Last Updated on September 20, 2023
*.Comparing the Jack Russell Terrier with the Beagle to find your next dog companion. These are the two most sought-after medium-small dogs. These dogs are loved by many families. Both are loyal, intelligent, friendly, and energetic.
How do you decide which best breed for your family ?? Both of these breeds are great for families, but they are not the right breed. Both Jack Russells and the Jack Russell have a lot of energy. They can also be stubborn when training.
Both breeds are long-established and were bred for totally different purposes . Which one is best for your four-legged friend? Below is a guide that compares both breeds of dog to help you decide which dog is best for you. Let’s get started!
Breed History
Jack Russell Terriers are a long-loved family dog breed. Since their genetic start in the early 1800s, they have remained mostly the same, compact, energetic, friendly, and intelligent. These dogs can be loved by families that are able to give them plenty of stimulation and exercise, both mentally and physically.
For more than 100 years, Beagles were the most popular dogs . They are intelligent, loyal, stubborn, and affectionate. However, they can be difficult to train. They are also energetic, loving , and make great family dogs. Let’s find out more about their lives.
Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers had their start in the early 19th century. The Rev. John Russell, Devonshire, England, was a pioneer in terrier breeding. He wanted to be able to hunt foxes with his terrier. His breeding efforts resulted in two distinct terrier breeds , Fox Terrier, and Jack Russell. The latter took its name after the reverend.
The breed was not originally purebred in traditional terms. They are the result widespread crossbreeding. But this process developed the typical characteristics of the Jack Russell, which breeders have carefully preserved since the early 1800s.
Beagle
Experts aren’t sure where or when Beagles began as a breed. Records of similar dogs go back as far as 2,500 years ago in ancient Greece. These hunting dogs are sometimes called the first Beagles.
Beagles, as we know and love them, came to be in the mid-1800s. The rise of hunting in the 19th century increased enthusiasm for Beagle breeding, eventually creating the “Patch” Beagle with which most of us are most familiar.
Appearance
Jack Russells are medium-sized dogs. They usually weigh between 9 and 15 lbs. and are 10 to 12 inches tall. Although there are many different types of coats, most are white with some offset brown or black markings.
They are small but strong. They are small and flexible, but full of energy. Their long legs make them agile and able to run at high speeds. The terrier was bred not only for hunting, but also for burrowing. They are compact and muscular, which means they can move fast in tight spaces. Jack Russells usually weigh no more than 15 pounds.
There is a variety of Beagles, each slightly different. The larger variety has a shoulder height of as high as 15 inches, while the smaller has a shoulder height of 13 inches. Beagles usually weigh a maximum of 30 pounds.
Beagles are known for their versatility and ability to mix and match colors. The most well-known pattern is the black back with a brown belly and a white tail. Red is also a common color in some Beagles. The white tail is almost universal. It was originally used to help the dogs see while hunting.
Temperament
Both breeds of dog are social, friendly dogs that have above-average intelligence. They do have differences in temperament, despite being similar. Jack Russell Terriers are well-known for their energetic and friendly personalities . You might also notice their bright eyes. They are intelligent and very smart. They can be vocalized because they were born as baying dogs.
They are also very aggressive hunters and will not tolerate smaller housepets such as birds or rodents. They are too bred to hunt. They may get along with other animals if their owners socialize them as puppies.
You might also notice your Jack Russell digging in your yard, or hunting rodents and birds. They are intelligent and love solving puzzles and playing games. They are easy to train.
Beagles are affectionate . and have a sweet temperament They can be stubborn and mischievous which can make it difficult to train them. Their above-average intelligence and stubborn nature make them difficult to train.
*Beagles enjoy socializing with children and adults alike. They may also be hyper-enthusiastic playmates. They learn to be gentle with their human companions through early socialization. Beagles are a pack animal and will not be left alone for prolonged periods of time. They thrive in households with multiple housepets.
Exercise
JRT’s are hunters and have lots of energy. They also have a high prey drive .. They require a lot of exercise. They need to be able to run freely in an enclosed outdoor area. To be able to live in their yard, many terriers require a leash or fence. Their instinct to roam and hunt means that they can wander off.
JRT’s need to be taken on energetic, frequent walks . if they are indoors. They love to play fetch and hike. They aren’t one for laying down all day.
*Beagles need to be exercised a lot in their youth. They love to go for walks, runs or hikes. Owners should supervise their pets when they exercise, or at the very least without a fence. They are prone to wander off due to their keen sense of smell and instinctive hunting. Beagles should never be left unattended in open yards.
As dogs age, Beagles may become less active and spend more time sleeping. Owners should make every effort to encourage their pets to exercise. Without a routine of exercise, beagles can become overweight.
