Jack Russell Dog Breed Information

Group

Terriers

Weight

5-6 kg

Height

25-40 cm

Lifespan

13-16 years

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About the Jack Russell

Reviewed by:

Dr. Julia Brassel

Veterinarian

If you’re on the lookout for a small, energetic dog with bundles of personality, these confident, loyal dogs are the ideal pet for active households, and the intelligence and ability to learn makes a Jack Russell an excellent first pet.

This guide will take you through everything you need to know about Jack Russell Terriers, including information about their health, grooming, training and much more.

What is the history & origin of the Jack Russell?

Jack Russell Terriers are hunting dogs that originated in England in the 19th century. The Reverend John Russell first bred them as he wanted a white hunting dog he could easily differentiate from the prey they were chasing. This resulted in the Fox Terrier dog breed.

They can be traced back to the English White Terrier, and the Jack Russell is known for its tempered aggression. This was to bolt foxes from burrows rather than attack them.

What is a Jack Russell breed?

Now recognised by the Kennel Club as a pedigree breed, this has caused some controversy with the Jack Russell Terrier Club of Great Britain saying the dog should be seen foremost as a working dog.

The Parson Russell Terrier is often mistaken for the Jack Russell, but the main difference between the breeds is size. The Parson Russell Terrier tends to be taller with a broader chest and is more often bred for show.

They tend to be white with black or tan markings, with the skin having a pattern of freckles that is not noticeable through the fur but can be seen on the underbelly.

Learn more about: Jack Russell Colours

Who is a Jack Russell best for?

Jack Russell Terriers are lively, intelligent dogs that need a lot of physical and mental stimulation. Because of this, they are perfect for active households.

They can live with other animals and small children. However, they are excitable and may be better suited to homes with older children that don’t have other small animals.

A Jack Russell will suit any home, including flats and apartments, as long as they get the exercise and attention they need. They can be quite vocal, though, so if you don’t have the time to walk them regularly and aren’t going to be in for long periods, this could cause an issue with neighbours.

Jack Russell Grooming & Shedding

Jack Russells do tend to shed quite a lot, so if you wear a lot of black clothes be prepared for those pesky white hairs to find their way onto your clothes. Because Jack Russells tend to have short, coarse hair that naturally sheds though, it means you will save a lot of money on grooming.

Your dog may need to be groomed if it has longer fur around the face, but this should be minimal. Bathing your dogs regularly too can lead to excess shedding and dander. Washing your Jack Russell once every six weeks or so should be sufficient unless they get particularly mucky or roll in something they shouldn’t.

Learn more about: Jack Russell Grooming Tips & Styles

Do Jack Russells bark a lot?

Jack Russell Terriers can be pretty vocal, especially if something like a postman, cat, or squirrel has caught their attention. Training them from an early age by firmly telling them to stop and rewarding good behaviour with a treat can prevent it from getting out of hand.

It’s bred into the dog to make its owner aware of prey, and it can also be a sign of behavioural issues. Ensure you are exercising the dog enough so it’s not bored – and if it does start barking, transfer the attention onto you by asking the dog to stop, sit, or calm down.

Positive reinforcement for reacting well to your commands will help to train the dog about acceptable behaviour.

What is the average weight & height of a Jack Russell dog?

As with any breed, if you have any concerns about the size or weight of your dog, you should speak with your vet, but remember, dogs can develop at different rates.

A Jack Russell Terrier will typically be fully grown after a year. They tend to grow more rapidly in the first six months, weighing on average 1-1.8kg after a month. They tend to add around 1kg per month until six months of age, when they will average around 5kg. After this, their growth will slow to reach around 5-6 kg after a year.

A fully grown Jack Russell will measure around 25-40cm up to the shoulder, but this is dependent on breeding.

Learn more about: Jack Russell Size & Weight Chart

Are Jack Russells easy to train?

As an intelligent and lively dog, your Jack Russell Terrier should be trained from an early age to stop their energy from being diverted to destructive or aggressive behaviour.

They are quick learners and love the attention and activity of training. Being confident and sticking with tasks is essential. If you let your dog get away with things, the dog will learn it can get its own way.

Socialising your dog with other animals and people while it is still young is an important stage in their development. You should also ensure that exercise plays a big part in its training. A Jack Russell Terrier’s pent-up energy can lead to chewed shoes, couches, and other harmful behaviours.

