Schnauzer Jack Russell Terrier Mix: Pictures, Care Guide, Temperament & Traits
By Misty Layne
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Trying to decide what kind of dog breed to get when you adopt a new pet can be challenging. There are so many dogs and so little time! One breed you might have yet to consider in your search is the Schnauzer Jack Russell Terrier mix. These canines bring the best of both worlds from their parent breeds, so you get a pup that’s energetic, friendly, intelligent, and affectionate.
You should know more about a dog before you consider adopting them, though, so we’re here with a closer look at the Schnauzer Jack Russell Terrier breed. Keep reading to learn all you need to know about these wonderful canines!
Breed Overview
| Height: | 14–15 inches |
| Weight: | 10–25 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12–16 years |
| Colors: | Black, brown, cream, white, tan, black and white, black and silver |
| Suitable for: | Active families, families with older children, apartment dwellers |
| Temperament: | Energetic, affectionate, playful |
The Schnauzer Jack Russell Terrier mix is a hybrid dog who (as the name suggests) is a cross between the Schnauzer and Jack Russell Terrier. Most of the time, this cross will probably be between a Miniature Schnauzer and a Terrier, but that won’t always be the case. The breed is usually called the Jack Schnauzer and is a relatively new one (though the exact origins of these dogs are not exactly clear).
Schnauzer Jack Russell Terrier Characteristics
Schnauzer Jack Russell Terrier Mix Puppies
To adopt a Jack Schnauzer puppy, you’ll likely need to go through a breeder. You might run into some luck searching for one of these adorable pups at a Schnauzer or Jack Russell rescue, too, but finding one at your local pet shelter will likely prove more difficult. If you do get your Jack Schnauzer from a breeder, ensure they’re a reputable one.
Also, be sure you’re up to meet this breed’s high energy before adopting one. Jack Schnauzers are incredibly energetic and require a lot of activity, so you’ll need to take them for plenty of walks and engage in loads of playtime with them. And don’t forget to factor in the long-term costs of owning one of these dogs, not just the one-time cost of adoption!
Temperament & Intelligence of the Schnauzer Jack Russell Terrier Mix
The Jack Schnauzer is a blend of its parent breeds, crossing the feistiness of a Schnauzer with the adventurous nature of the Jack Russell Terrier, resulting in a truly unique and fun personality! These dogs are a mix of intelligent, high-spirited, affectionate, and loyal. They’re known for their smarts, as well as their energetic nature that makes them a big fan of playing and exploring; these pups are great to take with you on outdoor adventures.
Despite all that energy and need for activity, though, the Jack Schnauzer is also affectionate and loving. These are friendly dogs who adore being around their people and are affectionate enough that it can sometimes be overwhelming for smaller children. This breed will forge strong bonds with their humans and are known for being loyal canine companions.
These canines are sometimes a bit stubborn, too. They’re highly independent thinkers and can be strong-willed, so prepare yourself for that!
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪
The Jack Schnauzer makes an excellent family pet! That said, there may be some families that won’t find this canine a good fit. Due to how energetic and affectionate they can be, these dogs tend to do well with older children rather than younger ones, as exceptionally small children may be overwhelmed by a Jack Schnauzer’s exuberance. And their seemingly boundless energy may not work well for families who aren’t big on lots of daily activity. But for active families or those with older kids, this dog will make a loyal, loving, playful companion.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽
This breed getting along with other pets will depend largely on how extensively you train and socialize them. While Schnauzers can get along with other dogs and even cats, they shouldn’t be around rodents due to their past as ratters. And the Jack Russell tends to be aggressive towards other animals of all sizes, but especially those smaller than them. But with plenty of early socialization and training, you should be able to get a Jack Schnauzer to do well with other dogs and cats in the home.
Things to Know When Owning a Schnauzer Jack Russell Terrier Mix
Here’s a closer look at what all you should know about owning a Schnauzer Jack Russell Terrier mix!
