Border Jack Breed Details
Below are specs and details of the Border Jack dog breed.
Border Jack Dog Breed
The Border Jack is a hybrid dog which is bred by crossing a Border Collie with a Jack Russell Terrier. As a hybrid dog the Border Jack will inherit the physical and behavioral traits of both the Border Collie and Jack Russell Terrier dog breeds. However, not all Border Jacks will inherit the same characteristics (even if from the same litter). It is recommended to familiarize yourself with both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Border Collie if you are planning on adopting a Border Jack as the breed can have more characteristics of one parent breed than the other.
The Border Jack is a courageous, intelligent, and hyper-active breed. It will require an active owner willing to give it exercise daily. This breed has a hunting temperament and will sometimes display aggression towards other dogs or small animals, but hardly ever to humans. It participates in a wide variety of activities including agility, hunting, guarding, and tracking. The Border Jack is a demanding dog but will bring a loyal and playful spirit to the household.
Border Jack Breed Description
This is a medium sized dog breed. The size of the dog may slightly vary based upon the size of the parent dogs used in breeding, but you can expect an adult Border Jack to weigh between 22 - 32 pounds and reach a height of 16 to 22 inches.
Border Jack's intelligence and abundant energy makes them hard to handle for some owners. These dogs are notoriously hyper and may take time to warm up to people, however, training them should be relatively easy and these dogs are adept competitors in various dog games like flyball. Some owners of this breed complain that these dogs are ankle biters and cat-chasers; make sure to train and socialize these dogs at an early age to avoid these problems.
The Border Jack is a medium maintenance dog breed. Their coat is low to average shedding and should require a moderate amount of brushing. This breed requires a large amount of daily exercise to burn its ample stores of energy.
Border Jack Breed History
The Jack Russell Terrier and the Border Collie are both breeds with extensive history, but the Border Jack itself is a very recently recognized breed and because of this does not have a very detailed history. It is likely that the Border Jack originated in the United States in the past few decades.
Border Jack Appearance
As a crossbreed, these dogs will inherit physical traits from both parent breeds. Not all will inherit the same traits which means some may have more Jack Russell Terrier characteristics, others may have more Border Collie characteristics, and some may show a mix of both parent breeds.
Border Jacks have a short, coarse, double layered coat and a body that typically resembles the Jack Russell's in shape and build. They have a narrow body and chest, and a small head with floppy ears that fall forward.
Border Jack Colors
The images below represent the coat colors and patterns associated with Border Jacks.
White and Black
Border Jack Temperament
The temperament of the Border Jack is dependent on the behavioral traits inherited from its parents. Some Border will inherit traits from the Border Collie, others the Jack Russell Terrier, and some will have a mix of behaviors inherited from both parent breeds.
These are intelligent and curious dogs - this comes at the cost of having to keep them entertained and active. Training should be easy-going as long as it isn't repetitive and doesn't bore the dog. Border Jacks make for good guard dogs, and will bark and sometime display protective behavior if an intruder is present. They have a working dog temperament which means it will be happiest when it has some job to do or is being exercised and stimulated. This breed is far too active to be kept as a lounging house pet. Playing indoors should not be its only form of stimulation, though it will have a great time playing catch with the kids. An under-exercised and under-stimulated Border Jack can be a nuisance to furniture and especially to other pets. A well-trained member of this breed is a fierce competitor, a tireless worker and a loyal friend. It is a demanding dog but with the right owner it will flourish.
Border Jack Maintenance
This is a medium maintenance breed. Their coat sheds a moderate amount and will require some brushing. They require high amount of daily exercise in order to remain healthy.
Grooming Requirements
Border Jacks have a low to average shedding coat and will require brushing once or twice a week. They may need their nails clipped occasionally, and they should be introduced to this practice early in life.
Exercise Requirements
This type of dog is bred from two working breeds and will have an ample store of energy that will need to be exercised off each day. A minimum of a long walk is necessary, though this can be supplemented with games like fetch and flyball, which this breed loves.
Living Requirements
As a dog with a working pedigree and an extremely high level of energy, the Border Jack will require either an owner committed to being active on a daily basis, or a lot of space to run and play, and ideally both. They should only be kept in apartments or other small environments when their owner is experienced and willing to go the extra mile to keep their dog exercised. If they are let outside the yard should be securely fenced; Border Jacks are known to chase and roam.
Border Jack Health
As a hybrid dog breed they have more genetic diversity than its purebred parents which helps with the breed's health and hardiness. As long as its exercise requires are met, and the dog is given a proper diet, the Border Jack will live approximately 12 to 15 years.
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Updated:August 30, 2016