As a spunky, energetic hound that Elvis could proudly call a friend, the Jack Russell Beagle Mix, or Jackabee, is a designer dog bred from two immensely popular hunting purebreds.
The Jackabee also called the Beagle Jack or Jack-A-Bee is a first-generation cross between two hunting breeds – the Jack Russell Terrier and the Beagle. As a fairly new mix, there is no standard feature for this cross and the individual characteristics of each dog is based solely on which parent it got its genes from. One thing to learn though is that this designer dog is a great hunter and tracker with a keen sense of smell with an adorable soft side.
If you are planning on adopting a Jackabee, keep reading to learn if this is the right fit for you and your family. We will discuss its parental history, its temperament, and the things you might expect when taking care of this dog. For now, let’s talk about what a Jack-A-Bee looks like.
What Is A Jackabee?
The Jackabee is a new mix that probably originated in the United States in the 1990s and early 2000s. It is not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club since its size, coat and temperament vary from dog to dog.
Meet The Parents
As a progeny of the Jack Russell and Beagle, the Jack Russell Beagle Mix is known as a good hunter and a tracker mixed dog breed with a developed sense of smell and tempered aggression, meaning that it can hunt and catch its prey without injuring it.
The parents, the Jack Russell Terrier and the Beagle, both complement each other in hunting foxes with the terrier chasing the fox out of its den and the hound hunting and trapping it.
Physical Appearance
The Jack-A-Bee usually has the body of its terrier parent and the sweet face of a Beagle. It has a small to the medium-sized athletic body with a height ranging from 10 to 16 inches and a weight of 15 to 30 lbs.
The hindquarter legs are muscular which is great for running and jumping. Other adorable characteristics of the Jackabee are the big, brown eyes that have an attentive look and its long, floppy ears that flail every time it runs. The tail could be long after their Beagle parent, or cropped like the Jack Russell.
Coats could vary from smooth and short to rough and medium with little to moderate undercoat depending on which parent it got its genes from and are generally white or cream with tan with black, brown or red markings.
What Is The Life Expectancy Of A Jackabee?
Jack-A-Bee is generally a healthy dog that has an average lifespan of 12 to 16 years, so expect a long-term company with this fur baby.
Additionally, being a designer dog, the Jackabee can benefit from what is termed as ‘hybrid vigor’.
Some evidence suggests that mixing two purebreds increases the fitness levels of the resulting pup by canceling out some of the purebred’s predisposed diseases.
Still, it is best to look out for some common health issues that might arise with your pet be it genetic or environmental in nature.
Obesity
This is a major weight problem affecting lots of dogs. When your pet’s food consumption is greater than the amount of exercise it gets, obesity in later life could be a problem. This could shorten your pet’s life and several health issues are connected to being overweight like heart disease, osteoarthritis, some types of cancer and urinary bladder stones.
Legg Calve Perthes Disease
A genetic disorder common among Jack Russell Terriers affects the femur or the leg bone in the hip joints. When there is a decrease in blood flow to the femur, the bone cells die leading to the degeneration of the hip joints. Signs include limping, lameness, and loss of appetite.
Patellar Luxation
This is an orthopedic condition when the kneecap shifts out of its normal position. Genes could play a role in this condition, or a traumatic injury, and symptoms include a skipping walk and lameness. A little rest and physical therapy are prescribed for this condition.
Other common health issues to look out for are hypothyroidism, epilepsy, and eye and ear diseases.
How To Take Care Of Your Jackabee?
Diet
A well-balanced diet appropriate for this mix with lots of protein and essential fats is necessary to keep Jack-A-Bee healthy and free from any possible diseases. One and a half to two cups of quality food is the average consumption, but its size and amount of physical activity should be considered.
Pet Plate is a healthy option we would endorse. It is specially formulated by veterinary nutritionists and personalized for your individual pet’s needs. It is made from human-grade, whole-food ingredients with no fillers like commercially available dog foods and it can be delivered right in your home.
For added immunity, you can also give chewable multivitamins that are packed with additional nutrients. Lastly, add a teaspoon of dental water additives for healthier oral health.
Exercise
These pooches are a bundle of energy that needs a lot of physical exertion. A daily exercise of 60 to 90 minutes is essential to keep your canine pal happy. Take it for a run, a long walk around the neighborhood, a brisk game of frisbee, and even an occasional swim would be great activities for a Jackabee.
