Your average beagle is FAR from stupid. Beagles are simply stubborn. Taking a Beagle through obediance is a must for the new Beagle owner. The best field trial and gun dog champions in the world didn't come by it without some training. In short, if you want a loving, affectionate dog and have the patience and time to train a dog, then a beagle may be the best dog you could ever want.
Beagles are the most wonderfull lovely persons on earth.
I know by experions, I live together with 11 of them. The Beagle is a breed that can live with anyone - young or old, rich or poor. I you are a hunter, sedentary couch potato, dog show person, or performance event person - it doesnt matter. If that is what you want that is what your Beagle will want. On Christmas Eve 1995, I was with my husband's family on vacation in the somewhat rural hills of North Carolina when we heard our then 4 month old beagle, Zach, making unexplainable, terrifying, noises in his cage.