If you’re here because you want to learn more about the Jorkie (Jack Russell Yorkie Terrier Mix) dog breed, don’t go anywhere; you’re in the right place.
Owning and raising a dog could often come with a truckload of questions you will want to be answered, particularly when it involves crossbreeds with varying characteristics.
Questions on what personality traits to look out for, their feeding needs, what proper training and grooming entail, would pop up in your mind now and then.
Read Also: Yorksky (Husky And Yorkie Mix) Information, Pictures, & More
Jorkie, a mix between two purebred terriers, has become the darling of many homes and families in recent times. Outlined in this article are all the questions and relevant topics about this designer dog breed we will be discussing.
- What is a Jorkie?
- Appearance Of The Jorkie (Jack Russell Yorkie Terrier Mix)
- Temperament Of The Jorkie
- Health Problems Of The Jack Russell Yorkie Terrier Mix
- Grooming Requirements Of The Jack Russell Yorkie Terrier Mix
- Dietary Requirements Of The Jorkie
- Exercise Requirements Of The Jorkie (Jack Russell Yorkie Terrier Mix)
- Determining If The Jorkie Is For You
- Final Takeout - Jorkie
What is a Jorkie?
Jorkie, otherwise called a Yorkie Russell or Jack Russell Yorkie Mix, is a crossbreed of two purebred terrier dogs: The Jack Russell and Yorkshire Terrier.
If you are looking to get a lap dog, this might just be the breed for you. Jorkie is a petite, intelligent dog constantly seeking attention from its owners.
They are energetic, affectionate fur-balls (as I like to call them) that are loyal and great with families. Due to their classic Terrier nature, they are also known to be brave, curious, and always eager to solve problems. They could even pull off a mischievous prank once in a while!
They could sometimes be stubborn too, which could make training a bit difficult, but nothing effective training can’t nip in the bud.
Let’s find out more about the ancestry of this exciting dog breed.
Origin — Overview of Jack Russell Terrier
The origin of Jack Russell takes us back to England in the early 1800s. John Jack Russell, a cleric, is recognized today as the Father of this breed, and its ancestry can be traced back to the white English Terrier, which is now extinct.
Being a hunting enthusiast, Russell had some difficulty differentiating his hunting dogs from the animals they ought to pursue.
Hence, the need for an all/mostly white dog arose. In a bid to get one, Russell purchased Trump (a small, female two-colored dog) from a small village in Marston.
Trump was mostly white with tan markings on her ears, around both eyes, and the tip of her tail. Fitting perfectly into Russell’s description of a perfect hunting dog, she became the subject of his breeding program.
She and her pups were trained to have high stamina and the needed courage to bolt foxes out of their burrows.
However, none of the Jack Terriers we see today are direct descendants of Trump, as Russell was forced to sell off his dogs during a period of financial difficulty.
In 1883, he was left with four old, non-breeding dogs, which eventually died off at the time of his death.
Following Russell’s death, two Englishmen, one surnamed East and the other named Arthur Heinemann, made efforts to continue the breed’s strain. East bred several pups, all of which are believed to have descended from one of Russell’s dogs.
Heinemann, on the other hand, had a different plan. He continued the strain with the purpose of breeding dogs that were intended to hunt badgers rather than foxes which was the purpose of Russell’s breeding program.
However, hunting badgers required a more stocky dog which led to the introduction of the sturdy Bull Terrier.
The introduction of the Bull Terrier into the breeding program resulted in the short legs of the Jack Russell as we know it today. Following World War II, the requirement for hunting dogs declined, and so did the demand for this breed. They have been increasingly used as family and companion dogs since then until today.
After many attempts and considerations, this dog breed was then recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2001.
| Stats | Jack Russell |
| Height | Male: 34–38 cm, Female: 31–35 cm |
| Weight | Male: 5.9–7.7 kg Female: 5.9–7.7 kg |
| Temperament | Intelligent, Energetic, Bold, Happy, Eager, Obedient |
| Color | Black & White, White & Tan, Tri-color, Lemon & White |
| Life Span | 13 – 15 years |
Origin — Overview of Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier, also known as Yorkie, is one of the smallest Terrier dog breeds and any dog breed at all. It was developed in the 19th century in Yorkshire, England, mostly for companionship.
