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Temperament is one of the questions often raised, especially by parents with young children. The first thing I would stress is that an 8 week old puppy is the one who needs protection! Young children - with the best will in the world - can damage a young puppy very easily. Those with temperament as a top priority would do well to find a dog with a friendlier nature than a beagle. The breed standard states that a beagle should be “amiable and alert, showing no aggression or timidity.” Now in my 13th year of involvement with the breed, and with a house full of 7 little scallywags, aggression has never been an issue. Whether you have one or are daft enough to have seven, make sure your beagle(s) know who their pack leader is - you!
When out for “walkies” they will bark when they see another dog approaching, but when they do come nose to nose it’s with tails wagging and the friendliest of greetings. I know of some beagle males who are a bit intolerant of other male dogs if they get too close, but overall as a breed temperament is excellent.
As for the dog v bitch debate, that must be a matter of personal choice. I find my boys every bit as affectionate as the girls and probably less bother overall (although maybe that’s because they are out-numbered 2-1!!) |
