Blue Heelers and Jack Russell Terriers are both highly energetic breeds. When combined, you get a Blue Heeler Jack Russell mix that will bring a whole new life to your home.
A Blue Heeler Jack Russell mix is an interesting combination of both its parents’ looks and temperament. As outdoor-loving dogs, you will be surprised by the sense of adventure these dogs have.
If you’re fond of designer breeds and also an adventurer yourself, you need to know about the Blue Heeler Jack Russell mix. This article will guide you through the fun facts about this lovable mixed breed.
What Is a Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mix?
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A Blue Heeler Jack Russell mix is a cross between a Blue Heeler, also known as the Australian Cattle dog, and a Jack Russell Terrier. Also called Cattlejack or Jack Heeler, this dog is known for its lively personality and self-reliance. Their unique attributes make them very well-liked as sporting or working dogs.
As a designer dog, the Jack Heeler is not recognized by kennel clubs such as the American Kennel Club (AKC). This means that they cannot participate in conformation shows and agility competitions.
Due to their parents’ gene pool, you can expect them to have a different genetic makeup than purebred dogs. Their size, appearance, and behavior will depend on the dominant traits they inherited.
Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mix History and Origin: Where Does the Jack Heeler Originate?
Crossbreeding practices have been done for many years. In fact, this is how most purebreds were developed. A mixed breed like the Blue Heeler Jack mix has its own origin, although it’s pretty tricky to trace its history.
The first crossing between an Australian Cattle dog and a Jack Russell might have happened way before or shortly after the official recognition of Blue Heelers and Jack Russell Terriers as official breeds.
The two breeds were approved by the American Kennel Club (AKC) sometime in the 1980s.
The first Blue Heeler was created in the 1840s and used as a ranch dog. Meanwhile, Jack Russell Terriers were first developed in the 1800s as fox hunters.
Because of such backgrounds, the characteristics of the Blue Heeler Jack Russell mix we know today reflect their previous purpose.
Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mix Appearance: What Does a Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mix Look Like?
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Taking on the features of its parents, a Blue Heeler Jack Russell mix typically has a muscular and compact body with a deep chest, giving an athletic appearance. The ears can be tall and erect like a Blue Heeler or floppy like a Jack Terrier.
The eyes are either oval or almond-shaped with an alert expression. Depending on the dominant gene, the tail can be set low with a slight curve or high enough not to slope down the base of the tail.
They have a weatherproof double coat that can either be smooth, rough, or a mixture of both. When it comes to colors and markings, they usually have a mottled blue coat with tan markings.
Others may lack the speckled look and have a white and black, white and tan, or tricolor coat pattern instead.
It’s hard to predict the exact appearance of a Blue Heeler mix dog. No two puppies can grow up to have the same features. It all boils down to the dog’s genetic make-up.
To catch a glimpse of this ultimate wonder dog, watch the video below:
my jack russel/blue heeler "ROCKY"<a href="https://youtu.be/fzBGJ0M_uDQ" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FfzBGJ0M_uDQ%2F0.jpg" alt="my jack russel/blue heeler &quot;ROCKY&quot;" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mix Size and Weight: How Big Do Jack Heelers Get?
In terms of size, Blue Heelers and Jack Russell Terriers have a significant difference. A Cattlejack is expected to be a small to medium-sized dog that typically measures between 14 and 18 inches at the shoulder and weighs around 20 to 35 pounds.
Like other breeds, male Blue Heeler Jack Russell mixes are slightly bigger and heavier than their female counterparts. Despite this estimated size range, there’s no accurate way to predict the adult size of this hybrid dog.
Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mix Temperament: Are Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mixes Good Family Dogs?
If you want a reliable family dog, a Blue Heeler Jack Russell mix is a suitable choice. They easily get along with people and form strong bonds with their owners. As working dogs, they are eager to serve their humans in farm or garden work.
Despite being high-energy dogs, Cattlejacks are not mischief-makers, although they may have a stubborn streak. Intelligent as they are, training can be a bit of a challenge because of their independence.
They love being outdoors where they can play and run after small animals. After all, these dogs have a high prey drive. Because of this, owners should have a fenced yard high enough for them not to jump over.
They also tend to become territorial, which makes them wary of strangers and aggressive towards other animals like cats and even other dogs. Their herding instinct also makes them unfit for families with young children.
In terms of barking, Jack Heelers have the tendency to bark at strangers but a low chance of biting somebody.
These dogs may only resort to biting, nipping, and chewing household items when they don’t do enough physical activities.
Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mix Lifespan and Health Issues: Are Jack Russell Blue Heeler Mixes Healthy Dogs?
