If you’re going to be a first-time dog owner and are thinking about getting the Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mix, you’ll want to read this guide first. The Jack Russell Blue Heeler Mix, also known as Cattlejack is an interesting and unique designer dog known for its working ability, stamina, and endurance.
Many people often confuse the Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mix with the Blue Heeler Chihuahua Mix because they look physically similar. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about this hybrid dog including its temperament, health issues, lifespan, physical appearance, coat colors, and more.
Let’s first start with a breed overview of Jack Russell Cattle Dog Mix.
Table of Contents
Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mix: Breed overview
| Jack Russell Terrier Mix With Blue Heeler | |
| Other Names | Cattlejack, Jack Heeler, Cattle Jack Dog, Jack Russell Blue Heeler Mix, Blue Heeler Jack Russel Mix |
| Purity | Crossbred |
| Purpose | Sporting or working dogs |
| AKC Recognition | No |
| Size | Small to medium |
| Weight | 20-35 pounds |
| Height | 14-18 inches |
| Colors | Blue and tan, white and black, white and tan, tricolor |
| Child friendliness | High |
| Canine friendliness | Moderate |
| Training difficulty | Easy to train |
| Grooming upkeep | Minimal |
| Exercise needs | Very high |
| Health | Good |
| Lifespan | 13-16 years |
| Puppy cost | $500-$1,200 |
What is a Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mix?
The Jack Russell and Australian Cattle Dog Mix is a hybrid of two canines: the Jack Russell Terrier and the Blue Heeler. Like every mixed breed, this pup takes various characteristics from both his parents. He goes by several names such as Cattle Jack, Jack Heeler, and Cattle Jack Dog.
Read on ahead to learn more about this wonderful breed.
RELATED: Blue Heeler Husky Mix (Ausky Complete Guide)
Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mix info
The Blue Heeler Jack Russell Terrier Mix is a lively and playful pup. He’s famous for being extremely intelligent and strong, traits that he inherits from his parent breeds. The Jack Russell x Blue Heeler is loyal and protective of his family and highly suspicious of outsiders and strangers.
While the Jack Russell Terrier Australian Cattle Dog Mix is kid-friendly, he’s not suitable for households with little children. Moreover, a Jack Russell Blue Heeler Mix is not ideal for first-time pup owners since they require proper training and a firm hand.
Breed similar to Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mix: Jack Russell Terrier Chihuahua Mix (Jack Chi Complete Guide)
Dog breeds similar to Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mix
The Heeler Jack Russell Terrier Mix isn’t the only mix of his kind. There are several canine breeds similar to the Jack Russell Heeler Mix. They include:
Blue Heeler Australian Shepherd Mix.
Jack Russell Beagle Mix.
Jack Russell Chihuahua Mix (link provided near the top of the page).
Border Collie Blue Heeler Mix.
Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mix: Parent breeds
The Blue Heeler And Jack Russell Mix have not been around for that long, and there is little information about their origins. However, fans of this mixed breed pups see them as excellent pet companions.
The Jack Russell Cattle Dog Mix is a designer breed so it doesn’t have a set breed criterion yet. There is currently no AKC or UKC standard to determine the appearance and behavior of Jack Russell Blue Heeler Mix, making it difficult to tell with certainty what your Cattle Jack will look like.
Let’s have a closer look at the parent breeds to understand what to expect from the mixed pups.
Blue Heeler origin
The Blue Heeler is known by several names, like Australian Cattle Dog (ACD), cattle dog, Halls Heeler, and Queensland Heeler. He was bred in the 1800s in Australia to help herd cattle. His creator, George Elliott, wanted a pup who could withstand the harsh Australian climate and had the stamina to work all day.
He crossbred the Dingo with different European sheep herding breeds to achieve this. The result was a sturdy pup with a strong work ethic, which we now know as the Australian Cattle Dog or simply Cattle Dog.
