The Jackshund is a mixed breed dog–a cross between the Jack Russell Terrier and Dachshund dog breeds. Affectionate, lively, and playful, these pups inherited some of the best traits from two very different parents. The mix of different personalities and appearances will make for a fun, attractive dog!
Also known as a Jackweenie, the Jackshund is considered a “designer dog,” bred on purpose to emphasize desirable characteristics from each breed. As always, please adopt if you’re looking to add one of these dogs to your life. You can find them at shelters and breed specific rescues. Adopt! Don’t shop!
Jackshunds are loving and energetic with a bit of a range on energy, so you should be prepared to offer this dog plenty of exercise and cuddling. Their small-to-medium size makes them well-suited to a multitude of different homes; with enough space, a good portion of their exercise could be done indoors. Their energy level, tendency to dig, Olympic-quality jumping, and dedicated scent-following makes a high-fenced yard a great idea.
The easiest owner to match would be an active single person or couple, with plenty of time and energy to devote to their dog; however, with proper socialization and training, the Jackshund could be best friends with a whole family. Due to their hunting background, it would be best not to add small animals into the environment, such as birds, rodents, or even cats. If you must, be sure to supervise interactions or keep them separate. Jackshunds also have a stubborn streak, but early training will help with this, too. If you’re looking for a silly, sweet, fun best friend, this may be the dog for you!
FunkyPaw recommends a carrier for traveling with your small Jackshund. You should also pick up a dog brush and massager for your short-haired pup!
Breed Characteristics:
Adaptability
Contrary to popular belief, small size doesn’t necessarily an apartment dog make. Plenty of small dogs are too high-energy and yappy for life in a high-rise. Being quiet, low energy, fairly calm indoors, and polite with the other residents are all good qualities in an apartment dog. And you can find an awesome crate for your dog here to give them a little more personal space in your apartment.
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They’re also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Dogs who are highly sensitive, independent thinking, or assertive may be harder for a first-time dog parent to manage. You’ll get your best match if you take your dog-owning experience into account as you choose your new pooch.
If you’re new to dog parenting, take a look at 101 Dog Tricks and read up on how to train your dog!
Some dogs will let a stern reprimand roll off their backs, while others take even a dirty look to heart. Low-sensitivity dogs, also called “easygoing,” “tolerant,” “resilient,” and even “thick-skinned,” can better handle a noisy, chaotic household, a louder or more assertive owner, and an inconsistent or variable routine. Do you have young kids, throw lots of dinner parties, play in a garage band, or lead a hectic life? Go with a low-sensitivity dog.
Some breeds bond very closely with their family and are more prone to worry or even panic when left alone by their owner. An anxious dog can be very destructive–barking, whining, chewing, and otherwise causing mayhem. These breeds do best when a family member is home during the day or if you can take the dog to work.
Breeds with very short coats and little or no undercoat or body fat, such as Greyhounds, are vulnerable to the cold. Dogs with a low cold tolerance need to live inside in cool climates and should have a jacket or sweater for chilly walks.
Dogs with thick, double coats are more vulnerable to overheating. So are breeds with short noses, like Bulldogs or Pugs, since they can’t pant as well to cool themselves off. If you want a heat-sensitive breed, your dog will need to stay indoors with you on warm or humid days, and you’ll need to be extra cautious about exercising your dog in the heat.
All Around Friendliness
Some breeds are independent and aloof, even if they’ve been raised by the same person since puppyhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Breed isn’t the only factor that goes into affection levels; dogs who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily.
See Dogs Less Affectionate with Family
Being gentle with children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a blasé attitude toward running, screaming children are all traits that make a kid-friendly dog. You may be surprised by who’s on that list: Fierce-looking Boxers are considered good with children, as are American Staffordshire Terriers (which are considered Pit Bulls). Small, delicate, and potentially snappy dogs such as Chihuahuas aren’t always so family-friendly.
**All dogs are individuals. Our ratings are generalizations, and they’re not a guarantee of how any breed or individual dog will behave. Dogs from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences, training on how to get along with kids, and personality. No matter what the breed or breed type, all dogs have strong jaws, sharp pointy teeth, and may bite in stressful circumstances. Young children and dogs of any breed should always be supervised by an adult and never left alone together, period.
Friendliness toward dogs and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some dogs may attack or try to dominate other dogs, even if they’re love-bugs with people; others would rather play than fight; and some will turn tail and run. Breed isn’t the only factor. Dogs who lived with their littermates and mother until at least six to eight weeks of age and who spent lots of time playing with other dogs during puppyhood, are more likely to have good canine social skills.
