The Jack Russell Pug mix is an energetic, intelligent, and social dog that fits perfectly with owners who lead an active life, regardless of whether they live in a small apartment in the city or a big house in the suburbs.
Hilariously nicknamed “The Jug,” this little canine comes in roughly the same shape and dimensions that its parent breeds do. But even though Jack Russell Terriers and Pugs are similar in size, they have a lot of differences in other aspects, which make for an interesting mix.
In this breed guide, we will be delving deep into the origins of this fascinating crossbreed, as well as some more general features, such as its appearance, temperament, health, diet, etc.
If you own one of these adorable pooches, or if you plan on getting one soon, this guide will certainly have a lot of valuable info for you.
About The Jack Russell Pug Mix
There are a lot of mixed-breed dogs out there, so you would be forgiven for not hearing about this one. But after reading this article, we’re sure you will fall in love with them, just like we did!
The Jack Russell Pug mix is a designer dog, created by crossbreeding Jack Russell Terriers with Pugs.
This designer dog, sometimes called the Jug for short, has a small, stocky physique, a round head, a few creases on the face, and a long snout inherited from his Jack Russell Terrier ancestry.
Just like Pugs and Jack Russells, it is definitely a small dog breed, with a maximum height of 15 inches. Despite being so little, Retromops have enormous personalities and calm dispositions, which make them excellent family dogs.
Origin Of The Jack Russell Pug Mix
Jug Dogs might seem like a novelty among mixed-breed dogs but they have actually been around for longer than you might think.
They are thought to have first been bred in the 1960s, in America, by breeders who were curious to find out what a mix between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Pug would look like.
This designer dog combines the appearance and temperament of the two popular purebred canines, and gets something from both sides. The result is a little bundle of loving and playfulness.
To learn more about the Jug itself, you first have to learn about its parent breeds. So let’s go through the history of Pugs and Jack Russells together, before we move on to other stuff.
History Of The Jack Russell Terrier
An English reverend, called John “Jack” Russell, is responsible for createing the Jack Russell Terrier. He did it during the 19th century in order to produce a fox-hunting dog with a mostly white coat.
This helps hunters avoid mistakenly shooting the dog out of misunderstanding by separating the Jack Russell from its prey. The Jack Russell was developed from the Beagle and Bull Terrier dog breeds.
They are highly lovable, friendly, and intelligent dogs, but because of the peculiar combination of hunting dogs’ instincts and high energy levels, they may also be challenging to handle and train.
This diminutive, affectionate dog could initially seem like a nice option for apartment dwellers and first-time pet owners. They may surprise you with their vigor and determination, though. JRTs, as well as many Jack Russell Terrier mix dogs, are frequently hyperactive and may be a real handful.
To prevent bad tendencies from forming, these dogs need to be trained rigorously and frequently. You’ll be rewarded with a loyal companion for life, though, if you can handle a little bit of mayhem and keep up with an active puppy.
History Of The Pug
China is the original home of the Pug breed, and it is there that they were first bred sometime around 400 BC.
Because of their distinctive forehead wrinkles, which resemble the Chinese alphabet character for “prince,” both the royalty and the monks see them as a good luck charm.
Portuguese traders introduced the pug to Europe in the sixteenth century, and since then, they have become more and more well-liked all across the world, almost as much as Poodles or German Shepherds.
Additionally, they were used to create a number of various different mixed breeds.
Jack Russell Pug Mix Appearance
Depending on which parent’s genes were more dominant, the physical characteristics of the Jack Russell and Pug Mix would differ.
For example, if the Jug takes after its JRT parent more, it is highly likely that it will resemble a Pug without its signature flat face, but instead a much longer snout.
This is one of the more obvious physical traits that you will probably notice right away.
Speaking in more general terms, there are some physical features that you can expect most Jugs to have. Those include a curly tail that curls inside toward the body, a round head with round and protruding eyes, and a set of triangle-shaped, floppy ears.
How Big Is A Jug?
A typical Jack Russell Terrier Pug mix stands between 12 and 15 inches tall at the withers, and weighs between 16 and 20 pounds.
