The Jack Russell Beagle mix, also known as the Jackabee, is a cute breed that makes for a great companion. They were a breed used for hunting in the past, but they are still great family pets. They are easy to care for and will keep up with a family’s busy lifestyle.
If you are considering adopting a Jackabee, here are some things you should know about the breed.
Once your done reading about Jackabees, learn about more Jack Russell Terrier mixes.
| Breed Names | Jackabee, Jack-A-Bee, Jack Beagle |
| Height (inches) | 14" to 16" |
| Weight (pounds) | 15 to 30 lbs |
| Color | primarily white with tan, brown, and black markings |
| Lifespan | 12 to 16 years |
| Cost | $250 to $600 |
1. Family Pet
You first need to know that Jackabees are a fantastic choice for a family pet. They are high energy but have their independence as well.
They live well with children, loving to participate in all their activities while still knowing to be gentle with a bit of socialization.
Their small size works well for families with small homes and makes it easy to take care of them.
2. Friendliness with Other Pets
As stated before, Jackabees are known to be friendly with children. They are also known to be friendly with other pets, like cats and dogs, when they are properly socialized and introduced.
If not properly socialized, Jackabees tend to nip or chase the other animals, but early socialization will create a peaceful relationship.
While they are friendly with cats and dogs, Jackabees should not be around small animals like rabbits, chickens, and guinea pigs without heavy supervision.
Both Jack Russells and Beagles were originally bred as hunters of small animals, and although they usually aren’t used for that today, Jack Russell Beagle mixes still have their hunting instincts.
3. Size
Jackabees are the perfect breed if you are looking for a small to medium-sized dog.
A Beagle is typically between 20 to 24 pounds and 16 inches in height; the Jack Russell is around 15 pounds and 15 inches tall.
Adult Jackabees are very similar to their parents, averaging around 20 lb and 15-16 inches in height.
4. Lifespan
Jack Russell Terriers and Beagles both have similar and relatively long expected lifespans. Jack Russells usually live for 13 to 16 years; while Beagles’ average lifespan is 12 to 15 years.
The life expectancy of a Jackabee falls right in line at 12 to 16 years.
5. Cost
Jackabees aren’t typically bred by breeders, as they are not purebreds, but you may be able to find a few waiting to be adopted from shelters.
The cost to adopt a shelter Jackabee or any dog breed will vary, but you can expect to pay between $250 and $600. Most shelters include previous veterinary care, vaccinations, and food in that cost.
It is good to keep a lookout for any promotions at your local shelter, as many host events that waive or lower adoption fees significantly.
6. Grooming
Grooming a Jackabee is easy; their coat is smooth and easy to brush and maintain. They do shed, but a weekly brushing and occasional bath to keep the shedding under control should be enough for a Jackabee.
Their nails should be checked on and trimmed regularly to prevent pain and discomfort from occurring from overgrown nails.
Like any other dog, they need regular dental checkups, cleanings, and a checkup on their ears to prevent infections from building up.
As the owner, you should pay special attention to their eyes as Jack Russell Beagle mixes have several predisposed eye conditions.
7. Are Jackabees Hypoallergenic?
Both Beagles and Jack Russell Terriers are moderate shedders. As you might expect, this means that Jackabees are also moderate shedders.
As a result, the Jackabee is not a hypoallergenic breed.
8. Exercise
Jack Russell Beagle mixes are very high-energy dogs that need lots of exercise, so ensure you can provide them with proper exercise before adopting. They have a big desire to run and play with little downtime, making them good pets if you have active children willing to play with your Jack Russell Beagle mix.
Jackabees need more walks than the average dog; two to three daily walks will keep them happy and healthy. They also need puzzle toys and feeders for continuous enrichment that improves their mental health. Puzzle toys are also an excellent way to keep them occupied and take their minds off their constant want for physical exercise.
9. Training
Jackabees are smart dogs eager to learn and listen to their handler. They can be easy to train, but you still need patience and time. Jack Russell Beagle mixes respond well to reward systems when training.
However, they still have the instincts of a hunter dog, which can make some noises and smells distracting while training. Finding a distraction-free area is key.
As Beagles and Jack Russells are both known by many to be escape artists, it is important to teach them early on in life where their boundaries are, and when called, they should know to come back to you.
Jack Russells are known to be stubborn at times, and Beagles were even named one of the most stubborn of all dog breeds. As such, Jackabees require a strong leader with plenty of patience as an owner.
Having a strong recall command with your Jackabee is especially good when they are off-leash; they can get into anything and will let their hunting instincts take over when they see or hear a small animal.
10. Health
Unlike purebreds that are more likely to develop health complications, a crossbreed tends to live a healthier and longer life. That is also true for the Jackabee, a generally healthy breed, but they still have some health issues that can arise later in life.
Passed down from their Beagle parent, Jack Russell Beagle mixes can have epilepsy, although it is rare. In addition, they can easily pick up infections in their eyes, ears, skin folds, and feet if not regularly cleaned and looked over.
The Jack Russell parent can potentially pass down some health issues and complications. For example, hip and joint disorders are common, like Legg Perthes that affect the ball socket of the hip or cause joint dislocation. Hip and joint problems are especially common during rapid growth or weight gain.
Taking your Jackabee in for regular veterinary checkups is essential to catch any health complications early on.
11. Food and Diet
As is typical with all other dogs, a well-balanced diet is best to keep your Jackabee healthy and extend its life. A healthy adult Jack Russell Beagle mix does well on diets rich in protein and fatty acids like omega-3. They also need their vitamins, minerals, fiber, and carbohydrates.
Jackabee owners have reported that adding a variety of fruits and vegetables to their dog’s diet is a happy welcome. However, even with their active lifestyles, Jackabees can become overweight; always ask your vet for portion sizes and which foods your Jackabee should be eating.
Final Thoughts
Jack Russell Terrier Beagle mixes are a great dog for any family. While their high energy and constant need for exercise can be a drawback, Jackabees’ friendliness make them great companions.
You may also be interested in our Jack Russell Terrier vs. Beagle breed comparison.
Find out which celebrity owns a Jack Russell Terrier Beagle mix in 21 Celebrity Jack Russell Owners with Pictures.
Similar Mixed Breeds
- Boston Terrier Beagle Mix (Boglen Terrier): The Boglen Terrier, a mix of the Boston Terrier and Beagle, is known for its blend of intelligence, sociability, resilience, and affectionate nature, making it an increasingly popular choice for families.
- Jack Russell Terrier Basset Hound Mix (Basset Jack): The Basset Jack, a mix of the Jack Russell Terrier and Basset Hound, is a medium-sized breed recognized for its vibrant energy, intelligence, and sociability.