Jackahuahua, jackadoodle - does anyone have one?

[suzi-q]

Hi does anyone have a jack russell cross breed and if so, is it a good pet. We have seen puppies advertised and as we love our Jack Russell (3 yr old) so much thought maybe a new puppy would be a good companion for him. I thought perhaps a cross breed like this would not have so many of the pedigree problem traits. For instances, we saw jack russell/pugs advertised and saying that they didn't have the breathing problems associated with pugs and they were called jugs - so cute. What does anyone think?

[woofgang]

same as for any other dog...the mum and dad both need to be healthy and of good temperament, see the mum with the pups, see the dad if you can...one of the probs with these new mixes is that they are the curent trend, thus money spinners, thus the wrong people breed them...if you aren't careful, you might get the worst bits of each breed....

[suzi-q]

Yes I know what you mean about moneyspinners. However the pups I have seen advertised seem a little cheaper than the pedigrees. I don't know everything about dogs but as with any animal would be looking for clear bright eyes, clean ears, not too much scratching to be going on, a clean environment . I'd try not to pick the smallest pup and would hope that they would be active and playful. I'd try not to go for the shy timid one in the corner but rather for the inquisitive friendly one. I guess I would have to go on intuition with regard to the sellers. In general that would be my criteria for picking either a cat or a dog.

[gelda]

I'm sure when Lankeela looks at your post she will put you in the right direction, there's not much she doesn't know about dogs but be prepared for her to tell you her opinion about these cross breeds.

[wiggal]

Hey!

A few months back I spent �250 on a Cavalier king charles x american cocker spaniel. And although she is definitely half spaniel, she is growing up to look more like half terrier!
We saw the mum, but not the dad, so be careful!

[wildwood]

All these stupid crossbreed names make my skin crawl.

Most authentic breeds have taken thousands of years of dedicated breeding to get to a specific form/demeanor for a specific purpose.

In the last few decades dogs have become toys, status symbols and money spinners.

Lots of dogs end up in very unsuitable homes and when they get past the 'cute puppy' stage they end up at the RSPCA or worse still on the street or bush.

The sooner we are required to license the owner (not the dog) the better.

Well, you wanted to know what anyone thinks!

[icemaiden]

Well said Wildwood.

It's absolutely crazy that people spend hundreds of pounds on what is simply a "Mongrel". Just because "this celebrity has one" or "that "Mongrel" is the next craze".

Sad Sad Sad. You only need to look at the Labradoodles that are now being dumped in rescue centres because as Wildwood says they have passed the "cute puppy" stage.

In a few years time no doubt all these "New" breeds will also be seen in these very sad places.

[kita1]

A cross breed has just as many health problems as the pedigree parents. A pug cross cannot be guaranteed not to have breathing difficulties - I bet if you asked the 'breeder' of these puppies if they would put that statement in a written guarantee you would not see them for dust!!!

If you do buy a cross breed then make sure both the parents have authentic certificates for any health problems for that particular breed.

Although if you want a cross breed why not visit a good rescue centre like the Blue Cross etc. They have lots of puppies/litters available and at least you know that any money you hand over is going to rescue other dogs and not into someones pocket.

http://www.freewebs.com/manytearsrescue/dogslo okingforhomes.htm

As regards choosing a particular puppy out of a litter this has some good advice:

http://www.simplysarah.com/puppiesselect.asp

Always remember to follow your head and not your heart and make sure your resident dog will get along with the pup and will not feel jealous and left out.

Oh - and if you decide to get a bitch then make sure you know how to cope with her first season - especially if your dog has not been neutred!

[suzi-q]

We would certainly consider a young adult instead of a puppy. Not looking for short term cuteness - but of course that is appealing when they are so sweet looking. I did think I might get a bit of flak for the title of the question. I just wondered if some of the purebreed traits such as pug breathing problems, labrador hip problems and skin complaints etc etc might be watered down with a mixed breed. Our jack russell is the first dog either me or my husband have ever owned and he's turned out a little sweetheart. Of course, he may object to having a "friend" introduced into his territory. We are just mulling over the idea at mo.

