Jack Russell Border Collie mix (Border-Jack) Cross Breed Info

Today, we will be talking about a fantastic hybrid dog version, Border-Jack, resulting from Jack Russell Terrier and Border Collie mix. If you are someone who owns this dog breed, are planning to adopt a mixed breed dog, or perhaps, simply a dog lover, it’s worth giving this article a read.

First and foremost, who are Border Jacks? As you can see in the article’s topic, Border-Jacks are the mixed breed of Jack Russell Terriers and Border Collies.

Possessing the genetics of both Jack Russell Terriers and Border Collies certainly makes a unique dog breed. So let’s look at the history, appearance, temperament, and other essential factors that you have to know about Jack-Collies.

Fast facts about Jack Russell and Border Collie Mix

Origin of Border Collie and Jack Russell Terrier mix

Let’s get started with understanding the heritage of this dog breed. Border-Jacks don’t have an extensive history associated with them as this breed developed only a few decades ago.

But their parents, Border Collies and Jack Russell Terriers, are two exceptional dog breeds developed hundreds of decades ago.

If we discuss about their parent dogs, Border Collies were invented as sheepdogs in Scotland during the Roman Era. However, they gained much popularity after the 1850s.

By the latter part of the 1800s, they became a demanding dog breed, especially among farmers who owned flocks and herds in Scotland, England, New-Zealand, and America.

When it comes to Jack Russell Terriers, statistics show that they were also developed in the 1800s. They initially came from England and were trained as hunting companions at an early age.

Even though both parent breeds have their roots inherited primarily in the United Kingdom, Jack-A-Borders were developed in the United States. It’s hard to trace exactly when this mixed breed was first invented.

Still, they have relatively considered a new hybrid version of dogs. Both parent breeds are well known for their energy and strength; therefore, the breeders designed the mixed version of Border Collies and Jack Russell Terriers to produce athletic dogs. 

The appearance of Border Jacks (Jack-A-Border)

Border Jacks own physical characteristics from both their parent breeds. Border Collies are medium-sized dogs.

Their fur is either medium or long and is usually a blend of colors, including white, black, brown, and tan.

On the other hand, Jack Russell Terriers are relatively small in their body size and have short fur that combines white, black, and brown colors.

As the cross-breed of these two dogs, Jack-Collies are typically medium-sized. The structure of their body is more similar to a Jack Russell Terrier.

Their coats vary from short to medium length. And their dense coat consists of different color combinations that include colors like white, black, ash, and brown. Border Jacks often have brown eyes and small flopped ears.

How big do Jack Russell and Border Collie mixes get?

Jack Russell Terrier and Border Collie mix usually have an average height of 16-22 inches and a weight of 22-35 pounds.

Height and weight may slightly change based on gender as well as the quality of the parent dogs. 

The temperament of Jack Russell Border Collie mix

Border Jacks are undoubtedly bold dogs. They inherit personality traits from both Border Collies and Jack Russell Terriers.

As mentioned in the article, Border Collies were developed as sheepdogs, and Jack Russell Terriers as hunting dogs; this made them active, energetic, intelligent, and fearless dogs.

They get along well with human beings and are loyal to their owners. They are very friendly with children; however, they aren’t the ideal dogs to be friends with small kids.

On the other hand, Border Jacks do not like associating much with other dog breeds. If you adopt other dogs in your household, it’s essential to train your Jack-Collies to get along with them from the youngest age; if not, they will defy them.

Also, they are considered a good breed of dogs to train for sports. Generally, Jack-A-Borders tend to be highly active, energetic, intelligent, and athletic dogs due to inherited genes from both parent breeds. 

How much do Border-Jack puppies cost?

Not all breeders sell this hybrid version of dogs for the same price. If the puppies are from healthy, purebred parents, they might be more costly.

For your information, depending on their bloodline, a purebred Border Collie sometimes may cost even 4000 USD or more.

Speaking in general, the average price of a Jack Russell Terrier and Border Collie mix would be around 300-1000 US dollars.

