Here in this guide, we will discuss the Jackshund in all his little but confident glory. He is the designer puppy product of the popular purebred dogs, the lively Jack Russell Terrier, and the adorable Dachshund. So, whether you’re wondering who the new cute puppy next door is, or you are thinking about inviting this little pup into your life, you have come to the right place.
From his breed history to his personality, training, and exercise needs, we’ve got it all covered. This pup might be little, but his character is anything but! And although he is one of the cutest dogs going, he isn’t suited to every family. For this reason, this Jackshund breed guide is a must-read for all soon-to-be owners.
Also known as the Jackweenie, he is sweet, sassy, cuddly, lots of fun, and much more. So, let’s take a closer look at what else you can expect if you welcome one into your home.
Weight15-25 Pounds
Height9-13 Inches
Lifespan14-18 Years
ColorsBlack, White, Cream, Brown, Red
Parent Breeds
The Jackshund’s parents look very different, but their personality and breed purpose is similar. And although there are many similarities, there are also a few subtle differences. This means you need to understand what the Jack Russell and the Dachshund are all about. This way, no matter what parent he takes after, you are sure to love him.
Jack Russell
The Jack Russell is a popular little pup, who is often confused for the Russell Terrier or the Patterdale. Although they are similar, they are fundamentally different. His journey began in 19th century England, where a reverend known as John ‘Jack’ Russell created him to be a fox hunter. He would also chase the foxes out of their underground nests to assist the hunting hounds.
Over time, this feisty but loving dog became a much-loved family pet. Not only because he protected the family home with all his might, but because he is really affectionate too. He is great fun and loves to get down and dirty with his family. He measures between 13 and 14 inches tall and weighs between 13 and 17 pounds. Other popular Jack Russell Terrier mixes include the Jack-a-bee and the Jack-chi.
Dachshund
The Dachshund is also a sassy little dog and much more well known in America than the Jack Russell. You might also know this pup as the famous wiener dog because he is shaped like a sausage. He is only 5 to 9 inches tall, and he weighs between 8 and 32 pounds. There are two sizes of Dachshund, the standard and the miniature. Just because his size is small though, doesn’t mean he hasn’t earned a more fierce reputation.
Much like the Jack Russell, he was created to hunt large vermin from the underground nests. A traditional badger hunter, this pup has big paddle paws that help him to dig deep into the ground. And if you don’t pay him enough attention, he’ll dig your perfect lawn too!
He is originally from Germany, but America’s fascination with him was instant and enduring. Dachshunds are also popular designer dogs, with the Chiweenie and the Doxle being two of the most prominent.
Jackshund
As the Jackshund is a rare mixed dog breed, it is more than likely that he will be a first or second-generation pup. As such, there is no breed standard, and he could turn out more like one parent over the other. Thankfully, most Jackshunds inherit the best of both worlds.
Temperament
If you can be sure of one thing, it’s that the Jackshund is lots and lots of fun. Both of his parents are full of beans, so you can be sure that this pup has twice as many! He likes to be the center of attention, so you need to be sure that you can provide him with lots of time and energy. If you want peace and quiet, this little pup is not the one for you.
He also makes a fantastic watchdog because both of his parents are suspicious of strangers. They will not quietly accept a stranger into their yard without announcing it. This is great if you like this doggy trait, not so much if you have neighbors who are sensitive to noisy dogs. Thankfully, once he knows someone, he will warm up to them as though they are his family.
He has a lot of love to give, and he will smother you in kisses and cuddles. We hope you like public displays of affection because this pup is a pro. If you haven’t got the time or patience to cuddle him for several hours a day, he isn’t going to be too pleased. He craves human company and hates to be left alone for more than a few hours.
He is an intense pooch for sure and needs lots of stimulation. All of his personality traits combined mean that he is not suited for a novice dog owner. The Jackshund needs an experienced dog owner who is ready for the challenge. If you aren’t prepared for him, you’ll find a problematic dog on your hands. And not forgetting your prized lawn that he’ll dig up in seconds.