Stranger-friendly dogs will greet guests with wagging tails and nuzzles; others are shy, indifferent, or even aggressive. However, no matter what the breed, a dog who was socialized and exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a puppy will respond better to strangers as an adult. Remember that even friendly dogs should stay on a good, strong leash in public!
Health And Grooming Needs
If you’re going to share your home with a dog, you’ll need to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary greatly among the breeds. Some dogs shed year-round, some “blow” seasonally, some do both, and some shed hardly at all. If you’re a neatnik, you’ll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. To help keep your home a little cleaner, you can find a great de-shedding tool here!
Drool-prone dogs may drape ropes of slobber on your arm and leave big, wet spots on your clothes when they come over to say hello. If you’ve got a laid-back attitude toward slobber, fine; but if you’re a neatnik, you may want to choose a dog who rates low in the drool department.
Some breeds are brush-and-go dogs; others require regular bathing, clipping, and other grooming just to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a dog who needs a lot of grooming, or the money to pay someone else to do it.
Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, such as hip dysplasia. This doesn’t mean that every dog of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they’re at an increased risk.
If you’re adopting a puppy, it’s a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you’re interested in. You may also want to ask if your shelter or rescue has information about the physical health of your potential pup’s parents and other relatives.
Some breeds have hearty appetites and tend to put on weight easily. As in humans, being overweight can cause health problems in dogs. If you pick a breed that’s prone to packing on pounds, you’ll need to limit treats, make sure they get enough exercise, and measure out their daily food servings into regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time.
Ask your vet about your dog’s diet and what they recommend for feeding your pooch to keep them at a healthy weight. Weight gain can lead to other health issues or worsen problems like arthritis.
Dogs come in all sizes, from the world’s smallest pooch, the Chihuahua, to the towering Great Dane, how much space a dog takes up is a key factor in deciding if they’re compatible with you and your living space. Large dog breeds might seem overpowering and intimidating, but some of them are incredibly sweet! Take a look and find the right sized dog for you!
Trainability
Easy-to-train dogs are more adept at forming an association between a prompt (such as the word “sit”), an action (sitting), and a consequence (getting a treat) very quickly. Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training.
Many breeds are intelligent but approach training with a “What’s in it for me?” attitude, in which case you’ll need to use rewards and games to teach them to want to comply with your requests.
Dogs who were bred for jobs that require decision making, intelligence, and concentration, such as herding livestock, need to exercise their brains, just as dogs who were bred to run all day need to exercise their bodies. If they don’t get the mental stimulation they need, they’ll make their own work–usually with projects you won’t like, such as digging and chewing. Obedience training and interactive dog toys are good ways to give a dog a brain workout, as are dog sports and careers, such as agility and search and rescue.
Common in most breeds during puppyhood and in Retriever breeds at all ages, mouthiness means a tendency to nip, chew, and play-bite (a soft, fairly painless bite that doesn’t puncture the skin). Mouthy dogs are more likely to use their mouths to hold or “herd” their human family members, and they need training to learn that it’s fine to gnaw on chew toys, but not on people. Mouthy breeds tend to really enjoy a game of fetch, as well as a good chew on a toy that’s been stuffed with kibble and treats.
Dogs who were bred to hunt, such as Terriers, have an inborn desire to chase–and sometimes kill–other animals. Anything whizzing by, such as cats, squirrels, and perhaps even cars, can trigger that instinct. Dogs who like to chase need to be leashed or kept in a fenced area when outdoors, and you’ll need a high, secure fence in your yard. These breeds generally aren’t a good fit for homes with smaller pets that can look like prey, such as cats, hamsters, or small dogs. Breeds that were originally used for bird hunting, on the other hand, generally won’t chase, but you’ll probably have a hard time getting their attention when there are birds flying by.
Some breeds sound off more often than others. When choosing a breed, think about how often the dog vocalizes with barks or howls. If you’re considering a hound, would you find their trademark howls musical or maddening? If you’re considering a watchdog, will a city full of suspicious “strangers” put your pup on permanent alert? Will the local wildlife literally drive your dog wild? Do you live in housing with noise restrictions? Do you have neighbors nearby? Then you may wish to choose a quieter dog.
Some breeds are more free-spirited than others. Nordic dogs such as Siberian Huskies were bred to range long distances, and given the chance, they’ll take off after anything that catches their interest. And many hounds simply must follow their noses–or that bunny that just ran across the path–even if it means leaving you behind.
Physical Needs
High-energy dogs are always ready and waiting for action. Originally bred to perform a canine job of some sort, such as retrieving game for hunters or herding livestock, they have the stamina to put in a full workday. They need a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation, and they’re more likely to spend time jumping, playing, and investigating any new sights and smells.
