I love Beagles too. My female, Callie, was about 6 when my wife insisted she be spayed and she died in the process. My wife is in the dog house big time! I di have a runt pup from her last litter we kept, I had to bottle feed her and until she was weaned she got fed by her mom every night in my lap until she was full. Callie was <12" Beagle and the pup's dad was >12" from a local prison Tracking Pack. She has lots of hunt in her from both sides and is much better about coming home to a call! Unfortunately, she had a hernia where her umbilical cord dropped off and we had to spay her when that was repaired. She is as big apart of our family as I am sure so many other posters here enjoy the breed.