If you are looking for a hybrid dog, the Jack Russell Maltese mix is undoubtedly worth looking for. Anyone will surely get caught by its cute size and charming personality.
A Jack Russell Maltese mix is very social and often needs a companion. Its parent breeds also have desirable temperaments. Thus, you can expect to have quite a clingy friend when you get one.
Although this is just a glimpse of what it offers, this article summarizes everything you need to know about a Jack Russell Maltese mix. Keep reading to familiarize yourself with its appearance, behavior, needs, cost, and more!
Breed Overview
| Height: | 8 – 15 inches |
| Weight: | 10 – 18 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12 – 16 years |
| Coat Colors: | Tan, white, black |
| Temperament: | Gentle, playful, affectionate, athletic |
| Suitable for: | Apartment living; active singles; families with kids |
What Is a Jack Russell Maltese Mix?
A Jack Russell Maltese mix is a hybrid between a Jack Russell Terrier and Maltese. Also known as Jacktese, this small mix breed can appear close to either of its parents. It is playful and loving and can be protective of kids. These small mixed dogs are perfect for active dog owners.
Jack Russell Terriers and Maltese are two breeds popular among dog lovers. Although the physical characteristics of these two breeds are vastly different, their hybrid is just as adorable.
The Jacktese is sought-after not just for its friendliness but also for its intelligence and alertness, which it inherits from its Jack Russell Terrier parent.
Meanwhile, the social behavior it inherits from its Maltese parent will surely win anyone’s heart. Overall, its manageable behavior is perfect for every fur parent.
As with most mixed breeds, a Jacktese is yet to be recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Here is an adorable video of a Jack Russell Maltese mix to lighten up your day:
Jack Russell Maltese Mix Origin and History
The Jack Russell Maltese mix is still a relatively new breed. Its history and exact origin are not well documented. Nonetheless, examining the origin and history of its parent breeds will help us know this mix better.
Known for its white and elegant coat color, Maltese is one of the oldest bichon dogs bred in the Mediterranean, precisely, Malta.
Although the exact origin of this breed is unclear, they were bartered in ships to help protect against rodents.
They have been a favorite pet among royalties since 1800. Hence, they have always been perfect for companionship. Today, they are among the most sought-after breeds that regularly grace dog shows.
Meanwhile, Jack Russell Terriers were initially raised for hunting. Parson John Russell bred this dog to be a companion for this hobby.
Thus, Jack Russel Terriers have grown athletic, intelligent, and disciplined. Through the years, this breed became a favorite among dog sport enthusiasts.
Even though the history of these two breeds differs, a Jack Russell Maltese mix is still a blend of a loving and intelligent pet.
Jack Russell Maltese Mix Appearance
With its parents being small-sized breeds, you can expect a Jack Russell Terrier mix to be the same. In fact, its miniature size is one of its selling points.
This hybrid may inherit a short to medium-length coat from its JRT parent. Nonetheless, if the dominant genes come from its Maltese parent, you can expect its coat to be longer.
A Jacktese’s coat color is usually white due to its Maltese ancestry, but it may also have shades of brown, cream, and black. These colors may appear as patterns and vary in amounts.
In extreme cases, a Jack Russell Maltese mix may even be solid black. This happens when one of its parents is a black Maltese, a rare, mixed breed Maltese.
The coat texture generally relies on inherited characteristics. It may be wavy or coarse.
The eyes and nose are dark brown and black, respectively. Just like both of its parents, its snout is proportionately pointed, and its ears are floppy and triangular and hang beside its face.
Jack Russell Maltese Mix Size and Weight
A Jack Russell Maltese mix stands from 8 to 15 inches tall. Meanwhile, its weight can range from 10 to 18 pounds. As a cross between two toy breeds, its height and weight should ideally not exceed these numbers.
Dogs of this size reach full maturity when they are 8 to 12 month-old. After this period, there should be no noticeable change in its size and weight.
Since a Jacktese is light and tiny, it is considered a lap dog that can cuddle with its owner anytime. This crossbreed is good even for small-sized apartments.
