A low-maintenance, high-energy pooch, Jack Russell Terriers are famous for having bucket loads of enthusiasm and confidence. They make mischievous but loving housemates that thrive on activity.
Personality and temperament
If you’re looking for a dog that’ll be ready to go anywhere the moment you are, a Jack Russell could be for you. These pocket-sized balls of energy live for adventure and activity – they won’t be sleeping in on Sundays. It can be exhausting but also extremely motivating. You’ll get your steps in with this breed! It’s this friendly exuberance and happy demeanour that makes them a permanent crowd pleaser. A lover of playtime, Jack Russell Terriers have a stubborn streak. They’re best for experienced dog owners and families with older kids who know how to handle them.
Size and appearance
Jack Russells are a small but sturdy breed, though in their minds they are as big and tough as German Shepards (and their personality reflects that). They have a compact build, strong legs and broad chest, while their tail stands tall when walking and their eyes are always on the alert for mischief. Jack Russells can either have a smooth coat (which is low-maintenance), a rough coat (shaggy with long hair) or a broken coat (with patchy wiriness, some longer hairs mixed in with a shorter coat). Their grooming needs depend on their coat type.
History
This energetic pooch has a relatively short history dating back to the 1800s when an English Reverend ‘Jack’ Russell developed the breed from a now-extinct terrier. Jack Russell Terriers were bred to have the traits needed to excel at fox hunting – drive, stamina, speed and agility. They needed to be able to enter small fox dens and keep up with the speed and length of the chase. When fox hunting (thankfully) declined in the mid-20th century Jack Russells were invited into homes to be a companion pet. The first recorded Jack Russell import was in the 1960s. Since then, Jack Russells have grown to be one of our most popular pooches of choice.
Health conditions that can affect this breed
These springy little guys are generally pretty hardy, however they can be prone to some common health conditions, including:
- Patellar luxation (dislocating kneecap)
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (hip joint degeneration)
- Lens luxation – shifting of the eye lens causing pain and vision loss
- Deafness – hereditary in some lines
- Dental disease – common in small breeds
- Allergies – environmental or food-related skin issues
Regular vet check-ups and care can help manage these conditions and keep your Jack Russell Terrier healthy.
Food and exercise
Jack Russells need nutrient-dense meals designed for small breeds to fuel their energy levels. Slow-feeder bowls can help with greedy eaters, as can set mealtimes and limited treats.
As you may have guessed, these pint-sized pooches need a lot of exercise, around 60 minutes a day is a minimum. They aren’t fussy when it comes to what kind of exercise though – running, swimming, long walks, games of fetch, agility courses… Jack Russells will say ‘yes’ to whatever will get their little hearts beating faster. Mental stimulation is also a must, with integrative games, training sessions and mental challenges working well.
Grooming and maintenance
The grooming needs of your Jack Russell depends on whether they have smooth, rough or broken fur (which is both smooth and rough).
- Bathe: every 4-6 weeks
- Professional groom: can be an occasional help for rough or broken coats
How to groom your Jack Russell Terrier
- Fur: Smooth coats needed brushing once a week, while rough or broken coats benefit from twice weekly brushing.
- Nails: trim every 3-4 weeks
- Ears: check weekly for wax and debris build up
- Eyes: wipe gently with a damp cloth if needed
Training and space requirements
Jack Russells have a stubborn, independent streak (that was once invaluable for fox hunting), so patience and consistency is helpful when training. Short training sessions to appeal to their smarts and treats for their tummy work best.
This active breed will be happiest with enough space for their antics and daily zoomies. A fenced backyard or shaded outdoor area is ideal, however they can adapt to smaller-space living if their humans are dedicated to making sure they get enough activity and mental challenges to avoid boredom.
Best suited for…
This active breed suits experienced dog owners and families with older kids who don’t mind a housemate that is always on the go. Jack Russell Terriers will let you know – not so subtly – when it’s time for a walk but once tucked out they’ll gravitate to wherever you are for their arvo nap.
