Patterjacks are energetic, intelligent and affectionate dogs that thrive on playtime and exercise. They are trainable and eager to learn, making them good family pets when properly socialised. Playful and adaptable, they bring joy to their owners and can live in various environments with sufficient activity.
The Patterjack, a crossbreed between the Patterdale Terrier and the Jack Russell Terrier, can be a wonderful companion. However, there are several factors that potential owners should consider before bringing one into their home:
Energy Levels: Patterjacks are known for their high energy. They require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and prevent destructive behaviours.
Grooming Needs: While they may not require extensive grooming, regular brushing can help keep their coat healthy and reduce shedding. Be prepared for the occasional clean-up after outdoor play.
Training Challenges: Both parent breeds are intelligent but can be quite stubborn. Consistent training methods and positive reinforcement are essential in teaching them proper behaviour and commands.
The Patterjack is a hybrid breed, developed from crossing the Jack Russell Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier. This designer breed originated in the United Kingdom, designed as a small and agile companion dog with the tenacity and hunting instincts of its parent breeds. As a relatively new breed, the Patterjack gained popularity in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, particularly due to its playful and energetic demeanor. The breed exhibits an affectionate nature, making them excellent family pets. While they retain the working instincts of their terrier lineage, Patterjacks thrive in active households where they can engage in play and exercise. Their unique mix of traits has made them increasingly sought after by dog enthusiasts.
Patterjacks are small, lively dogs that are a cross between the Parson Russell Terrier and the Jack Russell Terrier, combining the best of both breeds into a compact package. They typically have a well-proportioned body, displaying a combination of agility and strength.
On average, Patterjacks stand approximately 25-38 cm tall at the shoulder. This size makes them suitable for both apartment living and active outdoor lifestyles.
The weight of a Patterjack generally ranges from 6 to 12 kg, depending on the individual dog's genetics and overall health.
Patterjacks come in a variety of colours, often featuring a combination of white, black, tan, and brown. Their coats can be smooth or slightly wiry, with a typically clean and tidy appearance. They may also display unique markings that are characteristic of their parent breeds.
Patterjacks are a lively and energetic breed that result from crossing a Jack Russell Terrier and a Patterdale Terrier. They are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, making them excellent companions for families. Their high intelligence and eagerness to please contribute to their good temperament.
Patterjacks are alert and quick to respond to their environment, which makes them decent watchdogs. They will bark to signal the presence of strangers, but they are not typically aggressive and are more likely to greet visitors than to act as a guard dog.
They do have a tendency to bark, particularly when they are excited or anxious. Proper training can help manage excessive barking, but owners should expect some vocalisation from this breed.
Patterjacks are quite intelligent and respond well to training, especially when positive reinforcement methods are used. Consistency and patience are key in training this breed, making them suitable for first-time dog owners who are willing to invest the time in their education.
The Patterjack, a cross between a Patterdale Terrier and a Jack Russell Terrier, generally has a life expectancy of around 12-15 years.
Patterjacks are energetic dogs that require a good amount of exercise. It's recommended to provide them with at least 1-1.5 hours of vigorous exercise per day, which can include walks, playtime, and mental stimulation activities.
Patterjacks can be prone to various health issues, which may include:
Hip dysplasia
Patellar luxation
Ear infections (due to their floppy ears)
Allergies
Eye problems, such as cataracts
Patterjacks, being a crossbreed between a Jack Russell Terrier and a Patterdale Terrier, are typically active and energetic dogs. They thrive in settings where they have access to a secure and spacious garden to play in. While they can adapt to smaller living accommodations like apartments, they require regular and ample exercise to remain healthy and content. A minimum of 60-90 minutes of daily exercise, combined with mental stimulation, is necessary for a Patterjack.
Patterjacks have a short to medium coat that is relatively low-maintenance. They require brushing once a week to remove loose hair and dirt, especially during shedding seasons. It's also important to check their ears regularly for dirt and debris, and to clean them if necessary. Bathing should be done occasionally, providing that they don't get excessively dirty.
Patterjacks should be fed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. Portion control is essential to prevent obesity; therefore, following the feeding guidelines on the dog food packaging and adjusting portions according to their activity level is advisable. Fresh water should always be available.
As a rough guide in pricing:
Cost to buy: roughly £400-£1,500 for a well-bred Patterjack puppy.
Other costs (Vet, Food etc): £70-£100 per month.
You can read our general buying guide here (/advice-on-buying-a-puppy/), with the most important thing being going to view your Patterjack puppy, seeing it with its mother, and checking the quality of the breeder.
A big thank you to the following sources who helped to shape this article:
Wag Walking - https://wagwalking.com/breed/patterjack