Popularly known as the Jackshund or Jackweenie, the Jack Russell Terrier Dachshund is a unique cross between the energetic Jack Russell Terrier and the courageous Dachshund. These intelligent pups inherit the best traits of their parents and thus, make a lovable, jovial and a fun best friend for man.
The Jackshund is considered one of the most attractive mixed breeds in the world of canines. The characteristics they derive from both parents gives them the charm and might that will make you eager to adopt them as soon as you set your eyes on them. There is a catch though; as adorable and lovely as the Jackweenie might be, they also exhibit some less desirable traits that could easily turn your admiration into scorn.
Known for its amazing hunting skills, the Jackshund makes quite a good guard dog as their aggressiveness and instincts are second to none. Their love for adventures will also make them good travel or hiking companions as they will find a trip to be both relaxing and adventurous.
These goofy and energetic pups need a great ton of exercise to be happy and for this particular reason, are best fit for owners with dog-handling experience or singles who would give them the best time and attention.
| Facts About Jack Russell Dachshund mix | |
|---|---|
| Breed Type | Designer/Hybrid Breed |
| Average Height | 8-15 inches |
| Average Weight | 15-28 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12-15years |
| Coat Type/Color | White, brown, black, cream. |
| Temperament | Active, smart, playful, loyal. |
| Shedding Level | Moderate. |
| Health Problems | Hip dysplasia, epilepsy, deafness, Patellar luxation. |
| Suitable For | Families with previous canine experience, single adults. |
| Price | 200-800 dollars. |
Origin of the Jack Russell Terrier Dachshund Mix
Just like every other mixed breed, there is an assumption that the Jackshund may have been created for the purpose of reducing the congenial health challenges of both parents, especially that of the Dachshund.
Despite the fact that they are designer dogs (dogs made by purebred parents), Jackweenies are still in high demand and are available for adoption in shelters.
The Jack Russell Terrier Dachshund mix is a relatively new breed so there is not enough documented evidence about its origin. On the other hand, there is enough history on both parents, so knowing their roots will present a better view of the offspring.
The Jack Russell Terrier History
This breed was created by a man named Parson Russell whose goal was to make a relentless dog that could be used to hunt down foxes and hounds and make them available for shooting.
To make them distinctive from foxes and less likely to get shot, the dogs were made to be mostly white in colour. They were first seen in America in the 1930s and because of their small size and playful attitudes, have become great family dogs.
The Dachshund History
The story of the Dachshund is quite different from the Jack Russell terrier. The Dachshund is a pure-breed that originates from Germany in the 15th century. Its body shape and fearless nature made it a perfect candidate for hunting badgers and other prey. Before arriving in the USA, some of them were kept as royal dogs in England and others were used as pets for distinguished personalities, for example; the formidable Picasso.
What to Expect From the Jack Russell Terrier Dachshund Mix
1. They can be quite rambunctious when they meet you for the first time so expect few accidents when you first welcome them home.
2. The level of their energy does not decrease with age. Yeah, you read that right; they carry the same spirit throughout their lifetime.
3. Despite their small sizes, they are excellent jumpers. Do not be rattled when you see them leap over those barriers you may have predicted to be too high for their size.
Jack Russell Terrier Dachshund Mix Appearance
The size and appearance of the Jack Russell Terrier Dachshund mix varies and may fall anywhere between that of the two parent breeds.
Most of them are guaranteed to have the facial features of the Jack Russell Terrier and the body shape of its cute and adorable Dachshund parent. Ever seen a funny looking dog with an appearance that practically looks like a Jack Russell in the body of a Dachshund? That’s the Jackshund mixed breed right there.
The coat your Jack Russell Dachshund will have is quite unpredictable and may depend on its Dachshund parent. Generally, the Jackweenie is seen with a short coat of either white, cream brown or black coat colors. A good number of these mixes have long floppy ears while some possess erect triangular shaped ones with black nose and brown eyes.
A Jackshund may be small or medium in size with an average height of 8-15 inches and weight of 15-28 pounds. If you know the Dachshund parent of your pooch and it happens to be miniature, expect your dog to be smaller than its counterparts in size.
Jack Russell Terrier Dachshund Mix Temperament
Being an offspring of two dogs that are active and playful, you can expect your Jackshund to have a supply of limitless energy. Its hunting history makes it quite inquisitive and as the popular saying goes; ‘curiosity kills the cat’, same may apply to your pup if not properly regulated.
The Jackweenie is a loving and very loyal breed so while getting overly attached to you; expect them to be equally suspicious of strangers. Their large and paddle-like paws makes it easier for them to dig faster and deeper, so they love this activity quite a lot.