[suzi-q]

Oh and by the way, I would be quite happy to buy a licence or be licenced. I am a responsible pet owner and have never abandoned or harmed an animal in my life. All my pets are well looked after, innoculated, microchipped well fed and much loved. As we are looking at these cross breeds I thought it might be a good place to ask the question. Someone out there must have one of these dogs as pets and just would like some feedback. I will take the rough with the smooth but please... only asked the question.

Oh and by the way I think the names are quite clever. After all whats in a name?

[gelda]

If you do get another dog it's a good idea to get a bitch.

[woofgang]

not always! some bitches are dominant, some are not, some dogs will live happily with another dog, some won't

[suzi-q]

I wondered about that. Our dog is used to another dog coming to stay for holidays and we take him to theirs when we go. They have been used to this since quite young and accept each other into their home with no trouble. If we got a male pup is it best to introduce them outside the house and then bring them both in? We have been looking at Jack Russells. Although the jackadoodles etc are really cute they are very expensive

[lankeela]

Can't really add much to what has already been said. They are mongrels, they can have health problems if the parents have them, and you won't know which parent they take after. Here's an example, my breed is a Lancashire Heeler, they suffer from a condition called lens luxation where they can go blind. Sadly a lot of Jack Russells also suffer from this condition, which is passed down from both parents, so if you crossed a JR with a Heeler, you could easily get lens luxation in the puppies (although it does not show up until they are about three or four so they could also be bred from and then pass it on to yet another generation). I agree some of the names are quite funny, provided they are not used to try to kid people into thinking they are a ' new breed'
and therefore worth a lot of money. If I mated a Heeler to a German Spitz I would call it a Spitter! Pugs can also suffer from several inherited conditions so be careful if choosing a Pug cross. Sorry to disappoint my adoring public who thought I was going to go ballistic on this thread - feeling a bit cream crackered after a two day dog show!

[kita1]

Seeing as your present JR has turned out so nice then what about going to the same place for your next one? Are you still in touch with the breeder? If you approach them they may well have puppies that are related to your dog, at least you know he has a nice temperament and is healthy.

[siouxm]

YES! I have a Jackahuahua and a website! Look at www.jackahuahua.net also log onto to Max's blog and look at this pictures.

He is healthy, happy and great fun! I chose him with great care.

I cannot recommend the cross highly enough.

As long as both parents are healthy and sound, I see nothing wrong with crossing breeds. It has been don with equines for many, many years and again as long as sire and dam are sound you can get some really nice results and great animals.

WHAT is wrong is breeding unsound or unfit dogs be they muts, crosses or pedigree! I have seen some rotten 'purebred pedigree' examples of a breed in both dogs and equines. Some high breed lines with line breeding or inbreeding are going to cause more problems than a cross breed animal.

I have no problem with the price I paid for Max, puppies are not cheap to rear and house for 8 weeks or so.

Max was looked at by a vet before I bought him, and then twice by my own vets for his relevant jabs. he has been declared as sound, fit and a 'great little dog' by all three. Each time he has been seen I have asked for honest, frank opinions, these have not been just been kind words, these have been fair comments about the dog.

He is good to train and loves walking as well as playing and he simply loves meeting people and other dogs.

I am proud of him, he alreay has a growing fan club in the village and he is a grand stamp of dog.

Sioux

[deanlad28]

i have a jackahuahua and she is the greatest dog ever,
dont worry about what these people are saying they are great dogs
but they do require a lot of energy
mine is great with kids and other dogs
just be careful who you buy from, if im honest i rushed and got mine but was lucky in the respect she has grown up into a lovely dog.
mongorel???? JACKAHUAHUAS RULE!!

[deanlad28]

by the way siouxm we love your site

can we add some pics of our issy?

[rickmansworth]

I have a jackahuahua, called Harry, and I would have paid £££££ for him no matter what his breed or type.

I bought him based on his temperament, the breeder, the parents, his cuteness - not on a 'designer' label. Don't tar us all with the same brush and get off your high horses you ignoramii...

I'm not breeding from him he's a family pet - and the most gorgeous one at that.

So think before you air your comments, and let them make up their own minds instead of making them feel guilty.