Maltese Jack Russell Terrier Dog Breed

The Jack Russell x Maltese mix, as a crossbreed, is not an official member of any breed group. Neither does any info exist about these hybrids' true origin; while a Maltese x Jack Russell mix may have existed naturally for a long time, no breeder or breed club has claimed its creation. The Maltese and Jack Russell Terrier mix likely gained popularity during the designer dog "explosion" in North America in the late 20th century. These active, enthusiastic little dogs make great companion pets for families of any size.

A few Maltese-Jack Russell mix facts: they're small-sized, averaging 11 inches at the shoulders in height and 10 pounds in weight; their coats can vary from short and smooth to long and flowing (or most likely, somewhere in between); and they're very lively and will need consistent exercise.

Some advantages and drawbacks to owning a Maltese-Jack Russell cross:

Some Maltese-cross-Jack Russell information: these hybrids are the offspring of two breeds that both have at least some terrier traits. (The Maltese, while not a true terrier, carries a lot of "terrier-esque" qualities, and in fact was once known as the Maltese Terrier.) Size-wise, they're quite small: 9-12 inches at the shoulders in height and 8-12 pounds in weight. Their coat length and texture can vary from short to long depending on inherited traits; the coats will be white, and may inherit some black and/or tan markings from the JRT. If the coat is long and silky like the Maltese's it'll most likely be hypoallergenic too.

These hybrids often have the well-known Triple-T ("typical terrier temperament"), meaning they'll probably bark, dig, and chew a lot. Another important bit of Jack Russell x Maltese information, then: owners say it's best if Maltese-Jack Russell mixes receive lots of obedience training and socialization, starting during puppyhood if possible, to help them learn calm, respectful behavior. Maltese-JRT mixes will be okay in apartments, but they're better off in homes with lots of space that give them room to run.

And these hybrids will be highly energetic--so regardless of their living situation they'll need some outdoor exercise (a couple of walks combined with a dedicated play period, for example) on a daily basis.

Energetic, intelligent, friendly, loyal, and sometimes stubborn, the Jack Russell x Maltese temperament is one of activity and enthusiasm. These hybrids will be loving and affectionate with family members, and will usually be protective of them as well. A less-than-stellar part of the Maltese x Jack Russell temperament is that the dog's terrier traits (excessive barking, digging, fussiness) are often on display, so it'll need a lot of training and socialization to minimize those qualities. These hybrids will normally get along well with kids and other household pets; owners say it's best if a Maltese-JRT mix grows up alongside any children or other pets, so they grow accustomed to being around one another.

Another of the good Jack Russell-cross-Maltese characteristics concerns training. These hybrids are generally very smart, and can usually learn commands and tasks without too many repetitions. As with any breed, firm, consistent, reward-based training methods are best.

And one more positive aspect of the Jack Russell-Maltese cross temperament: its watchdog skills. As loyal, confident, alert little dogs, Maltese-Jack Russell mixes are likely to bark at and investigate unknown sights and sounds--and though they're really too small to neutralize potential threats like intruders, their size certainly won't stop them from trying!

A Maltese-Jack Russell Terrier mix, 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, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and assorted eye issues (Progressive Retinal Atrophy, or PRA, and glaucoma, among others). Potential owners are encouraged 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 a Maltese-Jack Russell Terrier mix is 11-15 years.