If you need healthy Border Jack puppies, make sure you go to a reputed breeder and get them despite the price.

Tips for maintenance of a Border-Jack

Here, we have come to the most crucial part of the article. Some may find it challenging to maintain cross-breed dogs rather than purebred ones. But if you pay attention to details and work accordingly, it might not be as complex as you think.

 So here are some tips that you should follow to maintain this cross-breed. 

• Start training from the pup stage 

It is vital that you train your Border Jack from a young age. As you already know, these dogs tend to be highly energetic and athletic; at the same time, they have fearless and bold personalities.

Due to the genes that they possess from their parents’ Border Jacks can be easily trained as active, intelligent, and loyal dogs.

As the owners, you must start the training process from a young age, so the dog eventually gets used to everything.

They are not labeled as aggressive dogs; however, as a consequence of poor training, they may act out stubbornly; especially around small kids and other pets.

You can follow easy training methods at home and give a dog treat as a reward for their good behavior.

• Provide regular exercise

I can’t stretch enough how important exercises are for a Border Jack. Not only does exercise help them stay in shape and physically fit, but it also plays a crucial role in maintaining their mental stability.

As a blend of two energetic dog breeds, sometimes Border Jacks can be hyperactive. Usually, they love to run, play and spend time with owners for a long time.

If you own a Border Jack or plan to have one, allocate an hour and a half or so regularly to let them meet their energy needs.

Taking your Jack-A-Border for a run, fetching would be some of the easiest options. If you are a runner, Border Jack would be an ideal running mate to have.

• Give a healthy appetite

Any dog would need a good appetite to stay healthy, so does Border Jacks. And it is essential to pay attention to their dietary requirements.

Due to their intense energy levels, a good diet is a must for a Jack-Collies. It is advisable to give them quality dog food rather than legumes; hence they may face health complexities through consuming a lot of grain-based diets.

Also, you can give additional vitamins and minerals to a Border Jack under a vet’s recommendation.

• Pay attention to grooming

Grooming also plays an important role in maintaining a Border Jack. Jack Russell Terriers have short fur, whereas Border Collies have medium to long length fur.

The blend of these two gives Border-Russells short to medium length and a bit of a fluffy coat. It’s not very hard to maintain their coat. Yet, Border Jacks are considered moderate shedders, which means their excess fur tends to shed quickly.

Therefore it is essential to brush them daily to avoid shedding. Bathing can be done as required.

Also, it’s good to brush the teeth of Jack-Collies once or twice a week to prevent gum issues, check their ears, and trim their nails occasionally.

• Be aware of general health issues

When you have a general understanding of the health concerns that a Jack-A-Borders faces, it’s easy to prevent them before getting critical.

Hip Dysplasia, Collie Eye Anomaly, Cataract, and Lens Luxation are some common health issues that Border Jacks go through.

If you notice sudden and frequent changes in your Jack-Collies, don’t hesitate to take it to a vet.

Even though they seem pretty healthy, it is advisable to take them to occasional eye and hearing tests. If you pay good attention to your Border Jack’s health, it will enjoy a life span of 11-15 years. 

Final thoughts about Border Collie and Jack Russell Mixes

The perfect blend of Jack Russell Terriers and Border Collies creates an outstanding cross-breed canine, Border Jacks.

Even though they don’t have a long history like their parents, they are unique cross-breed dogs designed in recent years.

We have discussed other Jack Russell Terrier mixes in our previous posts such as, JackaBee, Husky-Jack, Dal-Jack, Cav-A-Jack, Jacktese, Bull-Jack, Jack-Shepherd, Bo-Jack, Irish Jack Russell, EskiJack, JackShund, Jackador, Cojack, Jack-Pit, JackRat, Jackahuahua, JackaPoo, Jorkie, Jug, Jack Tzu, and many more. If you like, you can read them as well.

Today we discussed all the crucial facts that you should know about these hybrid dogs. If you are a proud Border Jack owner or willing to adopt one, we believe now you have a better understanding of them.