Jackshund Dog Breed

Both the Jack Russell and Dachshund were used as hunting companions for small game. Although most owners of the Jackshund hybrid choose them solely as a companion, they are alert little dogs that would likely make good hunters or guardians. They are a great choice for those with older kids, other pets, and experience with owning a dog (as well as time to spend with them). Although a fenced yard is not necessary, they will very happily appreciate it; otherwise, they are well suited to indoor living.

PROS

• Easily maintained in regards to grooming and exercise
• Sized well for small apartments, condos, etc.
• Low shedding
• Alert guardians and possibly hunters
• Good with older kids and other pets
• Affectionate, loyal and loves attention

CONS

• Difficult training for first time owner
• May suffer separation anxiety
• Young children and large pets may injure them
• Not an intensive exercise partner
• Not hypoallergenic

The Jackshund, as a mix of two pure breeds, will exhibit much more variety in temperament and appearance than its purebred parents. Even within the same litter 2 puppies may not look or behave alike. Some individuals will inherit more Dachshund traits, while others will seem closer to the Jack Russell terrier. We recommend you read up on both parents before adopting or purchasing a Jackshund.

This breed is a mix of two working breeds and will therefore be lively, alert and intelligent. However, this hybrid is notoriously stubborn and difficult to train, especially for a first time owner. They are treat motivated and, combined with patience and repetition, it is not an impossible task. Once properly trained they make great home guardians and get along wonderfully with older kids and other pets.

The Jackshund is a breed that requires daily people interaction due to his loving, affectionate and social nature. He may develop separation anxiety and unwanted behaviors such as digging or incessant barking. Your pet will do OK while you do normal daily activities outside the home, especially if there are other pets or toys to interact with.

These guys are not intense exercise partners due to their small size but they do require daily outdoor playtime. A couple short walks, trips to the dog park, and playtime with toys will keep them healthy and happy. They don't necessarily require a yard but will definitely make good use of it. Just be sure not to leave them outdoors all day with no family time, you may come outside to find they have tunneled under the fence and scampered off after a squirrel.

Within hybrid crosses, each generation brings something new to the table until the breeders reach a "stable" or "true" generation (usually by the 4th generation or so). Consult with your breeder to determine the small differences between the coat, temperament, etc. of F1's vs F2's and F1B's and so on.. For reference, an F1 is litter obtained by crossing a purebred Dachshund with a Purebred Jack Russell Terrier. F2s result when you cross two F1 Jackshunds. A back cross (F1B, F2B) is when the breeder mates an F1 or F2 with one of the parent breeds to enhance specific characteristics.

Jackshunds have a variety of coat types due to each parent breed having 3 coat possibilities of its own. Dachshunds come in short, long and wire haired varieties while Jack Russell Terriers possess short, broken or rough coats. A Dachshunds long coat may also be wavy and this adds another texture possibility into the mix. All coat types will shed but you may still have a specific look in mind; in this case, search for a breeder that possesses parents with the type of coat you'd like.

Some breeders will likely offer Miniature Dachshund Jack Russell mixes. In this scenario, either 1 or both parent breeds are of the Miniature variety. Bear in mind that Minis may be cuter but can also be in poorer health due to irresponsible breeding methods.

The Jackshund temperament cannot be generalized, since it is a hybrid breed, some individuals may inherit more Jack Russell characteristics while others will take on more Dachshund traits. Typically, this breed is lively and alert, intelligent-- yet stubborn, and very social and loving. These dogs are good with kids and other pets, however, if they inherit the long back of the Dachshund, rough play from small children or large dogs may easily injure them. They enjoy being around people and other pets so, if left alone for long periods of time, may suffer from separation anxiety or boredom. Jack Russell-Dachshund mixes are intelligent, however, they are notably stubborn and difficult to train; a pocket full of their favorite treats and a lot of patience and repetition will help greatly.

A Jack Russell x Dachshund mix should result in puppies that experience less health problems throughout their lifetime than would their purebred parents. We recommend anyone looking to adopt or purchase a hybrid dog first read up on all possible health issues for both parent breeds. Although many Jackshund puppies live a completely healthy life, choosing a reputable breeder and routine trips to your veterinarian will help prevent or detect many diseases. This breed, on average, lives 11-13 years but individuals have been reported to live up to 16 years.