Beagles love to cuddle while Jack Russell Terriers can’t tolerate lazy days. Both are compact and love exercise. But which dog will make a good pet for your home?
Compare and contrast these breeds with this comprehensive guide. The choice is yours.
Beagles and Jack Russell Terriers are among the most popular dog breeds. They are both compact, hardworking, and clever. These dogs are ready to battle it out for the top position in your heart, with their strong instincts and eagerness to please their owners.
Beagle vs Jack Russell Terrier, which would be a perfect match for dog owners who’s looking for an outdoor companion? In this article, we have compared their traits to help narrow down your search.
| Beagle | Jack Russell Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | Up to 15 years | 11 to 16 years |
| Height | 11-15 inches | 10-13 inches |
| Weight | 15 to 30 pounds | 9 to 15 pounds |
| Coat | Smooth and water-resistant | Coarse or smooth |
| Temperament | Gentle | Energetic |
| Friendliness | People-pleasers | Not best at socializing |
| Intelligence | Higher sensitivity to owners mood | Highly attentive |
| Activity Level | Medium | High |
| Exercise Needs | Minimum of 30 to 60 minutes of daily exercise | Minimum of 30 to 60 minutes of daily exercise |
| Training | Difficult to train | Difficult to train |
| Barking | Bark a lot | Bark a lot |
| Shedding | Shed more | Shed comparatively less |
| Grooming | Easy to groom | Easy to groom |
| Costs | $1000 to $2000 | $1000 to $2000 |
| Tolerance to Heat and Cold | More | Less |
| Guard Dog | No | Yes |
Before getting into the details on differences, let’s get to know the breeds we are about to discuss first.
Beagles and Jack Russell Terriers are both purebred dogs recognized by the American Kennel Club. However, the Terrier is also known by the name Parson Russell Terrier. So, don’t be alarmed thinking that that’s a different dog.
These breeds share a history of working as hunting dogs from England. There are more similarities, but we’ll focus on the differences for the most part.
Both dogs have a similarly long life expectancy.
Fun Fact: The most famous (fictional) Beagle has got to be Snoopy. He’s arguably the longest-lived as well.
You can expect a Jack Russell Terrier to live from 11 to 16 years. The Beagle can reach up to 15 years. With your care and attention, you can improve their health and longevity.
Which dog is taller, and which is heavier? Eventually, a fully grown Beagle will be heavier than the Jack Russell Terrier.
They are both medium-sized dogs that don’t take up a lot of space. Don’t worry; they won’t be knocking over the furniture in your house.
At first glance, these dogs seem to have similar coloring and stature. However, their physical traits differ upon closer observation.
Beagles are known for their floppy ears and big brown eyes. These combinations give them a very cute appearance, which has also helped them rank higher than the Terrier on our popularity chart. Their ears are rounded at the end and are so long that they could reach the nose, which is pretty long.
Beagles have a long straight tail with a white tip. Their white-tipped tail was intended to make the dog visible when out on a hunt. It helps people follow the dog from a distance.
Jack Russell Terriers have a muscular body and long legs that allow them to be faster than the Beagles and jump up to 5 ft. Comparatively the Beagles’ legs are shorter which makes them slower. Jack Russell Terriers have straight ears with pointed tips that stand alert and high at all times.
Both breeds have double coats in similar earth tones. However, you get more coat color options with a Beagle.
Beagles have a smooth, water-resistant double coat. Their fur come in tricolor variations of the following colors:
Jack Russell TerrierJack Russell Terriers have the classic white double coat with tan and black markings. Its texture can be coarse or smooth.
Appearances aren’t everything, yet coat colors can be a game-changer when selecting a pet.
When comparing Beagle vs Jack Russell Terrier, both breeds are energetic but Beagles seem calmer when compared to the hyper Jack Russell Terriers.
