HKD if you had tame Columbians consider yourself lucky. Problem is Columbians are the least expensive and most extensively distributed in petstores and so most people have a bad view about tegus. Also many people do not know how to tell the difference so there is a segment that feels they have had a nasty Argentine, when in fact it was a Columbian (so many petshops have their stock mislabled too).
Argentine BW's are sweet animals when cared for correctly--the only stories I have heard of owners getting hurt by them is if their husbandry is very wrong ( they are very forgiving in that area) and they are being mishandled in some way. Once you read all there is to know about their care---taming them is no real process. Mine were friendly out of the box---the only problem I have ever had was my own ignorance that first summer...she got away in my yard and I did not have it setup properly.....long story/short story is the female dropped her tail and became antisocial. She didn't bite me or act aggressive--she just wanted nothing to do with people for many months. I have to say she is totally out of the woods and back to her sweet self again.
But this is a good example of how patient the animal is.
They are smart and have such different personalities--they enjoy human interaction and basically my male will flip when you don't let him out to explore----he plays witth children and is very happy sleeping in bed with me.....which I do not permit......at the end of the night he goes back in his cage. But that he will accept. As long as he is let out for some strolling he's fine!
The female is the more aggressive--she basks right o top of him sometimes---she eats first---poor baby gets pushed around but he seems happy with her.
Reds seem very nice--blues and then the crossess....endless.....the albino tegu was something I really wanted....but after reading a few posts here from JS I have decided to stay away from albinos now---even though they are awefully beautifull to look at
Chacoans are more attractive to most people--I have both and really enjoy the differences
