American Bull-Jack -- American Bulldog X Jack Russell Terrier

		American Bull-Jack
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


Origin			U.S.A. <> Australia -> U.S.A.
Translation			Francis Vandersteen

A brief presentation of the American Bull-Jack

Not much is known about the American Bull-Jack yet, and many people will confuse this hybrid's kinship with the English Bulldog and Jack Russell Terrier. The American Bull-Jack is a hybrid breed of the American Bulldog and the Jack Russell Terrier. The American Bulldog brings size and weight, while the Jack Russell Terrier brings the feisty, fun-loving touch to this hybrid. The American Bull-Jack is envisioned as a 50/50 ratio between its parent breeds, and serves as an excellent family companion. However, the breed's high intelligence and feisty nature require an experienced dog owner who can devote time and love to training.

History of the American Bull-Jack

The American Bull-Jack is a specific modern crossbreed that aims to strike a 50/50 balance between the two parent breeds in appearance, temperament and activity levels. Originally developed as a companion for an active family, this hybrid does not yet have breeding standards. The American Bull-Jack originated in the USA, where its American Bulldog parent was also developed and standardized. The Jack Russell Terrier parent originated in England, but has proved a popular dog in the USA. The Jack Russell Terrier has a tireless drive and requires a great deal of exercise and mental stimulation. The American Bulldog, though also of moderate to high energy, lives for short periods of energy, but is considered a degree or two less active than the Jack Russell. Combining the two breeds, the American Bulldog brings a slightly more moderate energy level and increased loyalty, while the Jack Russell Terrier brings playful, spirited and intelligent traits. The great intelligence and drive of the American Bull-Jack hybrid requires an experienced dog owner with patience and time to devote to training. The Jack Russell Terrier breed is very capable but can be stubborn. The American Bulldog is equally stubborn and can develop destructive behaviors if left to its own devices. However, this hybrid makes a wonderful family dog and loyal companion when given the proper training and attention.

	A little of the American Bulldog
	The American Bulldog was developed as a general-purpose farm dog in the southern United States, with a specialty in catching pigs and cattle. The breed is a direct descendant of the old English Bulldog, now extinct, and is widely regarded as the modern breed in appearance, temperament and use closest to its ancestor. The American Bulldog was almost extinct by the middle of the 20th century, but was revived by the efforts of two breeders, John D. Johnson and Alan Scott, who subsequently developed two distinct lines that were named for them. In recent years, the American Bulldog has experienced a massive increase in popularity and is one of the fastest-growing breeds in the USA. Many have classified this breed as a type of Pit Bull, a member of a group of dogs collectively known as Bully Breeds, but this is totally inaccurate and regarded with great distaste by the vast majority of lovers of both American Bulldog and American Pit Bull Terrier. The two varieties of American Bulldog are sometimes referred to as Southern White, Old Southern Whites and American Pit Bulldogs. The Scott type is also known as the Standard or Performance type, and the Johnson type is also called the Bully or Classic type.

	Presentation of the American Bulldog
	A little of the Jack Russell Terrier
	The Jack Russell Terrier originated in England in the 1800s, thanks to the efforts of Reverend John Russell (Jack is short for John). He developed a strain of Fox Terriers to meet his need for a dog that could run with Foxhounds and go underground to dislodge foxes and other hunting animals from their dens. Two varieties evolved with fundamentally similar standards apart from differences mainly in size and proportions. The larger, more squared-off breed is currently known as the Parson Russell Terrier, while the shorter-legged, slightly longer in proportion, is known as the Jack Russell Terrier.

	Standard of the Jack Russell Terrier

Appearance of the American Bull-Jack

The American Bull-Jack is a 50/50 mix between the American Bulldog and the Jack Russell Terrier. Although the American Bulldog is seen in all colors, the resulting hybrid is most often a two-tone combination with white. American Bull-Jacks often have distinctive facial markings, such as spots or markings above the eyes. The American Bull-Jack's head is broad, but not as broad as that of the American Bulldog. The muzzle is of medium length and slightly shorter than the head. The dark eyes are set low and wide apart, and the ears are set high, V-shaped and generally fall forward when not cropped. The American Bulldog adds height and weight to the hybrid, increasing its size to reach the class of solid medium-sized dogs. The American Bull-Jack's skin is taut and the coat short and hard, highlighting this hybrid's powerful muscular structure. The American Bull-Jack's tail is set low but carried above the level of the back when active.

Temperament of the American Bull-Jack

The American Bull-Jack is created from two breeds that can be aggressive towards other dogs and animals. The Terrier family was bred for rattling and hunting small vermin, while the Bulldog family was originally bred for blood sports and pit fighting. Proper socialization and training from an early age will help the American Bull-Jack become better acquainted with other animals. Although the American Bulldog has helped master the Jack Russell Terrier's high energy in this hybrid, the American Bull-Jack still needs plenty of playtime for its high energy. In addition, this hybrid can be stubborn, making it more difficult to train. The American Bull-Jack needs firm, confident and calm training from a well-seasoned dog owner and is not well suited to novice dog owners.

Needs and activities of the American Bull-Jack

The American Bull-Jack is a feisty, people-loving dog. Wherever their people are, the American Bull-Jack also wants to be. The American Bull-Jack gets its people from the loving traits of its American Bulldog parent, and doesn't make a good watchdog. When it comes to children, the American Bull-Jack has patience and great energy for running and playing, but prevents children and adults from playing, teasing or pulling their tails. The American Bull-Jack is a social dog that will often greet strangers with energy. Be careful with people who are shy or fearful of dogs, as this breed is sensitive to human emotions.

Maintenance of the American Bull-Jack

Despite the American Bull-Jack's short, hard coat, this hybrid is known to shed moderately. Brushing the America Bull-Jack once a week will go a long way towards removing dead and loose hairs from the coat, and keeping the coat looking and smelling good. All dogs need to have their teeth brushed to prevent tartar build-up, and the American Bull-Jack should have his teeth brushed at least twice a week. Good dental hygiene will also help prevent tooth and gum decay and bacterial infections. While brushing your American Bull-Jack's coat and teeth, also check his ears and use a vet-approved solution to gently remove dirt, wax or debris from your dog's ears. Bathe your American Bull-Jack only when necessary, and most of the time, a cloth applied at room temperature will help keep your American Bull-Jack clean.