You should stick to fun, short lessons, and be sure to pay your dog lots of attention. Positive reinforcements should be vocalised, and patting the head also lets your dog know they are doing well.

Learn more about: Jack Russell Training Guide – Crate, Toilet & More Tips!

How do Jack Russells behave? A look at their temperament and personality

Jack Russell Terriers are lively, headstrong dogs that are fiercely loyal and loving. Because they were bred as hunting dogs, it’s in their nature to be stimulated by certain sounds, animals, or excitement. Therefore, it’s important that you train your dog from an early age not to be influenced by specific stimuli.

Learn more about: Jack Russell Temperament & Personality Traits

Does the Jack Russell have any common health issues?

As with most purebred dogs, some health concerns come with owning a Jack Russell. That being said, they are one of the healthier breeds of dogs and relatively hardy. The most common health issues associated with Jack Russells include:

Dental Abnormalities: Due to their small mouths, Jack Russells may suffer from overcrowded teeth, leading to dental disease.
Obesity: These active dogs can become overweight if not exercised properly, leading to other health complications.
Glaucoma: Increased pressure in the eye can lead to vision loss if not treated promptly.
Cataracts: Clouding of the lens can occur, affecting eyesight, especially in older dogs.
Liver Problems: Various liver conditions can arise, affecting overall health and function.
Cushing’s Disease: This hormonal disorder can cause increased thirst, urination, and appetite, among other symptoms.
Hemolytic Anemia: A condition where the immune system attacks red blood cells, leading to fatigue and weakness.
Thrombocytopenia: Low platelet counts can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising.
Bladder and Kidney Stones: These can cause pain and urinary issues if not addressed.
Bone and Joint Issues: Conditions like patellar luxation can affect mobility and comfort.
Deafness: Some Jack Russells may be prone to congenital hearing loss.
Heart Disease: Various cardiac conditions can develop, requiring monitoring and management.

Learn more about: Common Jack Russell Health Issues

What is the lifespan of a Jack Russell?

Like most smaller dogs, the average lifespan of Jack Russells is relatively long at 13-16 years. This will depend on the individual dog, its breeding history, and any underlying health conditions.

How much does a Jack Russell need to be fed?

Jack Russell Terriers are prone to overeating and obesity, so monitoring what your dog eats is important. Feeding twice a day, your dog’s calorie intake will be determined by its size and how active it is.

Feeding your dog high-quality dog food will help with its overall health, energy levels, skin, and coat. Speaking with your vet for advice on how much food your dog should get or looking at the dog food brand’s recommended guidelines will help too.

Learn more about: What to Feed a Jack Russell? Diet & Feeding Chart

How much can you expect to pay for a Jack Russell in Australia?

The cost of a Jack Russell puppy will depend on the age and sex of the puppy and the breeder and the dogs the puppy was bred from. On average, a Jack Russell will cost between $800 and $2,500 to buy in Australia.

Learn more about: Jack Russell Prices In Australia

Jack Russell FAQs

Are Jack Russell Terriers noisy in comparison to other dogs?

Jack Russells can be seen as yappy dogs that bark a lot, and this can be due to pent up energy and excitement. Regular walks and training from an early age will help your dog respond well to instruction and reduce the amount they bark.

Is it true that Jack Russells can make good guard dogs?

Jack Russells can make excellent guard dogs because they are fiercely protective and loyal to their owners. Though Jack Russells being vocal is seen as an inconvenience in some cases, it is ideal as a guard dog as they will draw your attention to certain external stimuli.

Can a Jack Russell Terrier be around young children?

All dogs should be watched around young children, no matter how friendly they are, as children can make sudden movements, loud noises, or grab and touch a dog in a way that upsets it.

How a Jack Russell behaves around young children is dependent on how it has been trained and socialised, with many being great around kids. Generally speaking, because Jack Russells are trained hunting dogs, excitable, and with lively personalities, they are not recommended for families with children under the age of eight.

Where can I find reputable Jack Russell breeders?

When looking for a new dog, you should always make an effort to research the breeder to ensure you are buying from someone reputable. If you find a low priced dog, take the time to learn more about the breeder and ensure it’s not from a puppy farm. Not only are these unethical, but they can also often breed dogs with health problems.

Look for a breeder that is a member of the AKNC (Australian National Kennel Council) and ask for their Breeder Identification Number (BIN) or Breeder Registration Number (BRN).