What type of dog is a Jackador? The Jackador is a mixed breed of dog created by breeding a Labrador Retriever and the Jack Russell Terrier, two popular and very high-energy dog breeds.
If you’re looking at adopting a Jack Russell Lab mix puppy or rescuing an adult Jackador, take a closer look at the physical traits, temperament, health, and grooming of these dogs to help you decide if this type of Lab mix is right for you.
Jackadors: The Lab-Jack Russell Terrier Mix
Breeding a Labrador Retriever and a Jack Russell Terrier results in the mixed breed of dog nicknamed the Jackador.
By combining two popular and very high-energy dog breeds, you get an adorable mixed-breed dog with some beautiful color markings and a very enthusiastic personality.
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As Labs are the most popular dogs in the United States, you’ll find a multitude of different kinds of Labrador mixes.
Some of them are growing in recent popularity, like the Labradoodle, a mix between Poodle and Labrador, which sometimes you’ll hear referred to as a “designer dog.”
Other types of Lab mixes (like Jackadors) are less likely to be found through a puppy breeder specializing in Jack Russell-Lab mix puppies, though it’s definitely still possible to find them.
If you have your heart set on this type of special Lab mix, you may be more likely to find one through a rescue organization or at an animal shelter, which is an amazing way of finding your next dog!
(Make sure you read our guide to adopting a rescue dog before you begin the process, no matter what kind of dog you end up getting!)
Your Jackador could be a very high-energy, active, and athletic dog (who also might be a bit challenging at times!), so read on to find out more about Jackadors and what makes this special type of Labrador mix.
Labrador Retriever Overview
Since a Jackador is a mix between Lab and Jack Russell Terrier, let’s first cover a brief background on the Labrador Retriever.
The Labrador Retriever has been the most popular dog breed in the United States for the last 30 years, for a multitude of great reasons.
Labs are known to be intelligent, athletic, friendly dogs who possess strong hunting skills in the outdoors and are equally excellent pets at home relaxing with their families.
It’s hard to find a breed of dog that’s more playful, easygoing, and ready for fun than the Labrador Retriever.
Originating in Canada, Labradors have been bred for the last several hundred years for their skills in retrieving, strong bond with humans, trainability, and love of outdoor activities, especially swimming in the water.
The three main colors of Labrador recognized are black, yellow, and chocolate Labradors with numerous other sub-colors noted, such as white, Fox Red, Dudley, and silver Labradors.
Labs grow in size to approximately 21.5-24.5 inches, weigh between 55-80 lbs, and live approximately 10.5-14 years.
You might see both English and American Labrador types mentioned by owners, breeders, and Lab organizations.
Jack Russell Terrier Overview
The Jack Russell Terrier is a pint-sized dog with a big-dog attitude.
Jack Russells are notoriously high-energy, peppy, and enthusiastic dogs, packed in a small dog’s body. They are usually black, brown, or tan with considerable areas of white across much of their fur, especially their chest and legs.
They grow to be 10-15 inches tall and 13-17 pounds at full size, much smaller than a Labrador. Their lifespan can be over 15 years, which is longer than the Labrador’s.
According to the Jack Russell Terrier Club of America, Jack Russells have been bred as hunting dogs since the 1800s, with a strong desire to dig and hunt underground for prey such as foxes, raccoons, and groundhogs.
They are tenacious, extremely high-energy, and need constant stimulation and good training to keep them from becoming overwhelming.
Though each dog has its own unique temperament, in general, Jack Russell Terriers are not an “easy” breed of dog, especially for someone new to the dog world.
This is a breed of dog for someone with a huge yard or room to run, a lot of time and energy to devote to dog training, and the ability to provide plenty of daily mental and physical exercise for a dog with a strong sense of adventure and exploration.
This isn’t a dog you’ll want to leave outside unattended, as Jack Russells are crafty, intelligent, and mischievous when left to their own devices in the outdoors, much like some Labrador Retrievers can be if left alone outside.
Size, Colors & Physical Features of Jackadors
As the Jackador is a mixed breed of dog, the characteristics it inherits will vary based on the breeding and the individual dog itself.
As a combination of two very different breeds of dogs, your Jack Russell Lab mix might be in between the sizes of both breeds and end up fully grown to be around 15-18 inches tall and 25-35 lbs.
Your Jackador might also resemble more or less of the Labrador or Jack Russell features, and therefore be larger or smaller in size than this when fully grown.