Size & Appearance
The Jackshund is a small-sized dog that will usually weigh between 15 and 25 pounds and measure between 9 to 13 inches short. If his Dachshund parent is a miniature-sized canine, he might be even smaller than this. He might not be as long as his Weiner parent, but he’ll definitely be longer than he is tall.
His body will likely be stocky like his Jack Russell parent. The Jackshund’s paws will be large and paddle-like, and they will almost certainly point outwards too. His eyes will be big, his smile wide, and his ears are likely to be long and floppy.
Coat & Colors
The Jackshund has three coat options, and this is all dependent on his Daschund parent’s coat type. The first, and most common, is the short-haired coat that is smooth and sleek. The other options are the long coat and wire coat option, but know that his Jack Russell influence will make them shorter and softer than his purebred German parent.
He has a double-layered coat that will keep him warm in the winter and cool in the summer. His coat will shed moderately throughout the year and a little heavier during the shedding seasons. With the amount of snuggling you’ll be doing with this pup, you can be sure that your clothes will never be hair-free again.
His coat colors will be a mixture of white, brown, black, cream, and red. He could have a solid coat color or a combination of spotted colors. His nose color will usually be black, and his eyes will usually be brown.
Exercise & Living Conditions
The Jackshund is a vibrant and fun-loving dog who needs a fair bit of exercise for a small dog. He will need around 60 minutes of exercise every day to keep him happy and healthy. If his Dacshnd parent is a miniature pup, he might require slightly less than this. He will also need regular stimulation and interactive playtime throughout the day to prevent him from digging your lawn.
And, because of his intelligent mind and downright sassiness, he will need a mixture of activities throughout his week to prevent himself from becoming bored. You need to consider his long and short body and avoid anything that includes him jumping from heights. If you are lucky enough to live near a beach, this is an excellent place for him to expel that digging energy of his.
He has a high prey drive, and because his perfected party trick is disappearing down rabbit holes, we would advise you to keep him on a leash. No matter how well trained he is, if he sees something fast and furry, he will chase it for sure. And if you know either of his parent’s breeds, you’ll know that this pup isn’t the most obedient of pups in any case.
Being so small, the Jackshund is suited to apartment living, just as long as you exercise him enough throughout the day. He is also suited to larger homes and anything in between. If he has access to a yard, just be sure that it is totally secured. Otherwise, he’ll be making good his escape most days.
If he is socialized well, he can live with children. Just be sure that they are old enough to properly handle a small dog instead of treating him like a toy. His Jack genes make him robust enough to cope with excitable hands, but his Weiner genes mean that he can become grumpy when annoyed. And as long as you don’t have any pet badgers, foxes, rabbits, or other rodents, he will do well in a multi-pet household. Just as long as he is socialized well.
Training
We’re not going to pretend as though the Jackshund is an obedient dog who will take your commands seriously. Because he isn’t, and he won’t. This is another reason why the Jackshund needs to be homed with an experienced dog owner. You need to be patient and consistent with your training. And happy in the knowledge that he is an independent pup. Once they are obedient, they can easily learn more complex tricks and perform them on command
Because he is suspicious of strangers and can become overprotective if you allow him to be, he needs socialization training. This needs to be started as soon as you welcome him home. Expose him to different sights and sounds, and introduce him to as many other humans and dogs as you possibly can.
Obedience training is vital, and be sure not to give in to his diva demands. If you want him to be a polite pup and not suffer from little dog syndrome, you need to be consistent with your training. Don’t allow him to get treats for free, make sure he gives you a paw.
He hates to be left alone, so we would suggest crate training him too. Some dog owners hate the idea of putting their pup into a crate but trust us when we say that it will benefit both him and you. Dogs naturally crave shelter, and they will see it as a relaxing place to be. It will also allow you to leave him for a few hours without having to worry that he’ll dig his way into the foundations.
Health
The Jackshund is a relatively healthy dog who will enjoy a long 12 to 15 years with you. Just like all relatively new hybrid dogs, he could inherit the health concerns seen in either of his parent’s breeds. Although this list isn’t exhaustive, these health concerns are the ones that are more likely to pop up than any others.
