Jackabee: Ultimate Guide to Owning the Lovable Jack Russell Beagle Mix

Last Updated on April 15, 2023

The Jackabee is a crossbreed between a Jack Russell Terrier and a Beagle, also known as Jack Russell Beagle mix or Beagle Jack.

It’s characterized as small in size, measuring 10 to 16 inches (25 to 41 cm) tall and weighing around 15 to 30 pounds (7 to 14 kg). The average lifespan of the Jack Russel Beagle Mix is around 12 to 15 years.

Jackabees are excellent companion dogs as they are loyal, intelligent, and affectionate. They can also be good lap dogs as their way of forming bonds with their owners. If you’re planning to own a Jackabee puppy, you can get it between $600 to $1,000 from a reputable breeder.

We will cover all you need to know about the Jackabee breed. From its origin, temperament, diet, exercise, and grooming needs, to its common health issues. Read our complete guide and see if this playful and energetic dog is right for you!

History: The Jackabee’s interesting start

Most designer dogs have a documented background story, but it is believed that the Beagle & Jack Russell cross has been around since the ‘90s or early 2000s.

It is believed that creators of this breed wanted a canine that’s an expert tracker and hunter.

But unlike the Beagle and the Jack Russell, this mixed breed is not recognized by major kennel clubs, like the AKC or American Kennel Club.

Some organizations that recognize this hybrid include the ACHC (American Canine Hybrid Club), DDKC (Designer Dogs Kennel Club), DRA (Dog Registry of America, Inc.), and IDCR (International Designer Canine Registry).

And as a relatively new breed, we can learn more about the Jackabee by getting to know its parents.

An Overview of the Jack Russell Terrier

The origin of Jack Russell Terriers (JRT) can be traced back to the early 1800s.

Bred to be working dogs in the United Kingdom, these competent scent hounds and hunters are also beloved pets because of their energy and fun-loving personality.

JRTs are cute and lovable, standing 10 to 15 inches (25 to 38 cm) tall and weighing between 13 and 17 pounds (6 and 8 kg)

With their looks and skills, it’s no wonder why Jack Russells are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States.

An Overview of the Beagle

Beagles are ancient canines where some instances of Beagle-type dogs are seen that dates back to 400 B.C.

This pooch with a keen sense of smell was popular back then and is still one of the top dog breeds in the US. It has a height of 13 to 15 inches (33 to 38 cm) and a weight of 20 to 24 pounds (9 to 11 kg).

And being small is one of the reasons why it’s a great hunting dog.

The Beagle is a sociable, intelligent, and outgoing fido, but it is also stubborn and quickly gets bored.

What does a Jackabee look like?

Mixed breeds vary in appearance as they can take after one parent instead of a 50/50 look. But there are general physical characteristics that we can expect from this hybrid.

Some can have short, erect ears, while others can have wide and floppy ears.

These dogs mostly have faces like Beagles, whereas their muscular bodies resemble that of the Jack Russell Terrier.

The length of their forequarter and muscular hindquarter legs will also depend on how long their parents’ legs are. But again, much of this is up to chance.

They have large brown eyes with an alert expression, small black noses with wide nostrils for picking up scents, and long tails.

Jackabees have a thin, coarse, single-layered coat that is relatively smooth, and hair ranges from short to medium in length.

Their coats are predominantly white or cream, but they can also have tan, black, and/or brown markings like other dogs in the Hound Group.

Sometimes, red spots may appear, too, depending on their genetics. The combination of white, black, and tan or brown fur is spread evenly in patches.

These dogs have white stomachs and dark fur around the eyes and ears. They have patchy spots on the legs and along the topline.

Size: How big does a Beagle Russell Terrier mix get?

The Jack Russel Beagle mixes are small to medium-sized dogs. They stand around 10 to 15 inches (25 to 38 cm) tall, but some can reach a height of 16 inches (41 cm).

With weight, it’s between 12 and 30 pounds (5 and 14 kg), but others can be as heavy as 35 pounds (16 kg).

Despite being small dogs, they’re a bit larger and rounder than Jack Russel Terriers and are sometimes called “big dogs in little dogs’ bodies.”

Beagle Jacks are considered full-grown once they turn a year old, same as their Jack Russell Terrier parent.

You may think that their size makes them good apartment dogs, but these pups are quite energetic.

Even if they can adapt to small spaces, they’d do best in a house with an average-sized yard where they can release all their pent-up energy whenever they want.

Are Jackabees good family dogs?

Dog breeds usually have the same temperament, but in this case, males tend to be more sexually aggressive. You may also find them messing about with your pillow while they’re still puppies or teens.

But other than that, males and females are alike. Overall, they’re great pets and lap dogs that are affectionate and form bonds with their owners fast.

They get along well with kids, too. Still, we recommend Beagle Jack Russell mix dogs to have early socialization to curb aggressive tendencies. If they feel frightened, they can respond with aggression.

