How long does a Golden Retriever Jack Russell Mix live?

A typical lifespan is 12–14 years, the midpoint of the Golden Retriever (10–12 years) and the Jack Russell Terrier (13–15 years).

Is a Golden Retriever 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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Golden Retriever Jack Russell Mix

A Golden Retriever Jack Russell mix is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Jack Russell Terrier. Most grow into medium-sized dogs of 35–45 lb and live 12–14 years.

Golden Retriever, a purebred dog — Golden RetrieverPhoto: Janneke Vreugdenhil, derivative work by Anka Friedrich, Public domain, 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.

Weight35–45 lbcan be 13–75 lb

Height17–19 inat the shoulder

Lifespan12–14 years

SizeMedium-sized

How big does a Golden Retriever Jack Russell Mix get?

Golden Retriever55–75 lb

The mix35–45 lb

Jack Russell Terrier13–17 lb

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

Height runs 17–19 inches at the shoulder, against 21.5–24 in for the Golden Retriever 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

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 Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever is usually described as friendly, intelligent, devoted. 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.

Golden Retriever vs Jack Russell vs the mix

Trait	Golden Retriever	Golden Retriever Jack Russell Mix	Jack Russell Terrier
Weight	55–75 lb	35–45 lb	13–17 lb
Height	21.5–24 in	17–19 in	13–14 in
Lifespan	10–12 yr	12–14 yr	13–15 yr
Shedding	moderate	moderate	low
Energy	very high	very high	very high
Group	Sporting	mixed	Terrier

Questions about the Golden Retriever Jack Russell Mix

How big does a Golden Retriever Jack Russell Mix get?: Most grow to 35–45 pounds and 17–19 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 13–75 pounds.
How long does a Golden Retriever Jack Russell Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 12–14 years, the midpoint of the Golden Retriever (10–12 years) and the Jack Russell Terrier (13–15 years).
Does a Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever mixes

Other Jack Russell mixes

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