The Jack Russell Lab mix, otherwise known as the Jack Russell Lab or “Jackador”, is a medium-sized dog, mixing a Jack Russell Terrier and a Labrador Retriever. Like other hybrid breeds, their temperament, physical appearance and growth potential can be a bit of a mystery, so we’ve created this guide to help you decide whether not the Jack Russell Lab mix is the right breed for you and your family.
Image credit: mimamalou
Jack Russell Lab Mix – At a Glance
| Weight: | 25–50 pounds |
| Height: | 16–20 inches |
| Lifespan: | 10–14 years |
| Coat Colors: | Brown, black, cream, golden, all possible with white markings. |
| Temperament: | Outgoing, energetic, friendly, intelligent, independent. |
| Suitable for: | Active single individuals, active families, possibly unsuitable for the elderly. |
What Does a Jack Russell Lab Mix Look Like?
The Jack Russell Lab mix is a small to medium-sized mixed dog breed. It will likely borrow from both parent breeds for its overall physical appearance. You’ll probably find that your Jack Russell Lab will inherit its size and stature from the Jack Russell Terrier and be on the smaller side.
The Jack Russell Lab will likely have triangular, folded ears, like the Jack Russell, and a short snout and button nose, like the Jack Russell Terrier.
Image credit: mimamalou
Luckily for those who like to get outside in the rain (you mad bastards, you!), the Jackador will have a water-resistant coat, like both of its parent breeds. You can expect your Jackador to inherit a solid color or a tri-color mix of brown, black, golden, or white in coat colors.
The History of the Jack Russell Lab Mix
As a new designer breed, it isn’t easy to find out much about the Jack Russell Lab mix. Not much information is available at all. Thus, we look to their parent breeds to inform us about what to expect from a Jack Russell Lab mix.
Let’s dive deeper into the history, temperaments, and lived experiences of both parent breeds to learn more about this spry, energetic, intelligent and headstrong little dog.
The History of the Lab
The humble Labrador Retriever is up first in our foray into the parent breeds. The Labrador was first created in the 1830s by mixed breeding between a St. John’s water dog (taken from the shores of Newfoundland, Canada) and a variety of British hunting dogs.
The Labrador was originally bred as a sporting and hunting dog but is now primarily a companion pet. Although modern Labrador Retrievers are currently used in many countries as police dogs, disability-assistance dogs, and performing military functions.
Labrador Retrievers are among the most popular dog breeds in the Western world.
How Popular Are Labs?
Labrador Retrievers are the most popular dog in the United States! They were first recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 1917 and have long enjoyed huge national popularity, mostly due to their multi-functional nature and the ability to be a loving and loyal companion pet.
Who Are Labs a Good Dog For?
There’s a reason why the Labrador Retriever is the most popular breed in the country – it’s a good dog for almost everyone and fits effortlessly into most active family units. The only exception to this rule is with the elderly – unfortunately, due to the exercise requirements of the Labrador, it’s not an excellent fit for most elderly people.
The Labrador has high physical activity requirements and isn’t a good fit for those living in apartments, but instead would benefit from wide open spaces and the ability to run and get plenty of exercise.
How Did Labs Come About?
The Labrador Retriever is the evolution of crossbreeding between English hunting dogs and the St. John’s Water Dog in the 1830s after the St. John’s was imported from Newfoundland to England.
When Did First Cross-Breed The Lab?
Given the breed’s age, there’s a distinct possibility that the Labrador Retriever was crossbred multiple times throughout its history. Unfortunately, little corroborating information exists.
However, given the massive popularity of the Lab, it’s easy to imagine that they were crossbred long before the popularity of crossbreeding took off in the United States in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Popular crossbreeds of the Labrador Retriever include:
- Labrador Retriever Poodle Mix (Labradoodle)
- Labrador Husky Mix (Labsky)
- Labrador Retriever Corgi Mix (Corgidor)
- Labrador Retriever Beagle Mix (Beagador)
Many people crossbreed the Labrador Retriever due to their strong hunting instinct and friendly personality traits.
The History of the Jack Russell
The history of the Jack Russell Terrier began in England in mid 19th century. The Jack Russell Terrier was bred by the Reverend John Russell, who produced the dog as a hunting dog to aid in the hunting of foxes. The Jack Russell was small and agile enough to follow the fox into its den and finish the kill.
Jack Russell Terriers typically come in various brown colors, some lighter than others, mixed with black and white color patterns. The Jack Russell first appeared in the United States in 1976, with the first creation of a Jack Russell breeding club by Jack Russell enthusiast Ailsa Crawford.
While originally bred as a hunting breed, Jack Russell Terriers are more commonly found now as family pets.
How Popular Is The Jack Russell?
Given their very late introduction into the American dog market, the Jack Russell Terrier hasn’t performed terribly in popularity. Still, it’s nowhere near the least popular dog in the U.S.