Jack Russell Maltese Mix Temperament and Personality
A Jacktese combines affection and athleticism perfectly. Generally, they have sound temperaments, and cases of behavioral problems are rare for this mixed breed.
Its parent breeds were bred to have functional roles. Thus, you can expect your Jack Russell Maltese mix to be diligent and easy to train. Additionally, they are also intelligent dogs.
Since Jack Russell Terriers were bred for hunting, their crossbreed may also tend to chase after smaller animals. Hence, if you own small pets, you may need to be careful and watchful whenever they play around a Jacktese.
For this same reason, this mix breed greatly appreciates playing fetch.
Note that a Jacktese does not like being left alone. Therefore, ensure you spend enough time with it to avoid behavioral problems.
Although it is a charming dog, a Jacktese will still need early socialization and ample training to grow as an obedient and loyal companion.
Overall, its ability to provide its owners with security, companionship, and pure happiness makes it suitable as a family member.
Jack Russell Maltese Mix Lifespan and Health Issues
The average lifespan of a Jack Russell Maltese mix is between 12 and 16 years. A Jacktese also has a lower risk of getting diseases and infections.
In fact, all mixed breeds tend to have better health conditions than their purebred counterparts. This is because they have more genetic diversity.
Despite this, remember that dogs are especially vulnerable during their puppyhood. Thus, it would help if you kept your Jack Russell Maltese dog’s vaccine shots updated.
Although a Jacktese is naturally healthy, it does not guarantee immunity. Below are some health issues you may encounter when owning a Jack Russell Maltese:
- Patellar Luxation: Patellar luxation happens when the knee cap or patella is dislocated from its normal position. This is often a result of genetic malformation common in small dogs. If leg skipping is frequent, it may, later on, develop into degenerative arthritis.
- Hypoglycemia: Characterized by a sudden drop in blood sugar, your Jack Russell Maltese mix may suffer from hypoglycemia. It may be caused by parasites in the intestine or low body fat. Ensure that your puppy is eating the right amount of food. You should also supplement your dog’s diet with vitamins and minerals as necessary.
- Periodontal Disease: Periodontal disease is a build-up of tartar and dental plaque on the teeth of a Jack Russell Maltese mix. Severe cases are gum infection and bone loss. This is usually a result of poor hygiene, so keep a good oral care routine for your pooch.
Before adopting your Jacktese, be aware of its medical tests from the breeder. In this way, you can worry less about its long-term health. For maximum wellness guarantee, regularly consult with your veterinarian.
How to Take Care of Your Jacktese
Caring for a Jack Russell Maltese mix may seem easy as a toy breed. However, there are some crucial points that you may miss in doing so.
This section discusses the necessary information on how to raise your Jacktese puppy well. Keep reading so you can give your pup the wonderful life it deserves!
Food and Diet
Jack Russell Maltese mixes are active dogs that need a well-balanced diet. The ideal diet should be high in fiber and protein. Although carbohydrates are equally essential, keep them in moderate amounts to avoid obesity.
Since small breeds are prone to dental problems, it is recommended to give them dental chews. However, double-check the ingredients when buying from a store, as some brands contain harmful chemicals.
Add omega-3 and DHA fatty acids to a Jack Russell Maltese diet. They improve your Jacktese’s heart, brain, and skin health. These nutrients are usually present in fish oil.
For their bone and joint development, you may add glucosamine and chondroitin. Milk is also a good option, especially if your Jacktese is still a puppy.
Steamed rice, sweet potato, fish, and dog-friendly bread are some foods you can make at home for your Jack Russell Maltese puppy. Alternatively, you may put them on a raw diet as your vet approves.
Cleaning and Grooming
Whichever coat type your Jacktese inherits, its coat appearance should be maintained appropriately to avoid matting and parasitic infestation.
Brushing it three to four times a week is recommended if it takes after its Maltese parent’s medium-length and wavy coat. However, once a week should be enough if it has a shorter coat.
It would be best if you also chose the right shampoo for them. Make sure that it is non-irritant but hydrating at the same time.
