What’s It Like To Own A Jack Russell and Schnauzer Mix?

We get it. Choosing a dog to adopt or buy is not an easy thing to do. For one, you have to decide whether you want a male or female dog.

Next, you have to ask yourself which breed fits your lifestyle.

Should you go for a smaller or bigger canine? What are some of the qualities to look out for? Which dog will bond with the kids and cats? Finally, should you get a purebred or designer dog?

These questions can make you go crazy. In the end, you really just want a dog that will make your life easy.

You don’t want one that will disrupt the peace at home—one you cannot trust around your kids or other pets.

We are here to help. If you are wondering if the Jack Russell Schnauzer mix is right for you, we have put together a guide that describes the mix in detail.

You will learn about his temperament, grooming needs, exercise, physical characteristics, health, and more.

Overview of the Jack Russell and Schnauzer Mix

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The Jack Russell Terrier or Parson Russell Terrier is not a stranger to dog enthusiasts. He’s been around for more than two centuries.

He was bred in England to hunt foxes but these days he makes a charming and affectionate little pet in many homes.

He is a small compact dog of only 13-17 pounds and 10-15 inches in height.

Despite being small, this dog is fearless and confident.

Miniature Schnauzers are equally charming and sweet little dogs. They weigh anywhere from 11 and 20 pounds and stand at a shoulder height of 14-14 inches.

Like the Jack Russell Terrier, this dog also belongs to the terrier group of dogs. He’s extroverted, affectionate, and intelligent.

The Jack Russell Terrier can be bred with the Miniature Schnauzer to make a wonderful designer dog.

 It is hard to predict what he will look like because genes are unpredictable that way.

However, expect a small doggie of between 10 and 20 pounds. If you are a fan of small lap dogs, this one fits the bill. You can carry him around during vacation.

A Schnauzer is known for his bushy eyebrows and long beards. His body is square-shaped with a rectangular head.

He has a double coat of many colors including black, salt and pepper, and black and silver.

Oppositely, Jack Russell terriers have a smooth or wire-haired short coat.

Their bodies are compact and have different colors on them—white and white with tan or black markings.

Your mix can have any of the characteristics of the parents.

Personality and Temperament

Like his parents, the Jack Russell Schnauzer mix is a happy, curious, intelligent, and energetic doggie.

He’s always up to something, ever-demanding your attention, and making a lot of noise if he’s unhappy.

If you are looking for constant entertainment, this pet will always make your heart merry.

He’s such a lover of people and is constantly having fun with them. You can count on his loyalty to you.

On the flip side, this doggie loves to dig beyond fences. If you let him leave the yard, he’d be happy to put his paws to action in search of rodents and foxes.

 As if he doesn’t realize how small he is, he will start fights with other dogs at the park if he’s not trained not to do so.

He will provoke a German shepherd without a care in the world.

At home, his feistiness makes him a difficult companion for kids and other pets.

If you have both, be sure to socialize and train your pet on how to treat them.

Energy

Parson Russell terriers and Schnauzers are energetic dogs. They need a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity per day.

 If you own a yard, allow the dog to run around and stretch his legs on a daily basis.

 If you live in an apartment, you have no choice but to walk the dog daily. Let him run, jump, and satisfy his curious mind.

Training

A Jack Russell Schnauzer mix is an intelligent and strong-willed dog.

Consequently, training him will require patience, consistency, and wit.

He continuously thinks he knows what he wants. During training, he tends to disobey you outright, thanks to his independent streak.

He also gets bored quickly. Use plenty of treats to reinforce his good behavior.

If you cannot handle training him, enlist the help of a pro.

Grooming

As mentioned before, Schnauzers have dense coats while Jack Russell Terriers have short coats.

The resulting mix can have either coat. If you end up with a short-coated dog, grooming will be easy for you.

As long as you brush his coat once or twice a week, he will always look polished and clean.

However, if you get a dog with a dense coat, grooming needs will go up.

To control shedding, daily brushing may be necessary. If the coat is matted, this can be a real challenge.

Avoid this at all costs. Be sure to comb the dog’s beard and bushy eyebrows if he takes on the Schnauzer genes.

Other grooming needs include the usual—nail trimming, bathing occasionally, massaging, and oral hygiene.

Health

All dogs are susceptible to certain health complications. Although healthy for the most part, the Jack Russell Terrier Schnauzer mix can get any of the following health conditions.

• Bladder Stones: These are rock-like minerals that develop in the dog’s urinary bladder.

• Joint Dysplasia: This is a condition that loosens the hip joint causing pain and dysfunction.

• Deafness: dog breeds with white coats are at a higher risk.

• Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: This is common among small dog breeds and causes arthritis.

• Patellar Luxation: Also notorious with small dogs, patellar luxation occurs when the patella is improperly positioned. It can trigger lameness or a weird gait.

• Glaucoma: This is a problem that causes high eye pressure ultimately causing the eyes to drain fluid. It may also damage the optic nerve.

Before you shell your cash for a Jack Russell Terrier Schnauzer mix, be sure to work with a reputable breeder. They should have a health guarantee on all their puppies.

Also, take good care of your pet and take him for vet checks often.

Parting Thoughts

Does a Jack Russell Schnauzer mix make a great pet for you?

He does if you love small pups with lots of energy, spunky attitudes, and tons of love.

They are also stubborn, independent, strong-willed, and feisty. Find out if you can deal with these challenges.

If you can, by all means, go for this designer doggie.

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