Jack Russell German Shepherd Mix (Jack-Shepherd) Cross Breed

Many individuals prefer to buy or adopt dogs that are mixed breeds. If you’re thinking about getting a mixed breed, the Jack Russell German Shepherd mix is a famous breed among many dog lovers.

German Shepherds and Jack Russell Terriers are two popular purebreds with distinct characteristics. How do they compare when mixed? The Shepherd personality is, in fact, quite active. They are bright, easy to teach, and possess strong protective instincts. They must get enough exercise, or they will become hyperactive. Jack Russell is a breed with a strong personality that is not for everyone. Jack Russells are high-energy dogs who demand a lot of exercise. Because of their hunting instincts, they are highly noisy. They like exploring and have a penchant for bolting and wandering.

So, you’re interested in learning more about the Jack Russell German Shepherd mix? Here is the article for you! First, you will learn general facts about the Jack Russell German Shepherd mix and the origin of the blend of JRT and GS.

Then let’s observe the appearance of Jack Russell German Shepherd mix and how much do Jack Russell German Shepherd mix puppies cost?

Finally, you will get some tips for maintaining the Jack Russell German Shepherd mix breed. So are you ready?

Fast Facts about German Shepherd and Jack Russell Terrier Mix

General facts about Jack Russell German Shepherd mix

These designer dogs are adorable and pleasant, but they can also be obstinate and abrasive. They develop swiftly due to their German Shepherd DNA, although they seldom reach the size of a purebred German Shepherd.

Others are thick and smooth-coated, while others are thin and wiry. It all relies on the characteristics inherited from their parents by a Jack Russell German Shepherd mix.

Both German Shepherds and Jack Russell Terriers prefer exploring with their noses. The Jack Russell German Shepherd hybrid is no exception. Most owners believe that their mixed-breed dogs are even noisier than their parents.

They’re usually protective of others. Although this mixed breed dog is not as huge as its German Shepherd father, they are as protective.

They may appear lovely and friendly most of the time, much like their Jack Russell Terrier father.

Still, when a threat comes in any manner, the protective side of the dog emerges, which may be terrifying to people unfamiliar with the dog.

Origin of the mix of Jack Russell Terrier and German Shepherd

Since these mixed and hybrid breeds haven’t a clear origin, it would be better to get an idea about their original parent breed’s history. It will give some valuable insights about the mixed breed.

• Origin of JRT

The Jack Russell Terrier is an English working dog. It was named after Reverend John Russell, a priest, as its name indicates. Russell was an avid hunter.

To create the ideal hunting hound, he would cross numerous great strains. JRTs are a breed of wailing dogs who thrive on drama.

Read – What Were Jack Russell Terriers Bred For? Origin Of JRTs

These dogs howl, bark, and burrow, causing enough commotion to rouse the prey from its hiding place. They don’t bite their game, which is ironic. They are chasing each other.

Because of the genetic composition, there exist several strains. Because of differences in England over the conventional Terrier size, the taller variety is the Parson Jack Russell.

In contrast, the standard short one is the Jack Russell Terrier. Both of them are Terriers. Don’t be put off by the names.

• Origin of GS                                                                                          

German Shepherd is one of the most popular breed in the United States, coming in third behind the Labrador retriever and the French bulldog. In the nineteenth century, Germany gave birth to the big or medium-sized labor canine.

Locals crossed the most loyal and attentive Shepherd dogs with the highest cognitive ability. The hairy herders’ strongly pointed ears and brown or black coats guard their masters’ flocks against predators.

You’d probably find them protecting aristocratic English estates more than two centuries ago if you went back in time.

So, the Jack Russell German Shepherd mix is a hybrid combination of these Jack Russell Terrier dogs and German Shepherds. No one clearly mentioned the exact origin of this hybrid breed.

The appearance of Jack Russell German Shepherd mix

It is not easy to predict the appearance of this breed. It’s hard to anticipate what a Jack Russell German Shepherd hybrid will look like as an adult due to the many visual variances between the two breeds.

The physique of a German Shepherd-Jack Russell Terrier cross is small, active and busy. This combination will undoubtedly pass down the pointed ears of the German Shepherd father.

When it comes to size, it might be unpredictable at times. The Shepherd Terrier mix, on the other hand, is primarily medium-sized. Typically, they are around 15 – 22 inches in height with long legs not like original Jack Russells.

They might be bigger or smaller, darker or lighter in color, and have the ears, eyes, heads, and paws of either parent or a combination of the two.

Depending on the breed, this dog combination may weigh 40 to 60 pounds. Additionally, this cross may produce medium-sized, robust legs comparable to the parents.

The temperament of a Jack-Shepherd

The Jack Russell Terrier German Shepherd hybrid is an intelligent dog with a strong desire to please. They like learning, making them relatively easy to teach, although training should begin while still puppies.

These canines are as fun as their Jack Russell parents while being as protective as their German Shepherd dads. They are devoted to their human friends, whether youngsters or adults and will protect them if they are in danger.

