If you think you might want to get a Jack Russell, but you're not sure about their full-on and hyperactive nature, one of these cross-breeds might be for you. If you have your heart set on a Jack Russell but your family has young children, consider some of these mix breeds - a few of them are more young-child friendly than purebred Jack Russells.

The Jackapoo is a cross between a Jack Russell and a Poodle. They have longer coats than Jack Russells and require more grooming. They can come in a variety of colors and color patterns. There are three different types of Poodle: the standard, miniature and toy. The type of the Poodle parent will determine the size and, to some extent, the temperament of the Jackapoo.

Jackapoos are very intelligent and easy to train. They make great family dogs and can be good with young children. They are less prone to some of the aggressive and protective tendencies of purebred Jack Russells. They need plenty of exercise and attention from their owners.

The Jack-A-Bee is a cross between the Jack Russell and the Beagle. Jackabees think with their noses. Beagles have a very acute sense of smell, and this trait shows up in the mix breed too. Both breeds were originally bred for hunting, so the Jackabee combines the superior scenting ability of the Beagle with the Jack Russell's ability to chase its prey underground.

Jackabees aren't just good workers, though. They can be great pets as well. Like the Jackapoo, they are good with young children and relatively docile compared to most purebred Jack Russells. They can grow taller and weigh a little more than Jack Russells purebreds, too. Like the Jackapoo, they come in a variety of different color and color patterns depending on the parents.

The Jack Chi is a mix of the Jack Russell and the Chihuahua. Traits common to both these breeds include territoriality and protection over toys and food, so be prepared for a very single-minded dog when you're dealing with a Jack Chi. They show come of the quirky features of the Chihuahua - the large forehead and slightly bulging eyes, as well as a thinner muzzle than a purebred Jack Russell.

Jack Chis tend to stick to one person, so they are ideal for people who live alone. Lots of early socialization and training can help to prevent the problems to do with aggression and protectiveness which some Jack Chis develop.

Shih Tzu Jack Russells tend to have long hair and because of this they need more grooming than a purebreed. This can mean they often have wet faces if the hair is not clipped. While it can look endearing, this wet face can be a growth spot for fungi and bacteria. Shih Tzu jack Russells are generally smaller and are more of a companion dog than a worker. They trust their owners fully will follow you wherever you go. They also have silkier fur than purebred Jack Russells and can be a bit smaller, although very small versions are likely the result of irresponsible breeding.

Shih Tzu Jack Russells are suitable for families with young children. They don't require quite as much exercise as a purebreed. They are more of a cuddle-dog than most purebred Jack Russells too. They have a bit of arrogance bred into their personality - historically they were companions for the royalty of China.

The Jack Rat Terrier is a cross between the Jack Russell and Rat Terriers. Both breeds are quite similar as they were both bred for the purpose of hunting small game. Rat Terriers sometimes have pointy ears, so it's easy to mistake a Jack Rat Terrier for a Jack Russell/Chihuahua mix. The Jack Rat Terrier can have a calmer personality than the purebred Jack Russell, which means this mix is also suitable for families with younger children. They are also more sensitive to human communication, making them a little easier to train.

Want more info? There's more information on all these mixes if you follow the link below.