My German Shepherds recently had itchy skin. I called my veterinary doctor today to have a look. A casual conversation followed as he examined them. He spoke of a Jack Russell Terrier German Shepherd Mix reared by certain dog breeders. The story was so hilarious.
Think of a teenage daughter who comes home pregnant and says she got pregnant accidentally. This hybrid is the literal definition of an accidental pregnancy! They are rarely crossed intentionally, and the breed emerged inadvertently. I had to visit the breeders and see for myself. Here is what I learned.
What is Jack Russelll Terrier German Shepherd mix?
When the two pure breeds mate inadvertently, they create the Jack Russell Terrier German Shepherd impure breed. In most cases, they are not crossed intentionally. If they do, it is usually searching for a brilliant medium-sized dog with an easy-going personality.
Mating the two breeds is quite risky and unsafe due to the smaller size of Jack Russell Terrier females. A very risky and illegal “quickie,” literally. Shepherd females are preferred in intentional crossing.
Let us first trace the genealogy of the parent breeds to understand the mix better.
History
Jack Russell Terrier Mix
The terrier is a hard-working English dog. As its name suggests, it was named after a clergyman, Reverend John Russell. Russell loved hunting. He would cross various fine strains to come up with a perfect hunting hound. JRTs are howling dogs who love drama. These dogs howl, barks, and burrow, creating enough ruckus to flush the prey out of the hiding. Ironically, they don’t bite their game. They chase.
There are different strains due to the different genetic makeup. Due to the disagreements over the standard terrier size in England, the taller variation has been named the Parson Jack Russell, with the typical short one remaining the Jack Russell terrier. They are both terriers. Don’t get confused by the names.
The German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is the more popular breed here in the USA, appearing 3rd behind the Labrador retriever and French bulldog in the 2021 dog rankings. The large or medium size labor canine rose from Germany in the 19th century.
The locals interbred the most obedient and responsive shepherd dogs with high cognitive abilities. The furry herders featuring sharply pointed ears and a brown or black coat would protect their masters’ flocks from predators. As a time traveler, you would likely encounter them guarding posh English estates more than two centuries ago.
German Shepherds didn’t shoot into the global limelight until WW1 when they were recruited as war dogs by the Nazis. Today, they are famous for being brave, loyal, high psychomotor skilled guard dogs. They require minimal maintenance and are less prone to diseases.
All About the Jack Russell Terrier German Shepherd Mix
From the above description of the parent breeds, it is pretty obvious what to expect with the hybrid. Stay with me as we go on a learning tour.
Size
The GSD is the bigger of the two, and the terrier the smaller parent.
| BREED | HEIGHT | WEIGHT |
| German Shepherd | 1.8-2.2 feet | 22.7-40.8 kilograms |
| Jack Russell Terrier | 0.8-1.25 feet | 6.3-8.1 kilograms |
The big difference in height and weight means that they will have to strike a balance. A Jack Russell Terrier German Shepherd mix will weigh roughly between 13.6-27.2 kilos which translates to a medium-sized wedge-shaped dog. The mix can be larger or smaller spending on whether it leans towards the GSD parent or the terrier parent.
Appearance
The most notable features include the sharp GSD-like wedge-shaped face and medium body size. They also feature a smooth black or white coat with yellowish-brown body and face spots.
The coat color depends on which parental side the puppy takes. The crossbreeds may have medium-length fur similar to the GSD or shorter coats like the Jack Russell Terrier. Honestly, expect lots of shedding!
Grooming
If you have owned a GSD or Jack Russell Terrier before, grooming this hybrid is not hard. They have a hectic grooming routine, especially during the shedding season. They have to brush them three to four times a week in the spring and fall seasons. Vacuuming the whole household is such a headache!
Other cleaning tips include a bath every 1.5 to 2 months and regular teeth brushing. Nail clipping should be done once every month.
Temperament
Both GSD and JRT parents are high-energy hunting, grazing, and work dogs. Don’t expect something different from these brilliant family dogs who are fiercely loyal to their masters. These canines can be energetic, highly spirited, friendly, courageous, noisy, playful, and affectionate.