“Earth Dog” activities that would stimulate its hunting tendencies are also recommended like hiking in nature where he could hunt and dig for small animals. This would also stimulate your fur baby’s mind when it is exposed to new sights and smells.
Having a big backyard at home is ideal also where it could just roam about and satisfy its hunting instincts.
It is important to note that keeping your pooch on a leash is important because this dog is known to roam away for prey and catching it might be quite a challenge.
Are Jackabees Smart? Temperaments Of Jack Russell Beagle Mixes
Jackabees are intelligent and can be trained easily but watch out for some stubbornness at times because they can be bored very quickly.
These pooches would rather chase small animals and dig and investigate their surroundings than follow repetitive commands from their humans.
Keeping your training time short and fast-paced with lots of positive reinforcements would do the trick.
Are Jackabees Good Family Pets?
Jackabees would be a great addition to your family. They are affectionate and friendly dogs that can bond easily with their humans and like to seek their attention and join in most family activities. Jackabees also love being petted so look forward to lots of cuddling and tummy rubs.
Are Jackabees Aggressive?
Jack Russells and Beagles are not known for their aggressive behavior so expect it also from this mix. They only show some wariness to some strangers and animals through excessive barking, but this is a sign that they were not properly socialized at a young age.
Otherwise, they are generally sweet and get along well with other animals, including cats, and show only the occasional aggression if they sense some danger.
Do Jackabees Have Separation Anxiety?
Jackabees are pack dogs and like to be with their owners a lot. Leaving them for long periods of time might develop feelings of anxiety, boredom, and panic and create problems such as excessive barking and howling and destructive chewing.
Make sure to take your pooch for some exercise before leaving for the day. Enclosing it in a gated area with food, water and enough toys is also recommended.
Do Jackabees Shed? Grooming Tips For Jack Russell Beagle Mixes
Shedding
Jackabees are moderate shedders and therefore also mildly hypoallergenic. They have dense coats inherited from the Jack Russells which could accumulate around the house if brushing is not done at least twice weekly.
Furminator Undercoat Tool is a great product to use for your pooches because it eliminates as much as 90% of loose hair if brushed regularly. Vacuuming those pesky hairs would be less of a hassle.
Grooming
Jackabees are fairly easy to groom. Regular brushing twice weekly and monthly baths are all that is needed. Too much bathing could lead to more shedding and dry skin. Their coat’s natural oils help to keep them clean and free from dirt.
When bathing your pets, Pro Pet Works All Natural 5 In 1 Oatmeal Shampoo comes highly recommended to keep your pooch’s coat healthy and shiny. It is specially formulated for dogs which prevent itchiness and dryness plus it leaves a nice, sweet smell that is not so strong.
Occasionally wiping its coat with a damp cloth is also recommended to remove any debris and dirt collected from strenuous playing outside.
Regular ear cleaning is also important. Their floppy ears are prone to ear infections so make sure to wipe them with a dry cloth or cotton when wet. A regular check-up with your veterinarian is also recommended for any wax accumulation.
Finally, dental care is crucial for your pet’s health. Regular teeth brushing and giving him chew toys help to keep his teeth and gums strong.
Related Questions
How Much Does A Jackabee Cost? A Jackabee puppy ranges in price from $500 to $1,000. Before adopting a Jackabee, it is recommended that you do some research about the breeders first. A responsible breeder would provide you with the necessary documentation regarding the health of the parents. This way, you are assured that your fur baby is healthy, and you would worry less about the health of your pet down the line.
Are Jackabees Good Swimmers? Jackabees are not natural swimmers, but these adorable creatures could be trained to love the water depending on the dog’s individual personality. Slowly training your pet to take to the pool or beach is important to develop his trust in you. Swimming is a great alternative exercise to drain their boundless energy, especially on hot, muggy summer days.
Do Jack Russell Terriers Get Along With Beagles? Beagles are very friendly and can easily get along with other animals while the Jack Russell Terrier can be more territorial and independent. By putting these two breeds together, Jack Russell Terriers can get along with Beagles because both of them have almost similar traits and are energetic, making them compatible companions for each other. Watch out for some mischief though if these two are left to their own devices.