Beagles are gentle and amiable pets. They are known for their antics that make their owner laugh all the time. If you love laidback evenings, then a Beagle will be the first to join you for a cuddle fest.
Jack Russell Terriers are more energetic and alert. They are also bossy and may be a little too intense. If you get restless easily, this breed is a good match for you. However, they are not recommended for inexperienced dog owners.
If you want a friendly companion, you’ll be better off with the Beagle.
Beagles make good companions for kids and adults alike. Since they are pack hounds, socialization is a given. They also do not react aggressively toward strangers or other dogs.
In contrast, Jack Russell Terriers are territorial. They may not do well in homes with multiple pets. These dogs are not the best at socializing. Expect them to bark and get defensive around other animals. Take note that Terriers are snappier and might bite if provoked. This dog is not ideal for homes with kids.
Jack Russell Terriers are only hostile to people they don’t know or consider family. With their family members, they can be affectionate.
Intelligence is a tricky thing to compare. Is it dog competitions you want your dog to excel at? Or do you want them to learn tricks fast?
Beagles do have a higher sensitivity to their owners’ moods than the Jack Russell Terrier. Their deep eyes will make you feel like they are trying to gauge your emotions when they stare at you.
These dogs have plenty of smarts, thanks to being bred as hunting hounds. They can quickly understand non-verbal cues from their owners. You’ll be amazed at how strong their hunting instinct can be. However, this also makes them easily distracted by an intriguing scent.
Jack Russell Terriers are not known to be sensitive or show their feelings, but they are attentive. Like Beagles, they can pick up on your mood changes. However, don’t expect them to suddenly become a cuddle buddy when you’re feeling down.
One thing is clear: this breed isn’t the best at staying on the given path. They are curious and let it get the best of them most of the time.
The result? They end up chasing something on the street and end up getting lost if left out by themselves. They need to be with a human wherever they go.
Beagle vs Jack Russell Terrier, both breeds are high-energy dogs, with the latter having the advantage.
Beagles are a little behind on fitness and energy. But they are still more active compared to most breeds. Want an exploration buddy that gets curious as you do? Beagle is the right partner for you.
If your weekends are full of long strenuous hikes, then the Jack Russell Terrier is your partner. The Jack Russell Terrier is a dog that loves to work, which means adventures are always welcome. Whether it is weekend hikes or new training activities, Jack Russell Terriers are always up for it. As we have previously established, downtime is what they truly hate.
Both breeds need a minimum of 30 to 60 minutes of daily exercise to keep fit. For fitness enthusiasts, that means your workout routines can now perfectly match. From moderate to heavy training, these dogs can take it all.
Can they hike, swim, run and play with you?
Yes! They are both excellent swimmers and fearless when it comes to jumping in the pool with their owners.
The only problem is their temper and stubbornness. Without training, these dogs can be the most difficult pets to deal with. That includes getting them into the pool as well.
Just like all dogs, the Beagle and Jack Russell Terriers are best trained at a young age. But they are both difficult to train.
They are open to making associations and learning behavioral cues when they are pups. This is the best time to introduce them to company.
Let them meet big and small dogs who are confident and calm. This helps your pet understand what behavior is acceptable.
Beagles are stubborn. So, pet owners have to be creative and patient. Be confident but also strategic when planning a Beagle’s training activities. Give them challenges that show you’re worth following.
Beagles also need to use their hunting and chasing skills. They were bred to do more than regular exercise, so they are prone to get bored easily and might disregard their owner.
Jack Russell Terriers are more intelligent than Beagles, hence they need stimulating activities to stay occupied. Otherwise, expect lots of temper tantrums.
If you are highly intolerant of barking, then these dogs are not going to be a good choice for you. Both of them bark a lot.
Without early training, their barking keeps getting out of control and much worse as they grow mature. Keep in mind that dog barks can either annoy or terrify others.
These breeds are prone to suffer from separation anxiety. So, attention is a must for both dogs. Otherwise, they are known to start a howling fest in the living room, making it scary for your family and neighbors alike.