These breeds have a high prey drive, meaning, they could be seen chasing after small animals all the time. In your own convenience, you may want to clear out squirrels in your yards or mice from your apartment.
A Jackshund is a very intelligent canine who loves to be the centre of attraction and is good at reading human behaviors. They love to play a lot but that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t want to cuddle with you from time to time.
Most importantly, Jackweenies are attention seekers, if you are not ready to provide yours the attention it so desires, you may be faced with a problematic dog at your disposal.
Also Read: German Shepherd Dachshund Mix: Pictures, Guide, Info, & Care!
Grooming Your Jack Russell Terrier Dachshund Mix
Grooming a Jackshund depends on the type of coat it inherits. They are not high maintenance dogs but the ones with longer coats will require more attention than the ones with short coats.
Brushing your dog two or three times a day will be sufficient in keeping them neat and tidy. Even though Jackweenies tend to get themselves dirty a lot, consistent bathing of this pup is not advised as too much cleaning may damage its natural coat. Once a month or once in two months is the required number of times you can clean your pooch.
Trimming the coats of your dog occasionally is also recommended as well as frequent brushing of their teeth and cleaning of their ears. As for the nails, you may need to clip them every now and then especially when you think you hear clicking sounds on the floor.
Exercising and Training Your Jack Russell Terrier Dachshund Mix
Exercise
The Jack Russell Dachshund mix is a highly active breed with plenty of energy and thus, providing it with an outlet healthy enough to keep it occupied at all times is highly important.
As stated earlier, the Jackshund are known to be great diggers. In order to control this, interactive play time is needed. You should make out time in the evenings to take your little pooch out for a walk or run for at least forty minutes everyday to help keep it fit and active.
They will also love to play physical and brain games which is a good thing as it would help stimulate their mental capacity, so get them involved in this.
Training
When in a bad mood, the Jackshund breed is impossible to deal with. Due to their stubborn nature, some owners may experience difficulty in training them but with consistency and firmness, you can achieve your goal.
Punishment and positive reinforcement is the most traditional way of training mixed breeds. But punishment should not involve the use of physical force. Reward your dog when he does well and he will be motivated to do more. Also try to make their training fun by including yourself in it, for instance, while giving them obedience training, take a break sometimes and play catch with them, this will make your pups happy and thereby anxious to have more sessions with you.
Jack Russell Terrier Dachshund Mix Health & Feeding
Health
Crossbreeds tend to have fewer health conditions than their purebred parents but that doesn’t mean you should be lackadaisical about their health and as healthy as they tend to be, they still have the probability of inheriting the worst genetic predispositions from their parents.
The health conditions listed below are some of the problems your dogs may likely experience:
1. Patellar luxation: This happens when the knee cap becomes misaligned and will cause a lot of pain to the Jackshund.
2. Hip dysplasia: A condition that causes hip joint malformation in dogs.
3. Diabetes
4. Obesity
5. Epilepsy
6. Deafness
7. Partial blindness.
As with all dogs, a Jackshund requires close attention. In order to monitor their health and detect early concerns, regular veterinary meetings or checkups are required. An experienced vet can help develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy and happy.
Feeding/ Nutrition
The Jack Russell Dachshund mix is a breed that may struggle with obesity as it grows older; hence, extra care is needed to make sure they are not overfed.
Like all dogs, the diet of a Jackweenie will change from puppyhood to adulthood so taking recommendations from a vet will not be considered too extreme. An average Jackshund will be picky with food. Instead of forcing it into eating what you provide, take some time to figure out its preferences.
Lifespan of Jack Russell Terrier Dachshund Mix
The life expectancy of a dog varies. How long a particular dog will live depends on the type of care he is given. Although Jackshunds are known to have less lifespan than other Jack Russell mixes, with proper exercise and adequate diet, they are expected to live an average life of 12-15 years.
Also Read: Boxer Dachshund Mix: Breed Info and Facts About the Dachxer
Do Jack Russell Terrier Dachshund Mix Make Good Family Pets?
Regardless of all the cons, the Jack Russell Dachshund mix makes great family pets as they have the energy to keep every member of the family occupied at all times.
The small size of Jackweenies makes them quite suitable for homes and apartment living. As long as you provide it with an adequate environment and the proper training, this dog is worthy of every love you can give. Their curious nature will make them try to pry into other peoples business hence; living with a lot of people will get them occupied and thereby reduce boredom.
Because of their alertness and suspicion, they will also make good guard dogs for you. Their playful and rambunctious nature will get them attracted to children of all ages so both parties will be great companions to each other.
Are you and your family looking for a canine pet to liven up your home and brighten your lives? Try adopting a Jack Russell Terrier Dachshund mix and enjoy the fun ride.