Hip Dysplasia
This is more common in his Jack Russell parent. It will affect his hip joint, causing a painful grinding in the socket, leading to paralysis.
Patellar Luxation
This condition affects his Dachshund parent. Essentially, this is an abnormally formed kneecap that dislocates easily. Again, this is painful and something to watch out for.
Eye Conditions
A variety of eye conditions are found in both of his parent’s breeds. Progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts are the most common concerns.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
This is caused by his elongated spine and diminished shock absorption ability and cushioning. And although he is less likely to suffer from it than his Weiner parent, he is still at risk.
Nutrition
The Jackshund is a small but energetic pup, and he will eat approximately two cups of food a day. This will be dependent on his energy levels, age, and many other factors. And it will be less if he is a miniature-sized Jackshund.
You should always feed your pet the best quality food that you can afford, as this will increase his happiness and health for sure. As a puppy, you’ll want to ensure you have your Jackshund eating a small breed puppy food formula.
The Jackshund should be fed a kibble that is designed for small or medium-sized breeds. It should also be age-appropriate to ensure that he gets the specific nutrition he needs during each of his life stages.
Despite being energetic, the Jackshund has an increased chance of becoming overweight, just like his Dachshund parent. This is particularly problematic for long dogs like him, and it can increase his chances of developing IVDD. It will turn him into a banana-shaped sausage. So, be sure to keep your food and doggy snacks locked away.
Grooming
The Jackshund has a double coat that can take three forms, which will determine his grooming routine. If he has a short coat, he will only need brushing once a week to keep him looking shiny and healthy. If he has a long or wire coat, he will need brushing several times a week, and monthly deshedding with a proper tool, to prevent matting or tangling.
He will enjoy a bath once every 8 to 12 weeks, but no more than this, no matter how many holes he digs himself into. Otherwise, you risk damaging his natural coat oils and increasing the chances of dry and irritated skin. Brush his teeth several times a week with specifically designed doggy toothpaste. And cleanse his ears once a week to avoid a build-up of plaque.
Breeders & Puppy Costs
The price of a Jackshund puppy from a reputable breeder will start at $800. This can vary based on the area you live in and the breeder you choose to work with. If someone offers you a much lower price than this, see this as a sign that they could be part of a puppy mill, so you should avoid them at all costs.
Reputable breeders will ensure that you meet the pups and their parents in person. They can show you which coat type his Dachshund parent is, as well as their health clearances. Puppy mills not only don’t care about their health, but they will also not invest any time to train them. So, your chances of having a polite pup are increased with a reputable breeder.
Rescue & Shelters
The Jackshund is a rare dog, and he is even rarer in rescue shelters. Always try visiting your local breed shelter to see if there is a Jackshund. And if there isn’t, speak to the staff because they might know of one coming in soon.
Another way to maximize your chances of finding a Jackshund up for adoption is to visit dedicated breed centers and their websites. They focus their efforts on certain breeds and their mixed pups. The Dachshund Rescue of North America and the Russell Rescue list adoptable dogs and their hybrid puppies. And be warned, they also list bonded pairs, so you might end up with two if you’re lucky enough to find them!
As Family Pets
- The Jackshund is a fun-loving pup who loves to be the center of attention.
- He is sweet and affectionate.
- Jackshunds demand several hours of cuddle time every day.
- He craves human company and can suffer from separation anxiety.
- The Jackshund is usually great with children and other animals.
- He is suited to apartment living.
- He needs approximately 60 minutes of varied exercise every day.
- Your Jackshund puppy will likely need some additional playtime.
- The Jackshund is an aloof dog who will bark loudly at strangers.
- Jackshunds will warm up to new people once welcomed into their homes.
Final Thoughts
The Jackshund is a wonderfully fun little and long pup who will bring a smile to everyone’s day. He is full of excitable beans, and he will keep you on your toes. You need to be able to keep up with this pup’s energy and be able to spend most of your time with him. As long as you can tick all of his boxes, he is bound to tick all of yours too.