Fun fact: Did you know Beagles can make three different sounds? They can yodel, howl and bark.
This is a good question to ask yourself before getting a dog. Both these dogs are heavy to moderate shedders.
Beagles shed slightly more since they have a thicker coat. This breed’s yearly shedding season is in the spring.
Neither breed is hypoallergenic. The Beagle has a list of skin issues and diseases which result in dandruff and flaky skin. This can make your allergies act up at times.
The task of grooming dogs is about three things: bonding, cleanliness, and pampering.
Depending on factors like rare colors, health, size, etc. the costs can vary greatly, ranging anywhere from $1000 to $2000.
Beagle vs Jack Russell Terrier, who is the healthier breed?
Here, we have narrowed down the common diseases and disorders that both breeds suffer from. However, it is your care and maintenance that is going to truly decide how healthy a dog remains.
Get them proper vaccinations to protect them against infections. Especially the Beagles which are more prone to it.
Beagles can handle hot temperatures better; their coat isn’t as good at protecting from the harsh winters. They’ll be healthy in temperatures of 30-90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Jack Russell Terriers however, have a smaller window of tolerance; between 55-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Diet forms a huge portion of your dog’s health, maintenance, and energy level. It can also lengthen their life expectancy. So, choosing quality and nutrition should be your priority.
Keeping their weight in check is the goal. The only way to do that is by feeding them healthy combinations of food. Two meals a day for adults and up to three meals for puppies is the norm.
Both Beagles and Jack Russell Terriers are prone to obesity and obesity then leads to a lot more health problems. If the dog’s appetite suddenly changes, then it could mean the dog is sick. When this happens, it is best to visit a vet soon.
Beagle vs Jack Russell Terrier, Who’s the best guard dog?
Both dogs are loyal and protective of their owners, but the Jack Russell Terrier has more potential to be aggressive.
Guarding is not the strongest suit of Beagles. They are much better at making you aware of intruders or strange activity around your house by their barking. They are also not exactly the biggest and scariest dog on the planet.
Beagles aren’t angry or serious dogs. They get along with people better that might be why it is tough for them to be good guardians for your family.
Beagles have the potential of becoming a good guard dog with the right training. Positive reinforcement of alerting behavior will teach them such behavior is alright.
Jack Russells, like the Beagle, are capable of alerting you and scaring off intruders with their barks. They are also highly alert and aware of their surroundings.
Jack Russell Terriers are the winners here since Beagles cannot fight off intruders. They are too small and aren’t all that aggressive.
The dog needs to like its owner and its new territory as well.
Beagles are good for first-time dog owners with a large fenced backyard. They can adjust to city life and rural life just as easily.
Beagles are happy being anywhere if they get to spend quality time with their owners. Regular exercise will keep their energy levels balanced while frequent cuddles will keep them happy.
Meanwhile, Jack Russell Terriers are meant to stay in an apartment. They need space and lots of it.
Jack Russell Terriers makes deep bonds with their families. They love to please their owners so they do end up adjusting well to a family.
However, they are wary of strangers. They are best for families with older children and people who love to go on adventures.
When it comes to Beagle vs Jack Russell Terrier, who wins? Both breeds are good options. It depends on your preference.
Bringing a dog home requires a big commitment. Good food, lots of exercise, time, and attention are all necessary for your dog’s health. The training time you give to a puppy will be apparent in its behavior as an adult.
Your furry companion is not going to be your best friend from the first day. That’s why we say raising dogs is all about commitment.
A digital marketing expert by profession, Andrews is a gifted writer and animal lover at heart. A self-confessed "pawrent", Andrews is well-versed in all things dogs. He uses his years of experience of raising puppies into show-quality dogs to help guide first-time pet parents. He believes in spreading the joy that comes with being a dog dad and advocates more families to adopt pets.
