Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terrier Dog Breed

Jack Russells are lively little dogs that will happily follow you around.

Breed at a glance

Weight
5-8 kg
Size
Small
Shedding
High
Exercise needs
60-90 mins
Grooming needs
Moderate
Sociable with pets
Low
Life expectancy
13-16 years
Training
Moderately easy

What our experts want you to know

The Jack Russell Terrier was originally bred to hunt foxes, rabbits, rats and mice. For such a little dog, they have a strong prey drive and lots of energy. They’re determined, incredibly bright and can turn their paw to lots of different tricks and dog sports.

Sue Ketland

Dog behaviour and training specialist

Temperament and personality

Jack Russells are live wires, they’re super intelligent and love to play and hunt. They need lightning-fast reactions to fulfil their natural chasing role, which can be frustrating for owners as their dog rushes past them with a stolen shoe! 

An energetic breed, Jack Russells need to be closely watched around young children and other dogs, they snap first and ask questions later. They do have a very loving and affectionate side too. They really like the sound of their own voice too and make particularly good watchdogs. There is never a dull moment when you share your life with a Jack Russell Terrier. 

Disclaimer

While these breed traits give a general idea of what to expect from a specific type of dog, it's important to remember that every dog is unique. Just like people, each dog comes with their own distinct personality, quirks, and characteristics!

Affectionate:
Sociable with people:
Tendency to bark:
Ability to stay home alone:

Your questions answered by experts

Sue Ketland
Dog behaviour and training specialist
Is this breed a good family dog?

An active family with older children would best suit a Jack Russell.

They’re not the most patient dogs and don't tolerate being poked and pulled about, so young children are best avoided. They are a very playful breed and will provide hours of entertainment for an interactive family.

Is this breed affectionate?

Jack Russells have moments where they can curl up on your lap and enjoy a bit of a fuss. Although, many others are more independent and prefer to be in your company than be touched. 

Is this breed playful?
They certainly are! Jack Russells love to play games that mimic their needs and show exactly what they were bred to do. This includes seeking and finding toys, playing tuggy, shaking and pulling the stuffing out of their toys and digging holes. These lively dogs are great at destroying their toys, so make sure you have plenty at hand to replace them. Squeaky toys don’t stand a chance in the jaws of a Jack Russell Terrier, but they absolutely love them!
Does this breed bark a lot?
The Jack Russell is famous for their barking. They’re vocal at any given moment, they’ll bark when excited, to alert you to someone at the door, when someone approaches the home, when something captures their attention, or when they want to tell you something. For this reason, Jack Russells are not best suited to living in a flat.
Is this breed more likely to have certain behaviour problems or traits?

A bored, inactive Jack Russell Terrier is an irritable one and they’ll tell you about it by barking, digging at your lawn and destroying furniture. Never underestimate the hunting desires of a Jack Russell. If they’re loose in rural areas or woods, they will catch rabbits and sometimes chase them down into their burrows. They have been known to get stuck in these tricky situations and need to be dug out.

Bear all this in mind if you’re considering a Jack Russell as your breed of choice, if this sounds too upsetting, they might not be the right dog for you.

Jack Russells can live with other animals, but you would need to start introductions when they’re a puppy to ensure a successful bond. 

What does this breed need from a home?

Jack Russells don’t need lots of space in a home, but access to a garden is essential, somewhere they can run around and burn off any excess energy. If you’re an active owner who enjoys getting out and about, you’ll get lots of fresh air with a Jack Russell, they need more exercise than you would think for such a small dog. 

Not only do they like to keep physically active, but they also love a challenge and working their minds with training. Bringing a Jack Russell home to existing pets may work well, but adding other pets, especially the small, furry kind to a home where a Jack Russell already lives is asking for trouble.  

How much exercise does this breed need?
Jack Russells are extremely energetic and have a lot of stamina. Take them on a long walk in the rural countryside and they will go for miles. They’re not a fan of cold, wet weather though and short-coated Jack Russells will benefit from an extra layer if you can get them outside when it’s chilly. 

Physical exercise is not enough to keep this breed going, they have busy brains that need exercise too. Lots of interactive play and feeding through puzzle feeders and Kongs will go a long way to keep your Jack Russell out of trouble. They need an owner with plenty of time in the day to dedicate to their needs.
Is this breed easy to train?

All puppies need to learn how to be around people, pets, and other dogs, calmly and politely (known as socialisation). They also need help to feel calm, comfortable, and confident in everyday situations like travelling, the sound of traffic, and being in busy places (known as habituation). This is essential to prevent tricky behavioural problems in the future, and you'll be off to a great start with your ongoing training.

Yes! Jack Russells are easy to train because they really love using their smart little minds, they also like working for both food and toy rewards.

Keeping your Jack Russell mentally active will not only keep them calm but also emotionally satisfied. They were born to work, so it’s the dog owner’s responsibility to give them something to do.

Grooming needs
For such a small dog, Jack Russells shed a surprising amount! Regular grooming is essential to reduce the amount of white hair stuck on your clothes and furniture. As they like to dig and run through the undergrowth, they may require the occasional bath too.
Health Conditions
Jack Russells are one of the healthier breeds out there, although litters should be tested for eye problems. A responsible breeder should also health test the parents for other issues including luxating patellae (a condition where the kneecap dislocates, causing limping and pain.)

A nutritious diet and regular physical exercise will keep your Jack Russell in good shape.

What do I need from you?

Activity needs

I thrive in an active home and like to be taken to fun places where I can chase my toys. I’m no couch potato! 

Mental stimulation

I hate being bored. Please fill my life with exciting activities like giving me food puzzles and lots of toys. I enjoy attacking squeaky toys and the odd dig in the garden. 

Training needs

I can turn my paw to almost any kind of dog sport. I am very fast and coordinated, so I’m good at dog agility. I also love learning new tricks.

What will this pet cost you?

A pedigree Jack Russell Terrier puppy from a responsible breeder will cost you anywhere from £800 to £1500. The higher price is reserved for show-quality pups.

It can cost you another several hundred pounds to purchase everything you need. This includes food, bed, bowls, collar, harness, lead and baby gates. Ongoing costs include insurance premiums, food and training classes.

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