Cocker Jack Dog Breed

The Cocker Spaniel-Jack Russell cross, as a mixed breed, is not an official member of any breed group. Neither does any info exist about these hybrids' specific origin; while a Cocker Spaniel and Jack Russell Terrier mix has probably existed naturally for a long time, no breeder or breed club has claimed its origin. The Jack Russell Terrier and Cocker Spaniel mix likely gained popularity during the designer dog "explosion" in North America in the late 20th century. These playful, enthusiastic little dogs make excellent pets for families of any size.

A few facts about the Cocker Spaniel x Jack Russell: they're small-sized, averaging 13 inches at the shoulders in height and 20 pounds in weight; their coats can very from short to long, and typically shed moderately; and they're highly energetic and will need a lot of exercise.

Some advantages and drawbacks to owning a Cocker Jack dog:

The Jack Russell x Cocker Spaniel mix dog is the offspring of two breeds that are both friendly and energetic--and while both parents are pretty small, they can be quite different in personality. The Cocker is typically quite timid, while the JRT doesn't have a shy bone in its body! This means these hybrids' temperaments can be hard to predict, and they'll often exhibit both parents' personality traits at different times.

Size-wise, Cocker Jack dogs are 11-15 inches at the shoulders in height and 17-23 pounds in weight. Their coats--which can be short, medium, or long depending on inherited traits--come in a wide variety of colors including black, white, golden, blue, brown, and red, among others, and usually have multi-colored patterns. The coats shed moderately, but are not hypoallergenic.

Even so, it's best if these hybrids are allowed to live inside with their people. Cocker Jacks love to curl up in their owners' laps! They can live comfortably in apartments, but homes with fenced yards are best, as Cocker Jacks need some room to run and play.

And they'll need plenty of running and playing! Cocker Jacks are very active little dogs, and will require some exercise--walks or jogs, along with a good period of play--on a daily basis.

Friendly, active, intelligent, enthusiastic, and at times stubborn, the Cocker Jack temperament is one of surprise and fun. Because the parent breeds are different in personality, these hybrids' demeanors can be hard to pinpoint; depending on inherited traits, they can be shy and submissive like the Cocker Spaniel or confident and bold like the Jack Russell--and often both depending on the situation! It's best if owners provide their Cocker Jacks with training and socialization (starting during puppyhood, if possible) to create some behavioral balance. Whatever the case, these hybrids will be affectionate and fun-loving, and they typically get along well with kids and other household pets.

Training a Cocker Jack is usually pretty easy, as these hybrids are smart and pretty willing to please. If the dog inherits the Jack Russell's potential for stubbornness, a Jack Russell-Cocker Spaniel cross may need a few repetitions when learning commands or tasks, but that's not always the case. As with any dog, firm, consistent, reward-based training methods are best.

And these hybrids' watchdog skills are decent. A Cocker Jack will be alert and vocal, and is likely to bark at unknown sights or sounds--but these dogs may or may not have the boldness to alert their owners to potential threats.

The Cocker Spaniel-Jack Russell mix breed, due to hybrid vigor (in which a crossbred dog inherits the healthiest traits of its parent breeds, is very healthy. Even so, these hybrids can suffer ailments common to the parent breeds including patellar luxation, various allergies, and assorted eye problems (glaucoma, cataracts, or Progressive Retinal Atrophy, among others). Potential owners are advised to ask breeders for health screenings for the dog and/or its parents, or they can have their own veterinarians do the screenings.

Life expectancy for the Cocker Jack is 11-15 years.