Minnie Jack Dog Breed

The Minnie Jack, a member of the Terrier group, probably originated during the designer dog breed explosion in the U.S. during the 1980s. These excitable, outgoing little dogs are best suited for singles, couples, or seniors, and owners will need to spend a lot of physical (and emotional) energy with them. Minnie Jacks are not recommended for families with children, as they may become too excited (and in turn, too rambunctious) around kids, and are not very tolerant of them.

PROS:

• Playful and fun-loving
• Unique personality
• Intelligent and alert
• Hypoallergenic
• Socializes very well with other pets
• Extremely healthy
• Very fast runner
• Low to moderate grooming required
• Great watchdog ability
• Adapts fairly well to apartment living
• Fairly easily trained

CONS:

• Not good with children
• Extremely high-energy; will require a great deal of exercise
• Moderate to high shedding
• Can be stubborn and dominant; may need obedience training
• Craves constant attention
• Not good in cold climates

The Minnie Jack, as a Jack Russell Terrier-Mini Pinscher mix, is a small-sized, short-haired crossbreed with an athletic, lean yet muscular body, large ears, wedge-shaped head, and a long tail that normally curves upwards. These dogs are very intelligent, but can be headstrong, even selfish at times. One thing is certain: they are not for the meek or first-time dog owner!

Minnie Jacks are assertive and nearly fearless little dogs; they will need experienced owners who will stand up to their sometimes domineering personalities. If not disciplined early and often, Minnie Jacks may develop Small Dog Syndrome, in which they jump on people and objects, growl often, and exhibit selfish behavior in general. This is best curtailed by socializing (and disciplining!) them starting at a young age.

Meanwhile, one thing is a fact: a Minnie Jack has more energy than you. Even after a full day of outdoor activity, these little spark-plugs will still be bounding around the house. And with their Pinscher genetics, they are surprisingly strong for their size...and they may be the fastest dog you've ever owned!

While there are no specific sub-types for the Minnie Jack, there are several variations in size and coat color, depending on the genetic traits this crossbreed inherits from its Miniature Pinscher and Jack Russell Terrier parent dogs.

Miniature Pinschers have short-haired coats that are usually black and tan, or chocolate and tan; Jack Russells, also short-haired, normally have white coats with black or brown markings (or in some cases, tri-colored coats with all three). Minnie Jacks, therefore can have coats resembling either parent or one that combines both.

Both being small breeds, Mini Pinschers and Jack Russells are very close in size, so Minnie Jacks likewise are small in stature: 10-16 pounds in weight, 10-15 inches at the shoulders in height.

Energetic, loving, intelligent, and often domineering, Minnie Jacks are affectionate, spunky little dogs with energy that can border on hyperactivity. This crossbreed enjoys plenty of fun and mischief, and is hard to keep still. While affectionate towards its human family, a Minnie Jack often shows its love by jumping on people, which can be dangerous for small children. These dogs are often selfish and demanding, and will refuse to put up with teasing or nonsense; these jumping tendencies and intolerance for ridicule make Minnie Jacks ill-suited for families with kids (especially younger ones). They will need owners who can be firm and are willing to correct any dominant behavior.

Their intelligence makes Minnie Jacks fairly easy to train, but owners will need to start any training (and socialization with kids and other pets) when their Minnie is a puppy, if possible. This crossbreed tends to develop Small Dog Syndrome if not disciplined properly, and if left to its own devices it will do as it pleases. Experts have suggested that obedience training is good for these dogs--and the earlier the better.

And though it won't be able to physically hinder intruders due to its small size, a Minnie Jack makes for a good watchdog, as it will bark its little head off at unknown sights or sounds. Note, the Minnie Jack is a separate dog from the Miniature Jack Russell Terrier-- temperaments will not be the same.

Due to hybrid vigor (the tendency of a crossbreed to inherit the healthiest tendencies of both parent breeds), Minnie Jacks are extremely healthy dogs. A few dogs of this breed, though, may be susceptible to ailments common to the parent breeds, and smaller dogs in general. These include:

• Patellar Luxation
• Legg-Perthes
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy
• Epilepsy.