Dachshund Jack Russell Pekingese Mix Puppies: The
Considering dachshund jack russell terrier pekingese terrier mix puppies?Discover size, temperament, health risks, coat types, and real costs for this
If you've encountered listings for dachshund jack russell terrier pekingese terrier mix puppies, you're looking at one of the more unusual designer dog combinations available today. This isn't a standard two-breed cross — it's a three-breed mix that blends the boldness of a Dachshund, the high-drive energy of a Jack Russell Terrier, and the regal independence of a Pekingese. The result is a small dog with a complex personality and a wide range of possible physical traits.
Before you commit to one of these puppies, you need to understand exactly what you're getting into. Three-breed mixes carry more trait variability than standard designer dogs, and the combination of two terrier-type breeds with a brachycephalic (flat-faced) toy breed creates some specific health and behavioral considerations that many breeders don't discuss upfront.
The Three Parent Breeds: What Each One Brings
Understanding this mix requires knowing each parent breed individually. The traits your puppy inherits will pull from three very different genetic lines, and the combination isn't always harmonious.
| Trait | Dachshund | Jack Russell Terrier | Pekingese |
|---|---|---|---|
| AKC Group | Hound | Terrier | Toy |
| Weight Range | 16–32 lb (7–15 kg) | 9–15 lb (4–7 kg) | 7–14 lb (3–6 kg) |
| Height | 8–9 in (20–23 cm) | 10–15 in (25–38 cm) | 6–9 in (15–23 cm) |
| Energy Level | Moderate | Very High | Low to Moderate |
| Prey Drive | High (burrowing prey) | Very High (chase/dig) | Moderate |
| Barking Tendency | High | Very High | High |
| Trainability | Moderate (stubborn) | High (but easily distracted) | Low (independent) |
| Lifespan | 12–16 years | 12–14 years | 12–14 years |
| Coat Type | Smooth, longhaired, or wirehaired | Smooth or rough (broken) | Long, double coat |
The Dachshund contributes the long body and strong scent drive. The Jack Russell brings intense energy, athleticism, and terrier tenacity. The Pekingese adds a flat face, a thick mane-like coat, and a strong-willed independence that can make training a challenge. According to the American Kennel Club breed standards, each of these breeds was developed for a very specific purpose — and those instincts don't disappear when you cross them.
How Big Will a Dachshund Jack Russell Pekingese Mix Get?
Because all three parent breeds are small dogs, you can expect this mix to stay in the small-to-medium range. However, the exact size depends heavily on which parent's frame the puppy favors and whether the Dachshund parent is a standard or miniature variety.
| Measurement | Low End | High End | Most Common Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Weight | 8 lb (3.6 kg) | 22 lb (10 kg) | 12–18 lb (5.4–8.2 kg) |
| Adult Height (at shoulder) | 7 in (18 cm) | 14 in (36 cm) | 9–12 in (23–30 cm) |
| Body Length (nose to tail base) | 12 in (30 cm) | 22 in (56 cm) | 15–19 in (38–48 cm) |
A puppy that inherits the Dachshund's chondrodysplastic (dwarfism) gene will have the characteristic short legs and elongated body. One that favors the Jack Russell will be more proportionally built with longer legs. Pekingese influence tends to produce a stockier, wider-chested frame with a shorter muzzle. You often can't predict which build a puppy will have until they're 4–6 months old.
Understanding Generations: F1, F2, and Multigen Crosses
Generation Terminology for Multi-Breed Mixes
- F1 (First Generation): One parent is a purebred (or two-breed mix), the other is a different breed or mix. For a 3-breed cross, this typically means breeding a Dachshund/Jack Russell mix (F1 cross) with a Pekingese, or a Jack Russell/Pekingese mix with a Dachshund.
- F2 (Second Generation): Two F1 dogs of the same mixed-breed combination are bred together. This increases trait variability because recessive genes from all three breeds can surface unpredictably.
- Multigen: Multiple generations of the same cross bred together. Rare for 3-breed mixes — most breeders don't maintain consistent multigen lines for this combination.
- Backcross (F1B): An F1 mix bred back to one of the original parent breeds. This increases the influence of one breed and is sometimes done to emphasize a specific trait (e.g., backcrossing to Pekingese for coat type).
