A Jack Russell Terrier is a small dog with a big heart that has a lot of love and energy to spare, making them fit well into a family environment. So, what can you expect to pay for one of these little dogs? Well, you’ve got to consider more than just their initial purchase cost, but all the expenses that come along with them. Here’s an extensive breakdown of what it’s going to cost to own a Jack Russell in Australia.
Purebred Jack Russell Terrier puppies can cost anywhere between $1,000 to $3,500. It is generally best to avoid those “terrier puppies for sale” ads from online marketplaces. Rather, look for a registered breeder. If you want to minimise the cost and do your bit for society, animal shelters are great alternatives for cutting costs and giving puppies a forever home.
From a registered breeder in Australia, a Jack Russell puppy will cost you anywhere between $1000 to $3500 or more. These prices vary based on the bloodline and lineage of the Jack Russell as well as the reputation and location of the breeder. Breeders known for producing exceptional Jack Russells will typically charge more.
You might find a Jack Russell cheaper from an unregistered breeder. However, they have some hereditary issues that are undisclosed, resulting in high vet bills later on. You also aren’t assured that they were ethically bred. Thus, it’s better and safer to buy through a registered breeder.
If you’re looking for a Jack Russell, adopting one from a shelter is a great way to give a loving dog a second home and reduce your costs at the same time. Depending on the shelter and its location, you can expect to pay somewhere between $100 to $2000. Adoption shelters might change their fees based on the age and pedigree of the dog, too, so, in some cases, you might pay prices close to what you’d pay from a breeder.
They may be small, but unfortunately, a Jack Russell’s size is not one of the aspects that play a role in how much they could cost. The most influential factors of Jack Russell’s prices are the demand for this breed, the availability of pups in an area, the type of coat the dog has, and its pedigree.
Supply and Demand will definitely influence the price of a Jack Russell Terrier. Breeders will put Jack Russell puppies on the market at a higher price if many people want them. If there are multiple breeders within the same area, you are more likely to find puppies for sale at a lower price, as they’ll be looking to ensure that all their puppies find loving homes.
A Jack Russell coat plays a huge role in how much they are worth, with various coat styles to consider, like a rough coat, a broken coat, and a smooth coat. The smooth coat seems to garner more favour. That said, a combination of the rough and smooth coats seems to be the pricier option.
If you’re looking to purchase a pedigree, Jack Russell, you’re likely to pay more. Pure-bred dogs will fetch higher prices. Unlike other dogs, pure-bred Jack Russell puppies are significantly more common as their bloodline has been quite pure over the years.
Jack Russells are known for being high-energy dogs that require the proper care, training, and stimulation. For that reason, it’s important to have the essentials that’ll help you manage and keep them stimulated. Here are some estimated costs of the essentials for your Jack Russell:
Buying your Jack Russell puppy might seem like the expensive part because it’s a once-off payment. However, it doesn’t stop there because you need to pay for everything that comes with owning a dog. Thankfully, this breed doesn’t require much grooming, but maintenance costs still include food, vet bills, and toys. Let’s take a look at what you can expect to pay for:
Jack Russell Terriers are incredibly active dogs, so they constantly need vitamins and minerals to match their lifestyle. These dogs can cost their owners around $800 to $1,200 a year, but the cost of feeding your Jack can vary according to how old it is, what you feed it, or if there are any changes in its dietary needs. A Jack Russell adult can weigh between 6 to 8 kg. As a rule of thumb, they must eat roughly 3% of their body weight daily. With that in mind, here are some estimates of what it costs to feed your Jack Russell:
The prices above are only estimates. Likewise, if you purchase premium foods, the costs may be higher. These estimates are simply a benchmark for you to work off.
It’s vital to get your Jack Russell fully vet checked throughout their whole life, from puppy to adulthood, to avoid health issues. On average, it can cost you somewhere between $400 to $500 a year to have your furry friend checked out by the vet and kept up-to-date on their vaccinations. But this might not include costs such as dental cleaning. Keep in mind that as your Jack Russell ages, the trips to the vet might become more frequent.
Vet bills vary depending on the vet you visit and the age of your dog. However, these estimates should help you budget roughly for their visits.
A huge bonus for owning a Jack Russell is they are notorious for being a low-maintenance pet, particularly if you have a short-haired dog. However, dogs still need their grooming to keep them looking and feeling healthy, so you’ll have to make an investment in some basic grooming tools.
If you don’t want the hassle of grooming your dog yourself, you can expect to pay around $50 to have a professional groomer sort your Jack out for you. Occasionally, using a professional groomer from time to time is highly recommended. Here’s what you should budget on average for your Jack Russell grooming:
As we said earlier, Jack Russells are infamous for their high-energy nature. In order to manage their energy well, training is key! Here is what you can expect to pay for training your Jack Russell:
Jack Russells are full of character and remarkably easy to maintain. However, they are high-energy dogs, so be prepared for this when you buy one. As you consider getting a Jack Russell, weigh up the costs above and make sure you fully understand the financial obligations you’re taking on. While they may be flexible in many cases, using them as a guideline for your budget will certainly help you prepare well for the new addition to your family!
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