How long does a German Shepherd Jack Russell Mix live?

A typical lifespan is 10–12 years, the midpoint of the German Shepherd (7–10 years) and the Jack Russell Terrier (13–15 years).

Is a German Shepherd 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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German Shepherd Jack Russell Mix

A German Shepherd Jack Russell mix is a cross between a German Shepherd and a Jack Russell Terrier. Most grow into medium-sized dogs of 30–55 lb and live 10–12 years.

German Shepherd, a purebred dog — German ShepherdPhoto: Erick Drumss Hernández, 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.

Weight30–55 lbcan be 13–90 lb

Height18–20 inat the shoulder

Lifespan10–12 years

SizeMedium-sized

How big does a German Shepherd Jack Russell Mix get?

German Shepherd50–90 lb

The mix30–55 lb

Jack Russell Terrier13–17 lb

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

Height runs 18–20 inches at the shoulder, against 22–26 in for the German Shepherd and 13–14 in for the Jack Russell Terrier. The parents differ a lot in size, so litters vary more than usual. Breeders normally use the larger breed as the mother to keep whelping safe.

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

Coat, energy and training

Shedding

Low to high

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 German Shepherd 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 German Shepherd is usually described as confident, courageous, smart. 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.

German Shepherd vs Jack Russell vs the mix

Trait	German Shepherd	German Shepherd Jack Russell Mix	Jack Russell Terrier
Weight	50–90 lb	30–55 lb	13–17 lb
Height	22–26 in	18–20 in	13–14 in
Lifespan	7–10 yr	10–12 yr	13–15 yr
Shedding	high	low to high	low
Energy	moderate	moderate to very high	very high
Group	Herding	mixed	Terrier

Questions about the German Shepherd Jack Russell Mix

How big does a German Shepherd Jack Russell Mix get?: Most grow to 30–55 pounds and 18–20 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 13–90 pounds.
How long does a German Shepherd Jack Russell Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 10–12 years, the midpoint of the German Shepherd (7–10 years) and the Jack Russell Terrier (13–15 years).
Does a German Shepherd Jack Russell Mix shed?: Shedding is low to high. Neither parent has a low-shedding coat, so expect dog hair around the house and seasonal heavy shedding.
Is a German Shepherd 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 German Shepherd mixes

Other Jack Russell mixes

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