Beagle and Jack Russell Terrier: Breed Comparison
When choosing a breed, more and more often dog breeders stop at hunting dogs, which have many positive characteristics. And sometimes they ask themselves: what is the difference between the seemingly similar beagle and the Jack Russell Terrier? Before you take the decisive step, you need to consider the qualities of each of the animals, learn about their advantages and disadvantages. Let's talk in more detail in our article.
Jack Russell Terrier
This breed originates in the UK. Adult Jack Russells grow up to 25-30 centimeters at the withers and weigh about 5-6 kilograms. The main color is white, followed by medium-sized rounded brown or black spots. There are not too many specks, no more than 30 percent of the whole body of the dog.
In addition to smooth-haired and long-haired, there are also wire-haired, as well as broken dogs, which have an intermediate type of wool. Parson Russell Terriers can be distinguished as a separate species. Their difference is in the paws, which are long. Each of the representatives of the breed has a compact size that allows them to live even in small apartments, with the condition of obligatory long walks.
Character
The character of the representatives of this breed is quite complex. Dogs show independence and stubbornness, which, in turn, requires certain behavior from the owners, because a soft person will not be able to cope with such an obstinate disposition and will allow the animal to take a leadership position. It should be borne in mind that this is a hunting breed, respectively, such qualities as endurance and energy are well developed. If the Jack Russell Terrier is not given sufficient physical activity, he will look for it on his own, which can threaten certain problems.
However, with all this, dogs are very positive and playful. They are friendly towards people and will show aggression only when defending the territory. Dogs are also afraid of loneliness, they need to try to pay as much attention as possible.
Advantages and disadvantages
As for these points, it should be noted that dogs of this breed are attached to their owners and have excellent contact with children. Jack Russells are very smart and quick-witted, while they have sufficient strength and endurance, they have developed protective qualities.
With such a pet, you can go on a trip, they easily endure a change of scenery, moreover, they always strive to be close to family members. Jack Russell Terriers are great for canistherapy, they are friendly and outgoing.
Among the disadvantages are some obsession with a lack of attention, intolerance to other dogs, abundant shedding of smooth-haired dogs. They need strict education and constant physical activity. In addition, dogs are very gullible, which can play a cruel joke with them. Such animals can become a burden for people who are not used to an active lifestyle.
Beagle
This breed is originally from England. Bigleys are slightly larger than Jack Russells and reach 35–40 centimeters in height, their weight is about 10–14 kilograms. As for the color, there are two-tone white-red and tricolor, with the addition of black, representatives of the breed. White or black and white beagles are rare.
There is always a red "mask" on the face. Due to their compactness, these dogs are excellent for keeping both in an apartment and in a private house. They can also live in an aviary, however, only on condition that it is warm.
Character
Since the representatives of this breed are gregarious animals, they easily find contact with the owners and join the family. There is no tendency to dominate. Dogs have a tenacious mind and a good memory, however, they are stubborn and have a rather difficult character. This means that they need strict education and training, otherwise the dog may become uncontrollable.
Beagles are very curious, which requires special attention from the owners, as the dog can get lost. At the same time, they are good-natured, appreciate love and affection, adore children. Loneliness is unacceptable for this breed, so you will need to spend a lot of time with them.
Advantages and disadvantages
The owners appreciate the beagles for their sincere affection, friendliness and lack of aggression. These dogs will become great friends for a child and faithful companions for an adult. There are pronounced hunting instincts. The house will not have an unpleasant smell and a lot of wool.
However, these dogs require increased attention of the owners, otherwise they may behave uncontrollably. They are stubborn, so training can be difficult, and quite cunning. For walking, you will need to use a leash, as dogs are gullible and very energetic.
Comparison by main points
To make a choice between these two breeds, it is necessary to clearly find out how they differ from each other. All the details are important.
Health
This indicator is at a high level in both breeds. Of course, there is no escaping natural diseases, but they appear quite rarely. To avoid problems, you should learn about the health of the parents, timely vaccinate and carry out the necessary processing, monitor nutrition and competently take care of the pet.
Gullibility towards strangers
This trait also applies to both Jack Russells and Beagles. Complicating the situation is sincere benevolence. At the same time, Jack Russell Terriers are set up to defend the territory, which allows them to become good guards.
Feeding
In both breeds, there is a tendency to obesity, so the owners will have to monitor the diet. Dogs can eat both dry food and natural food.
Activity
In this position, the undoubted leadership belongs to the Jack Russells.Beagles are more relaxed at home, however, on the street the dogs are equally playful, curious and mobile.
Devotion
The gregariousness of the breed assumes the choice of one owner for the beagles, who will be recognized as the "leader of the pack". Jack Russells recognize all family members equally.
Protection
Jack Russell is a great guard, but only when it comes to his territory. Protecting a person is not his strongest side. The Beagle, on the other hand, is, in principle, too friendly and hospitable, which allows him to easily get in touch even with strangers, regardless of any boundaries.
Domination
This quality also primarily applies to the Jack Russell Terriers. At the same time, attention is necessary for each of the breeds, they cannot be without communication for a long time, but the Bigley do not strive to be leaders.
Relationship to other animals
Beagles easily come into contact with most of the animals, with the exception of cats and rodents, which they may try to hunt. However, if they grow together, problems usually do not arise. Jack Russells will not tolerate dogs of other breeds next to them. Strained relationships with other animals, as hunting instincts are extremely developed.
Attitude towards children
In this position, the palm should be given to the beagles. They are a rare breed that adores children, plays with pleasure and spends time with them. Jack Russells are also quite friendly towards babies and easily make contact with them.
Training
Intelligence, good memory and quick wits are the indisputable advantages of both breeds. However, the training procedure is difficult, since the dogs are stubborn and independent. It's a little easier with Jack Russells, because they love games, and you can build the process in this very form.
How to make a choice
The answer to this question is ambiguous. You cannot choose a more decent breed, because each has its own characteristics, pros and cons. It is worth focusing primarily on your own needs, because Jack Russell, unlike a beagle, will not be able to live in an aviary, and a beagle, in turn, is a bad watchman, but gets along perfectly with children.
Experts recommend that you carefully read the qualities and characteristics of future pets in order to compose your own picture. The main thing is not to forget that in both cases the doggie will need care, maximum attention and strong love of the owners.
Below you can watch a video about the features of the Beagle and Jack Russell Terrier breeds.