How long does a Boston Terrier Jack Russell Mix live?

A typical lifespan is 12–14 years, the midpoint of the Boston Terrier (11–13 years) and the Jack Russell Terrier (13–15 years).

Is a Boston Terrier 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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Boston Terrier Jack Russell Mix

A Boston Terrier Jack Russell mix is a cross between a Boston Terrier and a Jack Russell Terrier. Most grow into small dogs of 12–21 lb and live 12–14 years.

Boston Terrier, a purebred dog — Boston TerrierPhoto: Svenska Mässan from Sweden, CC BY 2.0, 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.

Weight12–21 lbcan be 12–25 lb

Height14–16 inat the shoulder

Lifespan12–14 years

SizeSmall

How big does a Boston Terrier Jack Russell Mix get?

Boston Terrier12–25 lb

The mix12–21 lb

Jack Russell Terrier13–17 lb

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

Height runs 14–16 inches at the shoulder, against 15–17 in for the Boston Terrier 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

Low

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

Energy

Moderate to 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 Boston Terrier rates very high and the Jack Russell Terrier moderate; a puppy may lean either way.

Grooming

Low

A weekly brush and the odd bath keep the coat in shape.

Temperament

The Boston Terrier is usually described as friendly, bright, amusing. 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.

Boston Terrier vs Jack Russell vs the mix

Trait	Boston Terrier	Boston Terrier Jack Russell Mix	Jack Russell Terrier
Weight	12–25 lb	12–21 lb	13–17 lb
Height	15–17 in	14–16 in	13–14 in
Lifespan	11–13 yr	12–14 yr	13–15 yr
Shedding	very low	low	low
Energy	moderate	moderate to very high	very high
Group	Non-Sporting	mixed	Terrier

Questions about the Boston Terrier Jack Russell Mix

How big does a Boston Terrier Jack Russell Mix get?: Most grow to 12–21 pounds and 14–16 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 12–25 pounds.
How long does a Boston Terrier Jack Russell Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 12–14 years, the midpoint of the Boston Terrier (11–13 years) and the Jack Russell Terrier (13–15 years).
Does a Boston Terrier Jack Russell Mix shed?: Shedding is low. Neither parent has a low-shedding coat, so expect dog hair around the house and seasonal heavy shedding.
Is a Boston Terrier 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 Boston Terrier mixes

Other Jack Russell mixes

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