Jack Russell Breed Guide

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.

Who are Jack Russell dogs 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.

How much grooming does a Jack Russell need?

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.

Do Jack Russell bark much?

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.

Do Jack Russell bite?

Jack Russells are strong characters, so it is vital that you let them know from an early age that biting and nipping are not acceptable.

If your Jack Russell puppy is biting or nipping, gently hold their mouth closed, tell them "No," then give them a chew toy to bite instead. This will reinforce the command and let them know what they can bite.

What is the temperament & personality of a Jack Russell?

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.

What is the weight & size of a Jack Russell?

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

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

How much training does a Jack Russell need?

As an intelligent and lively dog, your Jack Russell 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 its development. You should also ensure that exercise plays a big part in its training. A Jack Russell'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.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Jack Russell?

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

• Dental abnormalities

• Obesity

• Glaucoma

• Cataracts

• Liver problems

• Cushing's disease

• Hemolytic anemia

• Thrombocytopenia

• Bladder and kidney stones

• Bone and joint issues

• Deafness

• Heart disease

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 should you feed a Jack Russell?

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.

What is the price of 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.