Training
Jack Russells intelligent, highly trained dogs . They are highly cooperative and engage because of their natural ability to solve puzzles and meet challenges. While training, keep your wits about you and be patient. They love to have fun. They require lots of stimulation.
They will be eager to follow a training program that is engaging and challenging if they are engaged in it. They may not be as enthusiastic if there isn’t enough variety. This knowledge will help you train Jack Russells. They love to show off their tricks for their owners. Their energy and capability make them perfect for professional showing and even canine sports.
Beagles can be friendly and affectionate dogs ,, but they are also stubborn steaks. They need to be trained so that they are cooperative and not get out of control. They can be happy and obedient with the right training.
Beagles can be difficult to train. To keep them interested, make the training fun. Positive reinforcement is better than punishment. These techniques are less effective for Beagles because of their stubborn nature. It is a common trait for Beagles to be curious and will walk on their own. Therefore, it is advisable to start training them early. Use a Beagle-friendly dog harness for best results.
Health
Jack Russells are healthy dogs .. They are more likely to have health issues than other purebred breeds because they have a larger gene pool.
Owners might want to check their dog for loose kneecaps. This is a problem to which JRT’s can be susceptible. The National Breed Club also recommends testing for hearing problems and eye disease. You may also experience problems with their eyes or hips. The risk of developing these conditions increases as they age. They may require surgery to correct.
Beagles are susceptible to many health issues .. A purebred Beagle is not guaranteed to be healthy. A good breeder will make sure that your dog is healthy. Beagles can develop four types of health problems: eye problems; bone problems; neurological issues; and hypothyroidism.
Eyes
Beagles as well as Jack Russells can have problems with their eyes. These issues can include glaucoma or degenerative disorders. These issues can lead to severe pain and blindness.
Bones
Beagles may have hip, spine, or leg issues. Hip dysplasia can cause arthritis and severe pain in older dogs. Jack Russels may have loose kneecaps, which could cause problems. These problems can often be fixed or improved with surgery.
Neurological Conditions
Some Beagles, like many small dogs, have a genetic predisposition to epilepsy. The severity of epilepsy can vary from mild to severe. Seizures can cause unusual behavior or complete unconsciousness. Epilepsy in dogs is treatable with medication. It usually doesn’t mean a shorter life expectancy.
Hypothyroidism
*Hypothyroidism can be related to epilepsy, but it could also be completely different. If left untreated, it can lead to obesity in Jack Russells as well as hair loss and other skin conditions. It is manageable with medication.
Nutrition
Both dog breeds should be given nutritious dog food that is appropriate for their age . Overfeeding can lead to obesity in both breeds so owners need to be careful about how much they feed their dogs.
The amount of food you give your Beagle will depend on their age, size and fitness level. You should only buy high-quality dog food. It will not give them empty calories, but healthy nutrients. Beagles are known for beggarish behavior and taking food from humans. Beagles are also susceptible to obesity, which can make this a problem.
Jack Russell Terriers usually consume 1- 2 cups depending on their age and the breed. The Beagle will generally eat the same, about 1 to 2.5 cups per day. Beagles can be more expensive depending on their activity level.
Grooming
JRTs need simple grooming . Although they shed a little, their short coat is not very long. There are three types of fur available to the breed: rough, broken and smooth. Owners should brush their dogs once a week to keep them in good condition. As with all other breeds of dogs, it is important to check their ears and trim their nails every month.
Beagles have a short coat that repels water. They do shed, but not heavily when compared to other breeds. Their fur can be kept in good condition with a simple grooming routine. Because their ears hang down, regular ear cleaning is necessary. Beagle owners should ensure that their dogs have their nails trimmed at least once a month and that they brush their teeth frequently.
Puppy Prices
Usually, a Jack Russell Terrier adopted from a shelter will cost less than the standard adoption fee. A purbred puppy purchased from a registered breeder can cost you more. If you want a purebred puppy, you can probably bank on spending at least $1,000. A puppy from a championship breeding line will cost you more.
Adopting a Beagle puppy at a shelter or foundation won’t be costly. If you are looking to adopt a purebred Beagle from a distinguished lineage, the costs will be higher. A pedigree Beagle puppy is likely to cost between $1,000 and $2,000. However, this depends on many factors including the breeder and the puppy’s lineage as well as its health bill.
Final Thoughts
These family-friendly breeds are ideal for those looking for a medium-sized dog. These friendly, affectionate breeds are some of the most beloved for over a century.
There are some things you should consider before you adopt a puppy from either breed. Beagles can be less aggressive and are more comfortable with children and other pets if they are socialized early in life. JRT’s, on the other hand are more easy to train and less prone to health issues . They are also very active and require a lot of exercise. This makes them less suitable for those who don’t have access to a green space or a yard.
There are many factors to consider before you choose one of these breeds. They are both intelligent and affectionate dogs that will stay with you for many years.