Rescue jack russell cross with Pug

[spottydottygal]

Hello, I have the chance to go and see a rescue jack russell cross pug. Supposedly a lovely dog, two years old. I'm very aware that Pugs usually have loads of serious health issues however I'm just wondering whether a cross breed may not have those health issues, or is it impossible to say!? Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you.

The biggest issue with pugs is their face , which can cause breathing issues. Mixing it with a jrt may have alleviated the smushed nasal passages but you'd really need them examined by a vet to get a fuller picture , which I would be surprised if the rescue hasn't already had done.

I've got one. He doesn't have breathing problems. He has allergies though which cause him to have skin problems. Looks like psoriasis. And ear infections at least every three months. Not sure if that's to do with his breed. Would die for my kids and lies on my lap all the time. Is also a good guard dog definitely has the jack Russell in him. But the heart of the pug. Very smart dog easy to train.

They will generally have some of the problems of both breeds but neither as severely as a purebred, ie

Probably have a funny shaped face and underbite because of the pug genes, but having the jack russell longer-snout genes in there means they are less likely to suffer from severe breathing difficulties

If you are able to ask any questions about the dog’s medical history, a lot of the ‘genetic/body type’ problems may be already evident in a 2 year old (if you’re going through a rescue organisation then often the dog has been checked by a vet) so at least you will know what you might be getting into

Above poster was what I couldn't find the words to convey about the breathing problems. He has a less squished face. I think the vet said a bridge on his nose. He is 3/4 pug too so if it's half and half definitely less likely to have this. My friend has a chug who doesn't have the skin problems. Lovely loyal dogs. Definitely pick their owner out the family to follow around.

If it has the face of a pug and the energy of a jack Russell there will be problems. However, the other way round and you will have an amazing dog.

Thanks so much for these responses. I'm aware of the breathing problems of Pugs which is definitely concerning but as you say Calm maybe these issues would be basically watered down a bit. I'll find out if he's been vet checked and see what the verdict is. As he's two we will be able to see if he has a longer snout. Didn't think about the skin issues though. Hmmm....definitely not something I will run into without thinking it through.

Can you cope with the worst of both breeds? That’s the key!

Cross breeding can often reduce in facial deformities that pugs have.

My sister's neighbour has a very aggressive cross from those two, although he looks like a Jack Russell .I just think he might be upset that he's described as a "jug"

I have a rescue Frenchie cross. All the health problems of a Frenchie, terrible allergies/skin/ear infections. Creases in her nose that get sore, sore feet from chewing them often, overbite...you get the idea. Love her tho 😍

We have 2 jugs, both are beautiful dogs. No real health issues yet (aged 1 and 4). The one year old is quite flat faced and needs a lot of exercise or she’s a bit wild (breathing is fine), the other would sleep for 23.5 hours a day (as long as it was on a bed and preferably under a duvet).

Both have huge appetites - never underestimate what they will do to get at food!

We have a mix who's half Frenchie and half pug x shih Tzu... She has the snoring but breathing is quite good, however due to the short snout she overheats really easily. Our vet has offered to give her a nose job when we spay her - they widen the nostrils and can also remove excess soft pallet if necessary. It isn't a hugely expensive procedure, we were quoted about £150 as no extra anaesthetic (she's way bigger than a pug though, just over 12kg)
I hope this reassures you if you're worried about the breathing/overheating aspect

Thanks everyone. Really helpful to read about all your experiences. Seems like there are likely to be a few issues. Actually i haven’t even seen a picture of him yet. We just got a phonecall today. He’s not even on website yet. I’ll def ask for for a pic before we decide whether to go and look.

Our neighbour has a Jack Russell Pug cross and it’s lovely. Really long snout and no breathing problems. I had no clue what mix he was I until I asked as it’s hard to see either parent dog in him. Really nippy runner and loads of energy, but no aggression.
I think you’ll just have to go and see the pup. Any crossbreed is a gamble in terms of what personality traits and health issues they may inherit from their parents.

I have a pug. We think she is crossed with a border terrier. She looks like a pug and behaves like a pug but she isn't quite as fussy and her face is not as squishy. She is well behaved and obedient and I think she is perfect.
She does not have breathing problems either.

But she is a pug :)

We have a pug and he is the most amazing dog in the world- soooo loving and patient with people, children, so obedient, not fazed by anything and is great at alerting if anyone untoward is outside our house! My dad's new car got stolen a few days ago from outside my house and I remember him suddenly running into the front room (in front of which the car was standing) and very loudly and angrily barking at the window at the exact time this was happening! But unfortunately we thought he was just being silly and didn't bother looking outside

He is perfect

I owned a pedigree pug. He never had any breathing issues or health issues. He lived until he was 13. Like I say in any dog threads take notice of "owners" rather than those that assume. My pug was quite lazy.

They are both heavy moulting breeds. You could end up with a hairy house.

Hello all, we’ve decided to pass on this doggy. Definitely more Pug than jack russell so I think i’d always be concerned about health issues. But thanks all for your input. I’ll keep looking. xx