Being cat-friendly will depend on proper puppy socialization. Due to the Jack Russell Terrier hunting instincts, they view other pets as prey to be hunted.
Since they are not apartment-friendly, they need large open compounds and frequent play to thrive. Being attention seekers, they have to give them lots of company. This breed mix creates a lively environment by barking, groaning, howling, whining, and producing other dog sounds regularly.
Trainers should stop their hunting instincts and overprotective essence to make them more sociable.
Trainability
The Jack Russell Terrier German Shepherd mix thrives on making compromises. For instance, GSDs are highly intelligent and can remember and obey 95% of commands with less than five repetitions.
Jack Russell terriers are much dumb ranking in the mid-40s on dog intelligence tests 2021. They can recall and obey orders half of the time with 24-49 repetitions. The cross is, therefore, relatively intelligent and easy to train. Correct training can bring their command obedience rate under 55 orders.
But as with all the other features, their intelligence will depend on which parent they lean.
Lifespan and Biteforce
The Jack Russell Terrier German Shepherd cross has a fairly long lifespan. They can typically live for 12-15 years, depending on the type of maintenance and healthcare they receive.
The crossbreed’s bite force is not documented though it is thought to be pretty strong, around 100psi. Speed is something both GSD and terriers have in common. Their offspring have an undebatable speed of 30-35m/h.
Feeding and Exercise
Usually, they need frequent intense exercises—one to one and a half hours, to be precise. The dealers have to keep them engaged most of the time. Otherwise, they can be very destructive. Thankfully, they have a large open compound to give them plenty of playing space.
The bottom line? Keep them mentally, physically, and emotionally engaged most of the time.
German Shepherd Jack Russell terrier mix is a high-energy hybrid, meaning it has high energy requirements. Include high calorie foods and proteins into their diet to provide them with enough energy.
Dog food should contain essential mineral salts, vitamins, and quality roughage or kibble. Vitamin D is vital in the prevention of muscle and skeletal problems associated with this hybrid.
GSD terrier mix eats a lot and consequently gains weight fast. Remember, hip and elbow dysplasia is caused by being overweight. They should be trained to stop gluttony to avoid obesity complications.
Here is a perfect diet program to follow. Feed them with 1.5 cups of balanced diet once in the morning and once in the evening. However, age and health determine nutritional needs. Consult a qualified vet for a customized GSD Jack Russell diet plan.
This hybrid dog requires high-calorie foods because of its high energy levels. Ensure the food is full of proteins to ensure enough provision of energy. Other than that, ensure the foods are full of vitamins, minerals, and high-quality kibble.
Quality kibble and vitamin D will help decrease the chances of developing musculoskeletal problems associated with this breed mix. Feed them 3 cups of a balanced diet divided into two portions daily.
This breed can quickly gain weight. However, contact your vet for advice on the best high-quality food for German shepherd terrier mix.
Also read: German Shepherd Feeding Guide: Nutritional Needs, How Much, & How Often
The Jack Russell Terrier German Shepherd Health
The following diseases and disorders affect this hybrid;
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Hip and elbow dysplasia affects both the German Shepherd and Jack Russell terrier breeds. The hip and elbow are made of ball and socket type of joints. Sometimes, the ball may grow faster than the socket or vice versa, resulting in dysplasia. GSDs are large, while the terriers can overgrow.
The excess body masses pause a greater risk of hip and elbow disconnection. A German Shepherd Jack Russell mix will therefore be more predisposed to suffer from this body condition.
Watch out for limping, pain, and dragging in the hind legs. The pet may also be reluctant to get up from the lying or sitting position. Jack Russell terriers often suffer from luxation patella. The kneecap slides out of its place due to extreme work or play.
Eye and Skin Conditions
Eye luxation, glaucoma, and other eye disorders common with the parental breeds. Glaucoma affects the optic nerves and may cause total blindness if not treated.
Watch out for any signs of infections such as flaking, irritation, swelling, and oozing of excess fluids. In case of frequent pawing and scratching, reach out for help.
Scaly patches, reddening, and stubborn peeling of scalp skin signify seborrheic dermatitis, a skin condition common with this crossbreed. Luckily, it is curable. Extreme itchiness points out to a skin condition, either bacterial or viral infections. Skin conditions may or may not be passed from the parents though inherited genes raise the likelihood.
