Jack Russell Terriers make for one of the best dogs you can adopt if you are a dog owner with patience and the desire to mold a dog into a well-behaved part of the family.
I know from experience from raising my now 4-year-old Jack Russell Terrier. I also am an avid fan of all mix breeds that contain the Jack Russell which undoubtedly includes the Papijack.
The Papijack has all the qualities of the Jack Russell plus the amazing qualities of the Papillon.
If you’re a fan of small, energetic dogs with big personalities, the Papijack might be the perfect breed for you.
The Papijack combines the intelligence and athleticism of the Jack Russell with the affectionate and playful nature of the Papillon.
In this brief discussion, we’ll dive into the history of the Papijack and explore the unique traits and characteristics that make the Papijack such a beloved companion for any family.
This discussion is going to help break down the personality and temperament of the Papijack and give a full overview of the dog breed.
If you are on the fence about potentially adopting a Papijack or perhaps you are hesitating due to a lack of knowledge on the breed, this short discussion should help you better understand the breed and better understand if it’s the dog for you and your family.
Let’s dive into those details now.
Also Read: Jack Russell Terrier Mixes [30 JRT Mixed Breeds w/ Pictures]
| Breed Names | Papijack, Papi Jack Russell |
| Height (inches) | 10″ to 12″ |
| Weight (pounds) | 8 to 12 pounds |
| Color | White with black and brown markings |
| Lifespan | 12 to 15 years |
| Cost | $500 to $1,500 |
The Papijack
The Papijack is 50% Jack Russell Terrier and 50% Papillon. Hence, the name.
The Papijack.
As the owner of a Jack Russell Terrier for the past several years, a few traits jump out to me immediately.
Affection, energy, and athletic abilities are crazy with this dog breed.
Due to the Papijack being a cross between the Papillon and the Jack Russell, the Papijack can inherit traits from both parents.
This can be a great thing or potentially a downfall depending on your preparation level or your background in dogs overall.
Let’s do a quick overview of the history of the Papillon next.
History of the Papillon
The Papillon is a small breed of dog that has been around for centuries. Its origins can be traced back to the 16th century when they were often seen in paintings of royalty and aristocracy.
The breed was highly sought after due to its beautiful coat and charming personality.
Much like the Jack Russell Terrier which I have referenced dozens of times on this blog the charm and presence this dog has.
The charming personality is also one of the reasons you have seen the Jack Russell Terrier in so many TV shows and movies over the years such as “Frasier” or “My Dog Skip”.
Over the years, the Papillon became more popular and was eventually recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1915.
Today, the Papillon is still a popular breed and is known for its intelligence, affectionate nature, and stunning butterfly ears.
Now that we have a brief history of the Papillon, let’s talk about the size and overall appearance of the Papijack.
Sizing and Appearance of the Papijack
Papijacks are small in size, typically weighing between 8-12 pounds, and stand around 10-12 inches tall.
This is very similar to what you could expect with the Jack Russell Terrier.
My female Jack Russell (Luna) is just under 15 pounds and fully grown approaching 4 years of age.
While some Papijacks may exceed these heights and weights by a slim margin, the averages above are what you can expect if you plan to adopt.
Papijacks have a lean and muscular build, with a coat that can range from short and smooth to long and silky.
Their coat colors can vary, but they often have a combination of white, black, and brown that requires minimal grooming which is what we are going to touch on next.
Grooming Needs of the Papijack
The grooming needs of the Papijack will depend on the length and texture of their coat but overall, it will be minimal.
With my Jack Russell Terrier, I typically brush her once every few days and give her a bath every 4-6 weeks.
Of course, this is assuming they don’t roll in mud or find a way to get dirty enough to require grooming prior to these time frames.
Here’s a look at what you can expect based on the coat with a Papijack.
If they have a shorter coat, they will require minimal grooming, such as brushing once a week to remove loose hair and debris.
If they have a longer coat, they will require more frequent grooming, such as brushing several times a week to prevent matting and tangling.
They may also require occasional trimming to keep their coat looking neat and tidy.
Bathing is something you absolutely do not want to overdo.
Doing so will only cause additional grooming needs and cause the skin to dry out for a Papijack.
While it may make the dog smell much better, stick to spreading out the bathing to every month or month in half and focus on brushing to remove debris and keeping the nails cut to the proper length.
The Cost to Adopt the Papijack
The cost to adopt a Papijack can vary depending on several factors, such as whether you adopt from a breeder or a rescue organization.
Personally, I recommend a breeder when available, but everyone has a unique situation so either way is perfectly fine.
