What's your problem with the word? It has no more evil connotation than mare, sow, ewe, hen, or doe. I refer to my own female beagle as a bitch, since it's the correct term. She doesn't consider herself insulted. ;-) What kind of beagles do you have, BTW? 13s or 15s, hunting hounds or show or pets?
I have had both sizes over the years but right now I only have 15". They are hunting hounds. I run them a couple times a week year round.
My problem with the word goes back to when I was growing up. I'm probably much older than you.