I have a female Beagle ( Maggie) who will be two in May . I want to have her bred. She is heat now and has been for about a week. How long will it last? Is she old enough? How do I find a stud for her near Canton Me. ?As you can see any help will be appreciated, Thanks

Are You a member of your national breed club? Is your dog a champion? She is not old enough to have any of her clearances which need to be done after 2 years old.... so she is NOT old enough to breed. If you need to ask these basic questions you are NOT ready to breed her, Not to be rude. I researched 10 years before breeding my first litter. I became active in regional and national breed clubs, got a BREED MENTOR, read every book I could find, took classes and workshops, talked to other breeders and vets. Then I researched dogs and pedigrees and found my dogs, got involved in showing, put titles on them, got all their clearances (OFA hips, elbows heart, eyes-CERF) once they were the right age. Then I was ready to breed.

There are a few things to think about before breeding: How will your dog better the breed by breeding her/him? DO NOT BREED WITHOUT GETTING ALL THE CLEARANCES APPROPRIATE FOR YOUR BREED... that information can be found through your national breed club. You do not want to create puppies who will be blind or crippled and breeding without those clearances you very well may! Get a breed mentor... maybe the breeder of your bitch will help you. Can you afford all the testing needed? Can you afford prenatal care, vet visits, QUALITY food and supplements, x-rays, ultrasounds, c-section? Can you afford vet visits, worming, vaccinations, emergency care, quality food, toys, etc. for all the puppies? Are you prepared for your girl to die while giving birth? These are just a FEW of the things to think about.