Jug

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Size

Small

Life span

15 Years

Weight

7 Kg

Group

Hybrid Dogs

Jug Overview

A Jug dog is a crossbreed or a hybrid dog from two purebred parents, namely the Jack Russell Terrier and the Pug. The characteristics of a Jug differ from litter to litter, particularly on the physical aspects. Jack Russell Terriers can have a smooth coat, fine coat, or a wiry coat and can also have either short legs or long legs and these can pass on to the litter. Pugs on the other hand have almost the same physical traits except for the colour where it can be fawn, apricot or black which it can also pass on to the pup. So in terms of appearance, one Jug can look totally different from another. However, the most common aspects of their body is the trademark curly tail inherited from the Pug, but there are other Jugs with a more straight tail but they are very rare. The Jug is a small dog, lighter than a Pug but still heavier than a Jack Russell Terrier. It typically stands at a height of 25 – 26cm at the withers and averaging between 6 – 8kg in terms of weight.

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Jug Characteristics

Size InformationIntelligence
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Size InformationExercise Needs
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Size InformationDogs Health
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Size InformationChild Friendly
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Size InformationApartment
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Size InformationShedding
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Size InformationGrooming Needs
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Size InformationBarking
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Size InformationAlone
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Size InformationTrainability
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Size InformationEnergy Levels
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Size InformationDog friendly
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History & Origin

Jug comes from the name Jack Russell Terrier and Pug combined together. Previously, breed enthusiasts used to call the breed Jack Pug or Pug Russell but most settled on the name Jug. This breed is one of the hybrid dogs or “designer dogs” developed by crossbreeding two purebred canines. Although the Jug is a 50/50 mix of two breeds, it has its own distinct character – the best (and worst) of two worlds. The Jug doesn’t have a rich history like its parents do but it is speculated that the breed was developed in the United States during the 1960s.

Jug Temperament

The Jug’s temperament is a mix of the Pug and the Jack Russell Terrier’s personality. It is a blend of two physical and mental characteristics of these purebred dogs. It is an intelligent breed, tough, and friendly. This clever dog owes its intelligence from both parents plus it is easy to train, one of the most desirable characteristics of the Jug. Breeders not only aimed for looks but also for a companion/lap dog that could very well live in an apartment setting. It is more active and healthy than a Pug and a lot calmer than a Jack Russell Terrier plus it stays small enough to fit ideally in an apartment or condominium.

Jug Training

Is a Jug easy to train? Different dogs have different personalities but in general, the answer is, yes! The Jug is fairly easy to train. Both the parents are intelligent and they love pleasing their owners, traits that they passed on to the Jug. Although intelligence comes naturally to the Jug, training should still start at an early age and socialisation should be to as many experiences as possible (people, places, other animals).

Grooming

The Jug is a constant shedder and owners will often see plenty of hair fall on the carpets, rugs, furniture, beds, and almost anywhere it goes. Grooming is on the average side and the dog will benefit from regular brushings and baths.

Health

The Jug is typically a long-lived dog especially if given plenty of exercises and the right diet of food. The typical life expectancy is between 12 – 15 years. Some of the inherited medical conditions associated with the Jug are breathing problems inherited from the Pug parent. It also cannot tolerate extreme weather like extremely hot or freezing conditions so make sure not to expose the breed to these intolerable weather. Give the Jug plenty of water to avoid heat stroke.

Jug Exercise Needs

A healthy dog is a well-exercised dog and the Jug is no different. Inheriting from its Jack Russell Terrier parent, the Jug is quite energetic and needs plenty of exercises to channel those energies. Short daily walks for about half an hour are ideal exercises as this would help get rid of excess energy which can translate to unwanted behaviour or serious health issues if not properly utilised. Walking also helps the Jug socialise with other animals which help exercise the dog mentally. However, care must be taken not to take the Jug for a walk if the weather is too hot or too cold. Indoor exercises would suffice in these cases, such as playing ball or fetch.

Children and other pets

The Jug is a sociable dog (both the Jack Russell and the Pug are). A companion that loves pleasing its owners. This temperament makes it a wonderful companion to children regardless of age. The Jack Russell parent has a very strong prey drive and is naturally territorial so some of these traits can be passed on to the Jug, although in a milder degree. There is a chance that a Jug may or may not have different temperament but the key is early socialisation and proper training to raise a Jug with all the characteristics mentioned.