The Jack Russell Terrier Yorkie Mix (Jorkie) is a small designer breed that is a crossbreed of the Jack Russell Terrier and Yorkshire Terrier. They are the perfect combination of two of the most popular breeds around. They inherit the best traits of both parents, including a loving nature, high energy level, and compact size.
Also Read: Jack Russell Terrier Mixes [30 JRT Mixed Breeds w/ Pictures]
Plus, they’re just as adorable as can be! Jorkies make great companion animals and can be great family pets. If you’re looking for a fun-loving, energetic pup to add to your family, a Jorkie may be the perfect choice for you! Read on to learn all about the Jorkie.
- Jorkie Quick Facts
- Origin of the Jack Russell and Yorkshire Terrier Mix
- History of the Jack Russell Terrier
- History of the Yorkshire Terrier
- Jorkie Size and Appearance
- How Much Does a Jack Russell Yorkie Puppy Cost?
- Yorkie Russell Temperament
- Jorkie Energy Level and Exercise Needs
- Are Jorkies Intelligent Dogs?
- Do Jorkies Make Good Family Pets?
- How long do Jack Russell Yorkie Mixes Live?
- Is the Yorkie Russell a Real Dog Breed?
- Jack Russell Terrier Yorkie Mix Final Thoughts
Jorkie Quick Facts
| Breed Names | Jorkie, Yorkie Russell |
| Height (inches) | 8" to 12" |
| Weight (pounds) | 7 to 15 lbs |
| Color | tan, brown, black, white, or combination of those colors |
| Lifespan | 13 to 16 years |
| Cost | $400 to $1,200 |
Origin of the Jack Russell and Yorkshire Terrier Mix
Like most designer dogs, the exact origins of the Jorkie are unclear. Both the Jack Russell Terrier and Yorkshire Terrier originated in England in the 1800s which means the first Jorkie was also born in the 1800’s.
However, at the time, a Jack Russell Yorkie mix would have just been considered a mutt. It wasn’t until the 1990’s in the United States that Jack Russells and Yorkies began to be intentionally bred together in large numbers. It was at this point that they became a “designer breed.”
History of the Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier is a breed of dog that was originally developed in England in the 1800s. The breed was named after its creator, Parson John “Jack” Russell, who was a priest and avid fox hunter.
Reverend Russell’s aim was to create a dog that was small enough to fit into a fox’s den but also had the courage and tenacity to do battle with the animal. To achieve this, he bred his terriers with a number of different dogs, including the English White Terrier, the Fox Terrier, and the Welsh Terrier. The result was a tenacious and fearless little dog that quickly gained popularity among fox hunters.
History of the Yorkshire Terrier
Originally bred in England for rodent control in the 1800s, the Yorkshire Terrier quickly became a popular pet. In 1885, the Yorkshire Terrier was recognized by The Kennel Club in the UK as an official breed.
The Yorkie’s popularity spread to America in the early 1900s, and the toy breed has been a favorite ever since.
Jorkie Size and Appearance
The Jorkie is a small dog measuring between 8 and 12 inches tall and weighing between 7 and 15 pounds.
Like other Jack Russell Terrier mixed breeds, their appearance and features will vary based on which parent’s – the Jack Russell or the Yorkie – genes get expressed. Some will look more like Jack Russells while others will look more like Yorkies. With that in mind, here is a rundown of the physical attributes of a Jack Russell Yorkie mix:
Coat: Jorkies have a medium to long, smooth coat that can be several colors including black, brown, tan, white, or a mix of colors.
Face: Jorkies tend to have small, round heads punctuated by their dark eyes. Their snout can be short like a Yorkie or more elongated like a Jack Russell.
Ears: Most Yorkies have prick ears that stand straight up while most Jack Russells have button ears that fold forward and flop down. It seems to be more common for a Jorkie’s ears to flop down, but there are certainly some Jorkies with erect ears.
Tail: By and large Jorkies have medium length bushy tails.
