Designer Breed Icon
  • Activity Level: high
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  • Shedding Level: moderate
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  • Grooming Level: moderate
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  • Trainability: moderate
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  • Good for Novice Owners: moderate
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  • Adaptability: high
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  • Kid/Pet Friendly: often
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  • Prey Drive: high
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  • Watchdog: very alert
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  • Average Size: Small
  • Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
  • Registered?: other

Border Jack Dog Breed Information

Overview

Temperament

Adaptability

Health

Owner Experience

Grooming

Activity Level

Size

Life Span

The Border Jack is a cross between a Border Collie and a Jack Russell Terrier. Although they can take on any combination of traits from their parents, a Border Jack tends to be a highly energetic and intelligent dog with a bold, playful personality. Although they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by the Dog Registry of America.

A Border Jack is a busy, active dog that is affectionate with their family. Although they do get along well with children, they tend to be a better fit for older children. Border Jacks tend to have an exuberant and rambunctious personality that can overwhelm younger children. At the same time, they do not tend to tolerate rough behavior, which could cause problems with young children who have not mastered motor control when it comes to interacting with animals.

They tend to be wary and cautious of strangers including other dogs. Border Jacks also have a high prey drive. A lot of socialization and training early and often can help the more closed-off Border Jack open up and also curb any herding tendencies they may be showing. This is particularly important with other dogs and pets in the household.

A Border Jack is a highly adaptable dog breed. Although they are better suited to homes with yards where they can run, they do adapt well to apartments as long as they get the mental stimulation and exercise they need. They are high-energy dogs, so you will need to dedicate a lot of time each day to exercising them regardless of where you live.

They tend to do well in most climates. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. Because they are high-energy and intelligent, they have a lot of energy to expend and also get bored easily. This means they don’t like to be left alone for long periods of time. As with any dog, they can become destructive if they are bored or do not get enough exercise.

Are mixed-breed dogs healthier than purebred dogs? They can be, but it’s not a guarantee. A mixed-breed dog can inherit health conditions common to one, both, or neither of the parent breeds. For the Border Jack, potential health conditions to be aware of include hip dysplasia, deafness, Collie Eye Anomaly, cataracts, Cerebellar Abiotrophy, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy.

Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to make sure they are not passing on issues to puppies. So, make sure you ask the breeder about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. Also, you can ask about any tests that have been done and to see any results or health clearances they may have for their dogs.

Although the Border Jack is intelligent and picks up on things quickly, they also get bored easily and can be quite stubborn. That, plus their high energy, can be difficult for novice dog owners to handle alone.

As such, puppy training classes are recommended. Obedience classes can be a great idea even if you don’t need them. Not only do they help strengthen the bond you have with your puppy, but they also provide opportunities to socialize a puppy.

A Border Jack will shed moderately year-round. Their coat will need to be brushed a few times a week. Bathing is on an occasional, as-needed basis. In addition to coat care, you will also need to care for your Border Jack’s nails, ears, and teeth.

Cutting your dog’s nails once or twice a month keeps them from growing too long and causing issues. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning your dog’s ears as needed can help prevent ear infections. And, practicing good dental care for dogs, like brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day, helps prevent painful dental diseases later in life.

The Border Jack is a high-energy dog breed. Although daily walks plus playtime and extra activity can be enough for this dog, you are likely to wear out before they do. And, they will likely always be up for more activity if you are.

Trips to the dog park, swimming with your dog, walks, and more are all good activities when they are younger. Once they’ve finished growing, then you can move to more high-impact activities like running with your dog, playing frisbee, going hiking, and training for dog sports. These dogs tend to be particularly well-suited to agility and flyball.

A fully-grown Border Jack usually stands 16-22 inches tall and weighs 20-30 pounds.

A Border Jack generally lives for 12-15 years.