The Jug is a healthy, hyper hybrid with the best Terrier and Pug traits. Created in a bid to make it easier for the brachycephalic or flat-faced Pug to breathe, this stocky pooch retains all the Pug charm that people love, but with the Jack Russell Terrier’s increased agility and stamina. A Jug may also have that Jack Russell tendency to alert bark.
However, being created within the last ten years makes it hard to know what to expect from this new designer dog. Who knows how your Jug will act? What kind of coat will they end up having? And how big do Jug dogs get? Let’s explore this new crossbreed:
What type of dog is a Jug?
The Jug is a crossbreed between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Pug. This means they have a combination of both Jack Russell and Pug traits. Your Jug may have the intelligence of both Jack Russell and Pug, in addition to the Jack Russell’s stubbornness or fearlessness.
If your Jug is more of a Pug, expect to see the Pug jealousy towards other dogs and kids. Or, you may notice Jack Russell’s “small dog syndrome”, where your Jug thinks they must dominate over other dogs and humans, defending their territory and pack from all “intruders”. Thankfully, the Jack Russell and Pug traits usually balance each other out, creating a well-rounded dog.
How does a Jug behave?
The Jug is as fearless as they are affectionate and friendly, and they love snuggling up with their owner on the couch just as much as they love going for long walks together. Some Jugs are prone to developing separation anxiety, so this makes proper socialization and training from an early age an absolute must.
Some Jugs inherit the Jack Russell Terrier tendency towards hunting. This can make the squirrel-laden woodlands an off-limit walking destination, and guinea pigs or hamsters are out of the question. Other Jugs can be vocal, letting you know when they see everything, from someone coming to the door to a piece of trash floating by.
How big are Jug dogs?
Being a combination of the Pug and the Jack Russell, the Jug also possesses a mix of the two breeds’ physical traits. Most Jugs will have a somewhat flat, Pug-like face, though their Jack Russell genes mean their snout has lengthened to a certain extent. Jugs usually have the ears of a Pug, too, with a lean Jack Russell body rather than a stocky Pug build.
Both the Jack Russell and Pug are relatively small dogs. So, Jugs can’t grow taller than the largest Jack Russell Terrier, standing at 15 inches.
What do Jugs look like?
Most Jugs have that adorable curly Pug tail and cute Pug “bug eyes”. They can have a variety of colorings, but the most common colorings are black or caramel shades. When fully grown, they may have a wide body with a broad girth. Jugs have the potential for either long Jack Russell legs or the shorter Pug ones.
Pugs don’t usually have the thickest coats. But, Jack Russells have smooth, broken or rough hair types, all of which inherently shed. So, be prepared for lots of cleaning!
Though the Jug was bred to have a longer snout, many Jugs still struggle to breathe in warm weather or during strenuous extended play. So, it’s essential to keep your Jug cool. Thankfully, simple, inexpensive measures like using a pet cooling mat can go a long way in keeping your Jug comfortable.
What size does a Jug grow to?
The jury’s out on this one. Being such a young crossbreed, there’s no telling whether your Jug will turn out to be more of a Jack Russell or Pug. Your Jug’s adult size depends on which generation of Jack Russell / Pug cross they are. However, Jugs usually grow to between 10 to 14 inches, weighing from 10 to 18 pounds.
However big your Jug gets, you will always be able to scoop them up in a bag when they collapse after playing fetch.
How can I guess my Jug’s size?
How can you choose a crate, bed, harness, or collar for your Jug when you don’t know what size they’ll end up? Being a cross between two such drastically different dogs, it’s difficult to predict a Jug’s adult size. However, there are a few things that can help you.
One good way to guess your Jug’s fully-grown size is to take a look at their paws. Your Jug’s paws may seem large while they’re a puppy. But, as an adult, they will have completely grown into them.
Another way to guess your Jug’s adult size is to use a formula. Some owners swear by doubling your Jug’s weight at six months. Others insist that dividing their weight at 20 weeks by their current age in weeks, then multiplying this by 52, is the more accurate way to get your Jug’s adult weight.
Are Jug dogs good pets?
Yes, the Jug makes a perfect pet. A Jug’s small size means that they only need a short daily walk and some play to meet their fitness needs, though they do have the stamina to walk a little further every once in a while. These friendly dogs also love playing with kids and can be easily walked by children. Jugs are also obedient and easy to train.
How much exercise do Jugs need?
Though they are on the small side, the Pug’s strength and Jack Russell’s frenetic nature mean that a Jug does best every day with a certain amount of exercise. Thirty minutes once a day is a bare minimum. This could translate to a short walk, some fetch or tug when you get home, or even just play.
Don’t be afraid to take your Jug on longer walks now and then. As long as you keep your Jug cool and give them access to plenty of water, you’ll be surprised at just how much stamina they have.
