WELCOME TO BEOWULF!
Ted Swedalla, Class of 1964
We are a small show kennel located in Central Virginia. The origins of Beowulf date back to 1985 in Marlborough, Massachusetts and started with the Beagle bloodlines of Bridal Vale, Chrisette, Buglair and White Acres.
Over the many years since my first dog, "Dawn", many a fine Beagle has entered our lives. These hounds have all been registered with the "Beowulf Kennel" name and many have had very successful careers in the conformation ring. The most important job for these little guys however, is to be a family member which improves the quality of life for all involved. In addition to activities relating to having a show kennel, I've been given the job of Supporting Membership Director of the National Beagle Club of America. The NBC Supporting Membership consists of those Beaglers who primary focus involves conformation, obedience, agility, and tracking. My wife, Terri and I have been members of the National Beagle Club since 1985.
We strive to produce a pretty little hound that demonstrates elegant breed type. Most importantly these dogs must have the qualities of temperament that allow them to be an excellent companion animal. Like most, our Beagles are comedians and engage in mischief on a regular basis. Our German Shepherd Dogs are also exhibited at conformation shows but take life a bit more seriously and thus have a full time job trying to keep the Beagles in line.
Over the last 10 years we have seen a renaissance in the Beagle conformation ring. The use of the internet is bringing changes to breeding practices by expanding breeding options and thus expanding the gene pool of the Beagle's that are now being exhibited. The National Beagle Club of America Specialty has taken on an international flavor. We now see Beagles from many parts of the world competing at our annual Specialty Show. This has resulted in better moving dogs and bitches, both in side gate and coming and going.
The Kennel from afar.
The kennel up close showing the dog runs.
The latest litter of five Beagles.
A closer look at the litter.
Somebody, please send me a get out of jail card.
One of Ted & Terri's neighbor's boys enjoying the puppies.
Duke, our Clumber Spaniel
A look inside the grooming room.
More of the grooming room.
One of the boys, Benicio.
Ted's Beagle van and a shot of the porch on the house.
Terri showing one of their show beagles.
Flashback
Below are photos of the Kennel under construction
"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog.
You are his life, his love, his leader.
He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart.
You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion." -- Unknown
It often feels like the blink of an eye from the time you hold a seconds-old newborn pup until you reflect back warmly on all the memories that pup brought you through the years. The foundation of Beowulf Kennel and those dogs who followed shortly after can be found here. They taught us so much about this wonderful hobby and sport, as their great-great, etc grandchildren continue to do so. These dogs not only provided us with opportunities to learn but have brought together many cherished friendships over time.
Mozart 
Clapton 
Tommy 
Spice 
Chablis 
Sonata
Living with GSDs is a completely different experience than that with Hounds. The Germans--as we affectionately refer to them--are vigilant and move with an elegant stealth. They typically respond quickly to correction and rarely laugh at you as our beloved Beagles are known to do during training. Our Germans can be rather comical in their own way.......there is nothing sillier than watching a big male German Shepherd Dog running around the house with his little stuffed lobster toy!
Ludwig 
Twist 
Swing
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