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Bully Jack Terrier (Bull Terrier & Jack Russell Mix): Info, Pictures, Facts

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By Nicole Cosgrove

Bully Jack Terrier (Bull Terrier & Jack Russell Mix)

Height: 12–22 inches
Weight: 12–40 pounds
Lifespan: 10–15 years
Colors: Almost any color, but usually white, tan, black, brown, white with darker markings on the head
Suitable for: Active families or individuals, experienced dog owners, an outdoor lifestyle in a suburban or rural home, those seeking a small but competent guard dog
Temperament: Intelligent, lively, alert, hardworking, loyal, protective, brave, determined, even-tempered, high-energy

The Bully Jack Terrier brings the sweetness of a bulldog, the dynamic energy of a terrier, and the alert mind of a guard dog all into one adorable package. Active, dog-experienced owners will find the lively nature, enthusiasm for outdoor activities, and generous affection of the Bully Jack Terrier nearly impossible to resist! To give you a closer look at the history of the Bully Jack Terrier we’ll change tack for a moment and tell you about the two parent breeds: the Jack Russell Terrier and the Bull Terrier.

The Jack Russell Terrier was developed as a fox hunter by the Reverend John Russell in the mid-1800s. The Reverend was also known as the Hunting Parson and spent over 50 years breeding his idea of the perfect hunting dog. Today there are two types of this keen terrier, the longer-legged Parson Russell Terrier, and the short, stocky Jack Russell Terrier. They are still used as incredibly capable hunters and ratters, but the breed is most commonly a companion dog in the United States.

Developed in 1835 by James Hinkys, the Bull Terrier likely comes from mixing the now-extinct white English Terrier and the Bulldog. Originally called the bull and terrier, these dogs were used for a time as pit fighters and bull baiters. Though fierce in a fight, they were bred to never provoke aggression.

Once blood sports became illegal in England, Bull Terriers were often used as ratters or companions.

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Bully Jack Terrier Puppies

Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

An intelligent, active dog like the Bully Jack Terrier needs exercise, attention, and training. Consider whether your schedule, finances, and temperament are suited to caring for a dog for up to the next 10–15 years. Dog ownership is not for the faint of heart, but it can be incredibly rewarding!

Going to a breeder? Ask plenty of questions before you even meet the dogs so that you can prepare your home for the new puppy. What kind of food do they recommend? How do they socialize the puppies? Are there any health concerns you should know about? The more you know the better!

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3 Little-Known Facts About the Bully Jack Terrier

1. Jack Russell Terriers are little athletes.

Though small in stature, the Jack Russell Terrier is an incredibly muscular and capable dog. Their tough build and keen minds mean that they excel at endurance and agility competitions. They can do it all: flyball, agility courses, obedience trials, Earthdog, surfing, and more!

A short fence won’t hold these scamps, because they can jump five feet straight up in the air. And a fence that stops at the turf may be ineffective too because they also love to dig—all the better for chasing prey down into their underground homes.


2. Bull Terriers make excellent mascots.

The Bull Terrier is a smart and trainable breed. Perhaps that, mixed with their distinctive faces, is why they make great mascots and “spokesdogs.”

In the 80s, Budweiser debuted ads featuring Spuds MacKenzie. This cool, bachelor Bull Terrier was marketed as a man’s man sort of pup and usually pictured amongst throngs of scantily clad women (or “Spudettes”). Funnily, manly Spuds was played by a lady dog named Honey Tree Evil Eye, AKA Evie.

A more recent famous Bull Terrier is Bullseye, the Target mascot. The character has been around since 1999 but is representing that Target style to this day. Bullseye knows tons of celebrities, always flies first class, and even has a wax likeness of them in the Madame Tussauds museum.


3. Bully Jack Terriers will love having a job.

Between the high-energy Jack Russell Terrier and the alert Bull Terrier, this hybrid dog breed is one that will love being given a task. The hardworking Bully Jack Terriers will never give up on a job and put 110% into everything. Their loyalty and desire to please their owners make them excellent guard dogs.

Parent Breeds of the Bully Jack Terrier
Image Credit: Jumpstory

Temperament & Intelligence of the Bully Jack Terrier 🧠

The Bully Jack Terrier is a lively dog that relishes outdoor time as much as quality family time. They are keen and tenacious when on a job, but playful and sweet in the home! These dogs are intelligent and work-driven. They will relish having a job to do for their family and can make wonderful guard dogs. They can be reserved around strangers, but never aggressive.

