The Jackweiler is a designer dog breed that is a combination of the Jack Russell terrier and the Rottweiler. An odd combination of dogs, to be sure! This designer breed can have a whole slew of positive traits, but also some negative traits as well.

Breed Overview

However, with proper handling, this combination of dogs is likely to make for an energetic dog that will make a fantastic companion in an active household. Since this isn’t an established breed, you could get a dog that carries more characteristics of one parent or the other, but here are the things we know about the Jackweiler.

Jackweiler Puppies

The Jackweiler isn’t a common breed combination. You are more likely to find this combination in a shelter or rescue than with a reputable breeder. If you find a breeder selling Jackweiler pups, make sure they have ethical breeding practices. Avoid purchasing Jackweilers from puppy mills and pet shops, though, as these are not likely to be reputable places to get this combination of dogs since it does not better either breed of dog.

When you find an adorable Jackweiler, be ready to have a loyal dog in your family. They’re very alert and energetic and will need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to avoid boredom. Keep reading their full care guide to know what type of care they need to grow into happy and healthy dogs!

Temperament & Intelligence of the Jackweiler

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

Jack Russells and Rottweilers are both good family dogs in their own right. The Jack Russell is playful and active but is a terrier, so they can be nippy and high-strung. Rottweilers are fantastic family dogs that tend to be very protective of children and their homes. With a designer breed, you could get a dog that has any combination of these characteristics. If your family is low activity, then the Jackweiler is not likely to be a good dog for you. For active families, though, or families that are interested in dog sports, the Jackweiler may be a pleasant and fun addition to the family.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Socialization is key with having a Jackweiler that is good with other pets. Rottweilers and Jack Russells can both be wary of other animals. Jack Russells were bred to hunt small game, so they will potentially chase other small animals, like cats. Extreme caution should be taken when allowing your Jackweiler around any small animals since Jack Russells were primarily bred to hunt animals like foxes and other smaller animals.

Things to Know When Owning a Jackweiler

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

The dietary requirements of your Jackweiler are going to rely heavily on which breed direction your dog leans in. A 30-pound dog has very different nutritional needs from a 100-pound dog. If you’re unsure of a healthy weight for your dog, talk to your veterinarian to get guidance. Both parent breeds are prone to obesity when overfed and not given enough exercise, so a nutritionally sound diet is necessary to keep your Jackweiler at a healthy body score.

Choose a high-quality food for your dog and portion the food based on your dog’s size, age, and activity level. Measuring or weighing the food is necessary to ensure your dog is getting fed an appropriate amount. Eyeballing your dog’s food can lead to weight loss or obesity.

Exercise 🐕

Jack Russells are active dogs with high exercise needs. Rottweilers are a little more laid back, but they do still need daily exercise. Your Jackweiler is likely to be an active dog that will enjoy exercise in most forms. Be willing to commit time every day to providing your dog with physical activity to help burn energy. A Jackweiler with extra energy is likely to become destructive and develop other bad habits. They can be great companions for jogging or hiking. They can also be successful dogs for dog sports. Depending on your dog’s size, it may be able to participate in Earthdog trails, agility, or even protection work.

Training 🎾

Both parent breeds of the Jackweiler are intelligent, trainable dogs. Jack Russells can be difficult to train due to their stubbornness and excitability. Rottweilers are easier to train because of their desire to please. The combination of these two breeds does make for a trainable dog, but it is likely to be a trainable dog with a stubborn streak. It’s necessary to set boundaries early and begin training your Jackweiler while it is still young to have the best chance of success. With proper training, these dogs can be strong competitors in obedience trials.

Grooming ✂️

Since both Rottweilers and Jack Russells both tend to have short coats without an undercoat, the grooming needs of most Jackweilers will be low. However, both parent breeds are prone to shedding, so brushing once or twice weekly will reduce the hair your Jackweiler leaves all over your home. Regular baths can help reduce shedding, but bathing should not be overdone since the natural oils on your dog’s skin help to keep the skin and coat healthy.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Male vs Female

Your Jackweiler is likely to be an active, loyal dog, regardless of sex. Females are likely to be independent, protective, and highly trainable. Males are likely to be more loving and social, but may be more difficult to train, especially when young. There are plenty of exceptions to these, though, and they are not set rules.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Jackweiler

1. Where the Rottweiler got its name may surprise you.

The original breed name was Rottweiler Metzgerhund, which means “Rottweil Butcher’s Dog” in German. Rottweil is a town in Germany that acquired its name from the red clay tiles the inhabitants used on their roofs when the city was a Roman settlement. “Rott” referred to the red tiles, while “weil” came from the Roman word for “villa”. Over time, Rottweil became known for livestock and the Rottweiler was used as both a livestock guarding or herding dog and a cart dog that pulled carts for the local butchers.

2. The active Jack Russell terrier has an interesting skill.

As extremely active dogs, Jack Russells can perform all kinds of athletic feats. They can run, dig, and swim, seemingly without ever running low on energy. However, one of the most impressive things that Jack Russell terriers can achieve is jumping far higher than you’d think their small body would allow. Jack Russells can jump up to 5 feet in the air! Not too shabby for a dog that only stands at a max height of 15 inches.

3. Jackweilers are big barkers.

Jackweilers take on the traits of both parent breeds. If you’re looking for a quiet dog, this combination of breeds definitely isn’t it! Jack Russells are known as big barkers due to their excitable nature. They will bark for just about any reason, including to alert you to something or to get attention. Rottweilers, on the other hand, are protective by nature and make good guard dogs. This means that they are prone to barking at unusual sounds and perceived trespassers. Combining both parent breeds into one dog is almost certain to leave you with an excitable and protective barker.

Final Thoughts

The Jackweiler is a unique combination of dog breeds that is usually the product of an “oops” breeding. However, they can be fantastic dogs, especially in a home that is willing and able to give them plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. It’s best to avoid anyone intentionally breeding this cross since it doesn’t better either parent breed and the size difference in the parents and breed predispositions to certain serious illnesses create unnecessary risk.

If you live an active lifestyle, the Jackweiler may be a great companion for you. Be prepared to train a dog that may be stubborn and highly intelligent, which can increase the challenge. With balanced training techniques and consistency in rules and boundaries, you’ll likely end up with a well-rounded companion who will be with you for a long time.

Related Read:

• Chow Chow & Rottweiler Mix
• Dachshund Rottweiler Mix

Featured Image Credit: Elena Sherengovskaya, Shutterstock