Deciding which dog breed is best for your household can be an arduous task. But researching the dog breeds divided by letter can ease the process. If you’re wondering which dog breeds can start with the unique letter J, don’t worry, we’ve got you.
Dog breeds that start with the letter J include the Jack Russell, Jack Russell Greyhound, Japeke, Jatese, Jonangi, Jack Chi, Jack Tzu, Jackabee, Japanese Chin, Japanese Spitz, Japanese Terrier, Jackie-Bichon, and more.
In the following sections, we’ll list all the dog breeds that start with the letter J.
Before you read this list of dog breeds that start with the letter J, check out: Top 100 Male Jack Russell Terrier Dog Names! (2023) and 9 Scrunchy-Faced Dog Breeds with Pictures! (2023).
Dog Breeds That Start With J
The following is a list of dog breeds that start with the letter J, along with their descriptions.
Jack Russell
The first Jack Russells appeared in early 19th-century England. Due to centuries of selective breeding for hunting, this breed has a diverse genetic background that includes the extinct English White Terrier.
The Jack Russell, often known as the Jack Russell Terrier, is a high-energy, bright, and curious canine. They are highly content when given something to do, as they were bred to aid in fox hunting.
If you have older kids and want a dog, this breed can be fantastic. That said, it needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, or it could become destructive. A Jack Russell needs an experienced owner who is willing to put in the time and effort required to train and care for this breed.
Jack Russell Greyhound
There is no such thing as a purebred Jack Russell Greyhound. It’s a hybrid of Greyhounds and Jack Russell Terriers. The simplest way to predict a crossbred’s personality is to research both parents and accept that any trait from either can show up in the offspring.
It’s important to note that not all of the hybrid dogs being created are made up of two different breeds. Breeders frequently breed offspring from different generations.
Jonangi
This South Indian duck herding dog is a historic breed that nearly went extinct as farmers diversified their sources of income. Since they were no longer required for herding, the abandoned dogs had to rely on their skills to make a living.
The Jonangi learned to fish to survive, but this survival skill backfired when their former friends and masters began to view them as a threat.
As a result of the efforts of a few dedicated breeders, the once-common dog with the distinctive “yodel” is making a comeback.
Jack-Chi
The Chihuahua and Jack Russell are the two purebred dogs that go into making a Jack-Chi. This breed of dog first appeared in the southern part of China in 1892. The tiny but strong body of a Jack-Chi dog makes it ideal for hunting, as it allows them to dive underground and capture foxes and rats.
This kind of dog is exceptionally bright, devoted, and lively. They enjoy being outside and actively seek out birds and squirrels to chase as a form of entertainment.
This breed craves attention. Make sure to pay your Jack-Chi some attention whenever they are being goofy, whether it involves sprinting across the halls, leaping into the air to reach items, or just being silly in general. They have massive, loving personalities and crave companionship.
Jackabee
Jackabees are a happy, hardworking, and energetic little mix with seemingly infinite stamina. It is a hybrid between a Jack Russell Terrier and a Beagle.
The Jackabee is a hybrid, so it’s not expected to look exactly like either of its parents. Rather, it may acquire characteristics in a wide variety of combinations.
Most of these dogs are going to have the frame of a Jack Russell and the head of a Beagle. They will also have powerful hindquarters, large ears that hang down, and a long tail. The thin, coarse, and silky fur coat can have a wide range of colors and patterns, from cream to tan to white to beige to brown to white.
Japanese Chin
A Japanese Chin, which is classified as a toy dog, was developed to provide the highest level of companionship. It walks more like a cat than a dog thanks to its fluffy fur and light gait.
No one knows this breed’s exact origin. While some historians place the dog’s introduction to Japan in AD 732 as a royal gift, others claim the dog was gifted to a Japanese empress as early as AD 592.
There are depictions of these dogs on ceramics and paintings discovered in ancient Chinese shrines. The Tibetan Spaniel and these dogs share a common ancestor. Given the visual and color similarities between the two breeds, this is not implausible. These dogs also share ancestry with the Pekingese.
