Why You Should Consider Adopting a Jack Russell Terrier Mix

If you’re looking to adopt a new canine friend, you’ve probably encountered many different terrier mix dogs in animal shelters and rescue groups. Jack Russell Terrier mixes are frequently confident, spunky, energetic pets who fit well into many adoptive homes. These mixes also come in a range of sizes, fitting into a range of living spaces. Read on to learn if these affectionate watchdogs are the right fit for you and your lifestyle.

TL;DR: Jack Russell Terrier mixes typically have energetic, brave, and tenacious temperaments with strong hunting instincts. Most are playful and alert, with high activity needs and sometimes stubborn attitudes.

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Why you should get a Jack Russell Terrier mix

Jack Russell Terriers have remained popular for hundreds of years thanks to their vibrant personalities, versatile abilities, and desirable appearances. Not surprisingly, many of these terrier mixes share these attributes. 

Affectionate 

Terriers have big personalities — they enjoy hanging out with their people and are extremely devoted and loyal to their human families. While Jack Russells aren’t always happy to cuddle up with you on the couch after a long day of exploring and playing, depending on what they’re mixed with, they may be more of a cuddle bug.

Often good for families 

Although many Jack Russell Terriers are less fond of children than others, some of these mixes love playing with gentle, respectful kids and have the stamina and sturdy build to keep up with them. One benefit of this is that playing with kids is a great way to burn off all that terrier energy.

Ideal for apartments

Many Jack Russell Terriers are on the small side, which makes them a good fit for smaller homes such as apartments and condos, as long as they get enough daily exercise outside. Small breed terrier mixes are also portable, making them great travel companions.

Good watchdogs 

Jack Russell Terriers have excellent hearing and will alert you to strangers approaching. It can be comforting to know that no one is going to approach your house without your dog letting you know. 

Low grooming needs

Many Jack Russell Terriers have wiry or soft coats. Some may shed less, depending on what they’re mixed with, and they don’t require much grooming.

Considerations before adopting a Jack Russell Terrier mix

Common terrier-breed traits are often seen in Jack Russell Terrier mixes. At the top of your pet adoption checklist should be compatibility.  It’s important to make sure you’re looking for a dog who fits your lifestyle. Though some pups will prove to be exceptions, almost all types of terrier mixes have some or all of the following traits. 

Stubborn tendencies 

Not all terrier mixes are known for being easy to train. This is not because they lack intelligence: Quite the opposite, Jack Russell Terriers are quick learners. But they can be stubborn and won’t always do what you ask unless they feel like listening to you. 

Strong prey drive

Thanks to a long history of hunting rodents and other vermin, most terriers have an extremely high prey drive. This can lead them to chase after squirrels or dig up your yard in search of gophers. (The good news is that you probably won’t have to deal with a rat infestation.) Always keep your Jack Russell Terrier mix on a leash or in a securely fenced yard, as they might run off if they catch sight or scent of prey.

High energy levels

Jack Russell Terriers tend to have lots of energy. Burn it off with lots of daily exercise and activity to avoid boredom and restlessness, which could lead to destructive chewing, digging, barking, or escape attempts. Physical exercise is huge, but so is mental stimulation. Keeping your space pet-proofed helps prevent curious, mischievous dogs from turning your shoes, sofa, or trash can into their next project.

Might not get along well with other pets

Jack Russell Terriers are often feisty and scrappy. Cats are not guaranteed safe from a terrier mix who thinks that they are prey. Small caged pets and birds must be kept out of a terrier mix’s reach.

Some are not great with kids

Some terriers love kids, but some Jack Russell Terrier mixes do not enjoy the loud and rambunctious nature of children. If you have kids, think twice about adopting JRT mixes who include Scottish Terriers and Irish Terriers, unless the individual dog seems to love kids. 

What kind of Jack Russell Terrier mix dogs are there? 

When searching for a dog to adopt, you’ll come across many different types of terrier mixes. Sometimes, the breeds in the mix are a guess based on the dog’s appearance, but other times, the breeds in a terrier mix are known. With mixed breeds, each dog will be different, but we can make some generalizations about how a particular terrier mix might look or act based on the breeds in play. 

At times, the non-terrier breed in the mix is known (for example, a Chihuahua mix), but the specific type of terrier is a mystery. The good news is, terriers typically share core traits common to all terrier breeds. Here are some of the most common Jack Russell Terrier mixes.

Russell Rescue, Inc. / Adopt a Pet/

Jack Russell Terrier–Chihuahua mix

Jack Russell Terrier–Chihuahua mixes are quite common in rescue. Their size will depend on the other breeds in the mix. Still, a Jack Russell Terrier–Chihuahua mix is likely to be small. Jack Russells are filled with endless energy and are extremely feisty, even by terrier standards. While Jack Russells aren’t always the best match for children, Chihuahua mixes can be so if a Jack is mixed with a kid-friendly dog, it could work out well.

Traits

• Estimated size: 8 to 35 pounds

• Energy level: High

• Terrier type: Short-legged

Oakland Animal Service/

Pit Bull–Jack Russell Terrier mix

The term “Pit Bull–Jack Russell Terrier mix” is a catch-all label for many different bull-type JRT mixes. You might also see Pit Bull Terrier mixes labeled more specifically — for instance, American Pit Bull Terrier mix, American Staffordshire Terrier mix, or Bull Terrier mix. Pit Bull Jack Russell Terrier mixes are likely to be medium-sized to large, typically with a short coat.

