The Jack Russell Shepherd mix is a playful mixed breed that has adorable looks and a friendly temperament. If you’re a German Shepherd and a Jack Russell Terrier fan, this hybrid may be something to consider.
However, because of the many physical differences between the parents’ breeds, it’s impossible to predict what a Jack Russell German Shepherd mix would look exactly like when it grows up.
If you want to learn more about the Jack Russell German Shepherd mix, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about the breed, including its appearance, behavior, care tips, pricing, and even where to get one!
Breed Overview
| Height: | 10 – 26 inches |
| Weight: | 30 – 60 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12 – 15 years |
| Coat Colors: | Black, tan, tricolored |
| Temperament: | Affectionate, courageous, loyal, smart |
| Suitable for: | Active owners; singles and families; homes with fenced yards |
What Is a German Shepherd Jack Russell Terrier Mix?
The German Shepherd Jack Russell Terrier mix is a cross between the Jack Russel Terrier and German Shepherd Dog. This canine is as friendly and active as the Jack Russell while being protective like the German Shepherd. Its general appearance is a combination of both parent breeds.
Due to size differences, this hybrid is usually produced by breeding a female German Shepherd and a male Jack Russell Terrier. The larger body frame of the German Shepherd is a safer option for carrying puppies.
The German Shepherd Jack Russell Terrier mix is slowly gaining popularity due to the pleasant characteristics that it inherits from both its parents, especially for temperamental aspects.
German Shepherd Jack Russell Terrier Mix Origin and History
The exact origin of the Jack Russell Shepherd mix is not well documented. This hybrid is usually a result of accidental mating. However, checking the history of both parents can give an idea of how this mix came about.
The Jack Russell Terrier is a small dog breed that was originally bred for hunting foxes in England in the 1800s.
Currently, Jack Russell Terriers are utilized for pest control and are excellent companions at home. They are small, spunky, smart, and loving, which makes them a great addition to the family.
Meanwhile, German Shepherds are members of the herding group of dogs that originated from Germany, as its name indicates.
German Shepherds are known for their strength, intelligence, confidence, and vitality. Because of these traits, they are often used as guard dogs and service dogs.
Thus, we can assume that the Jack Russell and German Shepherd mixes were bred to develop a designer dog that carries their best traits — loyal, fearless, and protective while caring for its owner.
German Shepherd Jack Russell Terrier Mix Appearance
The Jack Russell Terrier mixed with the German Shepherd Dog results in a dog that looks like a mini-version of the German Shepherd. Overall, this mix appears muscular and athletic.
The German Shepherd Jack Russell Terrier mix usually has a short to medium coat length. They are double-coated, wherein their undercoats are dense and smooth, while their outer coats can be smooth or wired.
They would usually have longer hair, especially if they are mixed with a long-haired Jack Russell, while they would have a shorter coat if mixed with a short-haired German Shepherd.
The color of the Jack Russell Shepherd mix will also take on the color of the more dominant parent.
The most common color of this mix includes black and tan, but they can also be tricolored. In rare instances, the Jack Russell Shepherd mix can be pure white, especially if the parent Jack Russell is pure white.
Moreover, they can have dark face masks called melanistic masks since both parents carry the gene and can pass it on to their offspring.
German Shepherd Jack Russell Terrier Mix Size and Weight
The size of a Jack Russell German Shepherd Mix varies depending on which parent breed dominates more.
Since there’s a significant size difference between these two breeds, the resulting mix will probably fall between a small and medium-sized dog with a height of 10 to 26 inches and a weight of 30 to 60 pounds.
However, the mix could be larger if one of the parents is a giant German Shepherd parent or smaller if a dwarf German Shepherd was used for breeding.
German Shepherd Jack Russell Terrier Mix Temperament and Personality
The Jack Russell Terrier German Shepherd mix inherits a combination of the hunting and herding traits of its parent breeds.
It is energetic, courageous, obedient, and intelligent, which it got from its Jack Russell parent, while it is also protective, loyal, smart, and caring, much like its German shepherd parent.
In addition, they could also be vocal. They tend to bark, groan, whine, and howl a lot, which they get from both parents.
Jack Russell Terrier Shepherd mixes make great companions at home. They are loving towards their family members and love spending time with them.
Further, this dog doesn’t interact well with other dogs, but this can be fixed with proper socialization.
Meanwhile, here is a video that will give you an idea of what to expect from the German Shepherd Jack Russell mix:
German Shepherd Jack Russell Terrier Mix Lifespan and Health Issues
The German Shepherd Jack Russell Mix is a healthy crossbreed. Its average lifespan can range between 12 and 15 years, which is close to its Jack Russell Terrier and German Shepherd parents’ life expectancies.
However, these dogs are prone to several health issues, especially senior Jack Russel Shepherd mixes.
