The Jug dog is a great pet for anybody who can keep up with this active breed. The Jug dog is a cross-breed dog mix between a Pug and a Jack Russell Terrier, and they combine the affectionate companion qualities of the Pug purebred and the strong all-action drive of the Jack Russell.
Are Jug dogs hypoallergenic? Unfortunately, the answer is No.
No dog is 100% hypoallergenic, but some dogs are better for people who suffer from allergies. Dogs release allergens into the air when they shed their dead flakes of skin, dander. These allergens cause a reaction in people allergic to dogs. The more hair they shed, the more allergen they release into the air.
Saliva and urine can also cause an allergic reaction in allergy sufferers when it dries out and is released into the air. This area of dog allergens is not addressed by whether a dog is hypoallergenic or not.
The issue of people with pet allergies being able to live with dogs boils down to the severity of their condition. If their condition is severe, they probably won’t be able to live with dogs. However, if their condition is less severe, they may have a chance with a dog that sheds less and also less drooling.
As with any medical condition, always consult your medical professional before making any health decisions. It is recommended by the Mayo Clinic that ‘If you have a pet allergy, the best strategy is to avoid or reduce exposure to the animal as much as possible.’
Is any Jug dog hypoallergenic?
There isn’t a hypoallergenic Jug dog, but there are Jugs that are better for allergy sufferers than others. The black Pug is typically a single coated Pug that sheds less than any other colored Pug.
The rough-coated Jack Russell may shed the same as the smooth-coated version, but the hairs will be longer, stronger, and easier to manage than the smooth coat. If you mix a black Pug with a wiry Jack Russell, you may get a more allergy-friendly dog, but they won't be classed hypoallergenic.
Can you have a dog if you are allergic?
As I said above, it depends on your severity and your doctor. If your condition is too severe or your doctor says no, then you can’t have a dog. Then it is up to you. On the other hand, if your allergies are not causing you too much discomfort and you really want a dog or even a Jug dog, then there are things you can do to reduce the amount of dander and other allergen floating around your home.
- Don’t pick your dog up or let them jump up on your lap. Dander can transfer to your clothes, and then you walk around with it attached.
- Limit your Jug to certain areas of the home.
- Have non-porous floors and furniture, such as wooden floors and leather chairs, that can be cleaned down easily to prevent dander and dried saliva from accumulating.
- Increase brushing your dog’s coat every day and do it outside.
- No blankets for your Jug.
- Feed your Jug a well-balanced diet, including plenty of omega-fatty acids from oily fish.
Symptoms may reduce as you become more used to your dog, but this may not always be the case; therefore, a cautious approach is recommended, one small step at a time. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee allergic reactions will decrease with exposure.
Alternative to the Jug dog.
There are some cross breeds that are similar in size and temperament to the Jug, which would be more suitable for people with allergies. Here are two examples.
The Pugshire Terrier
The Pugshire Terrier is a cross between a Pug and a Yorkshire Terrier. According to AKC, the Yorkshire Terrier is a low shedding, drooling dog. They are similar in size and temperament to the Jack Russell Terrier but not quite as territorial. In addition, they have a long silky coat instead of the short, smooth coat of the Jack Russel Terrier. If you go a step further and cross a Yorkshire Terrier with a Black Pug, you should have a dog that sheds very little hair and dander, making them more suitable for people with allergies.
Jackie Bichon
If you want to stick with the Jack Russell Terrier and combine it with an affectionate companion dog to temper the beast sort of thing, the Jackie Bichon could be a good option. The Jack Russell Bichon Frise mix will shed a lot less than the Jug but will be a similar temperament. They just won’t have any traces of that distinctive Pug look you get from the Jug dog.
You could be more allergic to hypoallergenic dogs than non-hypoallergenic ones.
Specific people can be allergic to specific dogs, and there is no guarantee that the dog you are allergic to is hypoallergenic. For example, you could be allergic to a Yorkshire Terrier and not to a Jug dog, and there may not even be a reasonable explanation for why this is the case. You will not know if you are allergic to a specific breed or even individual dog until you come into contact with that dog and if you do react, it could get worse or subside over time.
Does the size of the dog matter?
One thing the Jug dog has going for it when it comes to being hypoallergenic is its size. The Jug is a small dog; therefore, less skin area and less dander. The Jug will also produce less urine and saliva because of its size. All these factors can help to reduce the effect a Jug can have on a person with allergies.
To Conclude
The Jug dog is not hypoallergenic and comes from two non-hypoallergenic purebred dog breeds. All is not lost, however. There are ways to reduce the build-up of allergens in your home. Allergens are reduced because the Jug is a small dog. Some people allergic to dogs may not be allergic to a Jug dog. This can happen.
There are other crossbreeds that may be more hypoallergenic and still involve the Pug and the Jack Russell, such as the Jackie Bichon and the Pugshire Terrier, which can be considered as an alternative to the Jug.
The Jug as a cross breed dog is not eligible for registration with American Kennel Club but you can register with the International Designer Canine Registry and they are recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club, The Designer Breed Registry and The Mixed Breed Dog Clubs of America.