Traits

• Estimated size: 30 to 80 pounds

• Energy level: Moderate to high

• Terrier Type: Bull-type

Richardson Humane Society/

Cairn Terrier–Jack Russell Terrier  mix

If you are familiar with Toto in The Wizard of Oz, you’ve already become acquainted with the Cairn Terrier. Cairn Terrier–Jack Russell Terrier mixes are often mixed with other breeds such as Poodles, Yorkshire Terriers, or Chihuahuas. Sassy yet sweet, Cairn Terriers are extremely loving and can be great pets for families with older children. Most JRT Cairn mixes will be on the small side and with a scruffy, wiry coat.

Traits

• Estimated size: 10 to 35 pounds

• Energy level: Moderate to high

• Terrier type: Short-legged

Chicago Rescue Authority/

West Highland White–Jack Russell mix​

Westies are popular, so it’s not unusual to find Westie mixes when you’re looking to adopt a new pup. A Jack Russell–Westie mix might inherit the breed’s all-white, scruffy coat, but you’ll find them in other colors.  Jack Russell–Westie mixes will likely be on the small side, though they could be medium-sized. Westies tend to enjoy playing with kids, so a JRT mix might be a good choice for families depending on the individual dog’s temperament.

Traits

• Estimated size: 10 to 35 pounds

• Energy level: Moderate

• Terrier type: Short-legged

Hannah / Forever Yours Dog Rescue OK/

Jack Russell Terrier–Schnauzer mix​

Did you know that the Miniature Schnauzer is a terrier? Schnauzers are excellent ratters, but they are also wonderful pets. Schnauzers are highly intelligent, active, athletic dogs who will love to accompany you wherever you go. Jack Russell–Schnauzer mixes can be small, medium, or large, depending on the breeds of their parents. The mix will likely inherit the JRT and Schnauzer’s wiry coat, they might even have the Schnauzer’s trademark adorable eyebrows and beard.

Traits

• Estimated size: 15 to 40 pounds

• Energy level: Moderate to high

• Terrier type: Long-legged

William Wise / Dreamstime/

Jack Russell Terrier–Rat Terrier Mix

Rat Terriers are playful, happy little dogs who tend to be calmer and more laid-back than many other terrier breeds, though they still have plenty of energy to tap into as they explore and play with you. Jack Russell Terrier–Rat Terrier mixes might have the Rat Terrier’s smooth, easy-care coat. They are likely to be on the small side. Rat Terrier mixes are potentially a good fit for families, depending on the individual dog’s personality.

Traits

• Estimated size: 10 to 20 pounds

• Energy level: High

• Terrier type: Long-legged

Mirko Fabian / Alamy Stock Photo/

Jack Russell Terrier–Yorkshire Terrier Mix

Yes, Yorkies are terriers too — toy terriers, to be specific. Yorkies were originally indispensable ratters who worked in Scottish textile mills, but by the Victorian Era, they were cherished lap dogs for English ladies. Yorkies still retain that feisty terrier attitude, but toned down compared to other terriers. Jack Russell Terrier–Yorkie mixes are certain to be small and might have a silky, low-shed coat.

Traits

• Estimated size: 10 to 25 pounds

• Energy level: Moderate

• Terrier Type: Short-legged

Adopt a Jack Russell Terrier mix

If a Jack Russell Terrier mix sounds like the dog for you, check out Adopt a Pet to search for JRT mixes in your area. Jack Russell Terrier mixes are some of the most common dogs found in animal shelters and rescue groups, so you’re sure to come across many different mixes of all ages, sizes, and personalities. Adopting a pet typically requires a small adoption fee, which covers the costs of caring for the pet prior to adoption.

Commonly asked questions

Which dogs are good for renters?

Many dogs are good for renters, especially small dogs and breeds who are not part of breed-specific legislation, such as Pit Bulls and Rottweilers. Some good Jack Russell Terrier mixes include Yorkshire Terriers, Rat Terriers, Cairn Terriers, West Highland White Terriers, and Miniature Schnauzers.

Do Jack Russell Terrier mixes like to cuddle?

Some JRT mixes like to cuddle, but others might not like cuddling. Cuddliness is highly dependent on the individual dog. 

References

“American Kennel Club.” American Kennel Club, 2017, www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/the-terrier-group-planet-earthdog.

Canseco, Laura. “The Bark Report: Analyzing Dog Breed Popularity and Traits.” Cmu.edu, 29 Apr. 2024, www.stat.cmu.edu/capstoneresearch/315files_s24/team6.html.

Eckart, Kim. “Genes Contribute to Dog Breeds’ Iconic Traits.” UW News, 8 Oct. 2019, www.washington.edu/news/2019/10/08/genes-contribute-to-dog-breeds-iconic-traits.

“Jack Russell Terrier | Veterinary Genetics Laboratory.” Ucdavis.edu, 2025, vgl.ucdavis.edu/breed/jack-russell-terrier. 

Mendoza, Beatriz Karinme. “Perception of American Pit Bull Terriers.” Asu.edu, May 2017, keep.lib.asu.edu/items/134350.‌

Salonen, Milla, et al. “Breed, Age, and Social Environment Are Associated with Personality Traits in Dogs.” Breed, Age, and Social Environment Are Associated with Personality Traits in Dogs, vol. 26, no. 5, 1 Apr. 2023, pp. 106691–106691, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10165416, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2023.106691.

“Yorkshire Terrier | Veterinary Genetics Laboratory.” Ucdavis.edu, 2025, vgl.ucdavis.edu/breed/yorkshire-terrier.