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
Like all canines, the Jack Schnauzer will require a diet of high-quality dog food containing plenty of protein (this will help them keep up with their seemingly limitless energy!). You should probably ask your vet how many calories a day your pup will need to consume since they are so high-energy. More energetic dogs typically need to eat more calories, so the amount listed on the bag of food for dogs their size might not be suitable for the Jack Schnauzer.
Exercise 🐕
Your Jack Schnauzer will need 45 minutes to 1 hour of exercise a day to burn off all that energy they have. Daily activity should be a mix of walks, playtime (like chasing a ball in the yard), and mentally stimulating play (such as puzzles). If your pet doesn’t get their energy out through daily exercise and activity, they will direct it towards other things, which will most likely be of a destructive nature. Jack Schnauzers will love games that involve digging or chasing; they also do well with agility training, so consider setting up a mini-agility course in the yard!
Training 🎾
This dog breed will need extensive training to not only direct their energy in positive directions (rather than destructive behaviors) but to get along with other animals. You need to set up strict boundaries for the Jack Schnauzer, so they learn what behavior is appropriate and what is not. These pups are quite intelligent, but they sometimes inherit a stubborn streak from their parent breeds, so training may require some patience. Positive reinforcement like treats or praise will go far with the Jack Schnauzer!
Grooming ✂️
Jack Russell Terriers and Schnauzers have vastly different coats; the Jack Russell can have a coarse or smooth coat, while the Schnauzer will have a wiry coat. So, a Jack Schnauzer’s coat will be a texture that falls between these, but that texture will depend on which parent they take after more. Whichever texture of coat your dog ends up with, though, you’ll want to brush them out at least once a week (possibly more). Other than that, grooming shouldn’t be too difficult; your pet will need to be bathed as needed, have their nails trimmed every month and a half or so, and have their ears cleaned on occasion. Plus, don’t forget to brush your pup’s teeth!
Health and Conditions 🏥
Because the Jack Schnauzer is a hybrid dog, it will inherit health conditions from both parent breeds. So, you need to look at what ailments are most likely to strike the Jack Russell and Schnauzer to find out what health issues your dog may face. Here are some of the most common health problems that these dogs may deal with.
- Atopic Dermatitis
- Cataracts
- Patellar Luxation
- Epilepsy
- Hip Dysplasia
- Deafness
Male vs Female
Male and female Jack Schnauzers won’t differ too much, especially not in appearance (though males may be just a smidge larger than females), but their personality will depend on which parent they favor most. If a pup is more Schnauzer than Jack Russell, you’ll find that females tend to be the more independent sex, while males can be a bit more active than females. If a dog is more Jack Russell than Schnauzer, then you can expect females to be a little more affectionate and males to be more active and sociable.
3 Little-Known Facts About The Schnauzer Jack Russell Terrier Mix
Here are just a few more things to know about the Jack Schnauzer!
1. The Jack Schnauzer is not recognized by any groups or associations.
As a newer breed and a hybrid one, the Jack Schnauzer is not recognized by the American Kennel Club or any other group or association.
2. The Jack Russell Terrier used to have a different name.
Did you know the Jack Russell Terrier used to be called the Parson Russell Terrier? This was the breed’s name until 2000.
3. Standard Schnauzers also used to have another name.
Originally, this breed was called the Wirehaired Pinscher, though the name was changed in 1879.
Final Thoughts
The Jack Schnauzer makes an amazing pet for the right person or family! These dogs are incredibly affectionate and love to play, so they get along well with older children, and they’re great for active people due to their high energy. They do require quite a bit of training and socialization, though, so be prepared for that. You’ll probably have to go through a breeder to get one of these pups, but there’s a chance you might be able to locate one through a rescue organization. Wherever you find your Jack Schnauzer, be prepared for a life full of fun and adventure!
Featured Image Credit: Jon Osumi, Shutterstock
