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Jackweiler (Jack Russell Terrier & Rottweiler Mix) Pictures & Info

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By Nicole Cosgrove

Jackweiler (Jack Russell Terrier & Rottweiler Mix)

Height: 14–22 inches
Weight: 35–65 pounds
Lifespan: 10–14 years
Colors: Black and tan, tricolored, patchwork, brown and white, black with tan markings
Suitable for: Families with active kids, outdoor enthusiasts, spacious households
Temperament: Confident, loyal, alert, self-aware, fearless, athletic

Jackweilers are the type of hybrid that will undoubtedly raise eyebrows. As the result of a purebred Jack Russell Terrier crossed with a purebred Rottweiler, Jackweilers are considered to have the best traits of both breeds. They’re athletic dogs that have a keen sense of awareness, making them ideal for families looking for a great family dog.

With the confidence of the Rottweiler mixed with the energy of the Jack Russell, Jackweilers are great for people who love to hike and enjoy the outdoors. Let’s take a closer look at this hybrid that is quickly gaining popularity.

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Jackweiler Puppies

Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

Jackweilers are slowly becoming more popular, but the demand for them is not as high as for other designer dog breeds. When you’re looking for this unique mixed dog, do your research carefully to find an ethical dog breeder. You can also ask your local shelter if they have any mixed dogs that resemble the Jackweiler.

When you bring a Jackweiler home, be ready to have a loyal pup by your side. They’re very confident and alert dogs and are ideal for families with kids. Because of their high energy levels, they also do well with active families. Anyone who decides to commit to a Jackweiler must be aware that they need to spend lots of time exercising their dog to avoid boredom.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Jackweiler

1. Jackweilers are usually first-generation hybrids

Jackweilers are usually first-generation hybrids, which means they come from one purebred Jack Russell Terrier and one purebred Rottweiler. Though they’re steadily increasing in popularity, Jackweilers are often the result of an “accident” rather than purposeful breeding.

2. Jackweilers are highly energetic

Jackweilers come from Jack Russell Terriers, a breed known for their high energy levels. While each Jackweiler is different, many of them inherit the Jack Russell’s energy.

3. Jackweilers can be excessive barkers

Jackweilers can bark a lot, especially when they’re alerting the household of any “intruders” on the property. This is one of many reasons why these hybrids are not suitable for apartment living. Luckily, Jackweilers can be taught to stop barking if trained correctly.

Parent Breeds of the Jackweiler
Image Credit: Jumpstory

Temperament & Intelligence of the Jackweiler 🧠

Jackweilers are often a mixed bag in terms of temperament due to how vastly different Rottweilers and Jack Russell Terriers are. Both breeds have different drives and different needs, so it’s difficult to predict the temperaments of Jackweiler puppies. Let’s take a look at the temperaments of Rottweiler and the Jack Russell Terrier to get a better understanding of how your Jackweiler might behave.

Jack Russell Terriers are outgoing dogs with tons of energy and very high prey drives. Originally bred for hunting, their bold personalities have retained their hunting instincts. Often considered stubborn and strong-willed, Jack Russell Terriers can be a lot to handle for most inexperienced owners. However, they’re loyal to their owners and tend to become overprotective.

Rottweilers are, in contrast, known for their serious personalities and lower energy levels. They’re excellent guard dogs that will stand their ground, and they’re often praised for their devotion to their families. Rotties are usually eager to learn and train, but they need a confident, sensible leader to keep them in line.

Jackweilers usually have all the best traits of both breeds, minus the somewhat aggressive tendencies that Jack Russells may have. Although there’s no guarantee of how your puppy will behave, it’s safe to say your Jackweiler will be a confident, energetic dog.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

Jackweilers are excellent pets for families with smaller children. They are great for active families looking for a dog that has the energy to play and spend time outside. Though Jack Russells can get frustrated with children, Jackweilers are balanced out with the Rottweiler’s calmer attitude.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

They can be, but it depends on the individual Jackweiler. Since Jack Russell Terriers have high prey drives, it makes them unsuitable for homes with other pets. Even other dogs can cause them to be territorial. However, the Rottweiler does not have those tendencies and could neutralize these issues. It’s best to keep your Jackweiler as the only pet or to raise them alongside other pets.

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Things to Know When Owning a Jackweiler:

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Jackweilers are medium to high-energy dogs and will need high-quality food to keep them healthy and strong. A high-protein dry kibble diet with at least 25% crude protein is recommended. The protein sources should be animal-based, such as beef, lamb, or salmon. Since some dogs have allergies to poultry, it’s best to start with other proteins first.

Exercise 🐕

Exercise is crucial for this hybrid. An hour or two of playtime plus two to three medium-distance walks is a start, but this is usually a bare minimum for this mix. They’ll need mental stimulation in addition to physical exercise, which can be hard to supply. This foraging mat can be a great mental exercise for your Jackweiler while also slowing their eating down.

Jackweilers not only need plenty of exercise, but they need a variety. They are athletic and determined, so it’s important to offer multiple ways to get their energy out. Consider taking up a canine sport like frisbee, dock diving, or agility to keep your dog in tip-top condition.

Training 🦮

Training should start right away with your Rottweiler Terrier Mix, including socialization with people and animals. Positive reinforcement training methods with treat-based rewards are usually recommended, but the emphasis needs to be on confidence and repetition. Jackweilers need a confident leader and will resent harsher training methods.

One-on-one training is ideal for Jackweilers, but they can do just as well with group obedience classes. They’re highly intelligent and could easily become the top dog in the class, but they may struggle with being around other dogs. It will come down to your Jackweiler’s ability to focus and how well they do with other dogs in general.

Grooming ✂️

Jackweilers have relatively short coats, so they’re easy to maintain. Although it’s not necessary, brushing their coats out once a week will help reduce shedding. They shed a lot, especially in colder months. We don’t recommend bathing your Rottweiler Terrier Mix more than once a month since it can lead to dry skin.

In addition to coat care, their nails will need to be trimmed at least every 3 weeks. If you’re not sure how to trim a dog’s nails correctly, it’s best to go to a professional groomer until you’re confident enough to do it at home.

Health and Conditions ❤️

Jackweilers come from two breeds with different health concerns, especially since Rottweilers have shorter lifespans than Jack Russell Terriers. There’s no guarantee that your Jackweiler will have any of these conditions, but it’s best to prepare for the possibility. Let’s take a look at the common health conditions of Jack Russell Terriers and Rottweilers:

Minor Conditions

The Jack Russell is prone to:

  • Various genetic eye disorders
  • Deafness
  • Tooth decay
  • Patellar Luxation

The Rottweiler might have issues with:

  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Cataracts
  • Arthritis
Serious Conditions

The Jack Russell Terrier is susceptible to:

  • Legg Perthes disease
  • Digestive issues

The Rottweiler is prone to:

  • Aortic Stenosis
  • Cancer
  • Osteochondritis Dessicans
  • Hypothyroidism

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Male vs Female

Jackweilers can vary in size between males and females, which is something to keep in mind when looking for a puppy. Aside from the possible weight and height difference, the choice is a personal one to be made by you and your family. When in doubt, ask the breeder for more information on each Rottweiler Terrier Mix puppy before you decide.

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Final Thoughts

Jackweilers may sound like a strange mix, but they have the potential to be great family pets. They’re devoted to their families and will naturally take up the job as the family watchdog, which they take quite seriously. Though the Jackweiler may be energetic, they are affectionate and enjoy being with the family. If you have the time and space for a medium-large dog with plenty of energy, the Jackweiler can easily become your new favorite designer dog.

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Featured Image Credit: sanhanat milap, Shutterstock

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