The ACD comes in two shades: red and blue. The Blue Australian Cattle Dog is also called the Blue Heeler, which is the more popular of the two for his beautiful coat and his clear dissimilarity to the feral Dingo.
Read also: Cowboy Corgi (Complete Guide)
Jack Russell Terrier history
Jack Russell Terrier’s origin dates back to the 1800s when Revered John Russell developed new breeds of hunting fox terriers. He wanted a small yet brave canine with high energy levels and an unshakeable determination to go after prey.
For his experiments, he crossbred different terrier breeds like the Bristol, Welsh, and Irish Terriers. And that’s how the Jack Russell Terrier came into existence. The new canine excelled at hunting and quickly became a popular choice for fox hunters.
The pup got the name Jack Russell in memory of Reverend John Russell. However, this breed has undergone hybridization, giving rise to a wide genetic makeup and deviations in the breed standard.
Check out: Pomeranian Mix Jack Russell (Complete Guide)
Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mix physical appearance
The appearance of the Jack Russell Blue Heeler Mix depends on the parents, but even after knowing the parent, it is impossible to guarantee what they will look like.
Depending on his parents’ genes, the Jack Russell And Blue Heeler Mix can either take after the medium-sized Blue Heeler or lean towards the small-sized Jack Russell. He might have the compact body of Jack Russell Terrier or the erect ears and a low tail like the Blue Heeler.
Blue Heeler features
The Blue Heeler is a member of the herding group. He has a deep-chested body with outward-pointing erect ears and a low tail. They have a smooth, short double coat.
As the name suggests, Blue Heelers have a blue appearance due to the mix of black and white fur. Their coat can be blue, blue speckled, or blue mottled with tan markings.
Jack Russell features
The Jack Russel has an athletic build. He has a high tail and dropped ears, which directly contrasts with the Blue Heeler. The Jack Russell has a similar double coat to the Blue Heeler, but his fur can be rough or smooth or a mixture of both.
Most Jack Russells have a predominantly white coat with black, brown, or tricolor patches.
Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mix size and height
A full-grown Jack Russell Blue Heeler Mix is usually a small-to-medium-sized pup that measures between 14 to 18 inches and weighs around 20 to 30 pounds. Since the Jack Russell Terrier Blue Heeler Mix is a crossbreed, his size and height greatly depend on the parent genes he takes after.
Like other breeds, the Jack Russell Blue Heeler Mix size is expected to be slightly more for males than their female counterparts.
Australian Cattle Dog Jack Russell Mix Size
| Male | Female | |
| Size group | Small to medium | Small to medium |
| Height | 15-18 inches | 14-17 inches |
Related Article: Mini Blue Heeler (Complete Guide)
Jack Russell Blue Heeler Mix weight
Usually, a Jack Russell Blue Heeler weighs around 20 to 30 pounds, but male pups are slightly heavier than females as we can see from the table below.
Jack Russell Mixed With Blue Heeler
| Male | Female | |
| Weight | 24-30 pounds | 20-28 pounds |
Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mix coat colors and types
It is difficult to predict the appearance of the Blue Heeler mixed with Jack Russell since he’s a mixed breed. Most Jack Russell Blue Heeler pups have a short and smooth coat, but some can also have the medium-length rough coat like some Jack Russel Terriers.
Coat patterns also vary. Some pups have the mottled or speckled blue coats like the Blue Heeler, while others may have bicolor or tricolor coats carrying white, black, and tan markings.
Jack Russell Blue Heeler Mix temperament and personality
The Jack Russell Terrier Blue Heeler Mix temperament can be stubborn like a Jack Russell, and you might face difficulty training the pups. If your mixed fur buddy takes after the Blue Heeler, he might be cautious of other canine breeds.
Their differences aside, both parent breeds are energetic, brave, and bold, which means you will have to give your pup plenty of room and time to play around. Moreover, the Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mix is a very loyal breed, making them excellent companions.
