A Jackshund is a mix between a Jack Russell Terrier and a Dachshund. These fun-loving dogs look like cute little teddy bears but don’t be fooled. There is so much more to this breed than just a pretty face. The endearing breed is really one of the most entertaining dogs you’ll meet.
What is a Jack Russell Terrier Dachshund mix called?
Sometimes called a Jackshund, Jackweenie, or a Dachshund terrier mix, this canine is small to medium in size with strong hunting tendencies. They’re very smart and love to do tricks. You may have seen a Jackshund performing in a circus or racing in a competition. Jackshunds are considered designer dogs, which means that although they aren’t purebred, they were intentionally bred from two well-known breeds because of the parent breeds’ good qualities.
The American Kennel Club doesn’t recognize crossbreeds, but the breed is recognized by the Dog Registry of America.
Quick Comparison: Dachshund vs Jack Russell Terrier vs Jackshund
Knowing your dog’s parents’ characteristics can help you better understand your Jackshund. Of course, no dog is exactly like its parents, but there will be some physical and behavioral characteristics similar to the parents. So what are the good qualities of these two parent breeds? Here is a comparison table to help you better the Dachshund and the Jack Russell Terrier.
| Items | Dachshund | Jack Russell Terrier | Jackshund |
| Type | Purebred | Purebred | Designer dog |
| Country of origin | Germany | England | United States |
| Size | Small to medium | Small to medium | Small to medium |
| Weight | 16 to 32 pounds | 13 to 17 pounds | 15 to 28 pounds |
| Height | 21 to 25 inches | 10 to 15 inches | 8 to 23 inches |
| Life span | 13 to 14 years | 13 to 14 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Coat | Smooth, wire-haired, long-haired | Short hair | Depends on which parent it resembles |
| Colors | White, tan, brown, black | Tan, white, black | White, tan, black, brown |
| Shedding | Some shedding | Heavy shedding | Moderate depends on which parent breed it resembles |
| Grooming | Low | Average | Low or average |
| Trainability | Easy | Easy | Easy but stubborn |
| Family-friendly | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Kid-friendly | If raised with them | yes | Yes, if raised with them |
| Apartment friendly | Not long periods | No | No |
| Good with other pets | If raised with them | If raised with them | If raised with them |
| Barking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Exercise needs | Average | Average | High need |
| Weight gain tendency | Yes | No | Yes |
Jackshund Highlights
Here’s a quick glance at some of the special highlights of a Jackshund that makes them endearing to so many people.
- Fun, fun, fun
If you want a fun-loving dog to hang out with, look no further than a Jackshund. They’re down-right goofballs when it comes to having fun. You’ll never lack entertainment with this breed since they’re known for their quick ability to learn tricks and perform when given the chance. They love being the center of attention.
- Your best friend
Jackweenie will be your best little buddy. They’re loyal with a bit of a stubborn streak. They love being in the middle of family life and all its activities. They’re not happy being left alone for very long. Be prepared for them to beg to go along with you every time you leave. And how can you say no to such a cute little friend?
- High energy
Jackshund loves to run and play. Throw a ball or frisbee with your pooch, but be ready for them to beat you in stamina and speed. They are tireless. It makes sense that your Jackshund will need lots of exercise, especially if you live in an apartment. Generally taking them on several walks a day for at least 15 to 20 minutes each provides them enough exercise.
- Social
If you haven’t guessed already, this designer breed loves people. You won’t need to worry about how your dog will act around your neighbors who drop by to say hello. Although this canine may bark at first to warn you someone’s at the door, they’ll quickly warm up to the neighbors once they meet them.
- Cuddly
This is a cuddly breed that gets insulted if you don’t take the time to hold them. They love snuggling up close with you to watch a movie or nuzzling your hand when you’re sitting on your couch chatting on the phone. If you don’t have time to give a dog lots of attention, this may not be the breed for you.
- Confident
Jackshunds are smart and confident dogs. If you don’t have the upper hand, they’ll try to lead you! But this confidence is what makes them so endearing to dog parents. They think for themselves and make life so entertaining all the time.
