Beagles are compact, energetic, small to medium sized dogs. Unfortunately they are also a very popular dog breed. This popularity has lead to puppy-mill production and indiscriminate "back-yard breeding" of these dogs. The careless breeding practices has lead to the extensive degeneration of what should have been a healthy sound gene pool.
     Be very careful in obtaining a Beagle puppy. Be sure that you are dealing with a responsible reputable breeder. This is your best chance of obtaining a healthy sound puppy.

The most common medical conditions associated with Beagles are:

Cherry Eye (Prolapsed Third Eye Lid)
     The tear gland that normally occupies the base of the third eyelid occasionally becomes enlarged, and will protrude beyond the leading edge of the third eyelid.  This protrusion will appear as a round, red mass (cherry eye).
For further information please see : medical index/cherry eye.

Cataracts
     Cataracts in dogs can be identified as opaque spots on the lens of the eye.  These spots may cause total or partial loss of vision.  Some cataracts are hereditary while others are not.   In some cases surgery may help the dog recover.
For further information please see : medical index/bilateral cataracts.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
        Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and Central Progressive Retinal Atrophy (CPRA) are among the most common eye problems in Beagles. These conditions usually begin to display symptoms at about 2 years of age.  They are progressive in their degeneration. Both conditions are hereditary. Both parents should have CERF certification proof, when looking to purchase a pup.
For further information please see: Medical Index/Progressive Retinal Atrophy.

Elongated Soft Palate
     The purpose of the soft palate is to serve as a mobile flap preventing food and water from entering the nasal passages during swallowing.
For further information please see : medical index/elongated soft palate.

Cleft Palate
        Occasionally pups can be born with an opening (cleft) in the roof of the mouth.  If the opening is tiny at birth, it may close on its own.  Most often in Beagles this condition is genetic in nature.  In minor cases the cleft can be surgically corrected, although a pup that has had cleft surgery should never be bred.
For further information please see : Medical Index/Cleft Palate.

Cryptorchidism
      Cryptorchidism is a genetic condition in which either one or both testicles do not descend into proper location within the scrotum. This is hereditary and dogs exhibiting this condition should never be used for breeding.
For further information regarding this condition please see : Medical Index/Cryptorchidism.

Degenerative Disc Disease
      Beagles are prone to degenerative disc disease although some bloodlines appear to have higher a incidence of this problem than others.  Dogs with Spinal problems should never be used for breeding.  Dogs producing offspring with spinal abnormalities should be spayed or neutered.
For further information please see : medical index/intervertebral disc disease.

Sub-Aortic Stenosis (SAS)
      This congenital heart condition has been found in Beagles, although major efforts are underway to eliminate (severely reduce) this condition.  Ranging from minor heart murmurs to fatal, this condition covers a wide array of symptoms.
For further information regarding this condition please see : Medical Index/Sub-Aortic Stenosis).

   In some bloodlines, Beagles may be affected by familial kidney disease.  There are many possible afflictions to the kidneys, the following list is a few articles to familiarize you with canine kidneys:

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