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While not many people know about the Jackweiler, this designer breed is an odd combination of the Rottweiler and the Jack Russell terrier, which can pick up the traits of either parent. They’re known for their high energy levels, so they can fit in active families, and can be wonderful companions. If this loyal dog interests you, then be sure to read the article below to learn everything you need to know about the Rottweiler Jack Russell Terrier mix.
What is the Rottweiler Jack Russell Terrier Mix?
As mentioned above, the Jackweiler is a designer dog breed developed by crossing the Jack Russell Terrier with a Rottweiler, resulting in offspring with varying personalities and appearances. Because they’re so full of life, they’re not the best choice for apartment life, and depending on the type of coat they get, shouldn’t be exercised in warm climates. Luckily, they don’t have special maintenance needs, and will usually be healthy pets.
When given proper training and socialization while they’re still young, these dogs should get along well with kids and other pets.
History of the Rottweiler Jack Russell Terrier Mix
These dogs are among the newest additions in the dog world, but their parents are among the most established breeds out there. While there’s little known about their offspring, below we discuss the origins of the powerful Rottweiler and the playful Jack Russell Terrier.
History of the Jack Russell Terrier
The origins of this dog go back to Devonshire, England during the 1800s, after a student at Oxford University named Jack Russell developed it using a small Terrier dog he adopted. This pup was thought to be a mix between a Fox Terrier and a Black and Tan Terrier. Mr. Russell then set out to create a breed that would be compact enough to enter fox dens but fast enough to follow bigger hunting dogs.
This resulted in the Jack Russell Terrier, which was thought to be a cross between the Beagles and Fox Terrier; they quickly gained popularity with sportsmen. Experts believe that these dogs were further crossed with other breeds such as Corgis, Dachshunds, and other kinds of Terriers, which led to a variety of sizes and looks. Because of this, the American Kennel Club didn’t accept the Jack Russell Terrier as a breed of its own until 1997.
History of the Rottweiler
Many centuries ago, Rottweilers were used to move livestock for the Romans and were their companions during the European invasion; they transported goods and protected the soldiers at night. During 700 AD, a local ruler ordered that ancient Roman baths be replaced by a Christian church, where an excavation took place and tiles were discovered. This site was called “das Rote Wil”, also known as “the red tiles” — this name was then changed to Rottweil and was usually occupied by butchers and breeders.
New settlers to the area brought their dogs along with them, and they earned the nickname, “Rottweiler Metzgerhund” or butcher’s dogs. Due to a dying need for Bouvier des Flandres dogs, the breed numbers for the Rottie declined during the mid-1800s and into the Industrial Revolution. Fortunately, its numbers bounced back and the Rottweiler gained popularity during the early 20th century as a police dog.
Rottweiler Jack Russell Terrier Mix Appearance
The physical appearance of these dogs will vary with each individual Jackweiler since some dogs may adopt their mother’s or father’s characteristics, depending on the more dominant genes. Some puppies may take up the traits of their Jack Russell parent while others may look more like their Rottweiler parent. If they take after the former, you can expect them to have flat skulls, forward-facing, and V-shaped tapered ears, as well as almond-shaped eyes that come in a dark color.
Should they get the latter’s genes, they’ll become large and powerful dogs that come with big heads and strong bodies that are a bit longer than they are tall. They will have triangular ears, along with black lips and noses, while their deep-set eyes should be a dark brown color. Because of the big size difference between these two breeds, these dogs can grow small or big but generally grow between 13 to 25 inches in height, and weigh between 35 pounds to 65 pounds or more.
Rottweiler Jack Russell Terrier Mix Temperament
Because both parent breeds have such different characteristics, figuring out the exact temperaments of these dogs will also depend on which parent they resemble the most. You’ll notice that the moment you meet a JRT they’ll exude an infectious energy, and because they’re so eager to please they can be easy to train. This intelligent dog is lively, mischievous, and cheeky, but this doesn’t stop them from becoming great pets and excelling in competitions.
On the other hand, the Rottweiler is a more calm breed despite the media painting them to be dangerous and vicious dogs. This fearless dog comes with protective instincts that make it an excellent guard dog for the family and your home. While they are friendly with strangers, it may take them a while to get used to new people; in addition, this breed can be hard to train.
Rottweiler Jack Russell Terrier Mix Care
If you’re ready to care for one of these dogs, then be sure to follow the guidelines we’ve prepared below to ensure that your dog enjoys a happy and healthy life.
Feeding
The Jackweiler’s dietary requirements will rely heavily on which parent breed it takes after. The nutritional needs of a 30-pound dog will be very different from an 80-pound dog, so be sure to speak to your vet to get the right information on what and when to feed your dog. Unfortunately, both parent breeds can be prone to obesity when given too much food and not enough exercise.
As such, it’s important to give them a nutritionally balanced diet to keep your Jackweiler healthy and fit. Be sure to choose high-quality food and provide the right portion according to your dog’s age, activity level, and size. Weighing and measuring your dog’s food is essential if you want to keep your dog at an optimal weight.
Grooming
Both the JRT and Rottie tend to have short coats that lack an undercoat, you can expect them to have low grooming needs but both parents can be prone to shedding, so make sure to give them weekly brushing. Giving them regular baths may help to reduce shedding but it’s also important to use gentle shampoo to keep your dog’s natural oils. Moreover, it’s important to look after their teeth, ears, and nails, so give them a weekly check to clean and trim as needed.
Exercise
These active dogs will need plenty of exercise, so be sure to introduce them to all kinds of physical activity. If you want one of these dogs, be sure that you’re willing to give them enough exercise every day to help them burn excess energy if you don’t do this, they may resort to destructive behaviors and develop bad habits. Luckily, these dogs can be great companions for hiking or jogging; they can be trained in agility and as protection dogs.
Training
While both parents are smart and trainable dogs, they can also be stubborn and highly excitable, making them challenging to handle for first-time dog owners. Because of their high prey drive, they may not be the best addition to homes with small pets but with early socialization and consistent training, they may grow into calm and well-rounded dogs. This wonderful dog will do well with plenty of mental stimulation, so give them plenty of toys such as puzzle toys and interactive toys to keep them focused.
Rottweiler Jack Russell Terrier Mix Health Problems
On average, Jackweiler dogs come with a lifespan of 10 to 15 years which is typical for dogs of this size. But like any dog, the Rottweiler Jack Russell Terrier mix can be predisposed to health issues they may inherit from their parents. Below are a few health concerns your dog may need to face at some point in its life:
- Patellar luxation
- Deafness
- Eye conditions
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Ear infections
- Heart conditions
Giving your dog a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help protect your dog from these potential health conditions. Preventative care such as regular trips to your vet can help to catch any kind of problem early on before it gets serious.
Conclusion
Despite being a new breed of dog, the Rottweiler Jack Russell Terrier mix can be a great addition to families and individuals looking for an energetic dog to take with them on adventures. This great family dog will also do well with children when given proper training and socialization early on. Because they are prone to inheriting health conditions from their parents, it’s a good idea to take them on regular vet checkups, which will help to prolong their life with you, their favorite human.
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