If you are looking for a small but mighty dog that has a lot of spunk and a loving heart, the Jack Russell Terrier may be the perfect breed for you! Here is a guide of everything you need to know about this dynamic little dog!
Breed Snapshot
Size Small Dog (4-7kg); 23 – 30cm in height
Coat Low shedding short to medium coat that should be brushed frequently
Energy High energy dog that should be walked daily for at least an hour
Lifespan 12 – 14 years
Country of origin England
Breed type Energetic small dog breed that originated in England as a fox hunter. This dog loves to play and prefers to live an active lifestyle
Other names Russell
Great breed for:
- Apartment living or home with a yard
- Families with kids
- People with an active lifestyle
Introducing the Jack Russell Terrier
Bursting with energy, the Jack Russell Terrier never seems to tire out. This cute little dog originated in England during the 1800s as a fox hunting dog and is now bred mostly as a companion for people. They are a member of the Terrier group and are considered to be a working dog.
Jack Russell Terriers are a popular family pet in Australia thanks to their fun-loving personality and ability to adapt to the climate. This is a confident dog who loves attention and shows a lot of affection to his or her human family. Jack Russell Terriers are intelligent dogs that always need to be on the go. They need a job to do, so they are great dogs to have on farms, ranches, or working in the bush.
What Do Jack Russell Terriers Look Like?
If you are looking for a pint-size dog with lots of spunk, the Jack Russell Terrier could be your perfect pet. This dog is among the smaller terrier breeds and has a body that is shaped much like a lab. Jack Russell Terriers are generally solid white, a mixture of tan and white, or a mixture of black and white. They have floppy ears and a protruding snout. This dog has a short coat of smooth or shaggy hair and a thin and muscular body. Jack Russell Terriers are just a little bigger than toy dog breeds and weigh in at approximately 4 to 7kg and are 23 – 30cm in height. This dog has a body that is suitable for running and hunting.
What Makes a Jack Russell Terrier So Special?
Jack Russell Terriers are natural born hunters who can sniff out rodents and other game very quickly; this has helped farmers control pests and hunters get their game. This breed is a handful to take care of as they constantly need attention and have an endless source of energy. Jack Russell Terriers are the perfect dog for those who live an active outdoor lifestyle and are looking for a companion that can be deployed to do a job. They love to make their owners proud and will work hard when they have a job to do.
How Do I Train My Jack Russell Terrier?
Jack Russell Terriers are easy to train as long as you have patience and keep your training sessions brief. This is a working dog so you should make your Russell feel like they are doing a job whilst you are training them. Jack Russell Terriers are actors at heart and love to entertain people. Make your training session fun so that your dog does not get bored. You can also sign up for dog training classes with PetCloud and let the professionals do the work for you.
Grooming Your Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers have floppy ears that should be cleaned weekly with dog ear cleaning solution as they are prone to ear infections. This breed will either have a short smooth coat that just needs to be brushed every now and then or a furry coat which will require regular combing. This is a low maintenance breed that does not require trips to the groomer. Grind your dog’s nails when they start to get long, or they can snag on furniture or carpeting.
How Often Should I Walk My Jack Russell Terrier?
If you are looking for a highly energetic dog who can keep up with your active lifestyle, the Jack Russell Terrier is the perfect dog for you. This dog will run beside you, head out on adventures into the bush, or go on log walks to the park and enjoy every minute of it. This dog needs a lot of exercise and should be given jobs to do. If you live a sedentary lifestyle or are away from the house often, this is not the right breed of dog for you.
Jack Russell Terrier FAQs
Can Jack Russell Terriers be left alone?
No. Jack Russell Terriers need to be close to their owner constantly and suffer from separation anxiety. This dog can’t be left home alone whilst you are at work all day. You can hire a dog sitter to keep him or her company whilst you are away.
What is the lifespan of a Jack Russell Terrier?
A healthy Jack Russell Terrier can live 12 – 14 years.
Do Jack Russell Terriers have a special diet?
Your dog should be given high quality dog food and treats should be limited to keep caloric intake in check. Consult with a vet for special dietary considerations concerning your specific dog.
How Can I Get a Jack Russell Terrier?
If you have decided that the Jack Russell Terrier is the perfect breed for you, the best way to buy one of these adorable little dogs is through a responsible breeder. RSCPA has plenty of resources to help you find a reputable breeder in your neck of the woods.
Ready to Create your free Pet Profile?
PetCloud makes responsible Pet Care easy and is free to join. Keep track of your Pet’s Vaccinations, or annual checkups, store their Vet Certificate, even hire a Pet Sitter – all in your very own PetCloud!
