Like owner, like beagle.
If the owner had such anti-social behavior, is it any wonder his beagle was rude, too??
When I take Tatiana out, I have her on a harness and leash. When I see another dog approaching, I pick up Tatiana. I'm nervous about Tatiana's safety, and I'm unsure how well-socialized the other dog is. Tatiana is dainty (3 lbs). All it takes is ONE BITE from the other dog, and Tatiana may be seriously injured. Most of the time, I do this good-naturedly, with a smile on my face. No one was rude to me about it (and if they were, I wouldn't care. Tatiana's safety comes first.).