Other Names:
Russell Terrier, Jack Russell
Price Range:
$1,000 – $3,500
Size:
Medium
Dog Group:
Terrier
Coat Length:
Short
Energy:
High
Kid Friendly:
High
Life Expectancy:
13-15 years
Available in these colours:
The Jack Russell primary comes in several kinds of coats, including a Broken, Smooth or Rough coat. They come in variations of Tan, White and Black.
Characteristics & Tendencies:
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LOW
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
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LOW
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
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LOW
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
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LOW
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
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LOW
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
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LOW
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
APARTMENT FRIENDLY
HYPOALLERGENIC
About the Jack Russell Terrier
Having similar origins to the fox terrier, the Jack Russell Terrier is also known as the Russell Terrier, or just Jack Russell. This breed is an active breed that loves to exercise and was traditionally bred for active work, such as eliminating rodents on farms. Because of their working nature, they are bold and tenacious, and have a fearless personality with strong hunting instincts. The desire to hunt combined with a high energy level makes training a must for the Jack Russell. They particularly excel in agility and terrier races.
This breed is most happy when given companionship and a job to do. They are loving and affectionate dogs, and are more suitable for homes with older children. Jack Russells are not patient with having their ears or tail tugged at, especially when around younger children. This breed is also known to show aggression at times towards other dogs, usually of the same sex. Due to their strong prey drive, they will often view cats and other small pets as prey. They are naturally assertive and may not tolerate other animals in the household.
The Jack Russell is best suited for a home with a large, fenced yard to satisfy his high exercise requirements. This adventurous little dog has an urge to explore, and require a large amount of physical and mental stimulation. As he is a baying terrier, this breed is rather vocal. However, they are also alert and make good watchdogs for the home. They are low maintenance in terms of grooming, and snore and drool a minimal amount.
Top health issues
What are the most common health issues for Jack Russell Terriers?
- Lens Luxation
- Hip Dysplasia
- Deafness and blindness
- Patellar Luxation
IN DETAIL
Common Jack Russell Terrier diseases & conditions, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment in detail:
Lens luxation refers to when the lens becomes detached from its normal position, usually due to a weakening or breaking of the support ligaments of the lens. Along with cataract formation, lens luxation is one of the two main conditions affecting the lens in cats and dogs. Lens luxation may create serious complications for pets, including persistent glaucoma, retinal detachment and in some cases, blindness. Weakness of the lens ligaments is known to be genetic particularly in terrier breeds, Shar Peis and Border Collies. Symptoms may include a change in appearance of the eye, clouding, inflammation, pain, squinting and iris or lens trembling. If your pet is affected by any of those symptoms, it is best to contact your veterinarian to perform a thorough ocular examination and run a series of tests. Your veterinarian will discuss the most appropriate approach to your pet’s condition.
Due to their active lifestyles, hip dysplasia is not a rare occurrence in Jack Russells. Poodles and Golden Retrievers are both susceptible to the condition, therefore a hip examination is highly recommended for Goldendoodles. Hip dysplasia is a genetic disease that causes the hip joints to form improperly and is the primary cause of painful hip osteoarthritis in dogs. It generally occurs in large or giant breed dogs, however can also occur in smaller breeds as well. It is usually affected by factors such as excessive growth rate, types of exercise, improper weight and nutrition. Symptoms of hip dysplasia may show in dogs when they are as young as four months of age, whilst for others the disease may develop in conjunction with osteoarthritis as they age. These symptoms may include decreased activity, difficulty or reluctance rising, jumping or running, lameness in the hind end, loss of thigh muscle mass, pain and stiffness.
Hip dysplasia is diagnosed radiographically by the presence of degenerative changes and/or subluxation of the hip joint(s). There are multiple treatment options ranging from lifestyle modifications to surgery. These may include physical therapy, joint supplements or anti-inflammatory medications, or common surgeries such as double or triple pelvic osteotomy (DPO/TPO), femoral head ostectomy (FHO) or total hip replacement (THR).
Vision and hearing issues are common among Jack Russell Terriers, which are often hereditary. The Jack Russell carries recessive piebald alleles that produce white in the coat and skin, which are linked to these congenital hereditary issues. Most hearing or eye problems will be more evident later in the dog’s life, usually around eight to ten years of age. Careful breeding is generally the most effective way to eliminate these issues.
Patellar luxation is a knee cap problem in dogs. It occurs when the dog’s kneecap (patella) is dislocated from its normal anatomic position in the groove of the thigh bone (femur). When the kneecap is dislocated from the groove of the thigh bone, it can only be returned to its normal position once the quadriceps muscles in the hind legs of the animal relax and lengthen. It is for this reason that most dogs with the condition will hold up their hind legs for a few minutes.
Feeding
How much does a Jack Russell eat?
As a high-energy breed, the Jack Russell should be fed a diet full of high-power fuel foods. They should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval.
Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior) and adjustments will be required as their needs change with age. For puppies, their meals should range from 800 to 900 calories for proper growth until they reach approximately 1 year old. Some dogs are prone to getting overweight so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.