Read More: Jack Russell Growth Chart: Things To Know
Like many small breed dogs, a Jug Dog will attain its adult height and fill out its body structure before turning 12 months old.
At that point, the full-grown Jack Russell Pug Mix should have an athletic, proportionate body that is neither too overweight nor too lean, but its legs should look long and thin, at least when compared to the rest of its body.
What Color Is The Jug?
Jugs can be found in a variety of colors, including black, white, fawn, tan, brown, and white. The head, legs, and body of a Jug typically have some markings in either the primary or the secondary coat color.
Out of all those colors, the black one is the rarest. This is because the Jack Russell breed never comes in black — only brown and white combos — so if you happen to see a Jug with a predominantly black coat, it’s probably because it inherited it from its Pug parent.
Jack Russell Pug Mix Temperament
This mixed breed dog combines Jack Russell’s natural hunting instincts with the Pug‘s affectionate temperament.
They are perceptive, amiable, animated, and can occasionally get fairly loud. When left alone for an extended period of time, a Jack Russell Pug Mix’s temperament could become stubborn and exhibit destructive habits around the house.
Jug dogs may inherit Jack Russell’s strong hunting instinct, which makes some of them noisy and prone to barking. However, this can be controlled by early socializing and training, so you can’t really describe them as being a naturally aggressive breed.
Most of the time, Jugs are really good boys and girls. As a breed of dog, they are social, devoted, and energetic. They also possess incredible alertness and the desire to participate in things happening around them, which are both traits that they have inherited from the Jack Russell Terrier.
Are Jugs Good Around Kids?
It is a general consensus that Jugs make excellent family pets, but if you have small children in your house you should take some extra caution.
They are very friendly and social, but their high levels of energy and the desire to express their natural hunting instincts can sometimes be too much for kids, and it can lead to some unwanted behavior.
Are Jugs Good Around Other Pets?
Basically, the same thing that we said about Jugs being around children applies to them being around other pets. This is particularly the case if those other pets are smaller animals, such as cats, hamsters, etc.
If those Jack Russell genes are prevalent, Jug dogs might think of these small animals as prey and be urged to chase them around the house. Of course, this can be corrected early on with proper training, but it will require you to pay a bit more attention than you usually would.
As long as they were socialized as puppies and kept in mind that they are territorial by nature, Jugs get along well with other animals.
Although they do have a strong desire to hunt and may try to pursue smaller animals, if they are nurtured with them, joyful and constructive connections will develop.
Are Jugs Easy To Train?
Despite their potential for stubbornness, Jugs can be trained. Starting young, utilizing positive rewards, and being consistent are the keys to effective Jug dog training.
The Jack Russell Pug mix is sometimes prone to the so-called small dog syndrome, which causes them to act in a dominant manner toward their owners or other dogs.
When training a Jack Russell Pug mix, use firmness and consistency without being too strict. Given their intelligence and keen perception, these dogs respond favorably to praise, positive reinforcements, and prizes.
Jack Russell Pug Mix Health
Although Jug dogs generally have good health, there are some diseases that they may be more prone to because of their flat snouts and wrinkled skin.
There are other inherited illnesses as well that you should be aware of. You may learn what health problems your dog may be predisposed to by conducting an at-home dog DNA test.
Even though they are typically healthy dogs, you might want to be better prepared to handle any potential future health problems, so we will speak a bit more about them later on in this article.
How Long Do Jugs Live?
A Jack Russell Pug Mix’s average lifespan is longer than the general canine average, which is a trait they share with a lot of the smaller breeds.
The Jug dog lives 12 to 15 years on average, which is very near the top of the list of the longest-living dog breeds, and almost as long as their Jack Russell Terrier ancestors.
While it is true that these dogs might inherit some of the common health issues that typically affect their parent breeds, with the right care, you can maximize the lifespan of your Jug dog, and enable it to live a healthy and fulfilled life.
Frequent Medical Conditions
Whenever you make the decision to buy a dog, one of the first and most important things that you have to consider is its health.
Educating yourself about some of the more common medical issues that affect a certain breed will give you a good foundation and make your decision much more well-informed.
Although Jugs are generally a very healthy crossbreed, as we’ve already mentioned, there are still some possible health issues that you should be aware of.
Owners of Jugs should be aware of the medical issues that can occasionally affect Pugs and Jack Russells, some of which are inherited.
Your Jug will be more likely to experience certain of the health issues that are more common in that breed if it is more like its Jack Russell parent or more like its Pug parent. For that reason, we’ve listed some of the most common medical conditions that appear in both of those breeds.
Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome
Jugs with short snouts may experience breathing issues as a result of an abundance of tissue in their crowded nasal cavity.
Brachycephalic dog breeds, such as the Jug, are more prone to developing a series of disorders known as Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), due to their conformation.
Pugs, Shih-Tzus, Pekingese, English, and French Bulldogs are examples of breeds of brachycephalic dogs. Although less frequently, longer-nosed breeds like Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can also be afflicted.
As you may have guessed, the Pug genes found in the Jack Russell Pug mix dogs put them at a slightly higher risk of developing this condition.
Pyoderma
Pyoderma is a skin ailment in which an overabundance of moisture, particularly in the skin folds, leads to bacterial or yeast infection.
The term “pyoderma” literally means “pus in the skin” so you can probably imagine what it’s like.
It’s prevalent in some dogs and can be brought on by an infection, an inflammatory condition, or cancer. The majority of these are minor and secondary to a number of other ailments, like allergies or parasites.
Patellar Luxation
Patellar luxation can be described in simple terms as a dislocation of the dog’s kneecap. A luxated patella can occur in any breed of dog, but it is more common in small or toy breeds like Chihuahuas, for example.
Since both Jack Russells and Pugs are small breeds, you can see why their mixed offspring would be susceptible to patellar luxation, too.
There are cases when surgery might be necessary, particularly if your dog’s condition is severe and causing it a lot of suffering.
Epilepsy
Dogs with a neurological disorder called epilepsy experience seizures that last one minute or more. Despite the fact that the disorder is most frequently inherited, there are also additional causes, including liver disease and brain tumors.
Typically, specific anti-epileptic medications are used to treat it.
Glaucoma
There are several eye conditions, including glaucoma and cataracts, that can occasionally affect Jack Russells. Although not as frequently, some of their crossbreeds, like the Jug dog, can also get similar ailments.
One of the most prevalent ones is glaucoma, which can harm the retina and optical nerve due to poor drainage of eye fluids.
Cushing’s Disease
The overproduction of steroid hormones by the adrenal glands results in Cushing’s disease.
A dog who has excessive cortisol may be at risk for kidney damage, diabetes, and other dangerous disorders and illnesses, which could be fatal.
Some of the symptoms include, but are not limited to, increased appetite and thirst, hair loss, lethargy, weight gain, and frequent urination.
Jack Russell Pug Mix Diet
Every time you get a dog, you need to design a diet that will be suitable for it. However, customizing a diet for a mixed-breed dog can be challenging, since you’re not sure what and how much it might need.
Since both of Jug’s parent breeds, the Jack Russell Terrier and the Pug, are small breeds, they have relatively similar requirements when it comes to feeding.
Your main concern with these types of dogs is to not overfeed them because they can get overweight pretty quickly.
Read next: Pug Feeding Chart: What To Feed Your Pug Bug
Look for dog foods that were specifically made for small breed dogs and are full of high-quality healthy fats, proteins, and all the other nutrients that a dog needs to function properly.
How Much Does A Jug Eat?
Jug puppies should be fed one-third to one-half of a cup of nutritious dog food twice a day while they are still growing, and once they become adult dogs, you should increase that to a steady half a cup, twice a day.
Free feeding your Jug dogs by leaving out a full bowl for them and refilling it when it gets low is not advised. This makes them more prone to obesity, and small dogs are especially vulnerable.
Jack Russell Pug Mix Exercise
These dogs are incredibly active and need to move around a lot in order to satisfy their physical activity needs.
Jack Russell Terrier Pug mixes should exercise for at least 30 minutes each day, and it’s recommended that you extend it up to an hour.
Additionally, the Jugs’ chasing urge can be sated by playing fetch with dog toys or playing hide and seek with them.
Make no mistake, playtime is just as important for these dogs as walking is. Especially when you give them some chewable toys because that way they can express their inherent urge to chew on things.
Jack Russell Pug Mix Grooming
When it comes to grooming, Jack Russell Pug mix dogs aren’t too big of a hassle. In fact, you could say that they are fairly easy to groom, at least when compared to some of the other high-maintenance dog breeds out there.
In the paragraphs below, we have outlined all the basic grooming needs that you need to attend to when owning a Jug dog.
Brushing
The Jug requires very little upkeep in terms of grooming because they often have short coats that only require brushing once or twice a week. However, they will require more frequent brushing if your Jug has a rougher coat inherited from their rough-coated Jack Russell parent.
Bathing
Only bathe your Jack Russell Pug mix when absolutely necessary, and make sure you do it with a good dog shampoo because most dogs’ coats naturally contain oils that assist maintain healthy skin.
You can wash a Jack Russell Pug mix using a gentle, natural dog shampoo that is simple to rinse off but leaves a lingering aroma to keep him clean.
Your canine buddies should always be bathed with a shampoo that will leave their skin and coat feeling clean, hydrated, and healthy. Take a look at some of the best shampoos for Pugs in this article.
Nail Trimming
Your dog’s nails should be trimmed regularly. Regarding its frequency, it should be done approximately every three or four weeks.
If you’ve previously struggled with trimming your dog’s nails for one reason or another, you should perhaps try using a nail grinder instead of a clipper, as it’s a less traumatic experience for the pooch.
Some dog owners are unaware of how crucial nail trimming is for their canine companions. The nails may twist and become lodged in the paw pads if they are overgrown, which can cause a lot of pain for the Jug dog and even lead to some nasty bacterial infections.
Additionally, your dog’s gait may change, making walking and moving more challenging.
Ear Cleaning
Even though a Jack Russell Pug mix is not typically prone to ear infections, it is nonetheless advised to clean the ears with ear wipes for sanitary reasons.
Doing it once every month should be enough, especially since most dogs don’t like being touched in that area of their head.
Teeth Brushing
Jug’s teeth should be brushed two to three times a week, or more frequently if necessary because they are prone to dental problems.
The toothpaste’s enzymatic formula will assist in efficiently removing plaque, preventing tartar accumulation, cleaning your dog’s teeth and gums, and freshening their breath.
Do Jugs Shed A Lot?
Unfortunately, they do.
Jug dogs shed a certain amount throughout the year, and when the shedding seasons kick in during spring and fall, that amount increases significantly.
You can discover a ton of fur on your clothing and in your home during the fall and spring, which can be especially challenging if you or someone in your household suffer from allergies.
Just like their parent breeds, Jack Russell Pug mix dogs are not hypoallergenic, so you might want to think twice before getting one if you are allergy-prone.
Jack Russell Pug Mix Living Conditions
Jugs are an excellent breed for any sort of home because they are a small breed. Because of their thick coat, they can pretty nearly endure chilly temperatures, but caution should be used while allowing them out during the warmer months.
Particularly if they have shorter snouts, which make cooling down a little more difficult, heat strokes could be a possibility.
Make sure your yard is completely enclosed if you let your Jug dogs walk free in it during the winter.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to have an electronic doggy door because your dog can go outside and enter the house on its own.
The convenience of not having to open and close the door every time your dog needs to go outside or come inside is something you will quickly learn to appreciate.
Male Vs. Female Jack Russell Pug Mix
On average, Jugs are roughly 11 to 14 inches tall and 13 to 18 pounds in weight. Female Jugs tend to be closer to the lower end of those ranges, and male Jugs are typically placed toward the higher end.
Generally, female canines tend to be a little smaller and lighter than males.
The decision to get surgery on your Jug is another big difference between the two Jug dog genders.
Compared to neutering a male dog, spaying a female dog requires a more involved procedure that might be more expensive and have a longer recovery period. However, having your dog spayed or neutered might help in increasing its life expectancy.
It can lessen some of the dog’s inclinations toward aggression and running away, as well as assist in preventing any future health issues.
Finally, many people feel that male dogs are typically less friendly and more aggressive than females. However, this has never really been proven and we believe that training, socialization, and treatment your dog received as a puppy and as an adult are the most crucial factors that will affect its personality.
Also read: Male Vs Female Pug: The Gender Battle Is Back
Jack Russell Pug Mix Price
You can choose to purchase a Jack Russell Pug mix puppy from a breeder or a local shelter or adoption organization. If you decide to purchase from a breeder, expect to spend anything between $800 to $1,800.
That is a price comparable to that of a purebred Jack Russell Terrier, but somewhat cheaper than that of a purebred Pug puppy.
However, if you turn to a neighborhood shelter and get lucky enough to find one of these pups, then it shouldn’t cost you more than $300 to $600.
Jack Russell Pug Mix FAQ
After talking about some of the most important aspects of owning and taking care of a Jack Russell Pug mix, it’s time to turn our attention to some of the most frequently asked questions about this breed.
There are a lot of people who are curious about this breed and as a result, there are a lot of questions that they ask. We wanted to use this section of the article to cover some of those.
Do Jug Dogs Bark A Lot?
This is a question that a lot of potential dog owners (and probably some of their neighbors) ask a lot, and the answer is — yes.
And as you might have already guessed, the blame lies with their Jack Russell genes. JRTsbark a lot. Pugs, on the other hand, don’t have that reputation, although that might just be because they are nowhere nearly as loud.
Jugs appear to inherit the Jack Russell’s barking gene more so than the Pug’s. Although some people might find this a tad annoying, you can’t argue that it makes them excellent watchdogs because they are alert canines who frequently bark when they hear noises.
Are Jug Dogs Good Apartment Dogs?
Yes! Because of their small physical stature, Jack Russell Pug mixes make great apartment dogs, but you still need to make sure that they get their fair share of exercise and physical activity.
If you live in an apartment, take them for walks regularly, and play fetch with them in the park as much as possible.
Are Jug Dogs Prone to Obesity?
Jugs are prone to weight gain and enjoy snacks, just like Pugs. Because of this, if their calorie intake is not controlled and they do not exercise enough, they might easily gain weight and develop obesity.
Are Jug Dogs Aggressive?
Since Jack Russell Terriers are hunting dogs, they could be hostile against rodents like chipmunks and squirrels. Jugs aren’t thought to be aggressive, save from the hunting impulse they got from the Jack Russell.
Are Jug Dogs Stubborn?
It seems natural that the Jack Russell Pug hybrid could occasionally display a stubborn streak or show signs of small dog syndrome as both the Jack Russell Terrier and Pug breeds are recognized for being independent thinkers.
They require a strong pack leader, like all dogs, to teach them what is right and wrong. In this case, that should be you, the owner.
Are Jug Dogs Hypoallergenic?
Jugs are not hypoallergenic dogs because they moderately shed all year long. If you are prone to allergies, you might want to consider getting a different breed of dog, perhaps one that is hypoallergenic in nature.
Are Jugs Recognized As A Breed By The AKC?
Only purebred dogs are traditionally accepted by the American Kennel Club (AKC), so the Jug dog, as a hybrid dog breed, doesn’t get in there, even though both of its parent breeds — the Jack Russell Terrier and the Pug — are part of the AKC registry.However, the Jug is a part of the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), which is the country’s finest registry of mixed-breed dogs.
Final Thoughts
The Jack Russell Pug mix combines the greatest qualities of the Pug and the Jack Russell breeds, which are two quite different breeds.
The Jug is an active dog who also enjoys spending time with the family. It is not as hyperactive as the Jack Russell and not as calm as the Pug.
Finding a Jug puppy online shouldn’t be too challenging because it is a widely known hybrid, but if you’re having difficulties finding one nearby, you can start by getting in touch with Jack Russell Terrier and Pug breeders.
But before you make a decision to get one of these great dogs, be sure to remember all the information and tips from this article, as it will serve as a great background for you as the potential Jug-owner.