Workers from Scotland migrated to Yorkshire for jobs and brought several varieties of Terriers alongside them.
The breeding of this dog was mainly done by workers who were operative in cotton and wool mills. It draws its origins from three distinct dogs:
- A male named Old Crab,
- A female named Kitty,
- And another female whose name is unknown.
These dogs were all originally bred from Scotch Terriers, and their development was mostly done in Yorkshire, hence the breed’s name Yorkshire Terrier.
Yorkshire Terriers were mostly shown in dog shows, but their classification at these shows was confusing and absurd.
In the early days of this breed, “almost any dog in the shape of a Terrier that has a long coat with blue on the body, fawn/silver-coloured head and legs with docked tails and trimmed ears were classified as Yorkshire Terriers.”
In the late 1860s, a popular show dog named Huddersfield Ben, owned by a woman living in Yorkshire, Mary Ann Foster was seen at dog shows.
Most of the present-day show dogs draw their origins from Huddersfield, and through his pups, he defined the Yorkshire breed and is still referred to as the Father of the species.
The breed was introduced in North America in 1872, and the first was registered with the American Kennel Club in 1885. Between 2012 and 2013, the AKC ranked the Yorkshire Terrier as the 6th most popular purebred dog in the United States.
| Stats | Yorkshire Terrier |
| Height | 8 to 9 inches |
| Weight | 4 to 7 lbs |
| Temperament | Intelligent, Bold, Independent, Courageous |
| Color | Blue & Tan, Blue & Gold, Black & Tan, Black & Gold |
| Life Span | 13 – 16 years |
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Appearance Of The Jorkie (Jack Russell Yorkie Terrier Mix)
Jorkies generally have a cute, lively expression with a fluffy appearance. They are small like the Yorkies but as strong as the Jack Russell when it comes to body size. It sounds like a great and unpredictable feature, doesn’t it?
They have round faces with short, floppy ears and dark brown eyes like marble stones.
They also have short to medium mussels with black noses. Depending on which genes are dominant, your Jorkie could have elongated eyebrows and mustache.
Their long bodies end with a hairy, upright tail that completes the adorable look of the Jorkie.
Coat & Colour Of The Jorkie (Jack Russell Yorkie Terrier Mix)
Jorkies are known for their variety of coat types, with long, silky hairs that could either be straight or wiry — just like Yorkies.
Their coats are adorned with beautiful colors combined in pairs of either black, tan, fawn, silver, and rarely, even blue!
Size Of The Jorkie (Jack Russell Yorkie Terrier Mix)
Jorkies are small, lightweight dogs with an average of 9 to 13 inches in height. They are typically about 10-18 pounds in weight.
Yorkies were mostly carried on the lap of women and ladies of old because they are small dogs. It is no surprise then that Jorkies can also pass for lap dogs.
Temperament Of The Jorkie
This dog breed combines all the great characteristics of its parents. Best of both worlds, you can call it. Though a hybrid dog with a temperament that varies widely, Jorkies are bright, friendly, and intelligent dogs devoted to their owners.
They make great family pets as they are playful, affectionate, and good with children.
As opposed to their small size, Jorkies are quite strong — much stronger than you will expect from a dog of its size. They don’t bark as often likewise, which is why they are common with people or families who live in apartments.
They likewise get along pretty well with other pets; although their attention-seeking nature could often make them selfish and get them in trouble, it’s all part of what makes them so adorable.
Jorkies are also wary of larger dogs and could get nervous around them. So you would want to keep an eye on your pet when it is around larger dogs.
Health Problems Of The Jack Russell Yorkie Terrier Mix
Being a mixed dog, you can’t exactly determine this breed’s overall health and life expectancy, as it is susceptible to all the health problems that its parent breeds suffer from. Some diseases that are common to Jacks and Yorkies include:
- Cataracts
- Subaortic stenosis
- Canine glaucoma
- Cushing’s disease
- Dental decay
- Patellar luxation and;
- Collapsed trachea.
