The Jack Russell Terrier & Pug mix, affectionately known as the Jug, is a small dog that combines the energetic and playful Jack Russell with the affectionate and more laid-back Pug. The aim is to smooth off some of the more stubborn edges of the Jack Russell but to inject some liveliness into the Pug.

However, exactly what characteristics a Jug exhibits will depend on whether it takes after the Jack Russell parent breed or the Pug parent breed. Physically, the Jug dog breed tends to inherit the squashed face and curly tail of the Pug but it will not be as stocky. It does tend to drool and breathe heavily, and it may adopt the Jack Russell’s tendency to bark a lot.

Breed Overview

With hybrid breeds like the Jug, what you get really does depend on which parent breed your dog is most similar to. This means you could have a lively, energetic, working dog like the Jack Russell. Or you could end up with a lap dog that is affectionate and loving, and a little bit daft, like the Pug.

The most likely outcome is that your Jug will have some attributes of the Jack Russell and some of the Pug so you end up with a dog that falls somewhere in between the two.

Jug Characteristics

Jug Puppies

The Jack Russel Pug mix is still a relatively unknown hybrid breed although it does combine two popular breeds: the Jack Russell and the Pug. Although the hybrid breed is not that popular yet, the popularity and the similar size of the two parent breeds means that the resulting mix can be born as a result of accidental breeding. You may be able to find breeders of either of the parent breeds that also have Jug puppies available.

If you do find somebody with a litter of Jugs, you should ask to meet the mother and the puppies. Meeting the puppies will allow you to see whether the Jug has the Jack Russell or Pug characteristics. In particular, the brachycephalic facial and skull features of the Pug can cause health problems in the dog’s life. This might not put you off, but it is worth noting and you should be aware of the possibility. You can also determine the color of the dog and whether it will have a wiry coat like the Jack Russell or a smoother one like the Pug.

When meeting the puppies, you should look at the general physical condition of the pup and also ensure that it is bright and lively without being too over-confident with strangers. It should really be looking to its mother for social cues, which means meeting the mother also allows you to see how your Jug puppy will likely turn out.

The Jug is a mixed breed, which means that it shouldn’t cost as much as a purebred of either parent breed. Don’t be fooled by advertisements claiming that the Jug is an unusual breed. This can be used as a technique to try and get more money out of potential owners.

Although it is a rare breed, there may be some Jugs in rescues and shelters. Rescue dogs cost less than buying from a breeder but you have less knowledge of their background. The shelter should have some idea of the dog’s temperament and character, but they are unlikely to have a full and accurate background of the dog.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Jack Russell Terrier & Pug Mix

When taking on a hybrid, you need to consider both parent breeds to determine the character of your mixed breed. In this case, you are looking at a working terrier breed in the Jack Russell, and a companion dog in the Pug. These two types of dogs are quite different. Working dogs like to be active and can be quite independent. Companion dogs are much less independent, which means they can be easier to control but it also means they can be clingy and may suffer from separation anxiety.

The Jack Russell was first bred in England around 200 years ago by a local Parson. He wanted an effective and efficient hunting dog. The resulting breed was popular with horse owners and hunters. However, they can be a handful, demand a lot of attention, and they have very high energy and training requirements, so they are not an ideal breed for all.

Introducing the Pug has the potential to help round off some of the challenging aspects of the Jack Russell’s character. Although playful, the Pug does not need as much exercise or intense work as the Jack Russell. But, what it does need is a lot of attention from its humans. This need for attention can also lead to Pugs suffering separation anxiety if they are left alone too long, so the Pug is not a suitable breed for owners that go to work or are out of the house for long periods.

The Jug combines these two breeds, which means it has the potential to take after either breed but more likely is that it will combine different elements of both and fall somewhere between the independent Jack Russell and the clingy Pug.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

Jack Russells and Pugs make good family pets, for different reasons.

The Jack is full of energy and loves to play. It will do very well in families with children who are willing to get outside with a ball or a toy. It will also get along very well with the adult that walks it. Pugs are good family dogs because they are playful and enjoy spending time with their humans.

The Jug combines these two breeds so that you should end up with a dog that is always happy to play but is also happy to lay down and nap with all family members.

The size of the breed means that it is suitable for life in an apartment. However, it will need regular exercise to help keep it physically and mentally fulfilled. If you keep the dog in a house with a garden, be aware that Jack Russells are highly skilled diggers and are also very capable jumpers so you will need to ensure that the garden and yard are well secured, to prevent escape.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Jack Russells are used to being kept in packs, which means that they do get along with other dogs, especially if those dogs are willing to play and join in any fun activities dreamed up by the Jack Russell. It can be more challenging to convince a Jack Russell to get along with cats, but with careful and steady introductions, it should be possible to have both pets in your home.

Pugs also get along with other dogs, although they are less likely to want a playmate than the Jack Russell. Because they don’t have any prey drive to speak of, they will also get along with respectful cats.

The hybrid Jug dog breed should get along with dogs in your house, as well as those that it meets in the street. A careful introduction should ensure that the hybrid pup will also get along with cats, but you should never leave your Jug unattended with smaller animals because the Jack Russell’s prey drive may kick in.

