may be better for you, or perhaps neither is the correct breed for you, let's investigate!


Question:   We would like to be put on your waiting list to purchase one of your dogs. How precisely, do we go about it?

Answer:   Should you be approved for purchase of a dog from Cragland Kennels, the next step is to be put on the reservation system. This is a clear and concise system, which works well for all concerned. Don't let the approval portion frighten you; we are reasonable people, with reasonable expectations. Our mandate though, is a happy, well-placed dog, therefore it is necessary for us to ask a few questions, and get to know you. We expect, and encourage that you will also have many things to ask of us. Please call or e-mail for more details on the approval- reservation process.


Question:   You only have one puppy left to reserve from the litter, is it the leftover?

Answer:   As the matching process is our prime concern when placing a litter, it is by random chance which is the first or last puppy to go. Also, often puppies are kept back by ourselves because they demonstrate high potential for show, or are a sought after addition to our breeding program. In some cases, these puppies become available at a later date. Regardless, we only sell when we are satisfied the particular dog or puppy under consideration is appropriate for an individual or situation.


Question:   When can we see our/the puppies?

Answer:   Puppies,reserved and otherwise, are availble for viewing once they have had their first booster shot, have been completely weaned, tatooed and dewormed. This is normally done between six and twelve weeks of age, depending on the breed (Beagle or Cavalier), the size (13" or 15" as in Beagles), and many other factors. Under no circumstances will unvaccinated, unweaned puppies be subject to visitors. Unvaccinated, puppies are vulnerable to disease, and keeping them healthy, and lovingly cared for, is my priority!! Until that time I am thrilled to keep my reserved clients updated on puppy's progress via regular updates and photographs. Puppies are normally ready for their new homes between APPROXIMATELY eight and twelve weeks of age. This can vary for many reasons, and we want our clients to know that they will need to be flexible in this area. It is of the utmost importance that the timing be perfect for the PUPPY, us humans will just have to work around it! Adults are of course available for viewing Monday thru Saturday by appointment.


Question:   Can we come and pick out the puppy we want from the litter?

Answer:   One of the best ingredients of a happy and wonderful canine-family relationship is the right dog for the right family. We at Cragland Kennels pride ourselves in devoting the time to properly match a puppy to you. We are well educated in the genetic tendencies of our bloodlines, and observe our puppies carefully from birth. Notes are taken and filed on their development, both physical and behaviourally. We also subject them to temperament testing, to get another read on their personalities. At the same time we are getting to know our puppies, we are getting to know our clients. We have personal communications with our clients, and use questionnaires to help us with information. We really enjoy getting to know our clients, and what their preferences are, to assist a proper match. At times, if we have determined there are a number of puppies in a litter that would be a good match for a particular person or family, we will allow you to pick between them. We work with our clients to get their feedback and preferences, but we always have the final say in matching. Our dogs and our clients deserve the very best of our expertise.


Question:   Will both parents be available for viewing?

Answer:   Usually, but not always. As we are not backyard breeders, but concerned about the improvement of our chosen breeds, our stud dogs may be from a far away location, such as Australia etc. Some of these breedings are done by frozen semen. We also routinely use dogs in the United States or far off Canadian provinces. Although you would be welcome to view them, the location may make it prohibitive for you. We will though, provide you with photos and information.


Question:   We want a dog for a family pet, we don't want or need papers, do you have a dog for us?

Answer:   No. Cragland Kennels may well have the perfect dog for your family, but it will be registered with the Canadian Kennel Club, as that is the law. We are Breeders of quality, purebred dogs. Registration papers are something you, as a buyer of a purebred dog are entitled to. There can be no extra charge for these papers, or a different price between"papered",and "without papers". The facts in Canada are such: All dogs represented as purebred MUST be registered with the Canadian Kennel Club In a nutshell, if it's not papered, it's not purebred. Your pet should be papered, and you should be proud!


Question:   I know we can call our puppy anything we'd like, but who chooses the registered name for our puppy, and how?

Answer:   Cragland Kennels names the dogs producecd by our kennel. We have a registered kennel name, which is always incorporated into the registered name. We also normally choose a "theme" for a breeding, and choose names coresponding to that theme. We take pride in being thoughtful, and original in name choices.


We at Cragland Kennels thank you for your interest in our breeding program. We appreciate the time you took to look over this list of questions, and sincerely hope this format has been of some assistance to you. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information.