As the owner of a Jack Russell Terrier, I often get asked about potential mixed breeds that are possible and popular with a Jack Russell Terrier.
One that comes to mind that is certainly popular and that can make for an excellent family pet is the Border Jack.
The Border Jack is a designer dog breed that results from the crossing of a Jack Russell Terrier and a Border Collie.
This Jack Russell mix is an intelligent, energetic, and loyal companion that inherits its parents’ best traits.
The Border Jack has been gaining popularity in recent years, thanks to its affectionate nature, trainability, and versatile temperament.
In this discussion, we will explore the history of the Jack Russell Terrier and Border Collie breeds and delve into the characteristics of the Border Jack.
We will cover what makes each dog unique and what unique personality traits or physical traits you can expect if you do intent to adopt a Border Jack.
Lets dive into those details now.
Border Jack Quick Facts
| Breed Names | Border Jack, Border Jack Russell |
| Height (inches) | 16″ to 20″ |
| Weight (pounds) | 23 to 35 pounds |
| Color | Black, White, Brown, and Tri-Colored |
| Lifespan | 12 to 15 years |
| Cost | $700 to $1,400 |
The History of the Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier, also known as the Parson Russell Terrier, is a small-sized dog breed that originated in England in the mid-1800s.
Reverend John Russell, a hunting enthusiast, is credited with developing the breed.
He wanted a dog that was quick, agile, and could chase and catch foxes.
The Jack Russell Terrier was the result of breeding several terrier breeds including the Fox Terrier, the Bull Terrier, and the Manchester Terrier.
The Jack Russell Terrier was recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 2001, and the breed was later recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2012.
Today, Jack Russell Terriers are known for their high energy levels, playful nature, and excellent hunting skills.
The History of the Border Collie
The Border Collie is a medium-sized dog breed that originated in the Scottish and English border regions in the 1800s.
The breed was developed for herding livestock, particularly sheep. The name “Border Collie” comes from the breed’s origins along the border of Scotland and England.
The Border Collie is considered one of the most intelligent dog breeds, and their herding skills are unparalleled.
They are agile, quick, and have an innate desire to work.
Border Collies were recognized by the AKC in 1995, and they are widely used in various working and competitive activities, including agility, obedience, and herding trials.
The Border Jack
The Border Jack is a hybrid dog that combines the best traits of the Jack Russell Terrier and Border Collie breeds.
This designer dog breed is a loyal, affectionate, and energetic companion that thrives in an active environment.
The Border Jack’s appearance can vary depending on its parents, but they typically have a short, dense coat, and come in a variety of colors, including black, white, brown, and tri-color.
Personality and Temperament
The Border Jack’s personality and temperament are a unique blend of its Jack Russell Terrier and Border Collie parents.
They are intelligent, affectionate, and loyal dogs that require plenty of physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
The Border Jack is an active dog that enjoys exercise and outdoor activities, including hiking, running, and playing fetch.
The Border Jack is an excellent family dog that does well with children and other pets.
They are protective of their families and will bark to alert their owners of any perceived threats.
However, proper socialization is essential to prevent any aggressive behavior.
Training and Exercise
The Border Jack is a highly trainable dog that responds well to positive reinforcement techniques.
They have an innate desire to please their owners, and their intelligence makes them quick learners.
Early socialization and training are crucial to prevent any unwanted behaviors.
The Border Jack is an active dog that requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
They thrive in an environment where they can run and play, so regular walks, jogs, and trips to the dog park are essential.
Without enough exercise, the Border Jack may become destructive and exhibit unwanted behaviors.
Grooming
The Border Jack’s coat is typically short and dense, which requires minimal grooming.
Weekly brushing is recommended to remove any loose hair and keep their coat healthy and shiny.
Baths should only be given when necessary to prevent drying out their skin.
The Border Jack’s ears should be checked regularly and kept clean to prevent ear infections.
Cost
The cost of a Jack Russell Terrier can vary depending on the breeder and location, but on average, they can cost between $800 to $1,500.
Border Collies can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500, depending on the breeder and location.
Adopting a dog from a shelter is another option that can cost significantly less.
Appearance
The Jack Russell Terrier has a distinctive look with a small, compact body and a short, dense coat that comes in a variety of colors, including white, brown, and black.
They have a fox-like face with alert, folded ears that stand up when they are attentive.
