Jackshund Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Jackshund?

The exact history of the Jackshund is challenging to trace, but the popularity of creating designer dogs by mixing breeds has been popular since the '80s.

The Jackshund is a Jack Russell Dachsund mix with the Jack Russell Terrier dating back to the 19th century and was primarily used as a hunting dog.

These days, Jack Russells are more common as house pets, and despite being stubborn and courageous dogs, they are also extremely affectionate.

The Dachshund, also known as the Sausage dog or Weiner dog because of its shape, is another feisty little dog with bags of personality.

Like the Jack Russell, the Dachshund was originally bred as a hunting dog but now finds itself as a loving family pet more commonly.

Who are Jackshund dogs best for?

This breed can make a great family pet as they get on well with kids of all ages. They do have a prey instinct, so homes without smaller animals may be better, but socialising your dog from a young age will help with this.

They don't need a huge amount of exercise, roughly about 30 minutes a day so that they can suit older dog owners.

They can be better with experienced owners as they are stubborn dogs sometimes, so knowing how to train and command them is quite important during their formative years.

How much grooming does a Jackshund need?

This beautiful Jack Russell Dachshund mix is one of the easier dogs to care for with no excessive or expensive grooming regime to keep them in shape.

This mixed breed dog will typically have a short coat, some might have a slightly longer coat, and they can shed fairly regularly. Brushing often will help to minimise the risk of getting dog hair all over your furniture and clothes.

Some Dachshund breeds have a double coat that can lead to more shedding. Regular brushing will help to take care of this.

Do Jackshund bark much?

As far as mixed-breed dogs go, the Jackshund is one of the more vocal. Both the Jack Russell terrier and Dachshund that make these breeds are known to be quite yappy, especially with strangers or the dreaded postman.

Small breed dogs do tend to be a bit more vocal than larger breeds, and training from an early age, socialising them, and dealing with their anxiety or fears can help to reduce this and make them happier dogs.

Do Jackshund bite?

This Dachshund, Jack Russell mix, has hunting instincts from both parent breeds, so training from an early age not to bite or nip is important. This might start out as playing, but as they get older, it can become dangerous around children or small animals.

If your dog is showing aggressive tendencies, it is essential that you try to diagnose what the triggers for this are. Taking your dog to the vet to check for underlying issues or speaking with a dog behaviourist will help to get to the root of the problem. From there, you will be able to work with experts to improve your dog's behaviour.

What is the temperament & personality of a Jackshund?

The Jackshund breed temperament is lively and energetic, they can be quite spirited and stubborn, but training helps them to relax and become friendly doga.

They are good watchdogs because they are alert and tend to let you know if someone or something is approaching your home.

What is the weight & size of a Jackshund?

The weight and size will usually be dependent on the parents used to breed the dog. There isn't any discernable difference between male and female dogs, and their height can be anywhere from 20 cm to 58.5 cm. Typically they will weigh between 7 kg to 13 kg.

How much training does a Jackshund need?

Training is a vital part of owning any dog, especially lively and stubborn dogs like Jackshund dog breeds. A well-trained Jackshund can be a very sweet dog, but early socialisation with other dogs and obedience training are vital.

Both the Dachshund and Jack Russell Terrier have a strong prey drive, can be stubborn, and are relatively territorial, so training your dog to be relaxed around other animals and strangers and working on its recall skills should be a priority.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Jackshund?

The Jackshund is typically a healthy dog, but all breeds will be more susceptible to certain health conditions. The conditions most commonly associated with the Jackshun include;

• Hip dysplasia - Hip dysplasia is common in all dog breeds and is caused by bones growing at different rates creating a poor fit in the socket. This will lead to joint pain but can be resolved through surgery.

• Gastric dilation-volvulus - Also known as bloat, GDV is a severe condition that can be lethal. It is caused by the stomach filling with gas and twisting, giving the gas nowhere to go. Splitting meals into smaller portions across the day can help to reduce the risk of this.

• Intervertebral disc disease - IVDD or Intervertebral Dis Disease is common in dog breeds that have an elongated spine, making the Dachshund and Dachshund mix susceptible. It is caused by reduced cushioning and means the spine can't cope with shock absorption as readily.

• Patellar luxation - To put it simply, this is a dislocated knee, and this can cause considerable pain for the dog but can be managed with surgery and medication.

• Progressive retinal atrophy - Progressive retinal atrophy is an inherited disease and an excellent example of why you should only buy Jackshund puppies from a reputable breeder. The degenerative disease can lead to blindness, and dogs with this should not be bred.

What is the lifespan of a Jackshund?

The average lifespan of a Jackshund is between 12 to 15 years. Giving your Jack Russell Dachshund mix the best chance of long, healthy life will depend on a number of factors.

There isn't much you can do to change your dog's genetic history and buying your dog from a reputable breeder where you can see the Jack Russell and Dachshund parent rather than puppy mills is advised.

Good training, a healthy diet, and regular exercise will also play a big part in how long your dog will live.

How much should you feed a Jackshund?

Discussing your dog's diet with your vet and breeder is advisable, and they will be best placed to advise the best food for your dog's development.

Regular vet checkups will allow them to weigh and monitor the dog's development, and they will be able to let you know when you should alter the diet as the dog grows.

What is the price of a Jackshund in Australia?

Jackshund Prices in Australia tend to start from around $1,500, but they can be more expensive depending on the breeder and the parent dogs.

It might be possible to find lower-priced Jackshund puppies, but if you can't be sure of the breeder, you run the risk of buying an unhealthy dog or a different breed altogether.