These designer canines are social and like playing with children whenever opportunities arise in the yard. When spending time indoors with family members, they may also relax and snuggle.

When it comes to social interactions, these dogs are often good with other dogs and animals both at home and in public places.

They require wide-open areas and regular play to flourish because they are not apartment-friendly. They have to keep them company since they are attention seekers.

This breed combination produces a dynamic environment by barking, moaning, howling, whining, and making other canine sounds frequently.

How much do Jack Russell German Shepherd mix puppies cost?

Most breeders charge anywhere from $600 to $2,000 for their Jack Russell German Shepherd hybrid puppies. Typically, they are less expensive than purebred puppies.

The price will be based on various criteria, such as the parent lineages and care given to the puppies of this mix until they are ready to travel to their new homes.

It is preferable to shop for dogs based on breeder quality rather than price, as the cheapest dogs may be equally well cared for as the most costly dogs.

Visit the breeder with whom you’re dealing in person to look around and make sure the circumstances are safe and clean.

Meet the parent of the puppy you wish to adopt if feasible to get a sense of what the puppy could look like and what sort of health they should have in the future.

Before you buy a puppy, the breeder should let you schedule a wellness visit with any veterinarian of your choosing.

Tips for the maintenance of Jack Russell German Shepherd mix breed

As an owner of a Jack Russell German Shepherd mix dog for more than two years, I can provide you with some tips for maintaining this dog breed. Try them out with your dog. 

• This mix’s training should begin when it is still a puppy

This breed is very easy to train because of the German Shepherd’s intelligence and loyalty. Initial training should begin as early as possible when the puppy is small, using positive reinforcement such as hugs and rewards.

It’s worth noting that the dog may have days when it completely refuses to participate in any training, regardless of the goodies you try to “bribe” the dog with.

When teaching this breed, keep in mind that you want to eliminate the aggressive behavior and the overprotective temperament.

While your German Shepherd Terrier mix is still young, teach them how to socialize with other pets and animals in the house. Be eager to go for a stroll with your dog on a leash when surrounded by other people.

Don’t scold or hurl items at this mix when disciplining impolite conduct. It will assist you in keeping your Jack Russell German Shepherd crossbreed in good shape. If you’re not sure how to get rid of undesired behaviors, you can enroll your dog in a puppy training school.

• Go to a breeder and ask about both parents’ medical histories

The life expectancy of a German Shepherd Jack Russell Terrier mix is estimated to be between 10 and 15 years.

We may argue that this dog is aloof in complex medical situations since it is a combination of two dogs. The health problems that this designer dog could have are unknown.

As a result, you should go to a breeder and ask about both parents’ medical histories.

• Keep an eye on your breed to keep it in good shape

Seborrhea dermatitis is most common in the German Shepherd Russell mix. This ailment causes the dog’s skin to peel and become exceedingly itchy.

It is possible to inherit the disease from one’s parents, but it can also develop independently. So keep an eye on your breed to keep it in good shape.

The eye problems are to be mindful of. When the kneecap falls out of the groove, this problem is more common in Jack Russells.

• Demands high-calorie diets

Because of its high energy levels, this hybrid dog demands high-calorie diets. To guarantee enough energy, make sure the diet is high in proteins.

Aside from that, make certain the meals you’re eating are substantial in vitamins, minerals, and high-quality kibble.

Vitamin D and high-quality kibble will assist in reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders in this breed combination.

To keep your dog healthy, give him 3 cups of a balanced meal divided into two servings twice a day.

• Consult your veterinarian for recommendations

This breed is prone to gaining weight fast, so keep an eye out for greedy behavior.

However, consult your veterinarian for recommendations on the most OK high-quality diet for your German Shepherd Terrier mix.

• Grooming is necessary

Grooming is necessary for this designer dog breed, just as any other breed. To avoid dental diseases and bad breath, brushing your dog’s teeth twice a week is recommended.

If your dog sheds a lot, be prepared to maintain the fur nice and tidy. Every six weeks should bathe the dog. The use of shampoos regularly can destroy the skin’s natural flora.

Once a week, trim their nails. Also, whether their ears are floppy or upright, keep them clean.

Final thoughts about Jack-Shepherd hybrid

German Shepherds and Jack Russell Terriers are both beautiful pets. As a result, breeders produced the charming Jack Russell German Shepherd dog by combining the two.

Understanding this rambunctious cross breed necessitates knowledge of the German Shepherd and the Jack Russell Terrier since their puppies are likely to inherit characteristics from both types.

I guess you get some knowledge on Jack Russell German Shepherd mix while enjoying the article.

We have discussed other JRT mixes with various dog breeds in our previous posts such as, JackaBee, Husky-Jack, Dal-Jack, Cav-A-Jack, Jacktese, Bull-Jack, Border-Jack, 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.

Thank you for reading this post. Stay tuned with Jack Russell Owner for more interesting posts about your favorite dog breed. Have a nice day!