A Passion for Border Jacks

Renee King shares breeding experience.

This article was originally published in the April 2025 OVERview digital magazine. Photos on this page are pups from the same litter at 9 months: Mingle Christina, Applause and Kolsch.

Renee King from Rosenberg, Texas, has competed in dog agility for 26 years and has been teaching agility classes for over 20 years. She is also a competition judge, known for her fun course design. She has enjoyed wonderful experiences and competitive successes with her dogs, two Jack Russell Terriers, and three Border Collies.

Tell us about your breeding experience.

The first breeding I was a part of was in 2009 with my Border Collie as the sire, and then I bred my own litter in 2012. I was a part of two Border Collie litters in 2019 and 2020, bred my Border Jacks in June 2024, and then was a part of another Border Collie litter 3 months after that in August 2024. I do not breed a lot at all, and every puppy I am involved with or have bred is incredibly important to me.

I bred my first litter of Border Collie x Jack Russell Terriers (Border Jacks) in 2024. The puppies were born in June 2024 and are about 9 months old now. They are all doing well, and their owners are so happy with them! I chose to do the breeding because my first agility dogs were Jack Russell Terriers, and then I fell in love with Border Collies. I have known several Border Jacks over the years and thought they were such neat dogs, so I decided I would like to try the cross.

What makes JRTs a good match with Border Collies?

Border Collies bring their biddable nature and great structure. Both breeds are incredibly intelligent and have a great work ethic.

Are there any downsides to either breed?

No breed is perfect. All breeders can do is pick the best parents, do the genetic testing, raise the puppies well and place them with the right owners. Sounds easy, right? NOT! At the end of the day, it’s still a roll of the dice.... But we always try to stack the deck!

What kind of genetic testing is needed when picking out the partners for a Border Jack cross?

The genetic tests recommended for each individual breed are a great start, along with evaluating temperaments and abilities of each parent.

What makes Border Jacks special?

They bring the best qualities of each breed forward: smart, biddable, hardworking, loyal and athletic, with a fun sense of humor!

In what sports or activities are Border Jacks likely to excel?

The sky’s the limit! Agility, obedience, nose work, dock diving and everything else!

Any outstanding Border Jack moments or accomplishments come to mind?

Years ago, there was a fabulous Border Jack named Bungee who competed in USDAA that I remember well. And of course, currently, Judy Reilly and her amazing Border Jack, Tempest, have achieved numerous USDAA titles, regional, and nationals finals successes!