The Jack Russell Pug mix is an energetic, intelligent, and social dog that fits perfectly with owners who lead an active life, regardless of whether they live in a small apartment in the city or a big house in the suburbs.
Hilariously nicknamed “The Jug,” this little canine comes in roughly the same shape and dimensions that its parent breeds do. But even though Jack Russell Terriers and Pugs are similar in size, they have a lot of differences in other aspects, which make for an interesting mix.
There are a lot of mixed-breed dogs out there, so you would be forgiven for not hearing about this one. But after reading this article, we’re sure you will fall in love with them, just like we did!
The Jack Russell Pug mix is a designer dog, created by crossbreeding Jack Russell Terriers with Pugs.
This designer dog, sometimes called the Jug for short, has a small, stocky physique, a round head, a few creases on the face, and a long snout inherited from his Jack Russell Terrier ancestry.
Just like Pugs and Jack Russells, it is definitely a small dog breed, with a maximum height of 15 inches. Despite being so little, Retromops have enormous personalities and calm dispositions, which make them excellent family dogs.
1. They’ve Been Around Since The ‘60s
Credit: Shutterstock
Jug Dogs might seem like a novelty among mixed-breed dogs but they have actually been around for longer than you might think.
They are thought to have first been bred in the 1960s, in America, by breeders who were curious to find out what a mix between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Pug would look like.
This designer dog combines the appearance and temperament of the two popular purebred canines, and gets something from both sides. The result is a little bundle of loving and playfulness.
2. It Resembles Its Jack Russell Terrier Parent More Than The Pug
Credit: Shutterstock
Depending on which parent’s genes were more dominant, the physical characteristics of the Jack Russell and Pug Mix would differ.
For example, if the Jug takes after its JRT parent more, it is highly likely that it will resemble a Pug without its signature flat face, but instead a much longer snout.
This is one of the more obvious physical traits that you will probably notice right away.
Speaking in more general terms, there are some physical features that you can expect most Jugs to have. Those include a curly tail that curls inside toward the body, a round head with round and protruding eyes, and a set of triangle-shaped, floppy ears.
3. The Jug Is Typically Sized Between A Jack Russell And A Pug
Credit: Shutterstock
A typical Jack Russell Terrier Pug mix stands between 12 and 15 inches tall at the withers, and weighs between 16 and 20 pounds.
Like many small breed dogs, a Jug Dog will attain its adult height and fill out its body structure before turning 12 months old.
At that point, the full-grown Jack Russell Pug Mix should have an athletic, proportionate body that is neither too overweight nor too lean, but its legs should look long and thin, at least when compared to the rest of its body.
4. They Come In Many Different Colors
Credit: Shutterstock
Jugs can be found in a variety of colors, including black, white, fawn, tan, brown, and white. The head, legs, and body of a Jug typically have some markings in either the primary or the secondary coat color.
Out of all those colors, the black one is the rarest. This is because the Jack Russell breed never comes in black — only brown and white combos — so if you happen to see a Jug with a predominantly black coat, it’s probably because it inherited it from its Pug parent.
5. The Jack Russell Terrier Pug Mix Is Friendly, But Also Stubborn
Credit: Shutterstock
This mixed breed dog combines Jack Russell’s natural hunting instincts with the Pug‘s affectionate temperament.
They are perceptive, amiable, animated, and can occasionally get fairly loud. When left alone for an extended period of time, a Jack Russell Pug Mix’s temperament could become stubborn and exhibit destructive habits around the house.
Jug dogs may inherit Jack Russell’s strong hunting instinct, which makes some of them noisy and prone to barking. However, this can be controlled by early socializing and training, so you can’t really describe them as being a naturally aggressive breed.
Most of the time, Jugs are really good boys and girls. As a breed of dog, they are social, devoted, and energetic. They also possess incredible alertness and the desire to participate in things happening around them, which are both traits that they have inherited from the Jack Russell Terrier.
6. They Make A Great Choice As A Family Pet
Credit: Shutterstock
It is a general consensus that Jugs make excellent family pets, but if you have small children in your house you should take some extra caution.
They are very friendly and social, but their high levels of energy and the desire to express their natural hunting instincts can sometimes be too much for kids, and it can lead to some unwanted behavior.
7. They Get Along Well With Other Pets
Credit: Shutterstock
Basically, the same thing that we said about Jugs being around children applies to them being around other pets. This is particularly the case if those other pets are smaller animals, such as cats, hamsters, etc.
If those Jack Russell genes are prevalent, Jug dogs might think of these small animals as prey and be urged to chase them around the house. Of course, this can be corrected early on with proper training, but it will require you to pay a bit more attention than you usually would.
As long as they were socialized as puppies and kept in mind that they are territorial by nature, Jugs get along well with other animals.
Although they do have a strong desire to hunt and may try to pursue smaller animals, if they are nurtured with them, joyful and constructive connections will develop.
8. Jugs Are Easy To Train If You Start When They’re Young
Credit: Shutterstock
Despite their potential for stubbornness, Jugs can be trained. Starting young, utilizing positive rewards, and being consistent are the keys to effective Jug dog training.
The Jack Russell Pug mix is sometimes prone to the so-called small dog syndrome, which causes them to act in a dominant manner toward their owners or other dogs.
When training a Jack Russell Pug mix, use firmness and consistency without being too strict. Given their intelligence and keen perception, these dogs respond favorably to praise, positive reinforcements, and prizes.
9. How Much Exercise Do They Need?
Credit: Shutterstock
These dogs are incredibly active and need to move around a lot in order to satisfy their physical activity needs.
Jack Russell Terrier Pug mixes should exercise for at least 30 minutes each day, and it’s recommended that you extend it up to an hour.
Additionally, the Jugs’ chasing urge can be sated by playing fetch with dog toys or playing hide and seek with them.
Make no mistake, playtime is just as important for these dogs as walking is. Especially when you give them some chewable toys because that way they can express their inherent urge to chew on things.
10. They’re Affordable
Credit: Shutterstock
You can choose to purchase a Jack Russell Pug mix puppy from a breeder or a local shelter or adoption organization. If you decide to purchase from a breeder, expect to spend anything between $800 to $1,800.
That is a price comparable to that of a purebred Jack Russell Terrier, but somewhat cheaper than that of a purebred Pug puppy. However, if you turn to a neighborhood shelter and get lucky enough to find one of these pups, then it shouldn’t cost you more than $300 to $600.