Jack Russell temperament
The Jack Russel is a great family dog. This terrier is playful and fun-loving. Combined with his cute appearance, those traits make him simply irresistible to pup parents. However, the Jack Russell can be aggressive and territorial, considering his origins.
These pups don’t tolerate maltreatment, making them unfit for young kids who don’t know how to handle pets. They can also pester other animals in the house due to their past as hunters.
Blue Heeler temperament
The Blue Heeler is an extremely intelligent, sturdy, and active pooch. Since they were originally raised as herding dogs, they enjoy having a job to do and like participating in all family activities.
This Australian Cattle Dog is very loyal and protective of his owner and family. However, they can be cold towards visitors and strangers. Their high energy also means they’re not the most elderly-friendly breed.
Does Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mix make great family pets?
Yes, Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mix makes great family pets. The Jack Russell Terrier And Blue Heeler Mix form close bonds with their owners, just like their parents. They love getting their owner’s attention and approval and do well when there is someone with them at all times.
Blue Heelers are great family dogs as they are intelligent, highly devoted, and alert. However, they can display a stubborn streak at times and are known to be aggressively protective — a good quality for a guard dog.
Jack Heelers are similar in that they are bold, athletic, intelligent, and quick. However, they also have an unpredictable prey drive. They are also clever little escape artists, and owners will have to take special care to keep them in the house or use a wireless dog fence if they are allowed to play in the backyard.
Your Cattle Jack may have any random mixture of these qualities, which is why we wouldn’t recommend this canine for new owners or people with young children.
Are Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mixes aggressive dogs?
The Blue Heeler x Jack Russell is a protective breed, and that sometimes results in aggressive behavior towards strangers and other pets.
The Jack Russell Blue Heeler Mix is known to nip and bite at the heels instinctively, making them dangerous for small children. They will need special training to get rid of those bad habits.
Do Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mixes bark a lot?
The Cattle Dog Jack Russell Mix doesn’t bark excessively or needlessly. He usually makes noise when he sees strangers approaching or hear anything suspicious.
Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mix training
Intelligent canines like the Jack Russell Blue Heeler Mix are easy to train, but they tend to become independent thinkers. Training at an early age will always have better results than training too late. You can even teach them not to chase after other pets.
Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mix exercise requirement
The Australian Cattle Dog Jack Russell Mix owners need to provide them with adequate physical and mental activities every day to avoid aggressive and destructive behavior. Since they are highly energetic canine companions, they need 30 minutes of intense exercise or 40 minutes of walk every day.
Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mix living conditions
Jack Russell Terrier Heeler Mix is a highly active breed, which means they need ample space to exercise and spend their energy. For this reason, a Jack Russell Blue Heeler Mix is better suited to households that have a backyard.
Many pet owners of similar mixed dog breeds will install an electronic dog door or two to allow their canine companions the freedom to access the backyard whenever they want. I’ve personally installed one for my two dogs so they can easily access my yard during the day while I’m inside catching a call or meeting.
The electronic doggy door saves me time, effort, and headache from getting up or opening the patio door every time my two K9 friends want to head out for some fresh air and sun.
With the smart pet doors, I can easily program it and set time curfews so it remains locked at night and unlocked during the day.
Want more information? Check out Best Electronic Dog Doors where we provide the top-rated automatic doggy door for your four-legged friends. Your furry companions will enjoy the door during the day and you’ll be saving lots of time from getting up and opening the door each time they need to head out.
This canine companion isn’t made for closed spaces; therefore, he might not be very happy living inside small apartments with less room for movement and play.
Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mix grooming and cleaning
Grooming requirements for Jack Russell Blue Heeler Mix are minimal as both Blue Heeler and Jack Russell Terriers have easy-to-care coats. The chart below shows their grooming needs.
| Grooming need | Frequency |
| Hair brushing | Once a week. |
| Bathing | As and when required. |
| Ear cleaning | Once a week. |
| Tooth cleaning | Three times a week. |
| Haircutting | Not needed. |
| Nail trimming | Once or twice a month. |
Did you know? By the age of 3, over 80% of dogs have active dental disease. Some signs of dental disease aren’t so obvious so it’s crucial that dog owners clean their dog’s teeth and visit the vet regularly to uncover the painful and hidden condition before it’s too late. Check out Best Dog Toothpastes to find out which one is best for your pooch.
Is a Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mix hypoallergenic?
No, the Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mix is not hypoallergenic. Hypoallergenic pets are those that shed minimally and produce little to no dander. The Jack Russell Blue Heeler Mix sheds moderately and can produce dander. This means that they aren’t hypoallergenic.
Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mix food and diet
To understand your Jack Russell Blue Heeler Mix dietary needs, you should observe the body type he has inherited from his parents. You should also watch his daily activities to ensure that you are feeding him the correct amount.
Their diet should include adequate protein with some healthy carbs. It is ok to feed them fruits or veggies but avoid feeding them raisins and grapes as it may cause kidney failure in pups.
Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mix common health issues
Crossbreeds have better immunity from genetic diseases as compared to pure breeds. However, you should still be aware of some breed-specific genetic health issues.
If you’re ever interested in knowing the specific genetic health issues your furry friend is prone to, we highly recommend that you speak with your dog’s breeder or veterinarian.
That’s because your dog’s breeder should know any potential health problems your K9 friend (mixed breed or not) is susceptible to based on the health of his or her parents.
However, there are times when none of the options above is possible. If this is the case, you can use a doggy DNA test. I’ve personally used the Embark dog DNA test on my two furbabies. I decided to go with this one because it provides both breed identification and health detection.
The results came back relatively quickly – about two weeks later. When I saw the results of the breed ID, I was pleasantly surprised at how accurate they were.
Also, the health detection results were extremely helpful. It allowed me to understand what health problems my two furry companions are prone to and what I can do to better take care of them.
A Blue Heeler is at a lower risk of diseases, but a Jack Russell can have several health problems. Here are some health conditions that a Jack Russell Blue Heeler Mix may experience.
1. Hip and elbow dysplasia
Elbow and hip dysplasia is the deformity of the hip and elbow joints.
2. Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder common among certain canine breeds.
3. Lens luxation
Lens luxation happens due to a weakening of the lens ligaments.
You may be interested in: How To Soften Dog Eye Boogers?
4. Cushing’s syndrome
Cushing’s syndrome is a condition caused by the overproduction of hormones.
5. Deafness
Deafness is a lifelong handicap your pup can inherit from his Jack Russell parent.
6. Von Willebrand’s disease
This is a blood disorder that prevents clotting and can cause excessive bleeding.
7. Persistence of pupillary membrane
The persistence of the pupillary membrane is a frequently encountered congenital anomaly among canines.
8. Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an ocular disease that leads to optic nerve damage.
9. Liver disease
Some signs and symptoms of liver disease include loss of appetite, intermittent vomiting, weight loss, and diarrhea.
10. Skin disease
These include allergies, rashes, or other skin conditions. Some skin diseases could also be caused by ticks. If you notice an Engorged Tick falling off your dog, it’s important to spot-check your dog’s head, neck, body, and legs for any other ticks feeding off your dog.
Check out: Dog Losing Hair Around Eyes? (9 Top Reasons + What To Do)
Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mix lifespan
The average lifespan of a healthy Jack Russell Blue Heeler Mix is 12 to 16 years, pretty close to how old their purebred parents live.
Find out: Jack Russell Lifespan (How Long Do Jack Russells Live?)
Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mix breeder
The Jack Russell Blue Heeler Mix is a designer breed, and not everyone sells this mix, so research thoroughly before buying one. Choose a responsible and reputable breeder who lets you visit their facility and offers health guarantees.
Before purchasing, you should also ask for health reports and certificates of the Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mix pup.