The cost of a Papijack puppy from a breeder can range from $500 to $1,500 or more, depending on the breeder’s reputation and location.
Adoption fees from a rescue organization can range from $50 to $500 or more, depending on the organization and the dog’s age and health.
In addition to adoption costs, you’ll also need to factor in the cost of initial gear, such as a crate, food, and water bowls, a leash and collar, and toys.
With a dog like a Papijack, do not get cheap with toys or items to provide entertainment.
They can be destructive when they are not mentally stimulated so load up on toys before you even arrive home with your new puppy.
I have had more things in my home chewed or destructed from my Jack Russells puppy years than I can count.
You’ll also need to budget for ongoing expenses, such as food, veterinary care, and grooming supplies.
Exercise Needs and Energy Levels of the Papijack
The Papijack is a high-energy breed that requires daily exercise and mental stimulation.
They have a lot of energy to burn and love to play, making them a great fit for active families or individuals.
Think about it. 50% Jack Russell.
This dog is going to be an energy machine so it’s best to plan for that energy accordingly now and ask yourself if you will have the patience and attitude to deal with the high energy demands a Papijack is going to bring to the table when you arrive home.
A daily walk, some playtime in the backyard, or a trip to the dog park can help satisfy their exercise needs.
I love to run and jog with my Jack Russell as well so this is something to consider with a Papijack.
The goal is to wear this dog down any way you can.
Trust me, the behavior will be much better, and you will be a much happier dog owner following this advice.
They also enjoy mental stimulation, such as training sessions or puzzle toys that challenge their minds.
It’s important to note that the Papijack can be prone to boredom and destructive behavior if they don’t receive enough exercise and mental stimulation.
It’s important to ensure they have plenty of opportunities to burn off their energy to protect your home and to ensure your dog is socializing properly and not becoming misbehaved or destructive.
Behavior and Temperament of the Papijack
The Papijack is a small breed that is known for being energetic and playful.
A Papijack is going to be very loyal and affectionate with its owners, and enjoy spending time cuddling on the couch.
If I can praise one trait of my Jack Russell, it’s loyalty or affection.
The Papijack will be the exact same.
It’s an awesome dog breed to adopt from this standpoint.
However, due to their Jack Russell Terrier genes, Papijacks can be very independent and stubborn at times.
On the flip side, if you are patient and willing, they are also highly trainable and respond well to positive reinforcement training.
Early socialization is important to prevent any aggressive tendencies from developing.
In general, Papijacks are good with children and other pets when socialized properly.
They may tend to chase small animals due to their hunting instincts, so it is important to supervise them around other pets.
Intelligence Levels of the Papijack
Papijacks are highly intelligent dogs that are easy to train if and only if you are willing to put in the time and effort.
They are incredibly smart but require incredible patience is the best way to word this for all the readers.
They are quick learners and enjoy being challenged mentally. They are also highly adaptable and can easily adjust to new situations.
If the Papijack Makes a Good Family Pet
Overall, the Papijack makes a great family pet for those who are willing to put in the time and effort to properly train and socialize them.
Period, end of the story.
This is a dog breed that will challenge its owners but any owner who steps up will be rewarded with one of the best dogs you can adopt in every aspect.
Put simply, the Papijack can make an excellent family pet for the right family.
Life Expectancy of the Papijack
The Papijack’s life expectancy is generally between 12 to 15 years which is slightly shorter than the average life span of the Jack Russell Terrier.
As with any breed, there are several factors that can influence their lifespan, including genetics, diet, exercise, and overall health. With proper care and regular vet check-ups, Papijacks can live a long and healthy life.
Common Health Issues of the Papijack
While the Papijack is generally a healthy breed, there are some health issues to be aware of. These include:
Patellar Luxation
This condition occurs when the kneecap dislocates from its normal position, causing discomfort and pain. It is more common in small breeds, including the Papijack.
Eye Problems
The Papijack can be prone to eye problems such as cataracts, glaucoma, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Regular vet check-ups and proper eye care can help prevent and manage these issues.
Dental Problems
Papijacks can be prone to dental issues such as gum disease and tooth decay. Regular dental check-ups and proper dental care can help prevent these problems.
The Takeaway
As the owner of a Jack Russell Terrier, you can take the information in this discussion to heart and count on it being accurate.
A Papijack will challenge you in the beginning, but the rewards are worth it.
The Papijack is a delightful and charming breed that can make an excellent family pet. They are friendly, playful, and loyal to their human families.
While they can be stubborn and difficult to train, early socialization and obedience training can make their well-behaved pets.
Luna and I wish you the best of luck if you do decide to adopt in the future.