- Good little hunters
If you need a hunting companion, this breed is for you. They’re prey-driven, so watch your smaller pets around them because they may give them a good chase.
- Curious
They’re smart and curious. Because of this, they can wander outside your yard if given the chance. It’s best if you have a fence to keep this nosy pup inside your yard to avoid and escape.
History and Original Purpose of Jackshund
The Jack Russell Terrier Dachshund mix breed has been around for approximately three decades. It first emerged in the United States, but it’s not known exactly the origin of this crossbreed. Of course, there is a lot of information on the parent breeds which is helpful to understand the designer breed tendencies. Since both parent breeds were originally bred for hunting, this explains the Jackshund’s strong prey-driven tendency.
Dachshunds were used to hunt badgers and other burrowing animals. Their short legs and long bodies enabled them to dig deep into underground tunnels to get to their prey. The Dachshunds originated in Germany in the late 19th century. Supposedly, Picasso found these dogs inspirational for his work.
The Jack Russell Terrier was used in England to hunt foxes. Hunters need a completely white dog to avoid accidentally shooting their dog during the chaos of a fox hunt. In the 1800s, this problem prompted a man named Parson Russell to create the Jack Russell terrier breed. The breed was eventually brought to the United States sometime in the 1930s.
Jackshund is the cute name that was given to the breed. It’s a combination of the two-parent breed names, which is a common practice when naming a designer breed.
Pros and Cons of getting a Jackshund
Like all dogs, there are pros and cons to owning a Jackshund. The unique characteristics of this breed are worth exploring so you’ll know exactly what you’re getting into before you bring home a Jackweenie pup.
Pros of a Jackshund
This breed has many good qualities worth mentioning. Here are just three tendencies of these dogs that make people love them.
- Wonderful family dogs
You won’t find a more loyal, fun-loving family dog than the Jackshund. They’re great for an active family and make good companions for kids if they’re been raised with them. If you want a dog to watch your kids while they’re playing outside, this is the dog for you. Jackshunds bark if they see a stranger, but once they know the person, they’ll be friendly and happy to see them. These canines are curious, so be prepared for your dog to put his nose into all your family activities. Your pooch might beg to go everywhere your family goes since they don’t like to be left alone. They’ll be happiest if they’re involved in all your family activities.
- Energetic
Boundless energy describes this breed. They love being outside, running around, or playing fetch. You won’t be bored if you own a Jackshund. They’re downright silly clowns who enjoy playing with their doggie parents. People say they’re charming performers who can’t get enough attention from their owners.
- Good watchdogs
Because they’re so smart and somewhat suspicious, Jackshunds make great watchdogs. They don’t trust strangers. They’ll give a warning bark until you tell them to stop. Of course, sometimes they’ll bark at other outside suspicious noises.
Cons of a Jackshund
There are some negative traits to this breed that are worth understanding. All dogs have their good and bad traits and the Jackshund is no different. Here are the negatives that people find hard to deal with in this breed.
- Don’t enjoy being alone
Jackshunds love their people and want to be with them all the time. They get really sad if you leave them alone for too long. They’re prone to howling or whining when left by themselves which can be a problem for your neighbors. If you work long hours, you may want to consider hiring some to walk your dog or find a good doggie daycare to keep your Jackweenie busy while you’re gone all day.
- Not safe around small animals
Because they’re a prey-driven breed, Jackweenies are safe around small pet rodents like hamsters, pet mice, or guinea pigs. It’s instinctive for them. They may chase your cat, but many cats can hold their own against this small dog. If you have other pets at home, this may not be the breed for you.
- Fighters
Laidback isn’t a phrase you’d ever want to used to describe the Jackshund. They’re extremely smart, confident, and scrappy. They’ve been known to pick fights with bigger dogs or animals. You’ll need to be very firm if you want them to obey you. They’re known to be strong-willed. Some people say they will run your household if you let them. If you’re getting a dog for the first time, this breed may not be a good choice for you unless you’re prepared to stand your ground all the time.