This highly energetic dog breed ranked 117th most popular in the American Kennel Club’s rankings. However, the AKC changed the name of “Jack Russell Terriers” to “Parson Russell Terriers”, as a way to distinguish it as a separate breed from other Terriers.
Who Is The Jack Russell a Good Dog For?
The Jack Russell Terrier is a beautiful family dog for the active family unit, requiring intense physical exercise. They love to run and play. This makes them largely unsuitable for the elderly and apartment-style living. They can sometimes exhibit disruptive behaviors like excessive barking if left alone for long periods.
How Did The Jack Russell Come About?
The Jack Russell was first bred by the Reverend John Russell in the mid-19th century in England as Russell sought to create the perfect fox-hunting dog. The Jack Russell quickly caught on among hunting pet owners in the UK and has maintained steady popularity.
In the United States, the breed has only meaningfully existed since the 1970s and isn’t hugely popular today.
When Did First Cross-Breed The Jack Russell?
The Jack Russell is one of the most challenging crossbreeds for owners, largely due to certain undesirable characteristics. Excessive barking and certain health conditions that include dental diseases.
This hyper dog breed is still crossed with many other different types of dogs, however.
These can include:
- Jack Russell Beagle Mix (Jack-a-Bee)
- Jack Russell Poodle Mix (Jack-a-Poo)
- Jack Russell Corgi Mix (Cojack)
- Jack Russell Boxer Mix (Bojack)
- Jack Russell Pitbull Mix (Jack Pit)
Most crossbreeding of the Jack Russell Terrier seems to be to temper its hyperactivity.
How Important Is a Dog’s Temperament to Your Family?
One of the most important aspects of adopting or purchasing a dog is ensuring that it fits in with your family unit. The best way to do this is to research your prospective dog’s temperamental possibilities thoroughly – you want to ensure that you’re prepared for what might come.
Failure to properly research the temperament of your prospective dog could lead to difficulties down the road, forcing you to re-home your dog or invest significantly in training.
What is the Temperament of the Jack Russell Lab Mix?
The Jack Russell Lab mix is a very high-energy dog breed, and its temperament will reflect that. However, it is also fiercely loyal and highly intelligent. Its hyperactivity may require some training to temper – although the Labrador Retriever is known for being a remarkably calm, docile dog. So, the mixed-breed genes may do the job for you!
Is The Jack Russell Lab Mix Friendly?
The Jack Russell Lab mix is an amiable animal. The Labrador Retriever and Jack Russell are both friendly dogs. You can expect the same from your Jack Lab.
Is The Jack Russell Lab Mix Easy to Train?
The Jack Russell Lab may require extensive training, as the Jack Russell can be very hyperactive, stubborn, and strong-willed, requiring corrective action early on. However, the Jack Russell Lab can take direction, so it may be easier to train than you imagine.
How Much Can A Jack Russell Lab Mix Weigh?
The average weight of a Jack Russell Lab mix is between 25 and 50 pounds.
How Tall Can A Jack Russell Lab Mix Get?
The average height of a Jack Russell Lab mix is between 16 and 20 inches tall.
Similar Sized Breeds
There are a few similar-sized breeds to the Jack Russell Lab mix. These include the Brittany, the English Shepherd, the Border Collie and the Chow Chow.
Does the Jack Russell Lab Mix Shed?
You can expect the Jack Russell Lab mix to shed moderately throughout the year, as both parent breeds are shedders. A weekly brush is the ideal way to mitigate fur shedding for the Jack Russell Lab mix.
How Much Exercise Does A Jack Russell Lab Mix Require?
The Jack Russell Lab is a very active dog. It is often highly energetic and requires at least an hour of exercise each day – this is largely due to the influence of the Jack Russell in its genetics.
How Long Can a Jack Russell Lab Mix Live?
The average lifespan of the Jack Russell Lab mix is between 10 and 14 years.
What Health Conditions Could the Jack Russell Lab Mix Have?
- Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (deformation of hip joint)
- Patellar Luxation (kneecap dislocation)
- Cardiomyopathy (heart problems)
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (eye problems)
How Can You Find a Jack Russell Lab Mix Puppy For Sale?
Before you begin to search for a Jack Russell Lab mix puppy for sale, consider first adopting a Jack Russell Lab mix. You can check out your local vet clinic or animal shelter, to see if anyone has dropped off Jack Russell Lab.
Alternatively, you can search online for a Jack Russell Lab mix in your local area at AdoptAPet.com.
How Much Does a Jack Russell Lab Mix Puppy Cost?
The price of a Jack Russell Lab mix puppy is between $400 and $600 per puppy. That cost alone is enough to consider adoption first.
But, if you’re keen on going down the buying route, be sure to first read our article on finding a reputable breeder, as well as how to avoid puppy mills!
Is the Jack Russell Lab Mix the Right Breed For You?
If you’re looking for an active, energetic companion to accompany you on all of your outdoor adventures, or to fit seamlessly into your family unit, then the Jack Russell Lab mix might just be the breed for you.
If you’re looking to adopt or buy any breed, consider reading about our other breeds to find the right one for you!