Spinal Column Disease
Old age tags along some health issues not just in humans but pets too. The intervertebral disease affects dogs in their final years. The spinal column is made up of a series of short bones separated by cushioning discs. These discs wear out with time and can slip off, leaving pain and total paralysis at worst.
Bronzed skin disease also affects this breed mix. It is a condition where the adrenal glands produce insufficient quantities of steroids. Chronic adrenal insufficiency is characterized by skin discoloration, which looks bronze.
Get a puppy from authorized dog breeders to avoid some of these problems in the future. They should be willing to disclose all necessary information about the puppy and its lineage.
Potential dog owners should do their homework properly before settling on a pup. Ensure the canines follow their vaccination schedules. Always consult a professional veterinary doctor if you spot something queer with your pets as a responsible dog owner.
Wrapping Up
Jack Russell Terrier German Shepherd mix is an accidental, high-energy medium-sized wedge-faced crossbreed with a medium or smooth coat. A GSD female has to carry the pregnancy due to their strong physical body and strength. The offspring usually takes lots of features from both parents.
The dogs are overprotective, family-friendly, intelligent, and loyal. A Jack Russell Terrier German Shepherd mix needs lots of attention and thrives on playfulness. Taking care of this hybrid is somewhere between caring for a GSD and a terrier. Given proper care, these dogs can offer protection and company for over a decade.
Here are some of my favorite German Shepherd supplies
Thank you for reading this article. I hope you found it helpful and useful as you raise and train your German Shepherd.
Here are some of my favorite reviews for German Shepherd supplies that I personally use and recommend. If you do decide to purchase them, please remember that I’ll earn a small commission which helps me maintain this website.
- Food: All of the different dog food brands out there can be confusing, and it’s hard to know which one is best for your GSD. Here is my recommendation for the best dog food for German Shepherds.
- Collar: A lot of people think that all dog collars are created equal, but this just isn’t true. If you have a German Shepherd, you need a special collar that is designed for their breed’s fur and neck size. Here I’ve reviewed some of the best collars for German Shepherds out there.
- Leash: A leash is a must-have for any German Shepherd owner. With a good leash, you can give your dog the freedom they need while keeping them safe and under control. Here are my top picks for the best leashes for German Shepherds.
- Harness: If you’re thinking about getting a German Shepherd, or you’ve just brought home your new pup, it’s important to know how to harness them correctly. A harness that is improperly fitted or used can cause serious injury to your dog. Read my review of the best harnesses for German Shepherds here.
- Bowl: A lot of people think that all dog bowls are pretty much the same, but this simply isn’t true. Different bowls serve different purposes, and the bowl that you need will depend on a number of factors. See my recommendation for the best dog bowl for German Shepherds here.
- Crate: You want to buy a dog crate for your German Shepherd, but you’re not sure which one is the best. There are a ton of different factors to consider when choosing a crate. Here’s my review of the best dog crates for German Shepherds and what you should know before buying one.
- Beds: German Shepherds need a bed that is comfortable, supportive, and durable. This breed is known for being high energy, so you need a bed that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Here’s my review of the best beds for German Shepherds.
- House: It can be tough to find the best dog house for German Shepherds. Agitate: Not only do you have to worry about finding a good-sized dog house, but you also need to make sure it’s well-insulated and weatherproof. Here’s the house I recommend for German Shepherds.
- Shampoo: You want to find a shampoo that is specifically designed for German Shepherds. This breed has a lot of furs, and you need a shampoo that will be gentle on their skin and coat. Here’s my review of the best shampoo for German Shepherds.
- Shock Collar: A shock collar is a training tool that can be used on German Shepherds. It delivers an electric shock to the dog when they exhibit certain behaviors. While some people are against the use of shock collars, I believe that they can be helpful in certain situations. Read my review of the best shock collar for German Shepherds here.
- Vacuum: If you have a German Shepherd, you need a vacuum that is specifically designed to deal with all of the furs they shed. Shedding is a natural process for dogs, but it can be hard to keep up with. The right vacuum will make your life much easier. Here’s my review of the best vacuums for German Shepherds.
