The Jack Russell Pitbull mix is the perfect pup for any family of high-energy folks! If you’re looking for a small to a medium-sized dog that’ll blend in well with your active household, then the Jack Russell Pitbull has to be worth a shout. This mixed breed incorporates the best characteristics of each breed, both physically and otherwise, to leave you with an excitable, loving, energetic companion that’ll give you many years of happy memories.
Jack Russell Pitbull Mix – At A Glance
| Weight: | 30 – 50 pounds |
| Height: | 12 – 15 inches |
| Lifespan: | 10 – 15 years |
| Coat Colors: | Black, white, brown, fawn, or a combination of these |
| Temperament: | Energetic, active, affectionate, standoffish, loyal |
| Most Suitable For: | Experienced dog owners, couples with or without children and single individuals. Given their highly energetic personalities, Jack Pits aren’t recommended for the elderly |
What Does a Jack Russell Pitbull Mix Look Like?
The Jack Russell Pitbull mix will likely inherit some of its appearance from both parent breeds. It will be a small-medium-sized dog with the almond-shaped eyes of the Jack Russell, along with the high-set, forward-falling ears of the Jack Russell. You may find that your Jack Russell Pitbull mix will have a docked tail – this used to be fairly common among breeders of both, so it’s nothing to be alarmed by.
Other than that, you can expect your Jack Russell Pitbull mix to have a fine coat, though it may differ in length. They stand fairly short at around one foot tall, but weigh heftily, like their Pitbull parent breed.
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The History of the Jack Russell Pitbull Mix
As the Jack Russell Pitbull mix is a relatively new mixture of breeds, there’s little known about the history of the mix specifically, though its origins do trace back to the early 2000s, when dog breed mixing was at its most popular in the United States. Both dogs have a storied history, beginning in England – let’s explore that history to understand how they became the energetic, excitable cross that you see today.
The History of the Jack Russell
The Jack Russell gets its name from its creator: Rev. John Parsons Russell – who created the Jack Russell Terrier by breeding together Bull Terriers and Beagles, among other dogs, to create a small, fast and determined animal to accompany him on hunts – used as both a fetching dog and a burrower (into rabbit warrens/foxholes), the Jack Russell continues to be used today as a hunting companion.
How Popular Are Jack Russell’s in the United States?
In the United States, the Jack Russell Terrier hasn’t quite caught on as a popular household pet, this is likely because – as a working dog, there were other dogs at the time that performed the same function as the Jack Russell Terrier. In 2021, the Jack Russell Terrier ranked 79th overall in the most popular dog breed listings, according to the American Kennel Club.
Who Are Jack Russell’s a Good Dog For?
Because of its excitability and high-energy level that’s typical of a terrier-type of dog, the Jack Russell Terrier is perhaps not suitable for the elderly or those without the time or energy to give the Jack Russell the active lifestyle it needs. However, they are fiercely loyal and thus a good fit for many families and/or active single individuals/couples.
How Did The Jack Russell Come About?
The Jack Russell was originally bred by John Russell in the 19th century, who created the dog as a hunting companion to chase foxes and rabbits down their warrens and dens, killing and retrieving the game.
When Did We First Cross-Breed The Jack Russell?
The exact history of crossbreeding of the Jack Russell Terrier is something of a mystery before the 1990s and 2000s, when the breed was likely one of many different breeds to caught up in the cross-breeding bonanza that hit the United States around this time. However, for many breeders who do cross-breed the Jack Russell, there’s little doubt that they may do so to temper the energy levels of the terrier, or perhaps are looking for a specific physical appearance that the Jack Russell brings.
Several popular Jack Russell mixes include:
- Corgi Jack Russell Mix (Cojack)
- Jack Russell Labrador Retriever Mix (Jackador)
- Boxer Jack Russell Mix (Boxer Russell)
- Boxer Golden Retriever Mix (Golden Boxer)
- Jack Russell Beagle Mix (Jackabee)
The History of the Pitbull
The Pitbull has an unfortunate and slightly shameful history. Pitbulls were originally used as fighting dogs and bred to be bait for bulls in English fields, where they would participate in a sport known as “Bull baiting”. The ‘goal’ of the sport was to throw a Pitbull in with the English bull cows and have them chase the Pitbull, till either the Bull was exhausted, or the Pitbull was dead. This cruel sport was outlawed in 1835 with the passage of the Cruelty to Animals Act, but Pitbulls still persisted as fighting dogs and rat-catchers in English factories during the Industrial Revolution.
This unfortunate history has meant that Pitties have gained a reputation for violence and unfortunately, this lead to ten US states and dozens of American cities outlawing pitbull ownership outright. There are many countries where Pitbulls are also illegal to own.
How Popular Are Pitbulls in the United States?
Given their murky status in the United States legal system, the American Kennel Club doesn’t officially recognize the Pitbull as a breed – thus, no AKC stats exist for their popularity. However, other statistics seem to indicate that among “strong breed’ dogs, the Pitbull accounts for 20% of ownership.
Who Are Pitbulls a Good Dog For?
Despite their history and current status, Pitbulls are generally friendly, kind, affable and loving animals, with an energetic streak. They’re great family pets, but also good for single individuals – provided you can handle their physical size and strength.
How Did The Pitbull Come About?