According to yet another account, the Chin first entered Japan in the year 1000. The Chin from Japan arrived in England in 1613, as documented history shows. This breed has been associated with the upper class since the late 1800s when it was mostly kept as a lap dog, but it is now popular as a companion dog for anyone.
Japanese Spitz
The Japanese Spitz is a breed of dog known for its lively personality and glossy white fur. These dogs were first bred in early 20th-century Japan, but records of their ancestry were lost during World War II.
Rather than being classified into a specific group (such as herding, toy, or working), a Spitz is typically identified by a set of physical features.
The Japanese Spitz shares many of the physical characteristics of other Spitz breeds, including its white double coat, triangular ears, curled tail, pointed muzzle, and athletic build. This breed is strikingly similar to the Samoyed, the American Eskimo Dog, and the white Pomeranian.
Although they have only been in the United States for a very short period of time, they have quickly gained popularity as wonderful family pets.
Japanese Terrier
The Japanese Terrier is often referred to as the Nippon Terrier. They are highly lovable and affectionate, which makes them great additions to any family because they can easily earn everyone’s trust.
The Japanese Terrier is a breed of toy-sized dog with a short, smooth coat. These dogs have a neat appearance and a compact form.
The Japanese Terrier is a dog that is both playful and smart. They have a soft nature and are often wary. On the other hand, when they are pursuing squirrels, they can become extremely driven.
It wasn’t until the 17th century that the Smooth Fox Terrier, originally from Japan, was brought to the Netherlands, where it was crossed with small pointers and local canines. These dogs are not suitable for people who have severe allergies.
Jindo
The Jindo who strutted into the Seoul Olympic Stadium at the official opening ceremony of the 1988 Summer Olympics earned the affection of dog lovers everywhere, even though they didn’t bring home a single medal. The Jindo dog, a breed with ancient Mongolian ancestry, gets its name from the island off the coast of South Korea.
The loyal Korean Jindo (also spelled Chindo, Jindo Gae, and Jin Dog) is a protected species in the Republic of South Korea.
Jagdterrier
This German Terrier breed, the Jagdterrier, has the hunting instincts of its ancestors, the Old English Wirehaired Terrier and the Welsh Terrier. The breed’s name is a nod to that heritage: “Jagd” is the German word for “hunt.”
The German Hunting Terrier, which is another name for this breed of dog, was developed in the decades following the end of the First World War as a breed of dog that was capable of hunting a variety of game, including bobcats, foxes, wild boar, and raccoons.
Jackie-Bichon
A cross between a Jack Russell Terrier and a Bichon Frise, the Jackie-Bichon exhibits characteristics of both parent breeds. This is a petite breed that, when fully grown, seems to look more like the Jack Russell Terrier than it does the Bichon Frise.
Even though the Jackie-Bichon lacks the Bichon Frise’s signature well-maintained white coat, the Bichon Frise’s signature white shade remains visible in the Jackie-Bichon’s typical color pattern.
The Jackie-Bichon is a hybrid breed; therefore, his appearance and temperament can vary quite a bit, even within the same litter. Nevertheless, it’s possible to adhere to a general breed standard.
Jackie-Bichon, also known as a Jack-Chon by his fans, is a lively and playful dog, and he gets along very well with youngsters and other pets. Keep in mind that your Jackie-Bichon will likely be energetic and lively, just like its parents, since both breeds like to be quite active and high-spirited.
Jack Tzu
The Jack Tzu is a hybrid of the Shih Tzu and the Jack Russell Terrier. He’s a little dog that looks a lot like a Jack Russell Terrier but is a hybrid with longer fur and a more compact build.
When it comes to certain things, such as training and obedience, this hybrid breed might be a little bit sensitive, but he does incredibly well if he is left unattended for extended periods. Jack Tzus make great family dogs since they get along well with everyone from toddlers to strangers to other animals.
This is a very energetic dog that, despite being tiny enough to perform well in a house of any size, requires a lot of opportunities to get out and exercise. Isolation can lead to weight gain in Jack Tzus, so regular playtime is crucial.
Jack-a-Poo
The Jackapoo is a relatively new breed, however, it is gaining popularity quickly in the United Kingdom. The Jackapoo is a hybrid dog that combines the best qualities of the Jack Russell and the Toy Poodle.
