Yorkie Russell

5-18 lbs
8-15"
Unknown
Yorkshire Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
Jorky

A lively mix of two of England's storied working Terriers, the Jack Russell and the Yorkshire, the Yorkie Russell is a small, energetic dog with a big personality. They are sweet, affectionate dogs with a playful attitude and are constantly seeking attention from their owners. Even maxing out at only 15 inches tall, these pint-sized pooches have no reservations when it comes to exploration, as their Terrier-bred nature means they are often brave and inquisitive, which can also get them into trouble. Despite being intelligent and keen problem-solvers, they are quite stubborn, making training a challenge at times. 

They are notoriously high-energy and if not provided a physical or mental outlet, can also become destructive and noisy, as they often default to being a watch dog, even if the job is not given to them. While these behaviors can become troublesome, with the right amount of attention, training, and exercise, they can make exceptional companions for a good variety of living situations.

purpose Purpose
Companion
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Jack Russell Terrier and Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkie Russell Health

Average Size
Male Yorkie Russell size stats
Height: 8-15 inches Weight: 5-18 lbs
Female Yorkie Russell size stats
Height: 8-15 inches Weight: 5-18 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Portacaval Shunt
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Cataracts
  • Tracheal Collapse
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
  • Subaortic Stenosis
  • Canine Cushing’s Disease
  • Canine Glaucoma
Minor Concerns
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Epilepsy
  • Von Willebrand's Disease
  • Cerebellar Ataxia
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Deafness
  • Degenerative Myopathy (DM)
  • Primary Lens Luxation (PLL)
Occasional Tests
  • Knee
  • Liver Ultrasound
  • CERF
  • X-Rays
  • Eye Examination
  • Physical Examination
  • Endoscopy
  • Brain Auditory Evoked Response (BAER)
  • DNA for VWD

Yorkie Russell Breed History

While the recent designer hybrid has little standing in terms of a timeline, both parent breeds are well established in English history as working dogs. The Industrial Revolution brought many Scottish immigrants into England in search of work and with them, they brought several breeds of Terriers. While it is believed that the Yorkshire Terrier developed through mixing these varied breeds such as the Paisley, Tan Toy, Black English and Skye, there is little documented evidence to prove their exact lineage, since most of the breeding was done by mill workers whose sole aim was to produce a dog to keep the vermin population as low as possible. 

By the late 1860s, a popular show dog had emerged named Huddersfield Ben, raising the desire for the breed thanks to his refined traits. After becoming a well-known stud in the following years, he was attributed the title "father of the breed" and is still known as such today. Americans got their first real taste of the Yorkshire during the Victorian era, as they embraced the breed as much as they did Victorian customs. Their popularity fell again in the 1940s, but during the war, a famous war dog named Smoky re-energized enthusiasm for the breed and carried their popularity into top-10 status in recent years. 

Like the Yorkshire, much of the Jack Russell's lineage can be largely attributed to one dog, Trump, whose owner, Reverend John Russell, was a parson and hunting enthusiast who purchased him from a local milkman in 1819. Trump, at the time, was simply called a "fox terrier," a blanket term for any hunting Terrier used to force foxes from their holes. He was nearly pure white with touches of tan on his face and the base of his tail, the perfect coloring to help distinguish hunter from prey. Combined with stamina, courage, and a perfectly tempered aggressiveness that never resulted in the "unsporting" result of bitten prey, Trump made the perfect dog to refine the breed in its earliest years. While Russell himself did go through many dogs due to financial trouble, thus muddying the clarity of the breed's lineage, Trump is still held in high regard as one of the breed's signature studs. Russell himself had his name eventually attributed to the breed for his work, which was furthered by two other Englishmen who knew Russell and likely received at least some of his dogs before he passed. They formed the Parson Jack Russell Terrier Club and it is believed that their aim to hunt badgers instead of foxes led to the addition of Bull Terriers  in the bloodline. 

After World War II, demand for hunting dogs plummeted, but the public desire for the dogs only shifted into that of companion dogs, which was met with breeds like Welsh Corgis and Chihuahuas being interbred as well, known then as "Shortie Jacks" and "Russell Terriers." In 1976, the Jack Russell Terrier Club of America was formed, finally restricting the breeding lines into what we know today.

Yorkie Russell Breed Appearance

The Yorkie Russell is a short, light dog usually standing under 15 inches tall and under 20 pounds of total weight. They can sport a variety of coats that are most commonly long and can be straight or wire-haired, coming in a good breadth of colors including combinations of black, white, tan and even silver and blue. They have short to medium length snouts with black noses and elongated mustaches and eyebrows. Their eyes are round and marble-like and they usually hold a rather lively expression. Their ears are most commonly pricked or folded with the same long hair jutting out all over, completing their unkempt look. They have a squarish, slightly forward-leaning stance, are more long than tall, are well-muscled in the legs and chest and usually have a medium length, upright tail.