Jackshund Characteristics
The Jackshunds temperament is best explained by listing words such as:
- Intelligent
- Playful
- Adventurous
- Curious
- Suspicious
- Loyal
- Affectionate
- Stubborn
These descriptive words give you a picture of this breed. You’re never bored when you have this dog in your home. They can get themselves into trouble due to their curiosity and need to figure out what’s going on. Because they’re prey-driven, they won’t do well with other small animals like birds, hamsters, rabbits, or even some cats unless your cat is big and strong-willed. If you have other pets, this breed may not be best for your household.
Jackshunds aren’t lazy dogs, they need exercise and activities to satisfy their curiosity. But they’re also extremely affectionate and love being cuddled and petted. If they’re exercised well, they’ll snuggle up with you on the sofa in the evening while you watch television.
Jackshunds are devoted to their family and will be willing to protect everyone from strangers, even at risking their own safety. If they’re properly socialized and trained, they’re good with strangers, even though they may be suspicious at first.
Be warned, your Jackshund will love to dig in your backyard and they may go after your flower beds, too. They aren’t the best dog for a first-time dog owner, because of their strong-willed tendencies. They need a firm loving hand to keep them in line. If you’re up for the task, this loyal, fun-loving Jackshund could be the dog for you.
What is the Life expectancy of the Jackshund?
If you keep your Jackshund at a good weight and properly exercised their life expectancy is anywhere from 12 to 15 years.
Jackshund Appearance
Jackshunds can look different depending upon which parent breed genes they lean towards. They are often long in the body, like their dachshund parentage.
- Eyes: They usually have brown eyes and a black nose.
- Coat: Some have a double coat while others have a single one. Their hair ranges from short, fine, and curly or long and wiry.
- Colors: Colors are limited to black, brown, or white. If you want to know what your pup will look like, look at the parents for the best idea.
How big do dachshund terrier mix get?
Jackshunds are small to medium. They grow anywhere from 8 to 23 inches tall and can weigh anywhere from 15 to 28 pounds. They’re good apartment-sized dogs only if they get enough daily exercise such as running around in a backyard or daily long walks.
Do Jackshunds shed a lot?
Yes and no! How much a Jackshund shed depends upon which parent breed they lean towards genetically. If they are more like a Dachshund, they will shed less. If they resemble their Jack Russell Terrier parent, they will shed a lot.
How much grooming does a Jackshund need?
Because their coat types differ depending upon which parent breed the Jackshund takes after, grooming may look different for each dog. Generally, they’re low-to-moderate shedders. A Jackshund with a longer coat needs more grooming and trimming. They’ll shed more than a short-haired Jackshund. Short coated Jackshunds need to be brushed several times a week.
They also need to be bathed and their nails trimmed regularly. Because they’re prone to ear infections, keep their ears cleaned and checked.
Is it easy to train a Jackshund?
They are easy to train if you’re able to hold their attention. Jackshunds are smart, but they need a strong trainer since they’re prone to stubbornness.
You may want to attend a dog training class with your pooch to learn the best skills on how to handle your dog. If you use positive reinforcement methods such as treats or praise, your Jackshund will be more receptive to listen to you. Being consistent and patient with them. This helps create a strong bond between the two of you.
Basic training commands you’ll want to teach your dog include:
- Come
- Drop it
- Heel
- Stay
- Sit
- Leave it (used if they’re getting distracted by people or dogs, etc.)
Once you’ve taught your Jackshund the basic commands, they’ll enjoy learning some tricks. They’re great performers and enjoy being the center of attention. Some tricks to teach your dog include
- Beg
- Give a kiss
- Speak
- Shake
- Rollover
- Play dead
- Take a bow
Agility training is another activity your Jackweenie will enjoy since they’re so energetic and smart. You can sign them up for an agility class or create your own agility course in your backyard.
Socialization is key for a Jackshund puppy. Socialize them while they’re young to be around children, strangers, and other pets in your household. This will help reduce their anxiety in these situations. Take your pooch with you when you’re doing errands to introduce them to all the other sounds they’ll encounter along the way.
How Much Exercise is Needed for a Jackshund?
