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Lab Jack Russell Mix

A Lab Jack Russell mix is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Jack Russell Terrier. Most grow into medium-sized dogs of 35–50 lb and live 12–14 years.

Labrador Retriever, a purebred dog
Labrador RetrieverPhoto: SixtyWeb, CC BY-SA 3.0, 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.

Weight35–50 lbcan be 13–80 lb
Height17–19 inat the shoulder
Lifespan12–14 years
SizeMedium-sized

How big does a Lab Jack Russell Mix get?

Labrador Retriever55–80 lb
The mix35–50 lb
Jack Russell Terrier13–17 lb

Pounds. The dark band is where most Lab 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 21.5–24.5 in for the Labrador 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
Low to high

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 Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever is usually described as friendly, active, outgoing. 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.

Lab vs Jack Russell vs the mix

TraitLabrador RetrieverLab Jack Russell MixJack Russell Terrier
Weight55–80 lb35–50 lb13–17 lb
Height21.5–24.5 in17–19 in13–14 in
Lifespan10–12 yr12–14 yr13–15 yr
Sheddinghighlow to highlow
Energyvery highvery highvery high
GroupSportingmixedTerrier

Questions about the Lab Jack Russell Mix

How big does a Lab Jack Russell Mix get?
Most grow to 35–50 pounds and 17–19 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 13–80 pounds.
How long does a Lab Jack Russell Mix live?
A typical lifespan is 12–14 years, the midpoint of the Labrador Retriever (10–12 years) and the Jack Russell Terrier (13–15 years).
Does a Lab 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 Lab 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 Lab mixes

Other Jack Russell mixes

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