How long does a Border Collie Jack Russell Mix live?

A typical lifespan is 12–15 years, the midpoint of the Border Collie (12–15 years) and the Jack Russell Terrier (13–15 years).

Is a Border Collie Jack Russell Mix easy to train?

Trainability is moderate to very high, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

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Border Collie Jack Russell Mix

A Border Collie Jack Russell mix is a cross between a Border Collie and a Jack Russell Terrier. Most grow into medium-sized dogs of 20–35 lb and live 12–15 years.

Border Collie, a purebred dog — Border ColliePhoto: Horacio Cambeiro, CC BY-SA 4.0, source

Jack Russell Terrier, a purebred dog — Jack Russell TerrierPhoto: Plank, CC BY 3.0, source

Photos show the purebred parents. There is no single look for a mix: puppies in one litter can resemble either side.

Weight20–35 lbcan be 13–55 lb

Height16–18 inat the shoulder

Lifespan12–15 years

SizeMedium-sized

How big does a Border Collie Jack Russell Mix get?

Border Collie30–55 lb

The mix20–35 lb

Jack Russell Terrier13–17 lb

Pounds. The dark band is where most Border Collie Jack Russell Mix dogs end up; the light band is the full range between the smallest and largest parent.

Height runs 16–18 inches at the shoulder, against 18–22 in for the Border Collie and 13–14 in for the Jack Russell Terrier.

Figures use the Parson Russell Terrier standard, the AKC breed closest to the Jack Russell.

Coat, energy and training

Shedding

Moderate

Neither parent has a low-shedding coat, so expect dog hair around the house and seasonal heavy shedding.

Energy

Very high

Plan on long daily walks plus real exercise, such as running, fetch or a sport. A yard alone will not tire this dog out.

Trainability

Moderate to very high

The Border Collie rates very high and the Jack Russell Terrier moderate; a puppy may lean either way.

Grooming

Moderate

Brush a couple of times a week.

Temperament

The Border Collie is usually described as affectionate, smart, energetic. The Jack Russell Terrier as friendly, clever, athletic. A mix can take after either parent or land in between. If you can, meet both parents of a puppy before you choose.

Border Collie vs Jack Russell vs the mix

Trait	Border Collie	Border Collie Jack Russell Mix	Jack Russell Terrier
Weight	30–55 lb	20–35 lb	13–17 lb
Height	18–22 in	16–18 in	13–14 in
Lifespan	12–15 yr	12–15 yr	13–15 yr
Shedding	moderate	moderate	low
Energy	very high	very high	very high
Group	Herding	mixed	Terrier

Questions about the Border Collie Jack Russell Mix

How big does a Border Collie Jack Russell Mix get?: Most grow to 20–35 pounds and 16–18 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 13–55 pounds.
How long does a Border Collie Jack Russell Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 12–15 years, the midpoint of the Border Collie (12–15 years) and the Jack Russell Terrier (13–15 years).
Does a Border Collie Jack Russell Mix shed?: Shedding is moderate. Neither parent has a low-shedding coat, so expect dog hair around the house and seasonal heavy shedding.
Is a Border Collie Jack Russell Mix easy to train?: Trainability is moderate to very high, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

Other Border Collie mixes

Other Jack Russell mixes

Figures are calculated from each parent breed's standard height, weight and life expectancy. How we calculate.