Temperament of cute beagle dog :-
The Beagle has
an even temper and gentle disposition. Described in several breed standards as
"merry", they are amiable and typically neither aggressive nor timid,
although this depends on the individual. They enjoy company, and although they
may initially be standoffish with strangers, they are easily won over. They
make poor guard dogs for this reason, although their tendency to bark or howl
when confronted with the unfamiliar makes them good watch dogs. In a 1985 study
conducted by Ben and Lynette Hart, the Beagle was given the highest
excitability rating, along with the Yorkshire Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Miniature
Schnauzer, West Highland White Terrier and Fox Terrier.
Beagles are
intelligent but, as a result of being bred for the long chase, are
single-minded and determined, which can make them hard to train. They can be
difficult to recall once they have picked up a scent, and are easily distracted
by smells around them. They do not generally feature in obedience trials; while
they are alert, respond well to food-reward training, and are eager to please,
they are easily bored or distracted. They are ranked 72nd in Stanley Coren's
The Intelligence of Dogs, as Coren places them among the group with the lowest
degree of working/obedience intelligence. Coren's scale, however, does not
assess understanding, independence, or creativity.
Beagles are
excellent with children and this is one of the reasons they have become popular
family pets, but they are pack animals, and can be prone to separation anxiety.
Not all Beagles will howl, but most will bark when confronted with strange
situations, and some will bay (also referred to as "speaking",
"giving tongue", or "opening") when they catch the scent of
potential quarry. They also generally get along well with other dogs. They are
not too demanding with regard to exercise; their inbred stamina means they do
not easily tire when exercised, but they also do not need to be worked to
exhaustion before they will rest. Regular exercise helps ward off the weight
gain to which the breed is prone.