Eye Color Possibilities
brown Yorkie Russell eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Yorkie Russell nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
silver Yorkie Russell coat
Silver
fawn Yorkie Russell coat
Fawn
brown Yorkie Russell coat
Brown
black Yorkie Russell coat
Black
white Yorkie Russell coat
White
blue Yorkie Russell coat
Blue
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Yorkie Russell straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Yorkie Russell Breed Maintenance

With the types of coats this hybrid breed can end up with, it's safe to say there is a range of maintenance they will require, mostly based on the dog's coat length and density. In general, it will take at least a mild amount of care, as the longer coats need consistent brushing, at least a few times a week, to keep everything clean and healthy. A few brushes a week between a pin brush and a comb should suffice. Bathing is generally up to the owner's discretion and the dog's coat characteristics, but should still occur every few weeks, consisting of washing them with a dog-specific shampoo and conditioner if possible, as conditioners can soften the hair and make them more comfortable for the dog and easier to manage for the owner. Depending on the length, the coat should also be trimmed not only to reduce the amount of overall maintenance, but also so the dog can function as normal, allowing them to have a good field of vision and trimmed feet. Folded ears will also need to be monitored, as excess moisture can cause unwanted bacteria buildup, so owners will want to check them regularly for any changes. Everything else is pretty standard including regular tooth brushing at least once a week and nail trimming when necessary.

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Brushes for Yorkie Russell
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Comb
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Yorkie Russell requires daily brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Yorkie Russell Temperament

Overall, Yorkie Russells are bright, happy, affectionate and intelligent dogs with a playful attitude. More than almost all else, they absolutely love attention, which of course can be good and bad. If they're not given enough, they do have a tendency to become destructive or display unwanted behavior like excessive barking. Thanks to their Jack Russell lineage, they are also pretty high-energy dogs and take quite a bit of exercise to keep them happy, healthy and behaving in a positive manner. While they are generally accepting of most people and other dogs, they are a bit more wary around small children, so extra care should be taken when younger kids are in the vicinity. Yorkie Russells, like both parent breeds, are also highly intelligent, great problem solvers and are often headstrong and stubborn because of it, so combinations of training, exercise and mentally stimulating games are highly encouraged to keep them at their best. Given their affectionate nature, with a fair amount of love, training and attention, they make excellent family dogs that are relatively adaptable to a wide variety of home life settings.

Yorkie Russell Activity Requirements

For their size, Yorkie Russells are moderately high-energy dogs and need frequent exercise, attention and engaging play to keep happy. They enjoy long walks and open spaces to run to burn off their excess energy, so if properly socialized, are prime candidates for fetch at the dog park. Physically, they need around 9 to 10 miles of walking per week if possible, plus another 45 minutes of play per day to stay happy and healthy. Since they are such a keen breed, engaging them with treat toys and mentally stimulating games will also help curb their tendency to get restless.
Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
9 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
45 minutes
activity minutes

Yorkie Russell Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1 cups
cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$0.80 - $1.30
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$20.00 - $30.00
food bag monthly cost

Yorkie Russell Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Yorkie Russell size stats at six months
Height: 8.0 inches Weight: 8.0 lbs
Female Yorkie Russell size stats at six months
Height: 8.0 inches Weight: 8.0 lbs
12 Months
Male Yorkie Russell size stats at 12 months
Height: 9.5 inches Weight: 9.5 lbs
Female Yorkie Russell size stats at 12 months
Height: 9.5 inches Weight: 9.5 lbs
18 Months
Male Yorkie Russell size stats at 18 months
Height: 11.5 inches Weight: 11.5 lbs
Female Yorkie Russell size stats at 18 months
Height: 11.5 inches Weight: 11.5 lbs