Your Jackador may be black, brown, or golden in color, likely with white markings, especially around the face and chest.
They may have a smaller muzzle than other Lab mixes, and ear flaps that stay somewhat uplifted or out to the side, instead of flat against their head like other Lab mixes.
Your Jackador’s coat might be wiry, thicker, and less fluffy and soft than that of the purebred Labrador, while still being longer than a typical Jack Russell’s coat.
Their tail may be less like the long, fluffy, otter-like tail of the Labrador and shorter and straighter like the Jack Russell tail.
Temperament & Personality of Jack Russell Lab Mixes
Every dog is different and unique, and this is especially true of mixed-breed dogs such as the Jackador.
Your Jack Russell Lab mix might display more of the Labrador Retriever personality, or possess more of the Jack Russell temperament, depending on breeding.
Since this is so specific to each individual dog, if you’re picking out a Jackador puppy, we suggest you both ask the breeder about the temperaments of the parent dogs and observe the litter of puppies in person.
Your Jackador could be more mellow, easygoing, and playful with other dogs and children, often like the Labrador.
Or your dog might be more inquisitive, prefer to run free and wild in the outdoors, and be less able to settle down or sit still inside, much like a very energetic Jack Russell.
It all depends on the inherited traits of your particular Jack Russell-Lab mix.
For example, some Labradors come from breeding lines where they are extremely quiet, mellow, and so calm they are able to work as service dogs or to assist police in drug detection.
Other Labs are so hyperactive they are better suited to field or agility work and have high physical demands that are very difficult to be met in a smaller living space, such as an apartment, or by a very busy owner.
Similarly, though Jack Russells are known for being high-energy, extremely active, and physically demanding dogs, not every dog will possess those traits.
Your Jackador might be a perfect mix in the middle between the two breeds: a dog that’s active, playful, and an excellent hunter, but ready to relax and hang out when they’re inside at home.
Health Issues for Jackador Owners to Know
If you’re considering a Labrador and Jack Russell Terrier mix, there are some health issues that can occur with both breeds of dogs you should be aware of.
Labrador Retrievers can sometimes have the following health conditions:
- thyroid problems
- eye issues especially involving the retina
- cancer
- exercise-induced collapse
- allergies
- joint issues with hips/shoulders/elbows
- bloat and obesity
Jack Russell Terriers can sometimes have the following health conditions, according to PetMD:
- hearing issues
- eye issues
- Perthes Disease (a disease affecting the hip joints)
- dislocation of joints, especially the knees
The most important thing you can do when choosing a puppy from a breeder is to ask critical health questions about the parent dogs and obtain the health history of previous dogs and litters from the breeder.
No matter what breed of dog you get, whether it’s a Jack Russell Lab mix or any kind of purebred, you need to thoroughly research the health history of the dog before you make your selection.
We have a guide here on what to ask a potential breeder to help prevent some possible heartache for you and your family down the road.
The other best way to help your dog stay healthy is to maintain a great relationship with your veterinarian and remain proactive about your dog’s care, especially their wellness visits.
Your vet is the best resource for helping your dog live as long as possible and in the healthiest way they can.
Shedding & Grooming for Jackadors
Though Jack Russell Terriers are not known to be a breed that sheds their coat very much, the Labrador is known as a very high-shedding dog breed.
As each dog is different, your Jackador could inherit more of the Jack Russell coat traits and be a low-hair shedder.
Or your Jackador could inherit a lot of the fluffy Labrador Retriever coat, which will result in a great deal of shedding which could aggravate your allergies.
Other types of dog grooming should be minimal with a Jack Russell Lab mix, mainly regular bathing, brushing as needed, and nail trims.
(Read More: For those with allergies, check out our article on hypoallergenic dogs for whether some types of dogs may or may not be a good match for you, including the ever-popular Labradoodle.)
Summary – The Jack Russell Lab Mix
The Jackador is a mixed breed of dog developed by breeding a Labrador Retriever and a Jack Russell Terrier, two popular and energetic dog breeds.
Your Jackador might be a very demanding and high-energy dog, so be prepared for the commitment you’re making when deciding to get such a fun, but possibly challenging, mixed-breed of dog.
And for more on what to do before you get your next dog, check out our guide to the 7 Things to Do Before You Bring Your New Puppy Home to help you be better prepared for your exciting new arrival!