Listed below are some of the common health conditions of Jack Russell German Shepherd Mix:
- Bloat: Bloat or gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) is characterized by a food or gas-filled stomach that is engorged beyond its normal size. This happens quickly and can lead to death within a couple of hours as the entrance and exit of the stomach become twisted, blocking the passage of gas and food contents.
- Heart Diseases: This breed could be affected by various heart diseases, and the most common is dilated cardiomyopathy. Usually, these conditions in dogs are not curable. However, the progression may be slowed down with proper medication.
- Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia happens when the bones and joints on the dog’s hips don’t develop properly, leading to misaligned ball and socket joints. Over time, it shows arthritis-like symptoms. Surgery is required, but this condition is often managed through pain medication and supportive therapy.
If you’re considering getting this dog, make sure to do your research and consult your veterinarian about the best ways to keep it healthy. Take note of all the symptoms for early prevention and treatment.
Further, it would be great to get your dog pet insurance as early as possible to help you prepare and save costs on medical emergencies.
How to Take Care of Your Jack Russell Terrier German Shepherd Mix
There are plenty of things to learn before adopting a Jack Russell Terrier German Shepherd mix. This includes the kind of food they eat, the amount of exercise they need, and proper grooming and training.
Food and Diet
This mixed breed requires a high-protein diet that consists of animal meat. It could be from chicken, cow, or fish. If you opt for commercial dog food, make sure that it contains animal protein as the primary ingredient.
Further, it should not contain any fillers, such as corn and soy, or any artificial ingredients. You can also add fresh veggies, like carrots and chunks of boiled sweet potatoes.
Jack Russell Shepherd mixes will likely eat around 1.5 to 3 cups of dry dog food daily, but you can also adjust it depending on their activity levels, age, and overall health.
If you’re not sure of what to feed them, you can base it on the parents’ feeding requirements or talk to your veterinarian to create a customized diet plan.
Cleaning and Grooming
The Jack Russell German Shepherd mix’s grooming isn’t as difficult as one might imagine. Luckily, this mix usually doesn’t have the thick coat of a purebred German Shepherd.
This means that you don’t have to groom them as often since they are less likely to shed.
Nonetheless, you should still brush your dog before bathing it to remove loose hair and dirt from its coat. Then, use mild shampoo when bathing your pooch to prevent getting rid of the natural oil from its skin.
Also, trim your dog’s nails when they become long and sharp. Lastly, brush your dog’s teeth regularly and give it some dental chews to keep its teeth and gums healthy.
Training and Exercise
Every Jack Russell German Shepherd mix puppy should undergo obedience training in the early stages. Since these dogs are smart and love to please their owners, they learn commands quite easily.
Even though they take guard and obedience training well, you can also seek professional help to get them started.
Further, the Jack Russell German Shepherd mix is an active and energetic dog that requires at least an hour of exercise to keep it healthy and entertained; otherwise, it may become destructive.
Their activities may include daily walks, playing games, or running around your yard or public dog park. If the weather is bad, you can train them indoors to prevent them from being overbearing and bored.
How Much Does a German Shepherd Jack Russell Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
The average cost of a Jack Russell German Shepherd mix puppy ranges between $600 and $2,000. This price varies depending on the breeder, location, and care given to the puppies until they are ready to be adopted.
If the budget is a bit tight, you can opt for adoption, and through this method, you will also give a dog another chance at life.
However, keep in mind that the cost of the puppy is just the start. You must also allocate funds to keep your German Shepherd Jack Russell mix healthy and happy.
Let’s look at the table below to give you an estimate of the expenses you need to cover in owning a German Shepherd Jack Russel Terrier mix puppy:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $30 – $110 |
| Bowls | $10 – $30 |
| Toys | $20 – $60 |
| Beds | $30 – $200 |
| Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
| Crates and Carriers | $30 – $370 |
| Grooming Essentials | $50 – $160 |
| Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
| Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $300 |
| Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
| Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
| Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
| Dog License | $10 – $20 |
| Other Essentials | $20 – $50 |
| Total Initial Cost | $495 – $2,610 |
Many of these costs for maintenance are one-time expenses. It would be good to invest in high-quality items that may seem pricey initially but will save you money in the long run since they will last longer than cheap ones.
Places to Find German Shepherd Jack Russell Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
If you’re considering this crossbreed as your next pet, it would be best to make sure that you deal with credible breeders.
Here are some reputable platforms where you can find Jack Russell German Shepherd mix puppies for sale.
- Lancaster Puppies – This pet advertising website has a wide listing of different breeds, including the German Shepherd Jack Russell mix. You should note, though, that they have strict breeder requirements.