Australian Cattle Dog Jack Russell Mix puppy
Jack Russell Blue Heeler Puppies can take after either parent, depending on the blend of genetics they carry. Usually, you can’t tell how big your Jack Russell Heeler Mix puppies will get as adults, but Jack Russell Blue Heeler Mix puppy breeders can provide you with a good estimate.
If your heart is set upon buying Blue Heeler X Jack Russell puppies, the following information will help you figure out the best deal based on your budget.
Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mix price and cost
The cost of a hybrid pup is usually lower than that of a purebred. You can buy a Jack Russell Blue Heeler Mix Puppy for around $500 to $1,200. The puppy’s price can be significantly higher if both parent breeds come from champion bloodlines.
Buying a puppy is only one expense. You will also need to purchase grooming essentials, treats, food, and other necessary items that might increase your initial cost by $350.
Jack Russell Blue Heeler Mix puppies for sale
If you are looking for Blue Heeler X Jack Russell Puppies, you should go for a certified breeder. While they may be more expensive than others, you can be sure of where your pup comes from and whether he has any illnesses with a certified breeder.
It is easier to train Jack Russell Blue Heeler puppies than grown-up Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mix.
Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mix for sale
If you are searching for a Jack Russell Blue Heeler Mix for sale, you should buy him from a trusted breeder who can guarantee his health. It might be difficult to train an adult since the Cattle Jack tends to be stubborn.
Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mix: Pros and Cons
A mixed breed of Jack Russell and the Blue Heeler shares different traits from his parents, so it’s not easy to predict the exact temperament of a mixed pup. However, there are certain characteristics that all these fur balls possess. The pros and cons table below can help you decide if you want to bring one home.
| Pros | Cons |
| Intelligent and easy to train. | Territorial and overprotective. |
| Lively and energetic. | Unsuitable for elderly owners. |
| Strong and robust. | Unfriendly towards strangers. |
| Loyal. | Not pet-friendly. |
| Make excellent watchdogs. | Prone to nipping and chewing. |
| Easy to train. | Apartment unfriendly. |
| Effortless grooming. | Not hypoallergenic. |
| Courageous. | Unpredictable temperament. |
| Playful. | Stubborn. |
| Independent. | High exercise requirements. |
Is the Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mix right for me?
A Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mix might not be right for you if you are a first-time pup owner. However, if you know how to train a dog like the Cattle Jack and have enough space for him to play around, then the Blue Heeler Jack Russell could be the perfect fur companion for your family.
Related Questions
A Blue Heeler is an extremely alert, pleasant, and intelligent breed with a fierce sense of loyalty. While they make excellent workers, they don’t fit a family lifestyle.
A Jack Russell Blue Heeler Mix is a medium-sized mixed dog breed. Male Jack Russell Blue Heeler Mixes are 15 to 18 inches in height and weigh between 24 to 30 pounds. Female Jack Russell Blue Heeler Mixes are 14 to 17 inches in height and weigh between 20 to 28 pounds.
It depends on which other dog breed the Blue Heeler is mixed with. Generally, Blue Heeler Mixes are good dogs, however, since Blue Heelers tend to nip and bite at the heels instinctively due to their past. Because of this, they can be good working dogs, but not necessarily good family dogs with small children.
However, proper training can do the trick of getting rid of this bad habit.
A good mix with the Jack Russell is the Blue Heeler if you’re looking for a working dog or have a family with older children. Other good mixes with a Jack Russell include Beagle and Chihuahua.
DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Resources:
https://ahcfargo.com/client-resources/breed-info/australian-cattle-dog-2/
With over five years of specialized experience as an animal writer, my expertise lies in dog nutrition, health, behavior, grooming, and training. I am dedicated to delivering helpful and informative content that caters to the well-being of our furry friends. My primary goal is to empower pet owners with knowledge and ensure our canine companions thrive in health and happiness. In my free time, I love volunteering at local dog rescue centers.
