Jack Russell Terriers, also known as “Jacks” or “JRTs,” are small dogs with enormous personalities.

So it’s no surprise that these feisty, energetic and intelligent pups have captured the hearts of dog lovers worldwide. 

They are known for being mischievous, ball-obsessed, and seemingly never tiring, which makes them so much fun to be around!

The Jack Russell is named after Reverend John Russell, the man who created the breed in the early 19th century for fox hunting.

Reverend Russell aimed to develop a persistent, agile, and intelligent dog that could keep up with the hunt and yet dare to confront foxes inside their dens. 

He certainly succeeded in creating a small, robust terrier with a keen sense of smell, remarkable agility, and, most noticeably, a fearless nature!

Health and Kennel Club Breeding Schemes 

• Dental disease – It’s particularly important to take care of the dental health of small breeds like Jack Russell Terriers. Despite having the same number of teeth as larger dogs, small dogs are more prone to dental disease. This is because the build-up of plaque and tartar occurs at a younger age and is more common.
• Luxating patellas – JRTs can be susceptible to the kneecaps slipping temporarily out of place. Be aware if you see your Jack running with 3 legs or doing a little hop with one of the back legs as this can be a sign to get checked at your vet. Usually, this leads to corrective TPLO surgery which can be very costly.  
• Eye disease – Primary Lens Luxation, a painful condition which can cause blindness. Screening of parents should take place before breeding. Check with the Kennel Club for the tests available. 
• Late Onset Ataxia – a condition which causes loss of balance and lack of coordination with gradually worsens. There is no treatment available for this disease. Screening of parents should take place before breeding. Check with the Kennel Club for the tests available. 
• Spinocerebellar Ataxia – a disease which causes the spinal cord to degenerate. No treatment is available for this disease. Screening of parents should take place before breeding. Check with the Kennel Club for tests available.  
• Leggs Perthes disease – a painful condition that affects small young dogs where the hip joints deteriorate and the bone crumbles. Surgery is usually required to remove the affected hip joint. Dogs with this disease should not be bred as this condition can be passed down to puppies.  

Coat colours and size  

Jack Russell Terriers are compact and muscly dogs, typically between 25 – 30 cm high and weighing 4-7kg.

They have a short, smooth or rough, wiry coat in various colours, including white with black, tan, or brown markings. 

Grooming 

Both coat types are easy to maintain. Jack Russell Terriers with smooth coats require only occasional brushing. 

A rubber de-shedding brush/glove, like a Zoom Groom, is perfect for removing loose hair from the short coat.

In moulting season, you may find that more regular daily brushing is necessary to keep stray hairs to a minimum in your home. 

Pups with rough coats may require more attention to prevent matting but are generally low maintenance.

Temperament 

The Jack Russell breed is simply wonderful! They are known for their intelligence, energy, and enthusiastic spirit that always craves adventure. 

They are loyal companions who form strong bonds with their families.

However, their stubborn and strong-willed nature will require consistent training and positive reinforcement from a pup, to mentally and physically stimulate them.

Jack Russells can be quite vocal, and they love to chase things, so it’s important to have a good recall command handy. 

Since Jack Russells have a working dog background, they love nothing more than having tasks to accomplish. 

You can use this to your advantage during training to keep their energetic minds engaged and happy.

Weight Management 

With their boundless energy, a high-quality diet is key to keeping this breed in top condition. Whilst your Jack Russell is young, keeping an eye on how much they are eating is recommended and knowing the optimum weight for your dog will help you monitor their health.

Do be aware that the more active and muscly Jack Russells may also weigh a little more than the more sedate dogs, so making sure you use a Body Condition Score alongside the weight is also recommended. Body Condition Score — Royal Canin 

It’s important to monitor the weight of your older Jack Russell, even if they are still as active as ever. 

This breed tends to have a hearty appetite, and overfeeding them with treats and human food can quickly lead to weight gain as they age. 

Compared to when they were younger, the same amount of food that kept them at a healthy weight may now cause them to become overweight. So, it’s important to keep an eye on their diet and make adjustments as needed to ensure they stay healthy and happy.

Exercise 

• Energy Levels: Perhaps the most well-known trait of a Jack Russell is their limitless energy. These dogs love physical activity and mental stimulation. Daily walks with off-lead running where possible, interactive play with pet parents, and engaging toys such as games, word buttons, licky mats, and hide-and-seek toys are essential to keep them happy and prevent boredom-related behaviours. A ball-obsessed Jack Russell is very common! 
• Exercise: Regular exercise is a must for Jack Russell Terriers. They love to run, chase, and play fetch. A tired Jack Russell is difficult to achieve but is also a well-stimulated Jack Russell. 
• Training: Socialization and obedience training are essential for Jack Russell. They respond well to praise and rewards, so positive reinforcement training classes work a treat. Ask your vet or check online for qualified trainers in your local area.
• Activities: Jack Russells love any activity, including agility, obedience, and even competitive sports like flyball! Their intelligence and athletic abilities make them great participants in different dog-related events. Again, check in with your local vets, online or with a pet parent pal, to see what activities are available.

Diet and Supplements 

The diet of Jack Russell Terriers should be balanced and suitable for their life stage and energy requirements. It should include high-quality protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and fibre. 

Heckin Good Omega Care is an excellent long-term supplement to keep the Jack Russell’s high-energy heart and brain healthy. It is also beneficial for maintaining healthy joints, skin, and coat.

Jack Russel lifespan

Jack Russell Terriers, known for their high energy levels and minimal health concerns, can live over 10 years, with some reaching 16 years or older! Lucky us!

How much does a Jack Russell Terrier cost?

According to Pets4homes, a Jack Russell puppy can cost between £400 and £1000 from a breeder. 

We strongly recommend adopting a Jack Russell from a rescue instead. Many of these dogs are surrendered through no fault of their own or because they are too demanding for inexperienced owners.

Adoption fees are often much cheaper than purchasing from a breeder, and you’re giving a forever home to a dog that deserves it.

No matter which route you take we suggest checking out our partners first!

Petify is the UK’s ethical pet advertising website and app for pet sales, rehoming and adoptions. 

They take animal welfare seriously and follow  PAAG (Pet Advertising Advisory Group), and Government Animal Welfare standards.

They also abide by Lucy’s Law to help end puppy farming and third-party pet selling!

Is a Jack Russell right for you?

A Jack Russell will certainly give companionship to any owner. They are known for their loyalty and affection towards their pet parents. They form strong bonds with family members and can be super friends. 

These dogs are eager to entertain their owners with their playful antics, clownish personalities and boundless energy.

Whether fetching a ball, exploring the garden, or simply cuddling on the couch, Jack Russells bring love and laughter to any home. 

Jack Russell Terriers may be small, but their personalities are larger than life! They can be excellent companions for active individuals or larger families.

If you’re contemplating bringing home a Jack Russell, that’s great news! Before you commit, it’s essential to do your research and get prepared. 

Remember, these doggos are a working breed, which makes them more challenging than other breeds. Especially for first-time owners!

Owning any dog is a big responsibility and can be expensive, so ensure you have the resources to provide the love, care, and attention this spunky breed deserves!  Do you have the finances for unexpected vet bills? Or have you thought about pet insurance for dogs? These are all things you should consider before becoming a dog parent!

Don’t forget, you’ll need to invest time and effort into training your furry friend and providing plenty of mental and physical stimulation. 

With your dedication, you’ll have a beautiful and well-behaved (most of the time!) companion for life!