How Much Does a Jack Russell Yorkie Puppy Cost?
Despite the parent breeds being two of the most popular dog breeds in the United States, the Yorkie Russell hybrid breed is surprisingly affordable.
While both Jack Russell Terrier and Yorkie puppies are sold for up to $2,500, Yorkie Russell puppies are much more affordable – usually selling for between $400 and $1,200.
The discounted price is due to the fact that many people still prefer purebred dogs instead of mixed breed dogs, especially if they plan to enter them into any type of dog show competition.
However, if you are just looking for a family pet, a Yorkie Russell puppy may be perfect for you.
When looking at Jorkie puppies, if possible, make sure that they have healthy parents. While healthy parents aren’t a guarantee of future health, it does make it less likely for serious health problems to pop up in the future.
Yorkie Russell Temperament
Jorkies are small, playful, and full of personality. However, they also require a lot of attention and care.
Both Jack Russells and Yorkshire Terriers are known as high maintenance breeds with strong characters, and the Jorkie inherits these traits as well.
Many Yorkie Jack Russell mixes have a stubborn streak that can make training, including potty training, more difficult than with other dogs.
Like their parent breeds, Jorkies are highly alert and vigilant which makes them good watch dogs. However, when their enthusiasm goes too far, it can lead to excessive barking.
To avoid Small Dog Syndrome, Jorkies require a strong pack leader. Nonetheless, with early socialization and training Jorkies can become a happy member of the pack.
Jorkie Energy Level and Exercise Needs
The Yorkie Jack Russell Mix comes from two breeds that were bred to hunt small animals. While they are no longer working dogs, Jorkies retain their hunting instinct and desire to chase after small prey.
It is important to keep your Jorkie stimulated both physically and mentally with a combination of walks, fetch, games, and puzzle toys every day.
In general, Jorkies require 45 minutes to an hour of exercise each day plus mental stimulation.
Jorkies can be seen as a hyper-active dogs, and they are definitely an energetic dog. But as long as they given the opportunity to exercise each day, they will be happy to snuggle up next to their owner on the couch.
From excessive barking to digging up the yard and other destructive behaviors, almost all behavioral issues can be improved by making sure these little dogs get their required exercise.
Are Jorkies Intelligent Dogs?
Yes, Yorkie Russells are intelligent dogs. While they are probably not going to win an award for smartest dog breed, they possess above average canine intelligence.
The intelligence level of a Yorkie Jack Russell mix offsets some of their stubbornness, and makes them easier to train.
Do Jorkies Make Good Family Pets?
While Jorkies can be trained to tolerate children and other pets, they are best suited to families with older children.
Jorkies are very devoted to their families and love spending time with them. They are also brave little dogs, and they will defend their owner if they feel they are in danger.
However, it is important to remember that they need plenty of exercise and socialization. Without these things, they can become anxious and stressed, which can lead to behavioral problems.
But if you provide your Jorkie with plenty of love and attention, you will have a loyal and loving family pet for many years to come.
How long do Jack Russell Yorkie Mixes Live?
Like most small breeds, Jorkies have a long lifespan compared to larger dogs. A healthy Jorkie can expect to live between 13 and 16 years.
This lifespan is also right in line with Jack Russells and Yorkies.
Is the Yorkie Russell a Real Dog Breed?
Just because Jorkies aren’t purebred dogs doesn’t mean they aren’t a real breed.
The Yorkie Russell is recognized by both the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC) and International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).
Jack Russell Terrier Yorkie Mix Final Thoughts
The Jack Russell Terrier Yorkie mix is a small, energetic designer dog that is very playful and affectionate, making them great companions. If you are a fan of small dogs, this mixed breed dog may be perfect for you.
The Jorkie is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise. A daily walk or run will help to keep them healthy and happy.
While they have a stubborn streak, most owners will find that their Jorkie is a loyal and obedient companion. Although they may be resistant to commands at first, they are intelligent dogs and can be trained with patience and consistency.