Because of the Poodle’s unique genetic makeup, the offspring of this winning mix is a dog that is not only clever, affectionate, and devoted, but also less likely to cause allergic reactions than dogs of other breeds.
Jackadoodle, Jackipoo, Poojack, and Jack-a-Poo are other names for this breed of dog.
Jersey Terrier
A cross between the Rat Terrier and the Jack Russell Terrier, the Jack-Rat Terrier is commonly referred to as the Jersey Terrier. This bold, alert, high-energy breed is ready to take on anything it encounters thanks to its heightened sense of alertness.
Despite his small stature, the Jersey Terrier is more than willing to play the role of a guard dog, frequently barking at things he isn’t sure about — including the TV.
This dog is of medium height and resembles both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Rat Terrier in appearance. It has large ears, brightly colored eyes, and its tail has been docked. His double coat is typically quite short and smooth, although he sheds frequently.
The Jack-Rat Terrier is a good choice if you want a tiny companion dog with personality. Although he gets along well with kids, this dog does possess a high predation drive for other animals, which means early socialization and training are essential.
Japeke
The alert, friendly, and occasionally mischievous Japeke is a modern designer mix created by crossing the Pekingese and the Japanese Chin dog breeds. Both of these dogs have roots in China. The resulting combination is a toy-sized, royal-looking, and brave companion.
Even though the Japeke makes a great alarm barker, its owners can often count on it leading a tranquil life full of lap-napping.
Jatzu
The Jatzu, sometimes known as a designer dog or a boutique dog, is a hybrid of two breeds of dogs that have been popular as pets in Asia for centuries: the Japanese Chin and Shih-Tzu. The offspring of these two breeds tend to be small, lovable, and easy-to-train dogs.
While these dogs seem to get along well with everyone, they may grow anxious if they are around young or lively animals or people. Although Jatzus don’t need as much activity as other breeds, they still need regular brushing and maybe amusing housemates, no matter how much space you have.
Jug
The Pug-Jack Russell Terrier mix is known as the Jug. They are bred to look like Pugs but with a larger snout to alleviate the breed’s well-documented breathing issues. Over the past century, their popularity has skyrocketed. The goal of crossbreeding is to reduce the prevalence of heritable disorders in purebred dogs.
First-generation Jugs will have the most genetic benefits linked to a hybrid dog. To put it another way, a Jug with one parent that is a purebred Pug and one parent that is a purebred Jack Russell Terrier will be at lower risk of developing genetic diseases than a second or third-generation Jug.
Jatese
The Japanese Chin and Maltese are both little dogs that have been kept as companion animals for several centuries; the Japanese Chin hails from Asia, while the Maltese originate from Greece.
The Jatese is a mix dog that is a mixture of these two breeds. The resulting hybrid is a fun and sociable pet that weighs approximately as much as a bag of potatoes but is shorter than a foot.
Although generally calm and friendly, this breed can develop behavioral issues if not properly socialized, such as anxiety or suspicion, or if spoiled as a puppy. They are equally content in a big house as they are in a small one, but you should never leave them outside unattended, not even in a yard with fencing.
Jackweiler
The Jackweiler is a hybrid dog breed that combines the characteristics of the Jack Russell Terrier and the Rottweiler. They’re all loving, smart dogs, but they’ll look and act differently. These dogs shouldn’t live in apartments and, depending on their coat type, shouldn’t get too much exercise during the warmer months.
They are generally healthy pets and have a lifespan that ranges somewhere between eight and 16 years on average. This breed does not have any unique maintenance needs and, with early socialization, should get along nicely with other pets.
Jacairn
The Jacairn is a cross between a Jack Russell Terrier and a Cairn Terrier, both of which are toy dog breeds. As a low-maintenance dog, he needs his coat brushed out just occasionally.
This dog is very smart and responsive to training, and he eagerly awaits his master’s every command. He’s a high-energy dog who needs regular walks or runs to stay out of trouble.
On the other hand, if you’re constantly on the move, the Jacairn will never leave your side. He is wonderful with kids and enjoys spending time playing with his relatives. He might also enjoy digging in the yard and climbing on things.