Being properly socialized can also help keep them from being skittish around strangers and other pets.

Jack A Bees love attention and thrive on it, so it’s best not to leave them alone for more than 4 or 5 hours as they can suffer from separation anxiety.

If you think your fido is going to be fine, this video will show you what it’s like if you leave a Jackabee alone for more than 6 hours.

We can consider this canine to be a vocal dog, so if your Beagle Jack is excessively barking and howling, that’s a sign he’s not getting enough attention from you. It may be due to improper training, too.

If they’re handled by an alpha that’s firm and disciplines while using positive reinforcement.

Jack Russel Beagle mixes aren’t just cute, they’re also smart, obedient, and easy to train. And expect them to be like their Beagle parents because they also have a willful and stubborn side if you slack off with discipline.

Training at a young age is important for these dogs. Otherwise, they tend to get snappy around strangers, and their aggressive tendencies may worsen.

But here’s good news for pet owners when it comes to training — Jack Russell Beagle mix puppies are manageable to potty train. But never scold your pet too harshly. Jackabees may be trainable, but they’re also sensitive.

Other than positive reinforcement, help your pet thrive better by engaging him with verbal cues and treats.

Caring for your Jack Russell Beagle mix

Jackabees are a low-maintenance breed in more ways than one. They are inexpensive, cheaper to feed than bigger breeds, and require little grooming.

Keep in mind that this designer pooch is sensitive to weather changes and may be hesitant to go out in the cold.

On the other hand, make sure to give plenty of water and ample shade when spending time outside during the hot summer days.

Jack A Bee Exercise Requirement

Don’t let the small size of this cutie fool you! The Jack Russel Beagle mix is an energetic canine that has high activity levels.

At least 40 minutes of daily exercise would do. On average, getting 10 to 12 miles of weekly walks and runs will make them happy and satisfied.

This means they need an active owner who can keep up with this breed’s energy.

Aside from physical exercise, ensure to mix in mental stimulation, too.

It can help your doggo stay sharp and entertained, keep him from getting bored, and curb any destructive tendencies that most undisciplined pets with pent-up energy exhibit.

And since they crave playtime outdoors, provide a safely enclosed space where they can exercise or play off-leash.

Grooming: Does a Jackabee shed?

Yes, they do. Jack Russell Beagle mixes may be considered hypoallergenic, but they’re low to moderate shedders.

If you can’t do daily brushing, doing it once or twice a week would be sufficient. It will help minimize the amount of hair inside your home and it will do good for your pet’s skin and coat.

A bath once a month, or when necessary, is also enough. Overwashing your dog can strip the natural oils on his fur and make his skin dry, which can cause skin problems to develop.

For other hygiene tasks, do a weekly check and cleaning of your dog’s ears to make sure that they’re dry and free of any signs of infection, like redness or having an odor.

And it’s best to brush his teeth daily to avoid teeth and gum problems from happening.

Most active breeds naturally wear down their nails. If your pooch doesn’t, trim it once or twice a month, or if you’re hearing it clacking against the floor.

Feeding the Jackabee

Different kinds of dog food have their pros and cons. So it will mostly depend on your designer dog’s needs and your budget.

Puppies usually require at least 22% of the protein in their diet, while adults need at least 18%. Ensure that the first ingredient should be real meat, like chicken, beef, or fish.

But how much should a Jack Russell Beagle mix eat in a day? The general recommendation is between 1.5 and 2 cups of high-quality dog food divided into two meals. But you should also consider his activity level and breed size.

Pet parents who prefer to feed their fur babies based on their daily caloric needs measure their meals based on the dog’s weight.

Stick to a routine, and, if possible, choose a low-carb recipe because Jackabees are prone to obesity.

How long do Beagle Jack Russells live?

The Jack Russell Terrier-Beagle cross has an average life expectancy of 13 to 15 years, but some can reach 16 years of age.

Although they’re generally healthy, this mixed breed’s lifespan can be affected by health issues depending on their lifestyle or genetics.

Here are some of the health problems Jackabees may suffer from:

• Nasal allergies
• Skin allergies 
• Dislocated lens
• Glaucoma
• Corneal Dystrophy
• Cherry Eye
• Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCPD)
• Patellar Luxation
• Hip Dysplasia 
• Factor VII Deficiency 
• Von Willebrand Disease
• Portosystemic Shunt 
• Hypothyroidism
• Epilepsy
• Deafness
• Intervertebral Disk Disease
• Chondrodysplasia (Dwarfism)
• Obesity 
• Cleft Palate 

Other issues that can occur include Musladin-Lueke Syndrome or Chinese Beagle Syndrome. This is a recessive mutation in the dog’s genes that disturbs the normal functioning of the connective tissue in the skin.

Slanted eyes, the dog walking on his toes instead of his pads, and a flattened head are indicators of the disorder.

To monitor skin and nasal allergies in your dog, look out for red, watery, and itchy eyes.