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The average lifespan of a healthy Blue Heeler Jack Russell mix is 12 to 16 years. However, you should be aware of genetic health issues associated with their parent breeds that can be passed on to their puppies.
While a Blue Heeler has a lower risk for diseases, a Jack Rusell Terrier is predisposed to several health problems.
As a Cattlejack owner, here are some of the health conditions you should watch out for:
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: This refers to the deformity of the hip and elbow caused by the abnormal development of the joints. Hip and elbow dysplasia is a result of a dog’s genetics and diet. Larger dogs are more prone to develop this condition which usually causes pain in the hind legs.
Lens Luxation: Because of their Jack Russell Terrier gene, they can suffer from lens luxation. This causes the ligaments of the lens to weaken and move from their normal position. This condition is hereditary and requires surgery for correction.
Epilepsy: Epilepsy or seizures are one of the most common neurological disorders experienced by Blue Heeler Jack Russell mixes. This can be triggered by overexcitement during feeding or even as they wake up or fall asleep. The exact cause of inherited epilepsy is unknown.
Cushing’s Syndrome: This is a condition marked by the overproduction of hormones in the adrenal gland. Cushing’s syndrome or Cushing’s disease can have different causes, including tumors in the pituitary or adrenal gland. It can also be a result of excessive cortisol from prolonged use of steroids.
Deafness: Another condition that a Cattlejack can inherit from its Jack Russell Terrier parent is deafness. It can either be present at birth or due to toxic damage to the unborn puppy. The dog can have partial deafness or impaired hearing in both ears.
To ensure a healthy pup, buy from a reputable breeder. Ensure that they offer a health guarantee for congenital diseases and ask for supporting health reports and certificates before purchasing.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Breeding Blue Heelers and Jack Russells Together
Having a mixed breed pup can either turn heads in admiration or be frowned upon. Since crossbreeding is still a controversial practice, some people can’t help but think twice about getting a Blue Heeler Jack Russell mix.
While some people see crossbreeds as a genetic anomaly, others see benefits in terms of looks, health, and temperament.
In the end, the positive and negative aspects of breeding two breeds depend on the combined genes of these dogs.
Let’s first discuss some of the advantages of breeding Blue Heelers and Jack Russells together:
Unique appearance: While it’s a complete mystery how a Blue Heeler Jack Russell puppy might look, you can always expect a unique-looking dog that has the combined features of its parents. Their physical characteristics depend on which parent gene is dominant or recessive.
Better temperament: A Blue Heeler and a Jack Russell Terrier have some common behavior as pets. Both are active, bold, and intelligent dogs. Meanwhile, Jack Russell Terrier’s stubbornness can be balanced by the Heeler’s obedience.
Lowered risk for hereditary diseases: Carefully breeding a Jack Russell Terrier with a Blue Heeler can reduce the risk of having hereditary conditions like hip and elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, and deafness.
It’s also worth considering the following disadvantages of breeding Blue Heeler Jack Russell Terrier mixes:
Unpredictability in size: Size is also an essential consideration for dog owners. A Blue Heeler Jack Russell mix is expected to be small to medium in size. However, they can be larger or smaller depending on the genes of their parents.
High-risk deliveries: When the dam is much smaller than the breed, the delivery of the litter becomes riskier. C-sections are often performed for the safe delivery of the puppies. In the case of breeding Jack Russell Terriers and Blue Heelers, the Jack Russell is the smaller dog, thus at risk during pregnancy.
Expensive to breed: With the current interest in designer breeds, a Jack Heeler is priced higher than purebred pups. It is even more costly if the parents both come from high-quality bloodlines.
When deciding if a Cattlejack is a suitable dog for you, it’s essential not to overlook the pros and cons of crossbreeding. This will help you understand and evaluate how this breed will fit into your everyday life.
How to Take Care of Your Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mix
Like other pets, Blue Heeler Jack Russell mixes have strict requirements for feeding, grooming, and exercise. As owners, you have the responsibility to follow these guidelines.
Food and Diet
As active dogs, Cattlejacks need a lot of energy from the food they eat. High-quality dog kibble or homemade food should be given according to their age.
Meanwhile, treats and snacks should be provided in moderation and constitute only 10% of their calorie intake per day to avoid excessive weight gain.
Small pups need around four to five meals per day to increase and develop their body mass. As they reach adulthood, fewer but larger meal servings are required.
Those with allergies or sensitivity to certain foods should have a special diet as recommended by a vet.