Pitbulls were originally bred in England in the 19th century as fighting dogs. This unfortunate history continued until the early 19th century when the country transitioned away from bloodsport involving dogs and various laws were passed outlawing them. Unfortunately, this has created a perception that Pitbulls are violent – causing them to be outlawed in many US cities and states.
When Did We First Cross-Breed The Pitbull?
Given the Pitbull’s history as a “violent” breed, many crossbreeders are reticent to involve Pitbulls in their crossbreeding processes. For this reason, the exact history of crossing Pitties with other dogs remains elusive, though we can surmise that the Pitbull gained popularity as a crossbreed at a similar time as almost every other dog out there – in the 1990s and 2000s when crossbreeding dogs peaked in popularity in the United States.
Here are a few popular Pitbull crossbreeds:
- Pitbull Yorkie Mix (Yorkie Pit)
- Great Pyrenees Pitbull Mix (Pyrenees Pit)
- Pitbull Beagle Mix (Beaglebull)
- Pitbull Pug Mix (Pit Pug)
- Pitbull Shih Tzu Mix (Pit Shih)
How Important Is a Dog’s Temperament to Your Family?
A dog’s temperament is what sets it apart from other dogs. Dogs’ temperaments are dictated by several things: their environment, their upbringing and their genetics, along with myriad other factors. It is very important that you thoroughly research the temperament of the dog you’re thinking of adopting/purchasing. Make sure that the dog is a temperamental match to your and your family’s habits and lifestyle.
If you’re unlucky enough to get a dog that is a temperamental mismatch to you and your family, it could mean that the dog will need to be rehomed or re-trained for behavioral problems.
What is the Temperament of the Jack Russell Pitbull Mix?
The temperament of the Jack Russell Pitbull mix is one of a high-octane, high-energy dog that’s always looking to play! For this reason, the Jack Russell Pitbull might not be ideal for those who aren’t active as a family, or a single person and this makes them largely unsuitable for the elderly. Beyond their activity levels, the Jack Russell Pitbull is a strong, loyal and loving companion.
Are Jack Russell Pitbull’s Friendly?
The Jack Russell Pitbull is also a very friendly dog – owing perhaps to their hyperactivity levels.
Is the Jack Russell Pitbull Mix Easy to Train?
Jack Russell Pitbull mixes may require some time and patience when it comes to training. Due to their terrier genes, the Jack Russell Pitbull is used to a ‘do-first-ask-questions-later’ approach to life and this can make them stubborn and too hyperactive to properly follow commands. But, like almost any breed of dog, with time and patience, you’ll have them trained in no time.
How Much Can The Jack Russell Pitbull Mix Weigh?
These chunky fellows can weigh between 30 and 50 pounds.
How Tall Can The Jack Russell Pitbull Mix Get?
Though they may be a hefty weight, they only stand roughly a foot tall!
Similar Sized Breeds
There are a few similar-sized breeds to the Jack Russell Pitbull mix. These include the Viszla, the Bull Terrier, the Boxer, and the American Staffordshire Terrier.
Does the Jack Russell Pitbull Mix Shed?
As these dogs tend to have sleek, thin coats – you don’t have to worry about a whole lot of shedding, though they are not hypoallergenic by any means. So, we recommend that you brush your Jack Russell Pitbull mix once a week, just to mitigate the shedding that does occur.
How Much Exercise Does A Jack Russell Pitbull Mix Require?
Like we’ve said before, the Jack Russell Pitbull Mix is a hugely energetic dog. Expect it to require an hour of exercise each day, with a preference for running off-leash in an enclosed dog park or other space. This off-leash running will tire the Jack Russell Pitbull out faster than your traditional walk.
How Long Can a Jack Russell Pitbull Mix Live?
The average lifespan of a Jack Russell Pitbull mix is between 10 and 15 years.
What Health Conditions Could the Jack Russell Pitbull Mix Have?
- Portosystemic Shunt (PSS)
- Cushing’s Disease
- Cardiomyopathy
- Lens luxation
- Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloating
How Can You Find a Jack Russell Pitbull Mix Puppy For Sale?
If you’re looking for a Jack Russell Pitbull mix puppy for sale, we initially recommend you search for a puppy to adopt first. We recommend you begin your search at your local veterinary offices or your local animal shelter.
If you strike out in person, you can always use AdoptAPet.com to search for local Jack Russell Pitbull mixes that may be up for adoption.
How Much Does a Jack Russell Pitbull Mix Puppy Cost?
The average price for a Jack Russell Pitbull mix puppy is between $600 and $750.
Is the Jack Russell Pitbull Mix the Right Breed For You?
If you’ve been looking for a small-to-medium-sized energetic companion that’s full of piss and vinegar for 16 hours a day, then you’ve come to the right place! The Jack Russell Pitbull mix needs an experienced owner who can keep up with its abundance of energy. If you’re that person, then they will repay you with love and kindness and make you the centre of their universe.
Nick Meagher
I'm Nick Meagher, a lifelong dog enthusiast and the voice behind this blog. Having grown up with dogs, I've developed a deep understanding and an unbreakable bond with these amazing companions. Through MyK9Life, I aim to share insights, tips, and heartwarming stories, celebrating the joy and journey of life with our four-legged friends.