Low-energy dogs are the canine equivalent of a couch potato, content to doze the day away. When picking a breed, consider your own activity level and lifestyle, and think about whether you’ll find a frisky, energetic dog invigorating or annoying.
A vigorous dog may or may not have high energy, but everything they do, they do with vigor: they strain on the leash (until you train them not to), try to plow through obstacles, and even eats and drinks with great big gulps. These dynamos need lots of training to learn good manners, and may not be the best fit for a home with young kids or someone who’s elderly or frail. A low-vigor dog, on the other hand, has a more subdued approach to life.
Some breeds do fine with a slow evening stroll around the block. Others need daily, vigorous exercise, especially those that were originally bred for physically demanding jobs, like herding or hunting.
Without enough exercise, these breeds may put on weight and vent their pent-up energy in ways you don’t like, such as barking, chewing, and digging. Breeds that need a lot of exercise are good for outdoorsy, active people, or those interested in training their dog to compete in a high-energy dog sport, such as agility.
Some dogs are perpetual puppies — always begging for a game — while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog.
Vital Stats:
Dog Breed Group:Mixed Breed DogsHeight:8 to 23 inchesWeight:15 to 28 poundsLife Span:12 to 15 years
More About This Breed
Highlights
- The Jackshund is a mixed breed dog. They are not purebreds like their Jack Russell Terrier or Dachshund parents.
- Jackshund coat colors include white, black, brown, and cream. Noses are always black, and eyes are always brown.
- Grooming needs vary based on what kind of coat your Jackshund has. Longer coats need to be brushed and trimmed more often than shorter. Even the shortest Jackshund coat should be brushed a few times a week.
- Jackshunds are highly energetic and need ample exercise. They should have 45 to 90 minutes of exercise every day, which could be a mix of activities, as well as indoor play.
- Jackshunds can be great with kids, provided they are socialized at an early age. As with all dogs, it’s a good idea to supervise interaction with young children.
- Jackshunds can get along well with other pets, but if early socialization isn’t possible, it may be best to stay a single-pet home. Also, it’s best not to encourage interactions between small animals, like rodents, and Jackshunds, as it may be difficult to stifle their hunter instincts.
- Jackshunds can be stubborn when it comes to training, and they can jump high. Having higher fences around your yard will help, but even then, you should watch to be sure the fence is higher than your Jackshund’s jump.
History
The exact history of the Jackshund is a mystery, but intentionally mixing breeds to create “designer dogs” has been popular worldwide since the 1980s, at least. The idea is usually to emphasize the most desirable traits of each breed, while minimizing health problems–like the back problems dachshunds often encounter, due to their elongated spines.
As for the Jackshund’s parents, the Jack Russell Terrier came about in the early 1800s–an expert blend of the natural hunting and tracking abilities of the Terrier and the nimbleness that the Jack Russell’s small size enabled. Dachshunds are an older breed, originating in Germany in the 15th century, bred for their fearless nature and long bodies to hunt down badger holes. They became companion dogs around the 19th century.
“Designer dogs,” with these intentional mixes, are still in high demand, meaning they are also available to adopt from shelters, as not everyone who brings home a Jackshund–or any dog–ends up keeping them, unfortunately. If you want to make a Jackshund part of your life, please opt to adopt!
Size
Jackshunds can range from small to medium in size, depending on how large their parents are. Jackshunds often inherit the elongated spine of the Dachshund parent.
They typically weigh approximately 15 to 28 pounds, and they measure eight to 23 inches tall. There’s no significant difference in the size between males and females.
Personality
Jackshunds are happy, goofy, playful balls of energy who just want to be your best friend and don’t enjoy being left alone for long periods of time. Early training and socialization is important for all dogs, but especially Jackshunds, given their strong personalities and stubborn streak. This will help desensitize them to children, other animals, and strangers. It will also help to teach them appropriate indoor versus outdoor behavior.
Because of their background in hunting and tracking, they have a tendency to want to dig. You can teach them that this is acceptable outdoors, but not inside–or not at all. Though don’t be surprised if they just can’t help themselves from digging a tempting hole outside occasionally. Their inquisitive nature is a treat to watch, but it can sometimes get them into trouble, too.
With boundless energy and love, the Jackshund needs an environment that can provide plenty of opportunity for both. Their smallish size makes that quite versatile, though their Olympian jumping abilities means higher fences are better, and even then, you should watch to be sure the fence is higher than your Jackshund’s jump. While not tiny, their smaller size may make them a target for predators, so it’s always a good idea to keep your Jackshund supervised, if not on a leash.
Health
As with all mixed breeds, there is a potential for the Jackshund to inherit the worst genetic predispositions from their parents, whether from their Dachshund or Jack Russell Terrier side, especially as this particular combination is so hard to predict.