Cleaning and Grooming
Luckily for owners, Blue Heeler Jack Russell dogs are low maintenance in terms of grooming.
Because they have a short coat, hair brushing should only be done once or twice a week. Bathing, on the other hand, should be done when needed.
The nails should be trimmed once or twice a month to keep their nails short. One way to know if your dog’s nails are overgrown is when you see the nail tips beyond the paws. When your dog walks on a hard surface, you can also hear a clicking sound.
As part of the grooming routine, brush your dog’s teeth at least three times a week to prevent dental problems. Vet-approved pet toothpaste and toothbrush should be used.
Training and Exercise
Intelligent pups like Blue Heeler Jack Russell mixes are highly trainable but tend to become independent thinkers. Potty and crate training should be started as puppies. You can also train them not to catch and chase other animals.
Although this breed is not recommended for children, early socialization can help them become familiar with kids and treat them as part of the pack.
To avoid destructive behavior, physical and mental activities are needed by this dog every day. Due to their high energy, 30 minutes of intense exercise or at least 40 minutes of walking should be done every day.
How Much Does a Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mix Cost? Puppy Prices and Expenses
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The price of a hybrid dog is often much higher than a purebred dog. As for Blue Heeler Jack Russell mixes, you can buy a puppy for around $800 to $1,200. If the parents both come from champion bloodlines, the puppy price is significantly higher.
Like tending to other breeds, expenses begin to rise once your puppy is ready to come home. Dog food, treats, grooming essentials, and other items are necessary initial purchases you need to fulfill.
To help you prepare your pet budget effectively, refer to the table below:
The initial cost of expenses typically hurts your bank account, but you can always find money-saving tips from fellow dog owners. Your local pet shops also offer coupons, vouchers, and discounts.
Places to Find Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Finding a mixed breed dog can be burdensome, especially when you don’t know where to look. Luckily, you won’t need to spend endless hours scrolling on the internet to find a Blue Heeler Jack Russell breeder.
The list below shows some of the websites where you can purchase a Cattlejack puppy:
Greenfield Puppies – For more breeder options located in various states, you can check out this website. You can get a 30-day health guarantee if you purchase a Blue Heeler Jack Russell mix. They do not condone animal mistreatment, and they carefully choose the breeders who register on their website.
Lancaster Puppies – This is another advertising website that promotes designer breeds like Blue Heeler Jack Russell mixes. Like Greenfield Puppies, they carefully select the breeders and sellers who want to advertise on their website.
For a more budget-friendly option, try reaching out to the following pet adoption websites:
Australian Cattle Dog (ACD) Rescue Association – Established in 2002, this rescue facilitates the rescuing and adoption of Australian Cattle Dogs or Heelers. You can easily find a Blue Heeler Jack Russell mix puppy or adult from this organization that comes from different shelters and dog control groups.
Russell Rescue, Inc. (RRI) – This rescue finds permanent homes for Jack Russell Terriers and mixes like Cattlejacks. All of their rescued dogs are placed in foster homes before being put up for adoption. They also highlight dogs with special needs.
Petfinder – This is a pet adoption website that offers purebreds and mixed breeds. From their list of over 11,000 shelters and organizations, there’s no doubt that you can find a Jack Heeler near your area in no time.
Whether you buy or adopt a Blue Heeler Jack Russell mix, you should always verify the identity of the breeder or rescue that you choose.
Because of internet scams, you need to be extra careful before agreeing to any terms and proceeding with any transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mixes Bark a Lot?
Blue Heeler Jack Russell mixes are moderate barkers. They make noise whenever they see strangers or hear anything suspicious. Because of this, they make excellent watchdogs.
Do Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mixes Shed?
Yes, Blue Heeler Jack Russell mix dogs shed occasionally. They have short double coats that should be brushed and maintained regularly. This is necessary to remove dirt and distribute oils.
Are Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mixes Aggressive?
No, Blue Heeler Jack Russell mixes are not aggressive dogs. As a matter of fact, they are very protective and people-oriented dogs. They are wary of strangers but will never attack them for no reason.
Final Thoughts: Is the Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mix the Right Dog for You?
As far as good traits go, a Blue Heeler Jack Russell mix won’t disappoint you. This canine is an intelligent, active, and loyal family dog.
As a pet, this breed may not be sweet and affectionate, but they are definitely devoted to their owners.
However, a Cattlejack may not be the best choice for first-time owners since they require someone experienced with highly energetic breeds. Families with young children are also not advised to get this dog breed.
If you are a single adult or a family with older kids, you will definitely not regret getting one. You will enjoy a lifetime of adventures with a Jack Heeler mix.
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