Most dachshund jack russell terrier pekingese terrier mix puppies you'll find listed online are F1 crosses — the result of a planned or accidental mating between a two-breed mix and a third purebred. True multigen breeding programs for this specific three-breed combination are essentially nonexistent because there's no established breed registry or standard for it. This means every litter is essentially an experiment in genetics.
Temperament: What to Expect (and What to Prepare For)
This is where the three-breed combination gets complicated. You're combining three dogs that were each bred for independent decision-making: a hound that hunts badgers underground, a terrier that chases foxes into burrows, and a toy breed developed as a companion for Chinese emperors. None of these breeds are known for biddable, eager-to-please temperaments.
Best-Case Temperament Scenario
Your puppy inherits the Dachshund's loyalty and cuddliness, the Jack Russell's intelligence and playfulness, and the Pekingese's calm demeanor indoors. You get a dog that's alert and entertaining, bonds closely with family, enjoys play sessions, and settles nicely in the evening. This dog does well in an apartment with adequate mental stimulation and daily walks of 30–45 minutes.
Challenging Temperament Scenario
Your puppy inherits the Jack Russell's relentless prey drive and hyperactivity, the Dachshund's stubbornness and territorial barking, and the Pekingese's aloofness with strangers and resistance to handling. You get a dog that digs obsessively, barks at every sound, nips at children's heels, refuses to come when called, and won't tolerate grooming. This is not a hypothetical scenario — it's a realistic outcome when strong-willed terrier and hound genetics combine without careful breeding selection.
Behavioral Traits to Prepare For
- High prey drive: Expect chasing of squirrels, cats, rabbits, and anything that runs. Off-leash reliability in unfenced areas is unlikely regardless of training.
- Digging instinct: Both Dachshunds and Jack Russells are prolific diggers. Provide a designated digging area or protect your garden.
- Vocal tendencies: All three parent breeds are vocal. Expect barking at doorbells, passersby, other dogs, and unfamiliar sounds. Early quiet-on-cue training using positive reinforcement is essential.
- Resource guarding risk: Small terrier-type mixes can develop resource guarding behavior around food, toys, or favored people. Address this early with counter-conditioning and trade-up exercises.
- Handling sensitivity: Pekingese genetics can produce dogs that resist being picked up, restrained, or groomed. Start handling exercises during the 8–16 week socialization window.
Coat Types, Shedding, and Grooming Requirements
This mix is not hypoallergenic and should not be marketed as such. All three parent breeds shed, though the amount and type of shedding varies considerably.
| Coat Type | Inherited From | Shedding Level | Grooming Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short, smooth, single coat | Dachshund (smooth) or Jack Russell (smooth) | Moderate year-round | Weekly brushing with rubber curry brush |
| Medium-length, wiry/broken coat | Dachshund (wirehaired) or Jack Russell (rough) | Low to moderate | Hand-stripping every 8–12 weeks or clipping |
| Long, flowing double coat | Pekingese or longhaired Dachshund | Heavy — seasonal blowouts plus daily shedding | Daily brushing, professional grooming every 6–8 weeks ($50–$80/session) |
| Mixed/intermediate coat | Moderate to heavy | Brushing 3–4 times per week |
The Pekingese influence is the grooming wildcard. If your puppy inherits the Pekingese's profuse double coat combined with the Dachshund's longer body, you'll be managing significant matting risk around the undercarriage, behind the ears, and in the "skirts" along the belly. Budget for professional grooming every 6–8 weeks if a long coat develops — that's $300–$640 annually.
For smooth-coated puppies, a Kong ZoomGroom or Furminator Short Hair Small ($12–$25) used weekly will manage most shedding. For wire-coated dogs, find a groomer experienced in hand-stripping, as clipping wire coats changes their texture and can cause skin irritation.
Health Considerations: Hybrid Vigor vs. Reality
Let's address the hybrid vigor myth directly. The idea that mixed-breed dogs automatically have fewer health problems than purebreds is an oversimplification. While genetic diversity can reduce the risk of certain recessive disorders, a three-breed mix can inherit health conditions from any of its parent breeds. According to research published in the Merck Veterinary Manual, mixed-breed dogs still develop hereditary conditions at meaningful rates, especially when parent breeds share common structural vulnerabilities.