Occasional health screenings like eye and knee examinations are also recommended to keep you informed of any health concerns your dog may face.

Ask your breeder if your new Jackabee has had a DNA test, too, as this will check for the presence of Von Willebrand Disease.

Crossing purebred dogs eliminates much of the hereditary health conditions purebreds often have. However, crossbreeds can also suffer from their own afflictions.

Jackabees usually die from the more severe conditions listed above, like LCPD, if not from old age.

How much do Jackabee puppies cost?

You can purchase a Jackabee puppy for about $600 or more depending on different factors that can affect the price.

Besides being well-bred, you should also consider the breeder’s popularity and location, as well as the gender of the pup. And if the purebred parents are champions or come from a lineage of champs, that will bring the price up.

We mentioned earlier about health screenings that the dog parents undergo, but puppies need vaccinations, too.

Jackabee breeders & rescues

It’s easy to go online and search for Jackabee puppies for sale online. But before you contact anyone or decide to pay, there are precautions to take when buying crossbreeds or purebred dogs.

Researching the breeder and their previous clients will help you know if they’re selling healthy pups.

If possible, request to meet the pup in person and visit the kennel.

Not only will this give you a glimpse of what kind of environment their breeding stock and puppies live in, but it will also be a chance to see what looks and personality your pup may have once it’s grown up.

While you’re there, ask to see the medical records of the parents and the puppies. If they have nothing to hide, they’ll oblige.

Responsible breeders also conduct interviews and provide a contract to their buyers to protect them, the potential owners, and their dogs. If a seller cares about their canines, that’s a good sign.

As of the moment, no specific breeders are offering Jackabee puppies, but you can check out the Jack Russell mix pups that are for sale on GreenfieldPuppies.com.

If you prefer to adopt, we recommend taking a look at these rescue organizations for Jack Russell Terriers and Beagles, as well as their mixes:

• Russell Rescue, Inc. (Columbia, TN)
• Triangle Beagle Rescue (Raleigh-Chapel Hill)
• Colorado Beagle Rescue (Littleton, CO)

Curious about other Jack Russell and Beagle mixes? 

It’s not surprising why mixed breeds have grown in popularity. Like purebred dogs, they are too cute for words and have so much to offer.

Let’s meet some of the Jack Russel and Beagle mixes and why they make great family dogs.

Beagle Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mix 

Also known as the Beaglier, this affectionate crossbreed is fluffy, adorable, and great to cuddle with. It may have heart-warming puppy dog expressions, but this social butterfly is athletic and responds well to training.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel-Beagle mixes originated in Australia in the 1990s and is recognized by the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).

Beagle Labrador Retriever mix 

Have you heard of the Beagador? If not, meet the mixed-breed offspring of the Labrador Retriever and Beagle.

Also called Beagador and Labbeagle, this pooch is a playful yet gentle family pet. It will need plenty of exercise, though, so if you want this doggo, be prepared to be off the couch all the time.

Beagle Bulldog mix 

Also known as the Beabull, this English Bulldog and Beagle hybrid is a combination of laziness and playfulness.

It may not have the high energy levels that active owners want, but this fido is one of the most loyal companions in Dogdom.

Don’t miss: 45 of the best Beagle mixes you’ll want to meet

Jack Russell Chihuahua mix

The Jack Russell Chihuahua mix, or the Jack Chi, makes for an excellent companion. Also known as the Jackawawa or Jackhuahua, these designer dogs suit a modern, apartment-living lifestyle.

Aside from their adorable nickname, these canines are easy-going and respond well to training.

Jack Russell Terrier Toy Poodle mix

The Jackapoo is an adorable crossbreed of the Jack Russell Terrier and the Toy Poodle. In 2009, the Designer Canine Association recognized this designer breed.

This designer dog is pretty smart and easy to train. And with early socialization, these balls of energy will make excellent family pets.

English Jack Russell Rat Terrier mix

A mix of the Rat Terrier and the English Jack Russell, Jack Rat Terriers are smart and playful dogs with great hunting instincts.

Their high activity levels make them ideal working dogs. If you have a farm or if you live in the countryside, the JRT might be what you’re looking for.

Don’t miss: Get ready to meet 40+ of the best Jack Russell Terrier mixes!

Should I get a Jack Russell Beagle mix?

If you have an active lifestyle, the Jackabee will be a good fit. However, if you don’t have a lot of free time, it’s best to have friends or family who are willing to dog-sit for you.

If not, this is not the pet for you because this crossbreed is active and requires plenty of attention.

Caring for your pet may be challenging for first-time dog owners. Sure, this hybrid is not high maintenance, per se, but it needs loads of exercise and time outdoors.

However, there are also many pros to owning a Jack-A-Bee. Family-friendly, sweet, and protective to boot, this dog breed is well-liked amongst dog owners.

Do you own a Jackabee? Comment below and let us know what you think of the breed.