Jaland
The Jaland is an adorable hybrid of two toy dog breeds: the Japanese Chin and the West Highland White Terrier. They rarely exceed a height of a foot and a weight of 13 pounds. Their coats range from medium to long, are thick and velvety, and can be any of several different colors, including black, white, gray, fawn, sable, pied, and brindle.
They have a high IQ, but their stubbornness could make them hard to train. The Jaland is great with kids but needs adult supervision with younger ones. This is a breed that is known to have a relatively low incidence of disease and has an average lifespan of roughly 15 years.
Jarkie
The Jarkie is an active, friendly, and sassy little dog. These itty-bitty dogs tend to forget that they are on the smaller side, which contributes to their goofiness and attitude toward you.
Jarkie, being a loving hybrid, will not do well with owners who are away from home for long periods. These designer dogs are extremely possessive and will behave like conventional Velcro dogs.
Jarkie is a mixed-breed dog, yet his parents are purebreds. This designer dog is a hybrid that was created by crossing a Yorkshire Terrier with a Japanese Chin. Both are small enough to be great pets for elders or single people who want a furry friend. Naturally, their hybrid offspring will share the best qualities of both parent breeds.
Jafox
The Jafox, or Toy Jafox, is a designer dog that combines the characteristics of the Japanese Chin and the Toy Fox Terrier. This small breed of dog rarely exceeds nine pounds as an adult and rarely grows taller than a foot.
They are lively little dogs who are just as happy to play with toys as they are to run around the yard chasing animals.
Although the Jafox’s intelligence makes it possible to teach it everything, it may or may not be an easy breed to housebreak. They’re friendly to other animals and people of all ages, making them ideal family dogs.
Japillon
The Japillon is a designer dog that combines the characteristics of the Papillon with those of the Japanese Chin. Even though both of their parents developed independently in different parts of the world at different times, both of them are small and have similar personalities, sizes, and coats.
The resulting hybrid is well-liked because it finds an ideal balance between the two breeds.
The American Canine Club, the Designer Breed Registry, and the Designer Dogs Kennel Club all acknowledge the Japillon as an official designer dog hybrid. Additionally, the International Designer Canine Registry and Dog Registry of America list the Japillon as a hybrid dog in their respective registries.
Japanese Tosa
Located on the island of Shikoku, the Tosa region of Japan was home to a medium-sized dog that the locals had high hopes would one day become a champion sumo wrestler.
Somewhere around 150 years ago, they began introducing Mastiffs, St. Bernards, Great Danes, and Bull Terriers into their native breed. Before the start of World War II, there were hundreds of people in Japan who bred Tosa dogs.
The Tosa is an extremely shy and gentle pet. They are excellent guard dogs due to their size and intimidating look, yet they are often silent.
Jackabee
The Jackabee is a relatively new hybrid of two established dog breeds, created for families looking for a compact and active fur baby. This little dog is a hybrid of two well-liked breeds: the sweet-tempered yet active Beagle and the anxious but bright Jack Russell Terrier.
This small breed has a big personality and may be a great friend to people from all walks of life.
Training a Jackabee can be challenging because both of its parent breeds tend to be headstrong. Jack Russell is known for being particularly independent-minded. Jackabee owners can benefit from prior exposure to hound breeds.
When training a dog of this breed, consistency and a refusal to give in to the dog’s natural tendency toward negative habits are essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jack Russell Terriers can be headstrong and grow bored, making their training hard for some owners.
Japanese Chins will bark as a warning when they hear a strange noise or encounter an unfamiliar person.
While the Japanese Spitz tends to be wary of strangers, it can be affectionate — even clingy — with its owners.
Conclusion for “Dog Breeds That Start With J”
There is an overwhelming number of dog breeds that start with the letter J. Now that you know about all the dog breeds that start with the letter J, you can decide which dog breed is best for you with much more clarity.
For more guides similar to this list of dog breeds that start with the letter J, check out:
- 11 Healthiest Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed! (2023)
- 11 Best Asian Dog Breeds! (2023)
- The 10 Cutest Dog Breeds! (2023)
Learn more by watching “Top 10 Best Dog Breeds for Your First Dog” down below:
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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