For the Jackshund, possible common health issues include:
- Cushing’s Disease
- eye problems
- intervertebral disc disease
- Gastric Dilation Volvulus
- obesity
- patellar luxation
- Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
- hip dysplasia
- epilepsy
- ear infections
- deafness
- diabetes
Please note that just because these are predispositions in the Dachshund and Jack Russell Terrier breeds, it does not mean that a singular Jackshund will definitely inherit any of these. Jackshunds are decently healthy dogs, so you shouldn’t be afraid that a Jackshund shelter dog necessarily has a health condition.
Care
As with all dogs, you should keep up with your Jackshund’s regular veterinary checkups to detect any health concerns early. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy.
Jackshunds are highly energetic and need ample exercise. This is good news to combat their tendency for weight gain. They are versatile at either apartment or house lifestyles, due to their smaller size.
They do enjoy time outside for mental and physical stimulation, and long walks and games (agility, catch, puzzles, etc.) are particularly appealing; they should have 45 to 90 minutes of exercise every day, which could be a mix of these activities, as well as indoor play.
A few words of caution for outdoor time: Jackshunds are excellent jumpers, despite their shorter stature, so higher fences are a must if they are too be off-leash. Even then, depending on your Jackshund’s height and agility, they may be able to jump over that fence. Their smaller size could also make them vulnerable to wild predators. Their sense of adventure and wanderlust could send them off running into unfamiliar territory, as well. In short, it’s a good idea to be outside with them, along with keeping them on a leash, when possible.
As with all dogs, it’s a good idea to cut your Jackshund’s nails or have your groomer cut them about once a month, as well as to check their ears for redness or irritation about once a week. Brushing their teeth daily or at least a few times a week is also a good idea to promote good dental health. You can ask your vet to show you how to do any of these tasks.
Feeding
An ideal Jackshund diet should be formulated for a small or medium breed–depending on your individual Jackshund’s size–with high energy. Because the Jackshund struggles with obesity, be careful not to overfeed your dog. Talk to your vet about specific food portions and treat allotments.
As with all dogs, the Jackshund’s dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to change into their senior years. You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Jackshund’s diet, as there is far too much variation among individual dogs–including weight, energy, and health–to make a specific recommendation.
Coat Color And Grooming
Jackshunds can inherit coats from either the Jack Russell Terrier or the Dachshund parent, meaning their coats can be double or single. The texture can have four variations–three from the Dachshund, and one from the Jack Russell. It can be short or long, and it may be straight and fine or curled and wiry. Colors include white, black, brown, and cream. Noses are always black, and eyes are always brown.
Grooming needs vary based on what kind of coat your Jackshund has. Longer coats need to be brushed and trimmed more often than shorter. Even the shortest Jackshund coat should be brushed a few times a week. If the fur is wiry, regular stripping may be necessary from a professional. Bathing should only be done as needed. Professional grooming every so often may help the dog look their best, too.
Your Jackshund’s tolerance to hot and cold weather may vary a bit based on which coat they have. In general, Jackshunds are pretty tolerant to both heat and cold, but there are a few differences, in terms of tolerating the cold. Jack Russells handle the cold better than Dachshunds, so if your pup inherits more of the Dachshund coat, or if they’re just on the smaller side, you may want to get a winter coat or sweater for your dog in cold weather.
As with all dogs, watch for heavy panting as a sign of dehydration or even heat stroke. Be sure not to keep your dog outside too long if it’s excessively hot.
Children And Other Pets
Playful and affectionate, Jackshunds can be great with kids, provided they are socialized at an early age. As with all dogs, it’s a good idea to supervise interaction with young children. Jackshunds can be stubborn and highly energetic, which can make for a good playmate, but it may cause a bit rougher play than either side would be prepared for if they’re not properly trained and socialized.
When it comes to other pets, Jackshunds can get along well with them, but if early socialization isn’t possible, it may be best to stay a single-pet home. Also, it’s best not to encourage interactions between small animals, like rodents, and Jackshunds, as it may be difficult to stifle their hunter instincts. Given their tendency to chase, Jackshunds may chase anything from rodents, birds, and even cats–something to be mindful of when deciding what animals to add to your family.
As with all dogs, Jackshunds will do best if they have early socialization and training. This will emphasize the loving, loyal traits of your dog, and it can minimize the hunting ancestry. With early socialization, Jackshunds can be great with children and other pets. However, without that early socialization, they may become aggressive.
Rescue Groups
It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Jackshunds because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Jack Russell Terrier or Dachshund breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:
- Dachshund Rescue of North America, Inc.
- Jacks Galore