Health Conditions to Watch For
| Condition | Source Breed(s) | Prevalence | What to Watch For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) | Dachshund | 25% of Dachshunds affected | Back pain, reluctance to jump, hind limb weakness or paralysis |
| Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) | Pekingese | Common in flat-faced breeds | Snoring, exercise intolerance, noisy breathing, heat sensitivity |
| Patellar Luxation | Jack Russell, Pekingese | Common in small breeds | Skipping gait, occasional hind leg locking |
| Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease | All three (small breed predisposition) | Less common but serious | Hind limb lameness in puppies 4–12 months old |
| Dental Disease | All three | 80%+ of small dogs by age 3 | Bad breath, tartar buildup, tooth loss |
| Eye Conditions (PRA, cataracts, dry eye) | Pekingese, Dachshund | Variable | Cloudiness, vision changes, eye discharge |
The IVDD + BOAS Combination Risk
Here's a health consideration that many breeders of this mix don't mention: if a puppy inherits both the Dachshund's elongated spine and the Pekingese's brachycephalic airway, you have a dog with two significant structural challenges simultaneously. A dog with BOAS already struggles with exercise tolerance and heat regulation. Adding IVDD risk means you can't safely use vigorous exercise to maintain the lean body condition that protects the spine. This combination requires careful weight management (body condition score 4/9 on the WSAVA scale) and close veterinary monitoring.
Recommended Health Screenings
Ask any breeder for documentation of these tests on the parent dogs:
- Orthopedic screening: OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) patella evaluation
- Eye examination: CERF/OFA ophthalmologist evaluation
- Spinal assessment: While there's no genetic test for IVDD, responsible Dachshund breeders screen for risk factors and avoid breeding dogs with early-onset disc disease
- Brachycephalic assessment: BOAS grading if Pekingese parent has a notably flat face
Always consult your veterinarian about a breed-appropriate health monitoring plan, especially for structural conditions like IVDD and patellar luxation that benefit from early detection.
Training and Exercise: What This Mix Actually Needs
Despite their small size, this mix is not a lap-only dog. The Jack Russell influence means most of these dogs need genuine physical and mental exercise — not just a short walk around the block.
Daily Exercise Requirements
- Minimum: 45 minutes of structured activity per day (two 20-minute walks plus play)
- Ideal: 60–90 minutes including off-leash play in a secure area, puzzle feeders, and training sessions
- Avoid: Repetitive jumping on/off furniture or stairs (IVDD risk), and exercising in heat above 80°F/27°C if BOAS is present
Training Approach
Use exclusively positive reinforcement methods — food rewards, toy rewards, and clicker training. This mix responds poorly to punishment-based training, which tends to increase the stubbornness and resistance that all three parent breeds are prone to. Force-free methods like those recommended by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior produce better long-term compliance and a stronger human-dog bond.
Key training priorities for this mix:
- Recall (come when called): Start in low-distraction environments. The terrier prey drive means recall will likely never be reliable near wildlife.
- Quiet on cue: Teach "quiet" by rewarding pauses in barking. Essential for apartment living.
- Handling and grooming desensitization: Touch paws, ears, mouth, and tail daily from puppyhood. Pair with high-value treats.
- Crate training: Provides a safe space and prevents destructive behavior when unsupervised. Dachshund burrowing instinct means they often take to crates naturally if introduced positively.
- Leash manners: Use a front-clip harness (such as the Ruffwear Front Range, ~$40) to reduce pulling without neck strain — important for dogs that may have both spinal and airway vulnerabilities.
Cost: Purchase Price and Ongoing Expenses
Because this is not an established designer breed with organized breeding programs, pricing varies dramatically depending on the source.
| Expense Category | Low Range | High Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy Purchase (breeder) | $400 | $1,500 | No established market — prices depend on breeder reputation and location |
| Adoption (rescue/shelter) | $50 | $350 | More common to find adult mixed breeds; puppies are rare in rescue |
| First-year veterinary care | $500 | $1,200 | Vaccines, spay/neuter, microchip, wellness exams |
| Annual care (ongoing) | $800 | $2,500 | Food, preventives, grooming, routine vet care |
| Emergency IVDD surgery (if needed) | $3,000 | $8,000 | Hemilaminectomy or similar spinal decompression surgery |
| Pet insurance (monthly) | $30 | $65 | Varies by deductible, reimbursement level, and dog's age at enrollment |
Given the IVDD risk inherited from the Dachshund side, pet insurance is strongly recommended. Enroll your puppy before any back symptoms appear — most insurers won't cover pre-existing conditions. Companies like Trupanion, Healthy Paws, and Lemonade offer plans that cover hereditary conditions including IVDD and patellar luxation, provided you enroll early.
