Hi everybody,

I'm thinking of getting a second dog and feel that a Beagle is the size / character etc, to fit into our family. However, some information I have read has stated that they have a calm and quiet breed (hence why they are used for Animal Testing, which, of course, I find abhorant) while other people have told me they can be snappy and are not good with children. Obviously, I don't want to commit to a Beagle pup without first clarifying these conflicting opinions about their character. I hope that the latter is just an old wives tale as I think they seem like lovely dogs.

Can anyone give me any further information / advice?

P.S. I have looked at various breeder web sites, none of which say anything about the snappyness.

All the beagles I have ever met have been placid and good natured with people. they can of course be stubborn, and suffer selective deafness once they get onto a scent, but they are a hound :D

They seem a popular breed for Junior Handling at shows, and I would hae thought would make a nice family dog, for a NICE family.

From what I've read, beagles from poor breeding can have unstable, shy or aggressive behaviors. By taking your time in researching breeders and getting solid referrals you should be able to find a kennel that breeds with temperament as one of their top priorities. Beagles are, on the whole, happy, good natured, playful and excellent family dogs. Show lines make better indoor companions than working lines. :)

Would have thought that any dog badly breed could have an untypical temperment. JH

Though I havn't any children, and currently in my mid-twenties, am not planning to have any (more interested in my dogs!), it's of course always good to know generally regarding temperament for the future.

I suppose if they're popular in Junior Handling classes that's a good measure that the majority are of good temperament. I'll just have to be careful, as you naturally are when choosing a breeder.

Thanks everyone.

P.S. Anybody know of a good Beagle breeder planning to have any pups over the next 1/3 months I would be very interested.

My Uncle had a Beagle called Dillon who was a splendid chap and a real character! He was a bit of a wanderer though and on one occasion broke into a Farmer's house, pulled all his clothes off their hangers, scattered the clothes around the floor then jumped on the bed and fell asleep! Farmer NOT impressed when he came home.
My Uncle sort advice and was told that, being Hounds, they are very willful and independent and can be a challenge to house-train. Boy did he wish he'd invested more time in training when Dillon was young!
Like any dog, given the patience and understanding early on, they make charming companions though and yours need not be so wayward as Dillon. For all his faults, he was never snappy, grew up with three children and was a thoroughly charming and social little dog.

Yes, Jackie, I would agree with you on that. Due to the recent misunderstandings on the board re: advice I felt it best to approach the question as if she had minimal prior experience buying a pure bred puppy. (This of course is probably not the case, but better to give too much info than too little.) She may be under the impression that all beagles are wonderful dogs no matter if they came from a puppy farmer, pet store, a neighbor who happens to have a bitch and dog that mate whenever given the opportunity or a serious breeder. I thought it might be useful for her to consider the thought process behind the mating. I am sure she is doing a lot of research and is looking to buy the best beagle possible.

The information I posted was from a book called Your Purebred Puppy, a buyers guide by Michele Welton who is an obedience instructor and breed-selection consultant.

I currently have a two year old labrador, which we did all the right researching breeders etc, before finally choosing him. However, I have NO experience of Beagles and when mentioned in passing to more than two people (both of which, I hasten to add, have no doggy experience) that we were thinking of getting one, they warned of potential bad character - "they new someone, who new someone who had a 'badun'" etc, etc. As this had happened more than once, I started to doubt myself!

Thank you everyone for your comments, it's put my mind at rest.

A friend of mine has beagles - we even considered re-homing one for her. They are wonderful, affectionate, playful and everything you want in a dog. However they are BUSY dogs. Countersurfing is a specialty!! They are wonderful, and as long as you're prepared for the busyness and their noses in everything I would recommend them.

Wendy

I'm on my 3rd beagle now and emphatically endorse the positive comments made about their temperament - especially with children. The first 2 were brought up from puppies and we lost them both at 11 years old. Our current little star (he's 5) we got one year ago from the Beagle Welfare. When I last spoke to the lady who takes in the welfare beagles at her kennels, she had 7 in. So, please consider a welfare beagle before seeking out an imminent litter. As a breed they take a little getting used to; they're very bright and very inquisitive - however, I guarantee they'll make you chuckle with their antics. My beagle is aloof when it suits him but he's a big baby when it comes to snuggling up with 'mum' on the sofa! Should you want a contact number for Beagle Welfare then please email me at lyg@waitrose.com