Things to Know When Owning a Jug

As with any hybrid breed, you don’t necessarily know exactly what you are getting when taking on a Jug. However, there is a very good chance that it will need plenty of daily exercise and you will need to start training and socialization from a young age. Diet is important, too, because you don’t want to overfeed the dog. Pugs, especially, but also Jack Russells are prone to putting on weight.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Although the breed is small, it does have a lot of energy, which means that it eats more than a lot of other breeds of the same size. If feeding dry food, expect to give 1.5 cups of kibble per day. If feeding wet food, follow the guidelines on the packaging, and ensure you don’t overfeed your Jug.

No more than 10% of a dog’s daily calorie intake should come from treats, but tasty treats are a great training tool. Monitor how many treats you give, count the calories, and reduce the amount of food you give your dog accordingly. It is very easy to overfeed smaller dogs because even a few extra biscuits or a couple of extra treats can be equivalent to quite a portion of your dog’s daily allowance. However, obesity is a major health problem for dogs that can lead to a host of health problems.

As with any breed, you must ensure that your Jug has access to clean and fresh drinking water, all day.

Exercise 🐕

The Jug dog breed combines the playfulness of the Pug and the energetic intensity of the Jack Russell. You should expect a dog that is more lively than the typical Pug, although not as intense as a Jack Russell. You should provide about an hour of walks per day, and look for other forms of exercise that are more energy-intensive and require the use of your Jug’s brain.

The breed can do well in some canine sports. They do well in agility, but their smaller size means they can struggle with strength-based games.

Training 🎾

Jack Russells are intelligent dogs but they do have an independent streak, and if their attention is taken by some perceived prey, it can be very difficult to control the dog. On the other hand, the Pug can sometimes choose to ignore commands. This combination means that while the Jug is an intelligent dog, it can be tricky to train, especially if you get the combination of independent, headstrong terrier and occasionally ignorant Pug.

Start training when your dog is young. Keep training sessions fairly short and try to introduce games. Use treats, but also offer a lot of intense praise, because the Pug will especially enjoy the praise and attention that it gets for a job well done. You should also start with socialization when your dog is still a young puppy. Socialization is important for all dogs.

Take your dog to puppy classes because this will set you up well for ongoing training and it also gives you a chance to socialize your puppy with other dogs. It can also be a good way to find out about sports classes and other events to get involved in.

Continue your socialization efforts on walks and by having people around the house. You need to introduce your dog to new situations, as well as to different groups of people.

Grooming ✂️

The Jug can end up with a wiry coat like the Jack Russell or something smoother, more like the Pug. It will usually have a short coat and while it is easy to manage, it will need some regular brushing. Aim to brush at least weekly. While brushing, you can also look for signs of injury and other potential physical problems with your dog. Trim nails every 2–3 months or when you can hear them clicking against hard surfaces.

Brush your dog’s teeth at least three times a week, if not daily. And, check inside the ears for infection or blockages, regularly.

Health and Conditions 🏥

The biggest potential health problems for Jack Russel Pug mixes are those that are associated with the brachycephalic skull and face shape of the Pug parent breed. It can lead to breathing problems and is the cause of snorting and heavy breathing that are evident in a lot of Pugs. The face shape can also cause problems with the eyes.

Male vs Female

Generally, male dogs are a little taller and heavier than females, although this can be difficult to judge with hybrid breeds like the Jug. Males also tend to be more playful, which can make training them more difficult because they are easily distracted. Females are the better hunters and are more likely to have a higher prey drive.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Jug

1. Jack Russells Are True Athletes

Jack Russells might be small but they were bred to be agile and fast. As such, they are incredibly athletic animals that are capable of digging, have the stamina to burn, and despite their short stature, can jump as high as five feet. This means they are capable of either going over or under a lot of fences and walls, so you will have to take extra care to ensure that your yard is properly secure so that your dog won’t get out.

2. Pugs Are True Lap Dogs

A lot of breeds are described as lap dogs, and the term is often only meant to describe a companion dog. But the Pug is a true lap dog. They were originally bred to be companions to Chinese Emperors and would spend all of their time sitting on the Emperor’s lap. Some say that they haven’t forgotten they are bred for royalty, and this is the reason why the little breed does not need as much exercise as other breeds.

3. Pug Facial Wrinkles Were a Sign of Good Fortune

The facial wrinkles of the Pug are one of its most distinctive features, and they were intentionally bred into the Pug when it emerged as a breed. The original breeders actually aimed to breed the Chinese character for Prince into their heads, and those Pugs that had something resembling this character were considered very lucky.

Final Thoughts

Jack Russells and Pugs are very popular breeds, although quite different from one another. The Jack Russell was bred in England two centuries ago and was used for hunting. It is a tenacious dog with a massive amount of energy and is very athletic. It is described as being an escape artist because it can jump over or dig under most fences and walls.

Owners need to meet the high energy demands of the breed to ensure that their Jack Russell stays fit and healthy. The Pug, on the other hand, was bred to be a lap dog for Chinese Emperors so, although the modern Pug is playful and quite lively, it does not require as much exercise as the Jack Russell.

Combining these two breeds typically results in a dog with the facial features and curly tail of the Pug but with the energy and a more playful attitude than the Jack Russell. It is considered a good breed for first-time owners, although it can be a challenge to train if it has the independent nature of the Jack Russell parent breed or the occasionally lazy attitude of the Pug.

• See also: Jackweiler Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Temperament & Traits

Featured Image Credit: James Pearce, Shutterstock