Who Should (and Shouldn't) Get This Mix
This Mix Suits You If:
- You have experience with terriers, hounds, or strong-willed small breeds
- You live in a home with a securely fenced yard (minimum 4-foot fence, dug-in or with a dig-proof barrier at the base)
- You're home for significant portions of the day — separation anxiety is common in this combination
- You enjoy active play and training sessions rather than purely sedentary companionship
- Your children are older (8+) and understand how to gently handle small dogs without picking them up roughly (spinal injury risk)
- You're prepared for a 12–15 year commitment with potential for significant veterinary costs
This Mix Is a Poor Fit If:
- You're a first-time dog owner — the combination of stubbornness, high prey drive, and potential handling sensitivity requires experienced management
- You have cats, rabbits, or other small pets — the double terrier/hound prey drive makes cohabitation risky
- You work long hours away from home — this mix tends toward vocalization and destructive behavior when under-stimulated
- You need a reliably quiet dog — barking is deeply ingrained in all three parent breeds
- You want a predictable adult dog — trait variability in three-breed crosses is significant
Finding Dachshund Jack Russell Pekingese Mix Puppies Responsibly
This specific three-breed combination is uncommon enough that you won't find established, dedicated breeding programs. Most litters are produced by small-scale or hobby breeders, and some are the result of accidental matings. Here's how to evaluate any source:
Breeder Red Flags
- Cannot identify which specific breeds are the parents (or grandparents) of the litter
- No health testing documentation for parent dogs
- Puppies available year-round with multiple litters listed simultaneously
- Prices significantly below $400 or claims of "rare designer breed" pricing above $2,000
- No take-back clause — responsible breeders contractually require you to return the dog if you can no longer keep it
Rescue and Adoption Options
Small-breed mixes are common in shelters and breed-specific rescues. Check organizations like Dachshund Rescue of North America, Russell Rescue Inc., and local humane societies. Adult mixed-breed dogs offer a significant advantage: their personality, size, coat type, and health status are already established, eliminating much of the guesswork that comes with a three-breed puppy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What two (or three) breeds make up this mix?
Despite sometimes being called a "terrier mix," this cross involves three distinct breeds: the Dachshund (a hound), the Jack Russell Terrier (a terrier), and the Pekingese (a toy breed). The "terrier" label in some listings is a simplification — only one of the three parents is actually a terrier.
Is this mix hypoallergenic or low-shedding?
No. None of the three parent breeds are hypoallergenic. The Dachshund and Jack Russell both shed moderately, and the Pekingese sheds heavily with seasonal coat blows. If you have dog allergies, this mix is not a suitable choice regardless of which coat type the puppy inherits.
Can this mix live in an apartment?
It's possible but challenging. The small size is apartment-friendly, but the barking tendency (all three breeds are vocal) and exercise needs (driven by the Jack Russell influence) require active management. You'll need to commit to daily walks, mental enrichment, and proactive quiet-on-cue training. Check your lease's breed and weight restrictions as well.
Are these puppies good with children?
With proper socialization, they can be good with respectful, older children (8+). However, the Dachshund's fragile spine means rough handling or being dropped can cause serious injury, including disc herniation. The Pekingese influence can produce a dog that doesn't tolerate tail-pulling or ear-grabbing. Never leave any dog unsupervised with young children.
How long will this mix live?
Small-breed dogs generally live longer than large breeds, and you can expect 12–15 years for this mix, with some living to 16 or 17 with excellent care. The primary factors that reduce lifespan in this combination are untreated IVDD, obesity (which stresses both the spine and airway), and dental disease leading to systemic infection.
What should I feed a dachshund/Jack Russell/Pekingese mix?
Choose an AAFCO-approved small-breed adult formula with a named animal protein as the first ingredient. Because of the IVDD risk, maintaining a lean body condition is critical — your dog's ribs should be easily felt but not visible, with a visible waist tuck when viewed from above. For most dogs in the 12–18 lb range, that's approximately 350–500 calories per day, but consult your veterinarian for your individual dog's caloric needs based on activity level and body condition score.
Robin Maitland
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.



