A friendly, playful breed, this cross between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Pug is a great option for many owners. Small and perfect for cuddling up on the couch, yet with a surprising amount of stamina and get up and go, the Jug is a favorite dog for many people. However, little is known yet about this recently-created breed.
How long do Jug dogs live, for example? What health issues should you look out for? And how can you keep your Jug healthy at a later age? This is what we’ll be taking a look at in this article. So, read on to find out how to best care for your Jug!
How long do Jack Russells live?
A small, thoroughly energetic dog right into their golden years, Jack Russell Terriers have been known to live for 13 to 16 years! By the time they’ve reached this grand old age, you can expect issues with bone growth, deafness, or eye disease to have reared their head. Rest assured, however, no Terrier will ever let their health slow them down – as many a Jack owner will tell you!
A generally healthy and hardy breed, you don’t have much to worry about with a Jack Russell Terrier. However, one concern for Terriers – and thus Jugs – in later life is the eye condition, lens luxation. This is where a JRT or Jug Terrier’s lens detaches from their eye. The condition is highly treatable with early diagnosis.
A Jack Russell Terrier crossed with other dogs, like the Pug, is less prone to health conditions like these, even in later life.
How long do Pugs live?
With a fine, sleek coat that they will retain throughout their life, as well as distinct, unique features like their short, wrinkly, dark muzzle, the affectionate, cuddly Pug typically lives for 12 to 15 years.
In a Pug’s later years, they may develop hearing issues and problems with their skin. Symptoms of congenital diseases and neurological disorders may begin to arise also. On top of this, an older Pug’s body begins to store more fat and loses muscle mass.
This means a Pug will start to slow down, wanting to keep warm and struggling to walk as far. They may even suffer from arthritis. Their brachycephaly, or flat face, may also become a bigger problem in these later years, too.
Again, your Jug crossbreed is less likely to suffer severely from these health issues. But they’re still something to be aware of.
Do Jug dogs have health problems?
Yes. Though created to be a healthier breed than the Pug or Jack Russell would be alone, Jug dogs still have a few health problems that you should watch out for. Two of the most common issues are problems with sight, as well as epilepsy.
Jugs are considered a brachycephalic breed due to the short, flat muzzle they inherit from their Pug side. Of course, this muzzle is not generally as short as a full Pug’s would be. However, this flat muzzle can still mean that your Jug struggles to breathe, throughout their life.
You can manage your Jug’s brachycephaly by not pushing them when you play together; if your Jug shows signs of tiredness, or they get bored, let them have a short break. On top of this, since brachycephaly means that your Jug struggles to keep cool, make sure that they always have access to plenty of clean, cool water.
This may mean investing in a travel bowl for those long walks, as well as using a gel cooling mat in your Jug’s crate or bed, and in the yard. Jugs with severe brachycephaly may even benefit from surgery.
Your Jug’s unusual Pug-like face shape may also mean that they are somewhat more prone to eye infections. This is because their bulbous eyes may let in dirt more easily. This is rarely a problem unless your Jug runs around in bushes or a dusty area, but it’s a good idea to have a dog eye wash on hand. You should also inspect your Jug’s eyes for irritation regularly.
How can I help my Jug age gracefully?
Since your Jug may develop hearing problems later on in life, it’s a good idea to use signs alongside their spoken commands when training them. This way, they can continue to perform all their favorite tricks with ease and aplomb!
On the subject of tricks, you should bring your Jug over to a mat or the lawn before asking for a more strenuous trick, like rolling over. This will make your Jug less likely to get injured. Sure, your Jug may simply refuse to carry out their most physical tricks in old age. But doing tricks together will help to keep your Jug flexible and is good fun for them, too.
We mentioned how your Jug’s metabolism may change at a later age, resulting in your pooch having less muscle mass and more fat. This may cause weakness and a reduction in your Jug’s stamina. However, you can keep your Jug stronger and fighting fit as they age by changing their diet.
Switch to a small breed senior food to get the best nutrition. Your Jug will need lots of fiber. Keep your Jug’s joints in peak condition with a supplement containing plenty of chodroitin, glucosamine, methysulfonylmethane (MSM), and green lipped mussel. A little coconut oil or fish oil in your Jug’s bowl may help with joint pain, too.
Adding a little turmeric to your Jug’s bowl is a great way to prevent inflammation, also.
When your Jug is young, their body can actually produce its own vitamin C. However, if they develop a joint condition, your Jug will need more of this crucial vitamin. After all, not only does vitamin C guard against the free radicals that speed the aging process, but it also boosts the absorption of other vitamins and minerals.
You could feed your Jug orange segments as a treat. But if you find that the acidity aggravates your Jug’s stomach, a vitamin C supplement is best.