Shedding
How often does the fur fall off?
Jack Russell Terriers’ coats shed a moderate amount. Typically, the shorter the hair in this breed, the more it will shed. Whilst this dog sheds all year round, it may get worse when the seasons change. Shedding is particularly heavier for dogs who are bathed more frequently, along with dry skin. All Jack Russells require regular brushing to maintain their shedding. Broken and rough-coated Jack Russells also need their coats to be ‘stripped’ regularly, to ensure their coats are kept harsh and waterproof.
Grooming
Are Jack Russells high maintenance?
The Russell Terrier’s rough and ready appearance is easily maintained. Coats come in three types: smooth, broken, and rough. The broken coat is slightly longer, with eyebrows and a beard. The Jack Russell’s dense, short, smooth coat can be kept looking great with an all-over rubdown with a soft brush or a hound glove once a week. The rough and broken coats will require going over with a brush or a dog comb weekly but are kept mostly natural, with minimal grooming. If your Jack Russell is brushed regularly, he will rarely need to be bathed.
Trim the nails as needed, usually every week or two. Brush the teeth frequently with a vet-approved pet toothpaste for good overall health and fresh breath. Check the ears weekly for dirt, redness or a bad odor that can indicate an infection.
The Russell’s nails should be trimmed monthly, and his ears checked weekly for debris or excess wax and cleaned as needed.
Exercise
How much exercise does a Jack Russell need?
Jack Russells need vigorous exercise at least once or twice a day. Although small, this breed requires lots of exercise to satisfy their adventurous tendencies. Off-leash play is a great way to ensure your dog gets enough physical exercise. It is best to keep him in a fenced yard, where he cannot climb, dig under or jump.
Furthermore, Jack Russells are great for a family that loves being outdoors, and goes on frequent hikes, bike rides and long daily walks. The Jack Russell has an almost limitless amount of energy, so he makes a great companion for active owners.
Vet Visits
How often should a Staffy visit the vet?
Jack Russells have a reputation for being healthy and fall in the lower risk category for developing health issues. Some common health issues include lens luxation, hip dysplasia, deafness and blindness as well as patellar luxation.
Veterinary care is essential to a dog’s health and wellbeing, however the frequency of treatment and checkups will depend on the dog. Scheduled six-monthly health check visits with your vet are important to ensure your Jack Russell is healthy and happy throughout all life stages. In these annual visits, your vet will complete a physical examination, take your dog’s temperature and check his heartbeat, among other things. Routine maintenance for your dog gives you a chance to track your dog’s growth and development and discuss any concerns with your vet, and forms a key part of preventative care.
Family Suitability
Are Jack Russells kid-friendly and sociable with humans?
As people-oriented dogs, Jack Russells need a family that is able to spend lots of time with their energetic, little dog. This dog is friendly and outgoing, and thribes when he is with his family.
He is loyal and loving, and can do well with children if socialised properly. Due to his lack of patience, the Jack Russell is more suited for families with older children who know not to irritate dogs by pulling at their ears or tail. Otherwise, bites and yapping may occur.
As they require lots of physical activity, they are not suitable for apartment dwellers. They are also recreational barkers. Thus, they make great watchdogs.
Trainability
Are Jack Russells difficult to train?
The Jack Russell has an independent nature, which can make him quite stubborn when not trained well. They can get bored easily, so training sessions should be kept short without repetition. Their hunting instincts cannot be curbed by training. Therefore, when combined with a high energy level, firm, consistent training is essential for the Jack Russell. Training and early socialisation with other animals are necessary to ensure your Jack Russell gets along with other animals in the household, which he may otherwise view as prey.
Whilst this breed can be rowdy and intense at times, a well-trained Jack Russell makes a loving and loyal companion. Jack Russells are intelligent breeds and will need strong leadership from an early age to prevent behavioural problems arising later on. As working dogs, this breed will throw themselves into any job or activity with the same vigour and dedication they were originally bred for, for hunting purposes. They excel in canine sports including agility, flyball, obedience, rally and lure coursing.
Compatibility with other pets
Do Jack Russells get along with other dogs or cats?
Jack Russells tend to show aggression towards other dogs, especially those of the same sex. Moreover, their hunting background is clear through their determination to pursue prey, which may be seen through chasing smaller animals. This makes the breed typically unsuitable in households with cats, hamsters, or smaller pets. When taking Jack Russells on walks, they are notorious for chasing anything from birds to other dogs, joggers, cyclists and even motor vehicles. With proper consistent training, this behaviour may be curbed. On top of this, early socialisation is encouraged to dull any dog-on-dog aggression.
Need for company
How often do they need to be around humans?
The Jack Russell Terrier’s social needs are moderate. This breed is a people lover, so he should live indoors with the family, but have access to a fenced yard where he can get enough physical activity. It is also not uncommon for this breed to become moody or destructive if not properly stimulated or exercise. They tend to get bored easily, and may get up to mischief if left by themselves. Whilst they can be very affectionate and form strong bonds with their owners, their temperaments are more in line with larger breeds in terms of their need for company.
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