Table of contents
- Key Facts
- Weight and Height
- Breed History
- Physical Characteristics
- Behavior and Temperament
- Behavior with Others
- Training
- Living Conditions
- Health
- Life Expectancy
- Grooming and Hygiene
- Price and Budget
- Name Ideas for a Jack Russell Terrier
- Diet
- Physical Activity
- Famous Jack Russell Terriers
- Competitions
- FCI Information
Key Facts
| Coat Type | Short; smooth or harsh, weather-resistant |
| Origin | Great Britain |
| Size Category | Small |
| Head Shape | Long head; flat skull of moderate width |
| Other Name | Jack |
Weight and Height
| Sex | Weight | Height |
| Female | 5–8 kg | 25–35 cm |
| Male | 5–8 kg | 25–35 cm |
Breed History
The Jack Russell Terrier originated in 19th‑century England, created by Reverend John (Jack) Russell, a hunting enthusiast and Fox Terrier breeder. His goal was a dog that could run fast and also go underground to flush foxes and small game from their dens. Popular with hunters and riders after the two World Wars, the breed later split into two varieties: the Parson Russell Terrier and the Jack Russell Terrier. The breed standard was established in 2000.
Physical Characteristics
- Coat: two possible textures – smooth or harsh – but always fairly short and built to resist bad weather.
- Color: predominantly white with black or tan markings; tan may range from light to dark.
- Head: flat skull of moderate width, narrowing toward the eyes and muzzle.
- Ears: V‑shaped, folding forward; commonly chestnut, but may be white or particolored.
- Eyes: small, dark, almond‑shaped.
- Body: slightly longer than tall; well‑defined neck; muscular chest; silhouette reminiscent of the Fox Terrier.
- Tail: carried down at rest; erect when playing or excited.
Behavior and Temperament
Alert and energetic, the Jack Russell Terrier is highly intelligent, lively, and courageous. Confident and eager to spend energy, he is kind and friendly with a strong attachment to his owner. Despite a marked hunting instinct, he enjoys family life and is a good playmate for children.
Behavior with Others
Awake and energetic, he is affectionate with family. Early socialization helps him coexist with other pets and greet visitors politely while respecting his strong terrier instincts.
Training
Favor reward‑based education. His activity level can shorten attention spans, so use games and short commands paired with consistent rewards. Be firm yet gentle – this combination suits the breed well.
Living Conditions
Though adaptable to city life, the Jack Russell Terrier does poorly in solitary, confined apartment living. Without sufficient outlets, he may become destructive. Ideal housing is a country home with a yard where he can roam and exercise.
Health
A generally robust dog, the Jack Russell Terrier can suffer from certain hereditary issues, sometimes linked to inbreeding. Some individuals show hyperactivity that is hard to manage. As with many small breeds, monitor dental health – teeth are often large for a small jaw and tartar builds up easily.
- Hypoallergenic Breed: No
- Litter Size: 4 to 8 puppies
Health Concerns
| Major Concerns | Cerebellar ataxia; cataract; lens luxation; Legg‑Calvé‑Perthes disease; myasthenia; deafness |
| Occasional Concerns | Glaucoma; patellar luxation |
| Suggested Tests | Knee; eye |
Life Expectancy
- Minimum: 13 years
- Maximum: 16 years
Average lifespan ranges from 13 to 16 years.
Grooming and Hygiene
The Jack Russell Terrier sheds year‑round, with heavier periods in fall and spring due to lack of undercoat. Brush as needed – after walks or when shedding increases – using a rubber brush or mitt. Bathe sparingly (about every 4 months in town; when truly dirty in the countryside).
Check eyes and ears regularly and clip nails when too long; seek veterinary guidance if unsure, as canine nails contain blood vessels. Brush teeth to prevent tartar buildup and bacterial overgrowth.
Price and Budget
| Purchase Price | Min | Max |
| Jack Russell Terrier | 1000€ | 1500€ |
| Annual Upkeep | Min | Max |
| Jack Russell Terrier | 850€ | 950€ |
Name Ideas for a Jack Russell Terrier
- Male: Attila; Exel; Figaro; Gizmo; Jack; Lutin; Nougat; Pepito; Skippy; Toby
- Female: Babine; Cannelle; Dixie; Étoile; Frimousse; Lux; Miel; Nicotine; Paillette; Roxie
Diet
Adapt the Jack Russell Terrier’s diet to his lifestyle. A very active dog’s needs differ from those of a homebody. High‑quality commercial food (wet or dry) suits him well. Divide the daily ration into two meals.
Physical Activity
This breed needs substantial daily exercise to channel its surplus energy and is not ideal for very calm or elderly people. Take him out several times per day; let him run and play frequently.
Famous Jack Russell Terriers
- Milo: companion of Stanley Ipkiss in the film The Mask (1994). Courageous and devoted.
- Skip: the dog given to Willie Morris in the film My Dog Skip (2000). Helps his timid owner grow in confidence.
- Max: a main character in The Secret Life of Pets (2016, 2019), devoted to his owner in Manhattan.
Competitions
Classifications & Standards:
- (AKC) American Kennel Club
- (FCI) Fédération Cynologique Internationale
- (UKC) United Kennel Club
- (KC) The Kennel Club
- (CKC) Canadian Kennel Club
- (ANKC) Australian National Kennel Council
- (NZKC) New Zealand Kennel Club
FCI Information
| FCI No. | 345 |
| FCI Group | Group 3: Terriers |
| Recognized by FCI | Since 2003 |
Similar Breeds
- Parson Russell Terrier
- Czech Terrier
- Border Terrier
- Fox Terrier
- Silky Terrier
- Skye Terrier
| Origin | Great Britain |
| Size | Small |
| Coat | Short; smooth or harsh; mostly white with black or tan markings |
| Temperament | Energetic, intelligent, courageous, affectionate |
| Weight/Height | 5–8 kg; 25–35 cm |
| Life Expectancy | 13–16 years |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
- Sources:
- American Kennel Club
