Jack Rat Terrier Dog Breed Info: Pictures, Guide, Care & More

The Jack Rat Terrier is a cross between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Rat Terrier. Since the parents are small Terries with a hunting background, they have many similarities. Their pairing yields an energetic, loyal, and stubborn dog that will try your patience if not given proper care and attention.

Breed Overview

Although they’re not ideal for first-time owners and require thorough training,  a well-trained Jack Rat Terrier is an excellent companion for an active, outdoor-loving family. Keep reading to learn more about these dogs and if they’d make a good choice for your home.

Jack Rat Terrier Characteristics

Jack Rat Terrier Puppies

You may have trouble finding a breeder with puppies available, as the Jack Rat is not a very popular dog. These small—to medium-sized designer dogs can be quite expensive when purchased from a breeder. One important thing to keep in mind is that many people buy a Jack Rat Terrier without educating themselves about the breed. This results in a higher-than-average number of Jack Rats being surrendered to a shelter. Therefore, you may be able to find one in a shelter, usually with vaccinations and spay/neuter surgery included.

Jack Rat Terriers have strong personalities. They’re not very easy to train due to their stubborn nature, and tend to bark a lot. Be ready to commit enough time for regular and firm training sessions. Experienced dog owners might be a better fit for Jack Rat Terriers to provide them with enough obedience training and mental stimulation.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Jack Rat Terrier

The Jack Rat Terrier is a very intelligent breed. However, their stubborn temperament can make training a little difficult. With the right family and plenty of patience, the Jack Rat can thrive. They’re loving with their families, although they’re known to be wary around strangers. They’re loyal and love to spend time with you, especially during outdoor adventures.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

Yes, the Jack Rat Terrier can make a good family dog for active families with older, respectful children. Families with very small children might not be appropriate as the Jack Rat can be somewhat nippy and temperamental. However, they can make great companions for older children who know how to be careful around dogs.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

The Jack Rat Terrier does have a high prey drive, so you’ll need to be careful around smaller pets. That being said, many Jack Rat Terriers can get along just fine with other dogs and even cats provided they’re socialized with them early on.

Things to Know When Owning a Jack Rat Terrier

Jack Rat Terriers are energetic and temperamental dogs. They’re loving and loyal to their families but can be touchy about strangers. Providing the proper nutrition, exercise, training, grooming, and veterinary care before bringing them home is the key to happiness for you and your pet.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Because they are so active, you’ll want to provide your Jack Rat Terrier with a high-quality dog food with a significant amount of protein. The exact amount of food your dog eats daily will depend on their age and activity level. You can consult with a veterinarian to determine the ideal formula and portions for your dog.

Exercise 🐕

Jack Rat Terriers need plenty of exercise, or they will drive you crazy! On average, you should expect to give your Jack Rat Terrier at least 2 hours of exercise every day. They love long walks, runs, games of fetch, hikes, and almost anything you can think of to do with them outside.

They’re exceedingly curious and will sniff everything they see. They can follow a scent for hours if not interrupted, and they’re also very skilled jumpers. If you leave your dog alone in your yard, you’ll need to ensure that the fence is too high for them to jump over, or they’ll escape.

Training 🎾

The Jack Rat Terrier is an intelligent canine. However, they’re also very stubborn. This can make training a chore, especially if you wait until your dog is older to work on training and manners. However, they’re eager to please by nature, so reward-based training can be very effective. They also have plenty of energy that can be burned off through agility courses or other obedience training.

Like their parents, Jack Rat Terriers are noisy dogs. They bark at anything moving outside, noises, and even the television, making them a poor choice for apartment dwellers.

Grooming ✂️

Even though they have short hair, the Jack Rat Terrier is a heavy shedder, particularly in the warmer months. Frequent brushing can help curtail the shedding a bit. You should also frequently check and clean their ears and brush their teeth to prevent tooth decay.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Overall, Jack Rat Terriers are pretty healthy dogs. There are just a few conditions they are prone to. When researching breeders for your Jack Rat puppy, you should always ensure that they screen the parents for genetic disorders.

Male vs Female

There aren’t any noticeable differences between male and female Jack Rat Terriers. They are about the same size, and their temperaments are similar. The most important consideration when deciding whether a Jack Rat is right for your family is whether you have the time and energy to meet the dog’s needs.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Jack Rat Terrier

1. You Can Put This Hybrid to Work.

If bored, the Jack Rat Terrier will become destructive, nippy, and yappy — all characteristics no one wants in their dog. However, if trained, socialized, and engaged, you’ll have a wonderful dog. One task they are perfect for is controlling pests around your yard.

The Rat Terrier was bred specifically for this task and the Jack Rat also possesses the desire to root out and chase pests. Rats, rabbits, chipmunks, squirrels, and more won’t want to spend time around your home if a Jack Rat Terrier is there.

2. No One Really Knows Where the Breed First Appeared.

The origins of the Jack Rat Terrier are mysterious. No one can pinpoint when the first pairing of the Jack Russel Terrier and Rat Terrier occurred. They’re not very popular, so it can be difficult to find a breeder if you’re searching for a puppy.

3. They’re excellent jumpers.

Jack Rat Terriers tend to inherit the jumping ability of their Jack Russell parent. They can jump up to five times their height! If you have a fenced-in yard, you must ensure the fence is high enough to contain this bouncy dog.

Final Thoughts

Early training is the key to a good experience for you and your Jack Rat Terrier. The earlier you can train and socialize your dog, the better their behavior will be. If your family is active and has the patience to work with a Jack Rat Terrier, you’ll be rewarded with a loving and loyal companion.

Featured Image Credit: Left – Oldiefan, Pixabay | Right – 272447, Pixabay