Jackmatian (Dalmatian Jack Russell Mix): Care, Pictures, Info & More

Although it will probably never occur in the wild, the Jack Russel and Dalmatian dog breeds have been mixed, and the resulting Jackmatian puppies are nothing if not interesting, attractive, and energetic. If you’re interested in adopting a Jackmatian, we’ll discuss the dog’s most notable characteristics and how to care for them.

Breed Overview

The Jackmatian hasn’t been around for nearly as long as either of their parent breeds, the Jack Russel and Dalmatian, which means there’s not a lot of history or anecdotal evidence to go by when adopting one. What is known is that the parents have several differences, both big and small. The Jack Russel, for example, is a very small dog, while the Dalmatian is a medium to large dog. The difference in weight between the two can be as much as 50 pounds!

Jackmatian Characteristics

Jackmatian Puppies

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Finding a Jackmatian puppy might not be as easy as it sounds since they are not being bred by many breeders. The breeders know that Jackmatians are difficult to find and will usually increase their prices accordingly.

Because of their uniqueness and rarity, you can expect to pay anywhere from $600 to nearly $5,000 for a Jackmatian puppy. For that reason, many who want this interesting breed keep an eye on their local shelters and animal rescue operations so that if Jackmatian puppies show up, they’ll be the first to know.

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Temperament & Intelligence of the Jackmatian

The Jack Russel and Dalmatian are undoubtedly intelligent breeds. Jack Russels are known for being incredibly smart, and Dalmatians aren’t lacking in the smarts department either. Both breeds need plenty of mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy and prevent destructive tendencies.

As for training, according to the AKC, the Dalmatian is slightly easier to train. One reason why is that Jack Russell terriers can be stubborn. Both dogs are known to be affectionate with their families, but neither breed is exceptionally good with children.

If you adopt a Jackmatian, the hard truth is that you never know what you’ll get. However, as with all dogs, certain factors will make a big difference in how your dog turns out. You must find a conscientious and caring breeder, socialize your dog as a puppy, and treat them with love and kindness. If you do, the chances are much better that your Jackmatian will make a fine pet and companion.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

The Dalmatian and Jack Russel are considered excellent family dogs if socialized well. As mentioned, they’re both affectionate breeds that bond strongly with their families. However, the Jack Russell and Dalmatian aren’t tolerant of small children, so a Jackmatian will likely be similar.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

While Jack Russels get along well with other dogs, Dalmatians can be more standoffish, territorial, and aggressive with them. The same applies to other pets, including cats, rabbits, and Guinea pigs.

How well will a Jackmatian get along with other pets? Once again, this depends on how well your particular puppy is socialized. The more they’re exposed to other animals, people, and situations while younger, the more well-adjusted your Jackmatian will be as an adult.

Things to Know When Owning a Jackmatian

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

As with all canines, your Jackmatian will need a high-quality dog food that’s high in protein and good fats, low in carbohydrates and salt, and free of artificial ingredients. Jackmatian puppies will need puppy food that’s a bit higher in protein for their growing bones and muscles, with more fat for energy.

Neither the Jack Russel nor the Dalmatian has a significant issue with obesity, and both dogs are energetic. However, it’s important to keep an eye on your pet’s calories since any dog, when fed too often, can become obese and suffer from the health issues obesity causes.

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Exercise 🐕

A Jackmatian will likely need between 1 and 2 hours of daily activity to stay healthy and mentally fit. The parents of the Jackmatian are high-energy pups that demand more than the average daily exercise. They also need plenty of mental stimulation, so teaching your Jackmatian tricks and commands is a must to prevent them from becoming bored and destructive.

Training 🎾

Jack Russels are a bit aloof and stubborn, making training them more demanding and time-consuming. Dalmatians are easier to train since they’re more eager to please their owners. Put the two together, and it’s highly likely that your Jackmatian will be trainable but demand a high level of dedication and diligence to become a well-adapted, well-behaved adult dog.

Grooming ✂️

The good news about Jackmatians is that, in most cases, you’ll get a dog that doesn’t shed too much and needs minimal grooming to stay clean and healthy.  Both parents have short, smooth coats, but the Jack Russel is more wiry than the Dalmatian. The Dalmatian also has a double coat, while the Jack Russel’s coat is a single layer. For this reason, your Jackmatian may need more frequent brushing sessions.

Their short coats make Jackmatians easy to maintain with a once-a-week brushing, but it depends on how active your puppy is and how often it plays in the dirt, mud, and water. Like all dogs, regularly brushing their teeth is essential, as well as checking their ears, trimming their nails, and, when necessary, expressing their anal glands.

If your Jackmatian inherits floppy ears from their parents, keeping an eye on their ears and ensuring they don’t get infected or suffer from ear mites is recommended. Neither parent breed needs frequent baths, so your Jackmatian likely won’t need them either, but that is something you can play by ear or ask your veterinarian.

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Health and Conditions 🏥

Most Jackmatians will be healthy dogs since the Jack Russel and Dalmatian are relatively healthy breeds. However, the Dalmatian, unfortunately, has been overbred for many years and suffers from a variety of issues due to this unhealthy practice.

Deafness is common with purebred Dalmatians, and they can also suffer from kidney stones and hip dysplasia. Jack Russels have occasional deafness issues also, as well as patellar luxation.

Male vs Female

Aside from the physical differences between male and female dogs and slight size differences, there are very few other differences between male and female Jackmatians. As with all dogs, veterinarians recommend having your Jackmatian spayed or neutered if you’re not planning on breeding your dog.

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3 Little-Known Facts About the Jackmatian

1. They’re Also Known as Dal-Jacks

Since they’re not registered by the AKC, the Jack Russel Dalmatian mix can be called whatever you like.

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2. Jackmatians Make Good Watchdogs

They inherited the trait from their parents and will signal and bark if they feel there’s a threat to their family.

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3. Their Origin Is Unclear

It’s difficult to say when the Jackmatian first appeared since they are a relatively new “designer” breed.

Final Thoughts

One of the biggest drawbacks to adopting a Jackmatian is that you can never be sure exactly what type of dog you’re going to get. It’s also why, when adopting a Jackmatian, it’s essential you use a breeder with a sterling reputation who breeds out health issues and cares deeply for the dogs they produce.

If you adopt a Jackmatian, you’ll get a dog that demands a high level of mental stimulation and physical activity, but they’re affectionate and love playing with their family. We hope the information provided today will empower you to raise your Jackmatian to be a fantastic pet!

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Featured Image Credit: (L) Gemma Regalado, Unsplash | (R) Maria Ivanushkina, Shutterstock