Though the list could seem a little lengthy, Jorkies are generally healthy dogs with a life span of about 12-15 years. All the conditions mentioned above are quite common among dog breeds and are treatable.
Grooming Requirements Of The Jack Russell Yorkie Terrier Mix
How often you groom your pet would depend on its coat type, particularly if it inherited the Yorkie’s long, silky coat.
Its coat could get tangled easily and often picks up dirt, so to keep your dog looking and feeling great, regular trimming and brushing are required. It is advisable to seek help from a professional when trimming your pet’s hair.
Bathing also helps reduce odors, but it should not be done too frequently (once every week will do), as it could irritate your dog’s skin.
The nails of your dog should also be trimmed when necessary. Jorkies are also prone to dental decay, so you should include a 2-3 times a week brushing routine to its grooming schedule.
Dietary Requirements Of The Jorkie
Contrary to their toy sizes, Jorkies are highly energetic dogs; as such, they would require healthy diets to cater to their energy levels and activities.
A diet containing about 20% protein and the right proportion of the required vitamins and minerals is recommended.
Dry dog kibble would also be great for your pet’s dental, as it helps remove plaque from its teeth and gums.
If you want to opt for a more customized diet, do well to consult your veterinarian first.
Exercise Requirements Of The Jorkie (Jack Russell Yorkie Terrier Mix)
Many tend to mistake small dogs to be weaker and less active than larger dogs, but that’s far from the truth. Though a great lapdog, Jorkies are high-energy dogs.
They love running and hopping freely around the house and lawn to burn off some excess energy. You should support your dog’s activity instinct by taking it out on daily walks and jogs.
Short, fast-paced walks and some playtime off its leash should be enough daily exercise for this dog breed. More so, both parent breeds of the Jorkie are athletic, so you might want to consider getting your dog into tracking and agility activities.
Training Requirements Of The Jorkie (Jack Russell Yorkie Terrier Mix)
Small breeds are generally notorious, stubborn, and difficult to train. However, it’s not so much about their size that gives them this attribute. Rather, it bothers more on the sensitivity levels.
Jorkies are sensitive dogs, and they require a positive enforcement training routine, not a harsh one. Harsh training routine methods will only cause them to be more adamant.
As with any other dog breed, consistency is key in training your Jorkie. You should have short training sessions (about 15 minutes) every day with your pup.
Small dogs also tend to feel insecure and uncomfortable around larger dogs, which is normal. Train your pup to keep a safe distance from them.
Jorkies are also prone to separation anxiety. You can reduce this by keeping your pup engaged with gaming activities that require mental exercises, such as puzzle toys and buster cubes. This not only keeps them engaged and entertained but is also a great form of mental stimulation.
This dog breed tends to seek constant attention. When your pup starts to whine and bark because its attention-seeking demand has not been met, ignore it purposely and leave it in a position for a long time.
Over time, as your dog grows, it would come to terms with your attitude towards its rather demanding nature.
Determining If The Jorkie Is For You
The Jorkie dog breeds are great family pets, particularly for older, calmer children who are better experienced handling small pets. They are fragile and have no tolerance for mishandling and rough play. If you have younger children, you must train them to handle this breed rightly.
Although Jorkies could be vocal when they require something, they don’t often bark, unlike other small dogs. This is one of the reasons why they are great for apartment living, as you would not have to deal with neighbors’ complaints constantly.
Jorkies also require lots of attention, which is often time-consuming and demanding. They never get bored of playing around and trying new things, so you should be ready to put up with that, especially in the growing years of your pup.
How Much Does Jack Russell Terrier Yorkie Mix Puppies Cost?
Jorkie puppies with all the paperwork in place can cost between $800 to $2000. The Puppy’s quality, residential location, availability, and the breeder can influence the right.
Final Takeout – Jorkie
Playful, feisty, vocal, adventurous, brave, affectionate, and independent, Jorkies are sure to bring so much love, joy, and color to your life. They are suitable for semi-active families with older children and individuals looking for an adorable companion dog.