Bully Jack Terriers are fit, energetic creatures that enjoy outdoor activities with their owner. Take these pups for a run and they are sure to outlast you every time—and love every minute of it!

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

Bully Jack Terriers are naturally a friendly sort, but not unabashedly so. They can be good with children if they have been socialized properly and are overall a gentle—if a little suspicious—breed.

The somewhat high-strung tendencies of this breed make socialization and inclusion in family activities critical. Terriers in general, and Jack Russell Terriers in particular, do not allow disrespect or rough handling from children. When mistreated, terriers are known to snap and nip.

The Bully Jack Terrier is considerably calmer and gentler than most terriers. But it’s still important to teach your puppy their place in the family hierarchy. Equally essential is socializing your kids with the dog and showing them how to respect their canine companion.

With healthy communication established between you, the kids, and your pup a harmonious household will follow. Early socialization and mutual respect from both children and dog a Bully Jack Terrier makes a playful and affectionate family dog.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Typically, the Bully Jack Terrier is an adaptable and genial dog with other pets. However, their keen intelligence and work drive may cause friction. They will not allow other pets to boss them around.

Bully Jack Terriers do not provoke aggression, but their instincts and solid build will certainly finish a fight if one breaks out. Socializing your puppy with other dogs, cats, and pets is the key to keeping the peace.

bully jack terrier dog breed
Image Credit: Pikist

Divider 4Things to Know When Owning a Bully Jack Terrier

For further consideration as to whether a Bully Jack Terrier is the pup for you, here is a rundown of some regular care routines for these dogs.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

As a highly active and athletic breed, the Bully Jack Terrier needs a diet that can support their dynamic body and mind. Luckily, commercial dog food makes getting the right balance of nutrients and variety a snap.

Seek out dog foods with whole food ingredients, and plenty of animal proteins and healthy fats. Your dog will thrive on ingredients like turkey, lamb, fish sweet potatoes, spinach, blueberries, and brown rice.

Exercise 🐕

The Bully Jack Terrier is an incredibly active dog, both physically and mentally. You’ll want to provide multiple daily excursions for outdoor exercise, access to a fenced-in-yard or larger property, as well as toys and playtime indoors.

Because when a pup this smart feels bored or cooped up, they’ll certainly tell you about it! When under-stimulated, the Bully Jack Terrier can become hyper-vigilant or neurotic. They may develop bad habits like barking at every passing car, chasing their tail endlessly, or destroying shoes and furniture. Bully Jack Terriers are not well suited to apartment and city living, and owners with schedules that keep them away from home all day.

But these dogs are also some of the best companions you could possibly ask for when it comes to sports and outdoor adventure! They are agile, strong, and always eager to join their family in the fun.

Training 🦮

The intelligence of the Bully Jack Terrier can be both a boon and a detriment when it comes to training. On the downside, they are so alert and work-driven that they may behave poorly without the guidance of training.

But on the upside, these dogs are exceptionally keen at learning tricks and commands when properly motivated. Firm, positive reinforcement works best for Bully Jack Terriers and they will flourish when given structure and purpose.

Grooming ✂️

The coat of the Bully Jack Terrier is exceptionally simple to keep looking great. Their short hair sheds a small to moderate amount depending on which parent they favor, but nothing that a weekly brushing can’t keep in check. Teeth and ears should be cleaned once a week or more, depending on the dog. Regular maintenance will prevent infections and promote healthy skin and gums.

The Bully Jack Terrier may wear their nails down naturally but check occasionally to make sure their toenails stay a manageable length.

Health and Conditions ❤️

The Bully Jack Terrier is a hardy, healthy breed.

However, it is possible for them to experience any of the health issues common in either parent breed.

Minor Conditions
  • Eye problems
  • Deafness
  • Legg-Perthes disease
  • Luxating patellas
  • Skin allergies
  • Spinning disorder
Serious Conditions
  • Heart problems
  • Renal problems

Divider 5Male vs Female

Most female Bully Jack Terriers are leanly muscular and smaller than the males. Females are generally a bit more reserved.

Male Bully Jack Terriers are stockier and taller. They are also more likely to use urine to mark territory or exhibit sexually aggressive behaviors (i.e., humping and mounting).

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So, is the Bully Jack Terrier the right pup for you? If you have factors that limit your mobility or live in an apartment without access to a yard, then maybe not.

But, if you are seeking a dynamic, loyal, loving, dog to share your life with then the Bully Jack Terrier and their unmistakable profile may be your match!

See also:


Featured Image Credit: Irit, Shutterstock

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