Jack Russell is a popular dog breed with many breed variations and mixes. Deciding which dog breed variation to adopt to be your family pet can be challenging especially for new dog owners who don’t know the differences between these variations. So, which are the different Jack Russell Terrier types?
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Jack Russell Terrier Types
There are many JRT types with distinct coat types, personality traits and size. Although the best breed variation to choose depends on individual tastes and preferences, the following JRT breed variations are loyal, friendly and affectionate to their owners, making them a good choice for a home pet.
Rough-Coated JRT
Rough-coated JRTs are also referred to as wire-coated or wire-haired JRTs. They have long, thick fur that covers their whole body. The longer hair often grows in varying directions, and it’s naturally straight and wiry, giving them a unique, textured appearance.
The coat grows from 1 to 2 inches long and helps protect your JRT from elements such as rain or snow. Compared to the smooth coat, rough-coated JRTs require regular grooming and special attention to prevent matting and tangling.
It’s advisable to brush or comb them using a wide-toothed comb daily and a slicker brush during the shedding season. Although rough-coated JRTs may differ in appearance from the other broken and smooth coats, there is no noticeable difference in their size, behavior, and temperament.
Parson Russell Terrier
As with many terriers, Parson Russell Terriers were first bred to pursue fox hunting, and so, while strong, this breed is also nimble and agile. They have two varying coat types, smooth and broken, with the smooth one being shorter than the broken one.
Parson Russell’s coats are predominantly white with black or tan markings or tri-colored with white, tan and black markings. Unlike JRTs that have an average standing height of 10-15 inches, Parson Russell Terriers have a standing height of around 13-15 inches, with the legs being longer than those of JRTs.
They are not overly stubborn like the JRTs. However, they require consistent training from their puppyhood using positive reinforcement methods, with plenty of socialization at an early age. Due to their athletic disposition, they require regular exercise and mental stimulation to get rid of their excess energy.
Smooth-Coated JRT
It is easy to identify a smooth-coated JRT as their coat is relatively short around the legs, face, and body. Unlike the broken and rough coated JRTs, this coat is easier to groom as the hair lies in one direction, making the dog have a sleek appearance.
Although these JRTs are said to be smooth coated, the hair is not necessarily soft, and they still have some coarse hair that protects their body from snow, rain, and other elements.
Considering that this coat is short, it sits tightly on the dog’s body and does not get mats or tangles. In most cases, smooth-coated JRTs have a shiny appearance that does require regular brushing. However, you can consider brushing it regularly to help spread the essential oils and maintain its gorgeous look.
Broken-Coated JRT
Broken-coated JRTs have their bodies covered with a combination of rough and smooth coats. They have long fur patches that often spread throughout the smooth hair patches, giving them a unique appearance.
The coat is wiry, offering protection to your JRT against weather elements. Although the hair length and the distribution of hair varies across the body, you don’t have to groom the patches separately. Broken-coated JRTs shed less than the smooth-coated type.
Shorty Jack Russell
The short-legged JRTs are a breed variation of the JRTs, developed to boost the badger digging ability. They are hyperactive pets that share some instincts and personality traits with Bull Terriers. Like standard JRTs, they can become aggressive when left alone or when you fail to give them sufficient attention.
Although they have shorter legs, they are heavier than the standard JRT and weigh 14 to 18 pounds. Like typical JRTs, they may suffer from separation anxiety and therefore require consistent early age training using positive reinforcement methods.
Unlike the standard JRTs, they easily get along with children and are submissive to commands. However, they can develop destructive behaviors such as digging the ground to release their excess energy if you don’t engage them in intense exercises.
It is therefore advisable to use a tick and flea-resistant collar on your Shorty JRT.
JRT Mixes
Apart from the main types of JRTs, there are many JRT mixes that have varying sizes, shapes, and distinct personality traits. The following are some of the most popular JRT mixes:
- JRT and Chihuahua mix (Jackahuahua): This mix can get its trait and appearance from either of the parents. They are generally small-sized dogs with a height of 12 to 16 inches and an average weight of 10 to 20 pounds.
- Poodle and JRT mix ( Jackadoodle/Jackapoo): Considering that there are three different types of Poodle, namely: Toy Poodle, standard and miniature, the size of the parent Poodle determines the size of the Jackadoodle. Generally, their height ranges around 10 to16 inches and 14 to 25 pounds.
- Shih Tzu and JRT mix (Russell Tzu): The breed takes its appearance from either parent. Jack Tzu’s coat can be short, long, silky, or medium smooth. The breed might be stubborn and challenging to train. However, it can be a great companion dog with consistent training and socialization.
- Dachshund and JRT (JackShund): This mix inherits its hunting instincts from its parents. As a result, they tend to be aggressive and destructive and need effective training with positive reinforcement.
- JRT and Yorkshire terrier mix (Jorkie): The mix have dark round eyes, medium mussels, floppy ears, a bushy tail, and a round head. Depending on the genes of the Yorkshire Terrier, the breed may have a mustache and beard. They have an average weight of 10 to18 pounds and a standing height of 9 to13 inches.
- JRT Beagle Mix (Jackabee): The JRT and Beagle mix is an energetic, middle-sized dog, so regular exercises are crucial in maintaining its mental and physical stability. Although the mix is an excellent family companion, it does not get along with other pets or strangers.
- JRT Lab Mix (Jackador/JackLab):The size of the Lab JRT mix depends on the dominant genes. They have a standing height of 16 to 20 inches and weigh around 25 to 50 pounds. Additionally, they have a wide range of coat colors such as yellow, white, chocolate, and black.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do All Types of JRTs Have Sensitive Stomachs?
All JRTs are sensitive to the type of food they eat. If they consume something that does not go well with their stomachs, they might have various health issues such as food allergies.
Is There a Cross Between a JRT and Pit Bull?
The resulting breed from a JRT and a Pit Bull mix is a Jack Pit or a Jack-A-Pit. Jack Pit is a mid-sized robust dog well known for his aggressiveness and playful attitude. The mix has an average height of 14 to 17 inches and weighs around 30 to 48 pounds.
What Are Corgi Jack Russell Mixes Like?
Cojacks have short and smooth fur, with white, red, black, and brown coat colors. They have a well-built body structure, long and pointed triangular-like ears, and brown eyes. Typically, their standing height is around 10 to 13 inches, and they weigh about 18 to 28 pounds.
Final Thoughts
Knowing the different Jack Russell Terrier types helps you choose the breed variation with the temperament, size, and appearance that suits your lifestyle. Although the different JRT breed variations differ depending on the dominant genes, they are generally territorial, possessive, and can become aggressive if provoked.
