When choosing a breed, dog breeders increasingly stop at hunting dogs that have many positive characteristics. And sometimes they ask the question: what is the difference between the seemingly similar beagle and the Jack Russell Terrier? Before you make a decisive step, you need to consider the qualities of each of the animals, learn about their advantages and disadvantages. We’ll talk in more detail in our article.
Jack Russell Terrier
This breed originates in the UK. Adult jack russell grow up to 25-30 centimeters at the withers and weigh about 5-6 kilograms. The main color is white, along which round brown or black spots of medium size go. There are not too many spots, not more than 30 percent of the whole body of the dog.
In addition to smooth and long-haired, there are also wire-haired, as well as broken dogs with an intermediate type of coat. Parson Russell Terriers can be identified as a separate species. Their difference is in paws having a large length. Each of the representatives of the breed has compact dimensions that allow them to live even in small apartments, with the condition of mandatory long walks.
Character
The nature of the representatives of this breed is quite complicated. Dogs show independence and stubbornness, which, in turn, requires certain behavior from the owners, because a gentle person will not be able to cope with such a obstinate temper and 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 you do not give the Jack Russell Terrier enough physical activity, he will look for it on his own, which can threaten certain problems.
However, with all this, the dogs are very positive and playful. They are friendly towards people and will show aggression only when defending the territory. Dogs and loneliness are frightening, they need to try to pay as much attention as possible.
Advantages and disadvantages
Regarding these points, it is necessary to note the affection of dogs of this breed to their owners and excellent contact with children. Jack Russels are very smart and quick-witted, at the same time 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, and besides, they always strive to be close to family members. Jack Russell Terriers are great for canister therapy, they are friendly and contact.
Among the shortcomings can be noted some obsession with a lack of attention, intolerance to other dogs, plentiful molting of smooth-haired dogs. They need strict upbringing and constant physical activity. In addition, the dogs are very gullible, which can play a cruel joke with them. Such animals can become a burden for people who are not accustomed to an active lifestyle.
Beagle
This breed comes from England. Beagles are slightly larger than jack russels and reach 35–40 centimeters in height; their weight is about 10–14 kilograms. As for the color, there are two-color white-red and three-color, with the addition of black, representatives of the breed. White or black and white beagles are a rarity.
On the face is always a red "mask". Due to their compactness, these dogs are great for keeping both in an apartment and in a private house. They can live in an aviary, however, only on condition that it is warm.
Character
Since the representatives of this breed are flock animals, they easily find contact with the owners and join the family. There is no tendency to dominate. Dogs have a tenacious mind and good memory, however, they are stubborn and have a rather complicated character. This means that they need strict upbringing and training, otherwise the dog can become uncontrollable.
Beagles are very curious, which requires special attention from the owners, as the dog can get lost. Moreover, they are good-natured, appreciate love and affection, adore children. Loneliness is unacceptable for this breed, so it will take a lot of time to spend with them.
Advantages and disadvantages
The owners appreciate the beagles for their sincere affection, friendliness and lack of aggression. These dogs will be great friends for the child and faithful companions for the 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 tricky. For walking you will need to use a leash, as the dogs are gullible and very energetic.
Comparison of the main points
To make a choice between these two breeds, you must clearly find out how they differ from each other. All details are important.
Health
This indicator is at a high level in both breeds. Of course, you can’t get away from natural diseases, but they rarely occur. To avoid problems, you should learn about the health of parents, timely vaccinate and necessary treatment, monitor nutrition and properly care for the pet.
Trust in strangers
This feature also applies to both jack russell and beagles. Complicating the situation is sincere benevolence. At the same time, Jack Russell Terriers are set up to protect the territory, which allows them to become good guards.
Feeding
Both breeds are prone 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 undisputed leadership belongs to Jack Russell.Beagles are calmer at home, however, on the street, the dogs are equally playful, curious and mobile.
Devotion
The flocking of the breed implies the choice of one owner for the beagles, which will be recognized as the "leader of the pack." Jack Russell recognizes equally all family members.
Protection
Jack Russell is a great security guard, but only if it comes to his territory. Human protection is not his strongest side. The Beagle, in principle, is too friendly and hospitable, which allows him to easily get in touch even with strangers, not paying attention to any boundaries.
Dominance
This quality also applies primarily to Jack Russell Terriers. Moreover, each breed needs attention, they cannot be without communication for a long time, but the beagles do not strive to be leaders.
Relation to other animals
Beagles easily make contact with most 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 Russell will not tolerate dogs of other breeds next to him. Tensions with other animals, as the hunting instincts are extremely developed.
Attitude towards children
In this position, the primacy should be given to the beagles. They are a rare breed that adores children, enjoys playing and spending time with them. Jack Russell is also quite friendly to the kids and easily come in contact with them.
Training
Mind, good memory and quick wit are indisputable advantages of both breeds. However, the training procedure is difficult, because the dogs are stubborn and independent. Jack Russell is a little easier, because they like games, and you can build the process in this form.
How to make a choice
The answer to this question is ambiguous. You can not choose a more worthy breed, because each has its own characteristics, pros and cons. It’s worth focusing primarily on your own needs, After all, Jack Russell, unlike the Beagle, will not be able to live in an aviary, and the Beagle, in turn, is a bad watchman, but gets along perfectly with children.
Experts recommend carefully familiarizing yourself with the qualities and characteristics of future pets in order to create your own picture. The main thing is not to forget that dogs in both cases will need care, maximum attention and strong love of the owners.
Next, you can watch a video about the features of the Beagle and Jack Russell Terrier breeds.