The Border Collie is a medium-sized dog with a long, dense coat that comes in various colors, including black and white, tri-color, and merle.
They have a wedge-shaped head with a long snout and alert, upright ears that help them hear better.
Behavior and Temperament
Known for its exceptional intelligence, unwavering loyalty and boundless energy, the Jack Russell Terrier is a great breed.
They are excellent hunters and can be prone to digging and chasing smaller animals.
They are also vocal and may bark frequently if not trained properly.
The Border Collie is one of the most intelligent dog breeds and is known for their excellent herding skills.
They are highly trainable and require plenty of mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
They can also be vocal and may bark to alert their owners of any perceived threats.
Energy Levels and Exercise Needs
Both the Jack Russell Terrier and Border Collie are active, high-energy dogs that require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
The Border Jack, being a hybrid of both breeds, inherits these traits and requires plenty of exercise and playtime to prevent destructive behavior.
The Border Jack will thrive in an environment where they can run and play, such as a large yard or an active family.
Regular walks, jogs, and trips to the dog park are also essential to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
Intelligence
Both the Jack Russell Terrier and Border Collie are highly intelligent dog breeds.
The Jack Russell Terrier has a sharp mind and is quick to learn new tasks, while the Border Collie is one of the most intelligent dog breeds, with excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to learn complex tasks quickly.
Do Border Jacks Make Good Family Pets?
Both the Jack Russell Terrier and Border Collie can make excellent family pets, but it’s important to note that they are high-energy dogs that require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
The Jack Russell Terrier is a loyal, affectionate dog that does well with children and other pets, but they may not tolerate rough play.
The Border Collie is also a loyal and affectionate dog that does well with children and other pets but may try to herd them.
Health Issues
Mix breeds are just as a healthy or even healthier than purebred dogs. However, of course like any breed, Border Jacks can also have their own health problems.
The health issues associated with Border Jacks will most likely be inherited from their lineage on either side.
Common health issues associated with Jack Russells include Patellar Luxation, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, Cataracts and other eye diseases, and deafness.
The health issues associate with Border Collies include Hip Dysplasia, Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), Epilepsy, and Allergies.
It’s important to note that not all Jack Russell Terriers or Border Collies will develop these health issues, and many can be prevented or managed with proper care and monitoring.
Regular visits to the vet, a healthy diet, and plenty of exercise and mental stimulation can help ensure that your Border Jack lives a long and healthy life.
The Takeaway
In conclusion, the Border Jack is a lively and affectionate hybrid dog that makes an excellent companion for an active family.
They are a unique blend of two intelligent and energetic dog breeds, the Jack Russell Terrier, and the Border Collie.
The Border Jack inherits the best traits from both breeds, including their high energy levels, intelligence, loyalty, and affectionate nature.
When considering getting a Border Jack, it’s important to keep in mind that they are high-energy dogs that require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
They thrive in an environment where they can run and play, such as a large yard or an active family.
Regular walks, jogs, and trips to the dog park are also essential to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
In terms of grooming, the Border Jack requires minimal grooming, with weekly brushing to remove any loose hair and keep their coat healthy and shiny.
Their ears should also be checked regularly and kept clean to prevent ear infections.
Both the Jack Russell Terrier and Border Collie have a few health issues to be aware of, but on average, both breeds have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
If you’re considering getting a Border Jack, it’s important to choose a reputable breeder or adopt from a shelter to ensure that you get a healthy and happy dog.
Overall, the Border Jack is a great choice for an active family looking for a loyal and affectionate companion. With the right care, training, and socialization, they will make a wonderful addition to any family.
Luna and I wish you the best of luck if you do decide to adopt a Border Jack in the near future.
More Jack Russell Terrier mixed breeds:
- Jack Russell Terrier and Labrador Mix (Jackador)
- Jack Russell Terrier and Pit Bull Mix (Jack Pit)
- Boston Terrier and Jack Russell Terrier Mix (Bo-Jack)
- Jack Russell Terrier and Chihuahua Mix (Jack Chi)
- Jack Russell Terrier and Yorkie Mix (Jorkie)
- Jack Russell Terrier and Maltese Mix (Jacktese)
- Jack Russell Terrier and Beagle Mix (Jackabee)
- Jack Russell West Highland Terrier Mix (Westie Jack, Jack Highland Terrier)
- Jack Russell Terrier and Pug (Jug)