Yorkie Russell Owner Experiences

Oatey
9 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Jumping
Running
I adopted him at the Animal Shelter 8 years ago. He is the most hyper active dog I've ever known. He doesn't walk from place to place: he runs then slides to a stop! He loves everyone, often jumping up on your legs like a naughty boy. He can't get the hang of being housebroken. He sleeps in at night & stays outside in the fenced yard during the day. He is good with our cat as well, but cautious of him. I wasn't sure of his breed BUT it's obvious. When I googled half Jack Russell & half Yorkie, his picture popped up a dozen times! He is a joy.
2 months, 3 weeks ago
nova
3 Months
6 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Play ball
Walk
Run
Train
she’s a sweetheart and exceptionally quick witted and energetic. there’s never a dull moment with her. as of now her coat is easy to maintain and she seems rather content. she’s still in the training process but has been doing well. having learnt sir in less than a week we are working on 'paw' and 'lie down' along with 'come' which has been approved a lot. we take her on daily walks along with a lot of playing. the breed doesn’t tire easily so they should be taken into account for anyone who is interested in getting this breed. overall they are very affectionate dogs, that strive to be cuddled and kissed.however one con could be the chance of being jealous of other family pets. this should subside if both creatures are treated equal. i would definitely recommend getting a jorkie tho! perfect for first time pet owners in my opinion. small and easy mind besides the fur.
3 years, 1 month ago
Captain
4 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He's a darling and handsome little dog. He loves being outside When I'll indoors, he enjoyed looking out the window and keeping an eye on everything. He is hands down, the sweetest dog and has a big personality!
3 years, 1 month ago
Riley Rose
8 Months
1 People
Studio
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Road trip
Fetch
Playing in the snow
Walk
Playdate
Riley is the most happy go lucky pup I’ve ever meant. She loves adventure and being introduced to new experiences. She is very active I’m mean super active. Loves attention and will let you know if she feels you not giving her any attention. She is very affectionate and loves being pampered.
6 years, 5 months ago
Rose
9 Months
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing with the ball
Walking
Running
Rose has changed my life, she is so happy and energetic and is so friendly with everything person she meets. She's a very affectionate little puppy and gives lots of slobbery kisses! I have found it quite slow and a bit frustrating with training but we are slowly getting there.
5 years, 8 months ago
Sadie
7 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She likes the fetchbthe ball
We got a week ago Thursday , she loves our cat eskie, plays with her toys , and loves to sniff
5 years, 6 months ago
Lady Deuces
6 Months
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Overall FANTASTIC love her so much shes a great addition to our family
4 years, 12 months ago
Jax
3 Years
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
He is textbook size, color, and temperament. He also has a 9-inch slightly bushy tail which he carries in a perfect circle. Makes me wonder
5 years, 3 months ago
BEAU
2 Months
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He has a stubborn streak a mile wide. But once he gets it he is great. He learned to sit within the 1st 2 weeks. He is great in his carrier at night. He definitely has a BIG dog attitude. He has brought us so much Joy & laughter.
4 years, 11 months ago
Hektor
5 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Hektor is incredibly intelligent. He only needs to be shown / taught things a few times Before he picks up on it and it becomes routine. He has a VERY big personality. He wants to be centre of attention all the time, which can sometimes make him a little stubborn if he doesn't get enough attention or get what he wants every time. He makes for a perfect guard dog. And can be especially protective over me. He loves other dogs. And is totally fearless when it comes to meeting others 10x his size. I real joy to have as part of my life for the next 15years or so.
4 years, 7 months ago
Ryder
3 Years
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
My yorkie Russel is a rescue. He loves me unconditionally and is always a people pleaser. He's easy to train and is the best companion. He's given himself the title of guard dog.
4 years, 7 months ago
Dexter
9 Years
5 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Dexter would play fetch all day long if he could
We got Dexter as a rescue, and he is amazing. We have had him for 5 years now and we couldn't have picked a better animal for our family. He is so smart, never has accidents, and loves to play. Definitely let's us know when someone is at the door. We have caught him climbing on chairs to get food left on tables lol so we have to push chairs in so he doesn't hurt himself jumping down. Also there have been a few kids he was not too sure about but no biting. He also likes to bolt out the door if he gets the opportunity, so we are careful going in and out and have had him micro chipped. We love him so much.
4 years, 6 months ago
Bruce
21 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Road trip
Fetch
They love to go with you. Everywhere. They want to be with you and will be well behaved too. They miss you when your gone so have another companion for them to hang out with or don’t be gone to long.
4 years, 6 months ago
Bella Nicole
4 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I have had many dogs but she has been the love of my life, I a 78
4 years, 5 months ago
Butterscotch Macadamious Armstrong
5 Years
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Extraordinary.and happy.
4 years, 3 months ago
Oreo Brooks
1 Year
8 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
A little standoffish
4 years, 2 months ago
Cash
10 Months
1 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He barks at all people,and dogs,he play good with children
4 years, 2 months ago
yoshi and nori
3 Months
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Let me tell you, having these bodacious boys can be a blessing and a curse. I love these charming fellows. So sweet, so small. They bark at all strangers, but we're working on that. Every day, they tell me "mummy I want to go outside," they wag their tails and jump at the door. I respond with "I love you, sons, let me go and get my things." We have a nice little stroll about the neighborhood and they bark at every little thing they see. I love it. They are to die for. When they need to make a boom boom, they saw "mummy let's go about here, shall we?" "Of course my beautiful boys, make sure you do a wee wee and a woo woo so mummy does not have to keep walking for no gosh dang reason." I love my boys, and that was just a little jab at some British humor. When we feed them, they say "mummy I love your food, give me more." So I say "sweetums, you've had just enough to get your little tummy all mixed up. You are fine." They sleep on the floor sometimes, though I hate it - I even got them beautiful beds made of the finest feathers from the finest naked turkeys - yet they still sleep on the gosh dang floor. I love my boys. when I walk up to their playpen they say, "mummy come in so we can eat your toes." And I walk in and now my toes are gone. They will rest on my lap and I will scratch their little tum tums. I love my boys. I know you love them too. P.s. this is just a joke. Well, some of it.
4 years ago
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - My pet
Question

I have a jack Russell cross Yorkshire terrier but he is black and white he don’t look like any of that mix

Answer
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - Behavior
Question

Good afternoon i Have a yorkie jack puppy and can you advise how to stop the biting please

Answer
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
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