Vital Stats
| Size: | Small, adult Jack Russells are typically being 25-38cm in height and weighing 6.4-8.2kg. |
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| Coat: | Their coats can be smooth or rough, in colour combinations of white and brown, black or tan. Both types shed hair and will benefit from a weekly brush. |
| Exercise: | At least an hour a day for adult dogs. |
| Life span: | 12+ years; a healthy Jack Russell Terrier can live to around 16 years. |
| Breed group: | The word terrier comes from 'terra', meaning 'earth', as these dogs were bred to control vermin, pursuing them below ground. They tend to be fun but feisty and, as they love to chase, they'll respond well to ball games or playing fetch with a favourite toy. |
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38cm Coat short/
long
coat Exercise 1hrsplus Life span 12+years
Behaviour & Personality
Jack Russells are small, smart and often like to make themselves heard.
With their feisty personalities, they aren't always suited to homes with young children or small pets. The breed can usually be socialised to get along with your cat, but may struggle to hold back from chasing wildlife they spot on your walks. However, you can prevent common dog behaviour problems through positive reinforcement training, exercise and giving your puppy plenty of interaction with other people and animals from around 10 weeks of age.
Health & Nutrition
Jack Russells vary in size, but they're generally small dogs and rarely grow bigger than 38cm in height. The breed is also usually so full of energy that they don't tend to gain weight easily. Any dog can become overweight with the wrong diet and lack of exercise, so vets recommend feeding a high-quality, breed-appropriate food twice a day and sticking to the portion guidelines found on the back of pet food packaging. With the correct care and nutrition, Jack Russells can have a long life expectancy.
Exercise & Training
Originally bred as a hunting dog, a Jack Russell's character is defined by stamina and determination. They also have a high prey drive, which means they'll instinctively chase anything that moves – it's a good idea to try to ensure this is a toy or ball rather than cats or other dogs. These traits mean that consistent training is required from around three to six months of age, particularly where barking is concerned.
Keeping your Jack Russell occupied and active will also help prevent behavioural problems. If you're asking yourself 'Should I get a Jack Russell?' then the answer probably lies in your own love of exercise. Jack Russells are good dogs for people who are happy to devote at least an hour a day to substantial, play-filled walks.
Grooming
Jack Russells shed hair heavily and require brushing at least once a week, especially during the moulting seasons. They can have rough or smooth coats, or a mixture of the two. The rough-coated variety are referred to by some dog lovers as 'long-haired Jack Russells'.
Much like the Border Terrier, Jack Russells with wiry coats may need hand stripping to remove dead hair - talk to your groomer to find out if this is necessary. Their teeth will also need daily brushing to prevent gum disease, which is a common health issue in Jack Russells. Find out more dog grooming tips to help your pet stay in the best condition.
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Ensure your Jack Russell gets the protection they need, including cover for hereditary and congenital conditions with Petplan dog insurance.
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