Jack A Ranian Dog Breed

The Jackaranian, as a mixed breed, is not an official member of any breed group. Neither does any info exist about these hybrids' true origin; while a Jack Russell-Pomeranian mix may have existed naturally for a long time, no breeder or breed club has claimed the crossbreed's creation. These enthusiastic, scrappy little dogs are best suited as pets for singles, active families (especially those with older children), or people living in apartments.

A few Pomeranian x Jack Russell mix facts: they're toy-sized, averaging 10 inches at the shoulders in height and 10 pounds in weight; their coats can vary in length and texture, but they're often short to medium in length and somewhat fluffy; and they're highly energetic and will need some daily exercise.

Some advantages and drawbacks to owning a Jack Russell mix with Pomeranian:

The Pomeranian-Jack Russell cross is the offspring of two breeds whose personalities are as large as their bodies are small. Jackaranians will be bold and entertaining--and while friendly and affectionate, they usually have their stubborn and fussy sides too.

These hybrids usually have short- to medium-length coats, but they can be longer and fluffier. One of the unique Jackaranian characteristics is that their coats are often pretty short on most of the body, but they'll still have "plumed" tails like that of the Pomeranian. Whatever the case, Jackaranians won't need too much grooming; depending on coat length, brushing 1-3 times per week to avoid tangles will usually do.

Jackaranians are sociable--but they may, like the Pomeranian, have some difficulty in households with younger children. Smaller kids are more apt to play rough with dogs (even if it's unintentional), which can frighten or even injure the dog, or cause the dog to snap or lunge at the kids out of fear. It's best if your Jackaranian grows up with any children so they're accustomed to each other's company.

That said, Jackaranians are normally great playmates. They're highly energetic, and will need a good bit of physical activity throughout the day to keep them from becoming hyperactive and destructive.

These hybrids don't see a lot of variety in specific physical features. The Jackaranian's coat is usually consistent too: short to medium in length, often with the "plumed" tail inherited from the Pomeranian.

The main Jackaranian variation is in its size. The Jack Russell (averaging 15 pounds) and Pomeranian (six pounds) are somewhat different in size, and breeders often use selective breeding techniques to develop Jackaranians of differing sizes.

Dog breeding terminology uses symbols like P, F1, F1b, F2 and so on to notate a mixed breed's genetic makeup. For this hybrid in particular, the following applies:

• P: Purebred (JRT or Pomeranian)
• F1: P x P; 50% of each parent's genes
• F1b: F1 x P; 75% of purebred parent's genes
• F2: F1 x F1; 50% of each parent's genes

Perhaps the most popular Jackaranian variety is an F1b Jackaranian, with a purebred Pomeranian as the parent. This creates a "miniature" Jack Russell x Pomeranian, averaging 7-8 pounds. This Toy Pomeranian-cross-Jack Russell mix, with 75% Pom genes, usually has a longer, fluffier coat as well.

Enthusiastic, protective, intelligent, friendly, and sometimes stubborn, the Pomeranian-Jack Russell mix temperament is one of activity and loyalty. These hybrids are usually affectionate with their family members--but they're often standoffish and suspicious of (and possibly even aggressive towards) strangers. Jackaranians can get along with other pets pretty well, but they might have some difficulty socializing with children (especially younger ones). It's best if Jackaranians grow up alongside any kids or other household pets so they'll be accustomed to each other's company. Owners will need to provide their Jackaranians with a good bit of obedience training and socialization--starting when the dogs are puppies if possible--to help them become well-behaved once they're mature.

In regards to training: Jackaranians are smart, and can learn things pretty quickly--but they can also be quite stubborn and strong-willed, and may need some repetitions when being taught tasks, tricks, and commands. As with any breed, firm, consistent, reward-based training methods are best.

Another good quality of the Pomeranian x Jack Russell temperament is this hybrid's watchdog skills. While Jackaranians are too small to effectively neutralize potential threats like intruders, these dogs are bold and alert, and will usually bark if they perceive an unknown sight or sound.

The Jackaranian, due to hybrid vigor (in which a crossbred dog inherits the healthiest traits from its parent breeds), is very healthy. Even so, a few Jackaranians may suffer ailments common to the parent breeds including patellar luxation, allergies, various eye issues, and Legg-Perthes Disease (degeneration of the hip joint). 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 Jackaranians is 11-15 years.