Bathe them at most once a month to avoid skin and coat dehydration. You may also take them to a professional groomer for a haircut and deep body cleaning.
Lastly, if you own a Jack Russell Maltese mix, you may as well have a good vacuum as they shed moderately. This hybrid does not drool, so you should not worry about cleaning its saliva.
Training and Exercise
Jack Russell Maltese mixes love high-intensity activities. They are physically fit and intellectually excellent. Thus, this pooch is a perfect partner if you have an active lifestyle.
Daily walks, hiking, and playing in open fields or parks are some of the activities you may have for a Jacktese. About 30 minutes of daily physical activity should be good for this hybrid.
Nonetheless, playing with them inside the house may also do. After all, they are tiny enough for indoor exercises.
Both of its parents are highly intelligent, so early puppy training is relatively easy. It would be best for this dog to have enough socialization from puppyhood to be comfortable around other people and pets.
However, you should also note that this hybrid might inherit the stubbornness of Maltese and may get easily bored like the JRT. Thus, keep the session interesting and stimulating.
How Much Does a Jack Russell Maltese Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
Jack Russell Maltese mix puppy ranges from $500 to $1,500. The puppy cost depends on the breeder, location, and the pup’s appearance. This hybrid costs relatively lower than purebred Malteses and JRTs.
Alternatively, you may adopt from a rescue for a lower price. Although rare, some shelters occasionally have rescued Jacktese mixes in their care that need rehoming.
Aside from the actual puppy price, there are necessary expenses that you may also need to prepare for if you want to own this mix breed. The breakdown of these expenses is summarized in the table below:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $30 – $80 |
| Bowls | $10 – $30 |
| Toys | $20 – $30 |
| Beds | $30 – $200 |
| Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
| Crates and Carriers | $30 – $200 |
| Grooming Essentials | $50 – $150 |
| 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 – $2,470 |
Remember that these are just the initial costs of owning a Jack Russel Maltese mix puppy. Food and healthcare costs are usually recurring expenses of raising this puppy.
You may strategize how to cut costs, like buying in bulk or making the food yourself. However, keep in mind not to be too frugal that you unintentionally compromise the well-being of your companion.
Places to Find Jack Russell Maltese Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Finding a Jack Russell Maltese mix puppy can be challenging, given that it is still a new designer dog. Nonetheless, there are many established breeders of its parent breeds that you may check on to see if they have a Jacktese.
Besides that, there are also reputable places you can visit that advertise canine mixes, such as the Jack Russel Maltese mix.
Below are some reputable places where you may find a Jack Russell Maltese puppy for sale:
- PuppySpot – This website offers a wide range of pure and mixed breeds, including a Jack Russell Maltese mix. They take pride in their vast network of trusted breeders, nose-to-tail check-up, and up to 10-year health guarantee.
- AKC Marketplace – AKC Marketplace is an extensive and complete directory of reputable breeders. AKC itself runs this website, so most breeders on this site have received Breeder of Merit Awards. Thus, you can expect them to sell healthy puppies. You may not find a mixed breed often, but you can contact pure Jack Russell Terrier and Maltese breeders if they have a Jacktese puppy for sale.
- Greenfield Puppies – Greenfield Puppies is a trusted online network for breeders and potential owners. If you are looking for a breeder within your location, this website matches one for you. However, they expect owners to follow the Pet Purchaser Acts applicable to their states. They are meticulous about the breeders’ backgrounds, so you can worry less about getting a puppy from a mill or backyard breeder.
The platforms above cater to all breeds. Thus, there is a significant probability that you might chance upon a Jack Russell Maltese puppy for sale on these sites.
On the other hand, if you think that adopting suits you more, you may want to check out these rescue shelters and organizations instead:
- Russell Rescue, Inc. – This is a separate rescue organization under the Jack Russell Terrier Club of America. It comprises a group of volunteers looking to rehome rescued Jack Russell Terriers and their mixes to loving owners. Although they mainly cater to purebred Jack Russell Terriers, you may contact them for an available Jack Russell Maltese mix.