This active dog is high-energy and needs to stay busy. They don’t do well in an apartment unless they get lots of daily exercise. Walk your dog at least twice a day for 15 to 20 minutes. When they’re bored, they’re prone to getting into trouble. Visit a dog park to help encourage socialization with other dogs. Throw a ball or set up an agility course in your backyard to entertain your Jackshund.
Jackshund Health Problems
Designer dogs have their parents’ desirable traits, but also potential health problems. In general, this is a healthy breed of dog. It’s important to get your canine from a reputable breeder as opposed to a puppy mill or pet store to ensure you’re getting a healthy dog. This can help you avoid major health issues or behavior problems. breeders strive to breed healthy puppies because they don’t want to earn a bad reputation for inferior breeding.
Because they’re considered hybrid dogs, Jackshunds inherit their health problems from their parent breeds, the Dachshund and Jack Russell Terrier. Some of the potential health problems they can have include:
- Eye problems-blindness
- Gastric dilation volvulus
- Cushing’s disease
- Obesity
- Patellar Luxation
- Hip dysplasia
- Ear infections
- Deafness
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Perthese disease
- Canine disk disease
Schedule regular check-ups for your pup to keep them up to date on their shots. If you feed your dog a healthy diet and lots of exercise, your Jackshund should stay in good shape for its entire life.
READ MORE: Top 13 Common Health Problems in Dachshunds: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments
What should you feed your Jackshund?
Choose a high-quality dog food, either kibble or canned, to feed your Jackshund. It’s important to choose food that meets your dog’s nutritional needs, but it can be even harder when it comes to choosing food for a mixed breed dog that has different traits to bring to the table.
Most people feed their dog kibble or canned dog food. Quality commercial dog foods have been regulated and tested by experts so you be assured your dog will get the best food. Dogs aren’t strict carnivores. Besides eating meat, dogs get their nutrition from grains, vegetables, fruits, and grains. When you’re choosing your dog’s food, be sure to read the labels to see if the food contains four food groups for the best digestive health. The current trend towards grain-free dog food diets isn’t necessarily healthy for dogs unless they have been diagnosed with a grain allergy.
Jackshunds do well eating a kibble diet or canned food diet. No designer dog is exactly alike, and this is most evident when it comes to feeding this hybrid breed. Some Jackshunds are more like their terrier parents so they require food for active dogs. Others, who display their Dachshund genes, need food for dogs prone to obesity.
How much does a Jackshund Puppy cost?
It’s somewhat challenging to find a Jackshund breeder, but there are resources to stay up to date on potential dogs. Check out the Jackshund Jack Russell/Dachshund Group on Facebook to get information. It’s a community of Jackshund owners.
The cost of buying a Jackshund can be higher due to their purebred parentage. Generally, you can expect to pay around $200 to $800 for your Jackshund pup. Of course, added to this cost will be the cost for an initial check-up, spaying or neutering, food, and supplies like bed, collar, leash, and toys. The first year of a puppy’s life is more expensive since they need more shots. After the first year, costs will go down.
There are many adoption centers that have Jackshunds. Be sure the adoption center you work with is reliable with good customer reviews. It’s best to visit with the dog if possible. Never adopt a dog sight unseen unless you’re absolutely sure the adoption center is being honest with you. Better to spend some money traveling to see a dog than to adopt a dog that is sickly or with lots of behavior problems.
Final thoughts
So would the Jackshund be a good dog for you? It depends upon your personality and your living situation. This high-energy, affectionate little dog needs lots of attention to stay happy. They aren’t for the faint of heart but require a strong leader to keep them in line. But at the same time, they need lots of affection and praise to create a strong bond with their dog parents. If you own a Jackshund, you’ll never be bored or lack fun. They’re born entertainers and love to be the center of attention.
If after knowing all these things about the Jackshund, you’re still interested, then choose a reliable breeder to adopt from rather than a pet store or puppy mill from the internet. Another option is to adopt a Jackshund from a reliable adoption center, but these dogs sometimes have behavior issues so visit the dog before you adopt. If you choose a Jackshund, there’s no doubt you’ll fall in love with your fun-loving designer breed.
Other Dachshund Mixes
You might want to see other Dachshund mixes, check out the list below:
