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The Jack Russell Lab mix, also known as the jackador, is a dog breed that is quickly gaining in popularity.
This is because it is a great all-around dog that can be used for various purposes.
In this post, you’ll discover everything you need to know about Jackador, their history, what they were bred for, their physical appearance, temperament, traits, and more.
If you’re thinking about getting a Jack Russell Lab mix or already have one, this post is for you!
Table of Contents
What Is A Jackador?
The Jackador or Jack Russell Terrier Lab mix is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Jack Russell Terrier.
This mixed breed inherits the best traits from both parent breeds, making it an intelligent, active, and friendly dog that gets along well with people and other animals.
Although it’s not purebred, this hybrid dog may have some benefits over its parent breeds.
In fact, many people actually believe that mixed breeds are healthier than purebreds because they have a more diverse gene pool.
This means they are less likely to inherit genetic diseases from their parents.
Jackadors being a hybrid breed or designer dog, are not officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC)
However, the AKC recognizes its parent breeds, the Labrador Retriever and Jack Russell Terrier.
History Of The Jack Russell Terrier Mix
To understand the Jackador’s history properly, we first need to look at the parent breeds.
It’s hard to pinpoint a crossbreed’s first creation date since these types of breeds can happen naturally.
Over time, people begin noticing them, and breeders begin purposely breeding them once that happens.
So to understand their history better, we must look at the Jackadors parent breeds.
History Of The Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers are a small Terrier originally bred in England in the 1800s by a man named John Russell.
They were bred as hunting dogs that could help chase down small game such as foxes, rabbits, rats, and more.
The Jack Russell Terrier was bred to be independent and highly intelligent.
This breed is also known for being very tenacious and determined, which makes them great hunting companions.
Over the years, there have been many Russell Terrier variations.
The Parson Russell Terrier is an example of one, and its main difference from jack Russell terriers is its longer legs.
History Of The Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is a large breed of retriever-gun dog. They were originally bred in Newfoundland and later brought to England by fishermen in the 1800s.
They were originally bred as hunting dogs that would retrieve prey.
Due to their excellent swimming capabilities, they would retrieve fish and ducks and even haul small fishermen’s boats.
Labradors are known for being gentle, playful, friendly, highly intelligent, and high-energy.
Jackador Dog Appearance & Traits
The appearance of the Jack Russell Lab mix can vary depending on the breeders and which parent breed they take after more.
However, most Jackadors tend to be medium-sized dogs with an athletic build.
Their heads are typically shaped like a Labrador with floppy ears, and their tails can vary from long like a Labrador’s to short like a Jack Russell’s.
Here is a quick table of some information on the Pocket Bully’s appearance and personality traits:
Let’s take a closer look at some of the key characteristics of this breed.
Size (Weight & Height)
Jackadors have an athletic build and
The average weight of a Jack Russell Lab mix is between 25-50 pounds, with their height sitting between 15-20 inches tall.
It’s also important to note that female jackadors will be slightly smaller than males.
Coat Colors & Texture
The coat of a Jackador is usually medium-length, water-resistant, and can be either wavy or straight.
The most common coat colors for a Jackador are black, brown, cream, and yellow, but they can also be a mix of these colors.
The Jackador’s parent breeds dictate which color and coat texture it will receive.
Color comes mostly from the Labrador parent but is not always the case.
Labradors usually come in chocolate, yellow, brown, or white.
The Jack Russell terriers are usually brown, white, and a mix of these colors.
So a Jackador can come in a variety of colors from the parents.
You may find Jackadors with patches of colors on their face, chest, and other areas.
This is due to the Jack Russell color pattern inherited by the Jackador.
If the mix was a Jack Russell Black Lab mix, the color would likely be dominated by black.
In contrast, if the mix was a Jack Russell Yellow Lab mix, the color would probably be dominantly yellow.
Shedding & Grooming
When you fuse a high shedding dog with a low shedding dog, you end up with the Jack Russell lab mix.
Depending on which parent breed the Jackador takes after, more will determine the amount they will shed.
It’s common for Jackadors to be moderate shedders requiring weekly brushing.
They are also average shedders seasonally, so you may find them shedding more during certain times of the year.
It’s important to note that their coat may require more frequent grooming if they take after the Labrador parent more.
The Jackador is also considered to be a low-maintenance dog breed when it comes to grooming.
They only need to be bathed when necessary, and their nails should be trimmed as needed.
Ears & Tail
The ears and tail of a Jackador are usually floppy like the Labradors.
However, their ears may stand erect if they take more after the Jack Russell parent.
Their tails can also vary in length, but most tend to be medium-length tails that are thick at the base and taper off towards the end.
Eye Colors
The eye color of a Jackador can be brown, green, or hazel.
It’s not uncommon for them to have one blue eye and one brown eye, which is called heterochromia.
This trait is often passed down from the Jack Russell parent.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of a Jackador is between 12-15 years. Though some can live over 15 years.
This is a relatively long life expectancy for a dog, especially when you compare it to other breeds that only live an average of 11 years.
The key to prolonging their life is to make sure they are well taken care of and receive proper nutrition, exercise, and medical care.
Common Health Issues
The Jack Russell Labrador Mix will carry over similar health concerns that the parent’s breeds might have had.
Overall, Jackadors are generally healthy dogs, but all dogs have some common issues.
Here are Labrador Retrievers Common Health Concerns:
- Hip, shoulder, and elbow dysplasia
- Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC)
- Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD)
- Patellar luxation
- Obesity
Here are Jack Russell Terriers Common Health Concerns:
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Legg-Calve Perthes disease
- Primary lens luxation
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Deafness
- Glaucoma
As you can see, the Jack Russell Labrador mix could have some health problems.
So, it’s important to take them to the vet for regular check-ups and get them on good quality dog food to help prevent some of these health issues.
Also, if you are looking at getting a Jack Russell Lab mix, make sure you choose a puppy from a reputable breeder.
You must ask the breeder health questions about the parent dogs and if they have any history of health problems.
You want to make sure you are getting a healthy puppy from the start.
Activity Level & Exercise Needs
Jackadors come from two breeds known to be high-energy, so it’s no surprise that the Jackador is also a high-energy dog.
They need at least an hour of exercise every day and even more if possible.
Ideally, having a yard and room for them to run around and burn energy is recommended.
A tired dog is a good dog, especially for Jackadors, since they can become destructive when bored.
Some good ways to exercise a Jackador include:
- Running
- Hiking
- Swimming
- Agility training
- Playing fetch
- Obedience training
At the end of the day, as long as you are providing your Jackador with enough exercise and mental stimulation, they’ll be a happy dog.
Since Jack Russells tend to be crafty, intelligent, and mischievous, Jackadors take on some of these traits.
Due to this, you won’t want to leave them outside unattended as they tend to get up to no good.
Trainability & Intelligence
The Jack Russell Lab mix is considered to be a highly intelligent breed.
Both parent breeds are known for their above-average intelligence, so it’s no surprise that the Jackador is also very smart.
This does have its pros and cons.
On the one hand, it means they are easier to train since they can learn commands quickly.
However, it also means they need a lot of mental stimulation to prevent them from getting bored and destructive.
The best way to keep a Jackador’s mind challenged is to enroll them in obedience classes, agility training, or doggy sports.
This will help tire them out both mentally and physically.
Are Jackadors Easy To Train?
The short answer is yes.
Jackadors are one of the easier breeds to train.
However, that doesn’t mean you won’t have to put in the time and effort.
All dogs need basic obedience training, and this is especially true for high-energy breeds like the Jackador.
Some commands you’ll want to teach your Jackador include:
- Sit
- Stay
- Come
- Down
- Leave it
- Heel
A good obedience class will also help socialize your Jackador and teach them how to interact with other dogs and people.
This is an important skill for all dogs to have, but especially for high-energy breeds that might jump or run up to people without thinking.
Temperament & Behavior
The Jack Russell Labrador mix is a high-energy, friendly, and loyal breed.
Although every dog has its own uniqueness, the Jackador temperament will mostly come from dog breeds that are more prevalent in its DNA.
The Jackador can have a mellow, easygoing, playful temperament, similar to the labrador.
On the flip side, if the Jackador takes more traits from the Jack Russell Terrier, they may have a harder time sitting still and settling down.
Jack Russells Terriers are high-energy, so while they can be mellow at times, they need an outlet for their energy.
This can come in the form of daily exercise, playing fetch, or going for a run.
Jackadors are great with kids, and other dogs but might not be the best around small animals since they were originally bred to hunt.
However, they are adaptable and can be trained to have less prey drive.
They are known to be very protective of their family and make great watchdogs.
If The Jack Russell Lab mix was to have a perfect 50/50 from its parent breeds, you’d have a dog that’s playful, active, an excellent hunter, and a dog ready to relax and cuddle when inside.
Here are some common questions about the Jackador Temperament and Behaviors:
Do Jack Russell Lab Mixes Bark A Lot?
This really depends on the dog.
Some Jackadors bark more than others, but in general, they are not known to be yappy dogs.
However, If they inherit more temperaments from the Jack Russell Terrier, they can be more prone to barking.
This is because Jack Russell Terriers were trained to alert their owners when they found prey.
While Jackadors don’t need to hunt, the urge to bark at perceived ‘prey’ (i.e. squirrels, birds, other dogs, etc.) can still be strong in some.
The good news is you easily reduce excessive barking through obedience training and positive reinforcement.
Do Jackadors Like To Cuddle?
This again depends on the dog.
Some Jackadors are cuddlers, and some aren’t.
It really just depends on their individual personality.
If your Jackador takes after the Labrador Retriever parent more, then they will likely be a big cuddler.
Labradors are known for being big softies that just want to be loved.
On the other hand, if your Jackador takes more after the Jack Russell Terrier parent, they may not be as big of a cuddler.
This doesn’t mean they don’t like affection. They may just prefer to show it in other ways, such as playing fetch or going for a run.
Are Jackadors Good With Kids?
Yes, Jackadors are good family dogs and great with kids.
They are a high-energy breed that loves to play, so they will likely enjoy playing with kids.
Jackadors are gentle and patient, so they will likely be good with kids of all ages.
Are Jackadors Good With Other Dogs?
Yes, Jackadors are good with other dogs so long as the other dog minds it’s own manners.
They are a social breed that loves to play and be around others, but if they feel threatened, they will not hesitate to defend themselves.
Jackadors do best with other dogs with similar energy levels, so they can play and run around together.
Just make sure to introduce them to other dogs and socialize them from a young age.
How Are Jackadors With Strangers?
Jackadors are friendly and happy-go-lucky with strangers.
They will likely bark when someone new comes to the house, but they are not aggressive dogs.
They just want to meet new people and be friends with everyone.
Are Jackadors Good Apartment Dogs?
Yes, Jackadors can be good apartment dogs if they get enough exercise.
They are a high-energy breed, so they need to burn off some energy every day, but if they do, they can be calm and relaxed indoors.
A daily walk or run should be enough to tire them out.
If you live in a small apartment, you may want to consider getting a Jackador with lower energy levels, so they don’t need as much exercise.
In order to do this, ask breeders about the parent dogs to see what their temperament and energy levels were.
If you can find a Jackador that takes its temperament from the Labrador, this is the Jackador you’re looking for.
Can A Jack Russell Lab Mix Be A Service Dog?
Yes, a Jack Russell Lab mix can be a service dog.
This breed is intelligent, obedient, and eager to please, making them ideal candidates for service work.
Jackadors are also good at being calm in public and not getting distracted, which is important for service dogs.
However, this will take dedication and training to get them there.
Food & Diet
The recommended food and diet for a Jackador is high-quality dry dog food.
This breed is active and needs a lot of energy, so they need food that will give them the nutrients they need to stay healthy and active.
Look for foods that are high in protein and have added vitamins and minerals.
Depending on their age, their portions and food contents will change.
What you feed a Jack Russell Lab mix puppy will be foods that contain lots of protein and fat.
The higher the quality of the food, the better.
As they get older, their portions will change, the amount of food they eat will increase, and they will slowly switch to adult food at around one year old.
The ideal Jack Russell Lab mix diet is a balanced diet of protein, carbohydrates, and fat.
Ideally, you want to see food with the AAFCO-approved seal (Association of American Feed Control Officials).
This guarantees dog food has a balance of all the vitamins and minerals a dog needs.
My father, Dr. Littlejohn, recommends 1 of 4 dog food brands for the highest quality foods.
What Is The Price Of A Jackador?
Jackador puppy prices can start at around $400 and go up to $1200.
The price will depend on the breeder, parent breeds, coat color, eye color, and more.
There are multiple variations of the Jack Russell lab mixes to choose from. Here are some common ones:
- Black Lab Jack Russell mix
- Chocolate Lab Jack Russell mix
- Yellow Lab Jack Russell mix
- Black and white Jack Russell Terrier Lab mix
The more common Black Lab Lack Russell Terrier mix is usually cheaper at around $500.
In contrast, rare Labrador Jack Russell mix puppies with special color combinations or eye colors will cost closer to $1000.
It all depends on the breeder.
Where Do You Get A Jack Russell Lab Mix?
There are a few ways to get your hands on a Jackador.
The first is to go through a breeder.
When looking for a reputable breeder, ensure they health test their parent dogs and provide you with health clearances.
You can also look for Jackador rescues or shelters.
Adopting from a rescue is cheaper and has the added bonus of knowing you’re giving a dog in need a forever home.
If you decide to go this route, make sure you do your research on the rescue or shelter before adopting.
You want to make sure they are reputable and have good reviews.
Getting a new Jackador puppy can be quite difficult, and they can get pretty expensive as they are highly sought after.
In all honesty, you have a better chance of finding a Jackador in shelters and adoption centers, where crossbreeds are popular.
Petfinder is one of the most popular tools used to find dogs and is very reliable.
You can also check out the Labrador Russell Facebook page.
Final thoughts
The Jack Russell and Labrador mix are one of those hybrid breeds that everyone wants.
The Jack Russell Terrier mix with a lab is one of a kind.
They can be working dogs, active dogs, family dogs, therapy dogs, and much more.
The Labrador Retriever and Jack Russell Terrier mix are one of the most popular dog breeds for a reason.
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