- American Maltese Association Rescue – This organization cares for abandoned, neglected, and abused Maltese dogs. Rescued Maltese puppies are treated for any medical condition before rehoming. However, they do not ship rescued dogs outside the local foster area. You must also pay the adoption fees ranging from $325 to $625, which covers the costs of rescuing.
- Adopt-a-Pet – This website lists several rescued dog breeds from the United States. They connect prospective owners with the nearest breeders, rescues, and shelters to their location. When searching for a Jacktese, select Jack Russell Terrier and Maltese among the breed filters, then look for any available mix.
Regardless of where you will get your Jack Russell Maltese puppy, ensure you are not buying from puppy mills or a backyard breeder. In this way, you can avoid any health complications.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Jacktese
Despite its cute appearance and charming personality, there are still some downsides to owning a Jack Russell Maltese mix. Before taking one home, you must know the pros and cons of owning this dog.
In this part, you will learn about the advantages and disadvantages of owning this mixed breed. Evaluate them carefully before committing to this hybrid.
Below are some pros of owning a Jack Russell Maltese mix:
- Excellent family dogs: Since they are affectionate and sweet, Jacktese mixes make lovely pets, even for families with children. Besides being great family companions, they are also protective of their pack, making them great watchdogs.
- Low maintenance: While a Jacktese may have wavy and coarse fur, grooming it is still relatively easy. This hybrid only requires basic grooming and monthly bathing. Moreover, their small size makes them ideal companions in small apartments.
- Highly intelligent: The parent breeds of the Jack Russell Terrier Maltese mix are both intelligent breeds. Hence, you can expect no less from it. It also inherits the functional abilities of its parent breeds for hunting and protecting.
On the flip side, here are some points you may consider as cons in owning a Jacktese:
- Requires ample physical activity: Jacktese dogs have an endless supply of energy. Thus, it will help if you take them out on long walks and engage them in activities to satisfy their hunting instincts. They may manifest problematic behaviors if deprived of enough mental and physical stimulation.
- Tends to bark a lot: The Jack Russell Maltese mix is naturally sensitive to sounds. When taking your Jacktese anywhere, you should first assess whether uncontrollable barking is acceptable. Often, this mannerism is fixed in early obedience training.
- Have aggressive tendencies: If its hunting senses are triggered, a Jacktese may charge at smaller animals. It may also become territorial if not properly socialized. Nevertheless, these tendencies can be curbed through socialization and diligence training.
Although owning a Jack Russell Maltese mix has positive and negative sides, its overall behavior and temperament still depend on its upbringing.
The key is to treat it as a member of your family constantly. If your Jacktese puppy is extremely shy or violent, consider bringing it to a professional trainer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Jack Russell Maltese Mixes Good Dogs?
Yes. The Jacktese is a good dog since it is a mix of two affable breeds. Thus, these dogs are also gentle and cuddly. They are also brilliant and protective of their owners.
They may often bark because of their sensitivity to small noises, but training them should do the job.
Do Jack Russell Maltese Mixes Shed?
Yes, Jacktese mixes shed but only minimally. These dogs shed their fur, especially in spring and fall. However, since its coat can only be either short or medium, you can expect the amount of shedding to be manageable.
Are Jack Russell Maltese Mixes Hypoallergenic?
Jack Russell Maltese mix does shed minimally, but they still shed, which can trigger allergies. Hence, they are not that suitable for people with severe allergic sensitivity.
Final Thoughts
Jack Russel Maltese mixes are gentle, playful, and affectionate puppies. Their cute appearance and small size make them perfect pets for active families and those living in tiny apartments.
They are generally healthy and less susceptible to diseases. Their short to medium coats are stunning and easy to clean and groom. Moreover, they only shed minimally.
Nonetheless, as discussed in the previous section, owning this hybrid is not always sunshine and rainbows. There are a few things you should consider in owning it, such as its maintenance cost and behavioral needs.
So, what do you think about the Jack Russel Terrier Maltese mix? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