- Greenfield Puppies – Established in 2000, Greenfield Puppies is another pet advertising website that lists adoptable German Shepherd mixes, which may include its cross with the Jack Russell Terrier. They focus highly on the puppies’ health and require breeders to follow state guidelines in breeding.
- Keystone Puppies – Keystone Puppies is a puppy platform that ensures the reputation of the breeders that advertise on their site. They have a wide variety of hybrid puppies available, which may also include the German Shepherd Jack Russell mix.
Similarly, you can also check out German Shepherd breeders connected to AKC. Though they focus on purebreds, it may be worthwhile to check if they have mixes now and then.
Meanwhile, if you are considering adoption, here are some places where you can find a German Shepherd Jack Russell mix for adoption:
- Westside German Shepherd Rescue of Los Angeles – This non-profit no-kill organization in Los Angeles, California, has been committed to rescuing GSDs and their mixes from high-kill shelters since 2002. Their standard adoption fee is $375 for adults and $475 for puppies.
- German Shepherd Dog Rescue of Georgia (GSDRGA) – Established in 2004, the GSDRGA utilizes foster homes provided by its volunteers for their rescued German Shepherd Dogs and their mixes, such as the Jack Russell Shepherd. They mostly concentrate their operations in Metro Atlanta and North Georgia.
- German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County (GSROC) – This rescue’s adoptable GSDs and their mixes either come from owners who can no longer care for their dogs or from animal shelters. Their strict screening process ensures that their rescued dogs, which may include GDS Jack Russell mixes, go to loving and sustaining homes.
For additional reference, you can check out Facebook groups dedicated to this mixed breed.
Likewise, you may check out Reddit threads to increase your chances of acquiring a German Shepherd Jack Russell mix without spending a single penny!
Pros and Cons of Owning a Jack Russell Terrier German Shepherd Mix
The Jack Russell Terrier German Shepherd mix combines the traits of its parents, both the good and the unpleasant ones. Hence, it is recommended that you weigh the pros and cons carefully before getting one.
The following are the pros of owning a German Shepherd Jack Russell Terrier mix:
- Improved health and lifespan: Generally, hybrid vigor gives this mix improved health and lifespan that normally exists in crossbred dogs, especially since its Jack Russell parent is also known for having a healthy disposition.
- Excellent watchdogs: The protective nature of the GSD Jack Russell mix, along with its inherent nature to bark when it senses danger or unfamiliar noises, makes it very reliable as a watchdog.
- Trainable and eager to please: Coming from two very intelligent parent breeds, expect this mix to be easy to train and can easily pick up commands. They may even be good candidates as service or therapy dogs.
In contrast, here are some cons of owning a Jack Russell Shepherd mix:
- Requires a lot of physical and mental stimulation: Owning a GSD Jack Russell mix comes with a lot of commitment, especially with time. Given the combination of two very active breeds, physical and mental exercises should be a part of their regular daily routine.
- Hard to find: Given the huge size difference, this mix is not easy to breed. Hence, though it is starting to become popular, there are not a lot of breeders who focus on this crossbreed. However, you can check the recommended sites suggested in the article to increase your chances of finding one.
- May not blend well with other dogs: Without appropriate socialization training, the German Shepherd Jack Russell mix may not interact well with other dogs or pets in the household. Hence, subjecting them early to other dogs and animals is needed.
With the given advantages and disadvantages of owning a Jack Russell GSD mix, you can make an informed decision on whether or not this is a suitable hybrid for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are German Shepherd Jack Russell Terrier Mixes Good Dogs?
Yes, the German Shepherd Jack Russell Terrier mix makes a good family dog, and with the right socialization training, it can get along well with other dogs and pets in the household.
They inherit the German Shepherds’ loyalty and guarding instincts, while they get their natural hunting capabilities from Jack Russell Terriers.
Do German Shepherd Jack Russell Terrier Mixes Shed?
Yes, Jack Russell Shepherd mixes shed their double coats, which they inherit from their parents.
Double-coated dogs shed a lot, and this is true with this hybrid. They shed both their undercoats and outercoats, especially during the spring and autumn.
Are German Shepherd Jack Russell Terrier Mixes Hypoallergenic?
No, German Shepherd Jack Russell Terrier mixes are not considered hypoallergenic. They shed moderately and are prone to carry allergens through their shedding.
Since this mixed breed sheds twice a year, it is not suited for people with allergies as it can trigger or worsen allergic reactions.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an energetic, loving, loyal, smart, and protective dog, the Jack Russell Terrier German Shepherd mix could be the perfect addition to your family.
This crossbreed makes a great companion for active individuals who can keep up with their high energies. Therefore, these hybrids are recommended for experienced owners with plenty of free time.
If you are already an owner of a Jack Russell Shepherd mix, share your experience in taking care of this amazing designer breed by leaving a comment below!
