Beagle or Jack Russel

Question
I recently had to put down my 13 1/2 year old black lab and have been looking to get a smaller dog (looking at getting a puppy). I've always loved the Beagle, but know can be hard to train. I've also, liked the Jack Russell Terrier.
My questions: Which one is easier to train and once trained, will LISTEN and OBEY ITS COMMANDS?! Second, which one is less likely to shed? Third, which one would you say is less hyper? You also need to know I have two cats(male and female) and the dog would be alone for a good part of the day(8 hours.)
Also, if this helps: my lab was extremely mellow, docile, friendly, smart, and independent.(I was more spoiled than he was!) I'm pretty sure the Beagle or Jack Russell is completely opposite, but I'm stuck on a small, cute dog, and those too come to mind. Any help/ suggestions you give will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.

Answer
Just to warn you,jack russels are VERY high energy and aren't for people that want calm dogs

Both can be a bit of a challenge to train though-beagles like most hounds are stubborn,while jacks do enjoy being trained

As for shedding they are both big time sheders,beagles shed about the same as labs,and jacks are about the same as well

As for being less hyper the beagle is a lot calmer then a jack

so it seems they are about even,it all what you would prefer,a dog that can be stubborn(beagles)(although once they get the hang of it they are pretty good)Or a dog that is bouncing off of the walls

but from the sounds of it,a beagles might be more what you are loooking for,and some have been trained rather easily-also beagles get along alright with smaller animals like cats,were jacks tend to chase cats