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They might be small in size, but the Jack Russell Terrier temperament is big, bold, and fearless!
Also called JRTs or Jacks for short, these strong-willed and determined dogs are known for their sharp hunting instincts, insatiable appetite for adventure, and extreme loyalty to their owners.
Although bold and tenacious, Jack Russells are cheeky chappies who’ll keep you entertained all day long with their funny antics. They’re quick-witted and highly intelligent, making them a popular pooch for film and television shows. But they do have a fiercely stubborn streak and aren’t for the faint-hearted. Jacks need a lot of attention, exercise, and supervision, making them an ideal dog for more experienced owners.
Friendly and affectionate with most people, your Jack Russell Terrier will happily accompany you to the pub to make new friends. However, they can be aggressive towards unknown dogs, no matter the size. This means they should be supervised around large breeds to ensure they don’t pick a fight with the wrong dog.
Coming from a working background, these pint-size pooches have boundless energy, and need lots of physical and mental stimulation to stay happy. Without it, they’ll descend into destructive behaviours like excessive digging and chewing on furniture. Jack Russells are also known for their reactive barking, and wouldn’t hesitate to alert owners if the wind changed direction!
Born with a natural curiosity, these dogs love to run, play fetch, and explore their surroundings, often trying to sniff out and chase after prey. But this intense inquisitiveness and high prey drive can land the Jack Russell in hot water, especially as they might run off or escape from their back garden.
However, even though they were never bred to kill prey – only flush it out – Jack Russells could injure or kill a small animal if it were to get its paws on it. Working your Jack and channelling their energy into more productive outlets can help reduce their desire to terrorise small critters on the ground.
As with all dogs though, early socialisation and consistent training is key to raising a well-mannered pooch. So, if you’re looking for a small, energetic dog that’s always on the go, the Jack Russell Terrier could be the breed for you.
The standard Jack Russell Terrier size is small, weighing between 5kg and 7kg, and measuring 25cm-35cm in height. However, Miniature Jack Russells are even smaller. They’re not a separate breed, but the term is used to describe a Jack that’s smaller than the breed standard. They’re the result of two naturally small dogs mating, but some breeders have resorted to using unethical practices – such as breeding runts or malnourishment – in order to produce a mini version of the breed.
Highly energetic
Super high prey drive
Strong hunting instincts
Bold and confident
Alert and very vocal
Intelligent and inquisitive
Strong-willed and determined
Likes to keep active
Needs a job to do
Loyal to owners
Enjoys human company
Friendly and affectionate
Cheeky and mischievous
Wary of other dogs
Can be snappy with young children
Can’t be left alone for too long
Needs a lot of physical and mental exercise
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Loyal and loving to owners | Incredibly high prey drive |
| Effective hunters and ratters | Can be standoffish or aggressive towards other dogs |
| Playful and entertaining with big personalities | Prone to digging and barking |
| Highly intelligent | Stubborn, easily bored, and not the easiest to train |
| Doesn’t need a lot of grooming | Not the best match for families with young children or first-time owners |
Yes, Jack Russells can be a great addition to active families with older children and teens. While affectionate and playful little dogs, they’re often described as ‘one-man dogs’ which could cause a divide in a large household. Jacks like to keep busy and need a job to do, so they need dedicated owners who want to spend a lot of time training, exercising, and working their pooch. JRTs are also one of the more needier terriers, so they can be prone to develop separation anxiety, leading to destructive behaviours.
Jack Russell Terriers aren’t generally suited to homes with very young children. They will not tolerate being manhandled, and demand respect for their boundaries, which toddlers might not understand. Jack Russells don’t have much impulse control either, which puts little ones at risk of being snapped at if they’re too ‘grabby’.
Jacks are better suited to a household with older children and teens who can respect boundaries, play gently and are generally more assertive.
You should always teach children how to properly interact with dogs, regardless of breed. This includes no pulling, smacking, poking, or disturbing them while they’re eating and sleeping. Great care should also be taken when introducing dogs and children, making sure to never leave little ones unsupervised no matter how well trained your pooch is.
Not generally, but if socialised well from a young age and raised together, it’s possible Jacks can live with another dog. However, they can be aggressive towards other dogs, especially of the same sex. They’re possessive and territorial by nature, which can cause all hell to break loose if they’re forced to share the same owners and house. Due to their high prey drive, Jack Russells aren’t suited to living with cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, or any other small furry friends.
Introducing new animals into the pack should always be managed carefully. Remember, every Jack Russell is unique, so monitor their body language, provide space and reward good behaviour.
We all want our doggos to live long, happy, healthy lives, so it’s important you know how to look after a Jack Russell properly. From tasty nutritious meals to exercise, training and grooming, we’ve got it covered.
Fully grown Jack Russells need a minimum of 1 hour of exercise a day, including lots of games and training to keep their sharp minds occupied. These dogs are keen and curious explorers who love having a job to do, so it’s vital they get a good daily workout to burn off all their energy.
The highly strung Jack Russell prefers to be kept busy outdoors, and can struggle to chill out. They’ll need plenty of enrichment toys and puzzles, and long games of fetch with their owner to satisfy their desire to hunt. Along with lengthy walks and fun activities, these athletic doggos excel in canine sports like agility, flyball, and parkour, and they’re great companions for people who love to hike.
Due to their high prey drive, it’s not recommended to let your Jack Russell off lead in busy parks or forested areas unless they’ve mastered the art of recall. Even a secure back garden is no match for these escape artists. Jacks adore digging, and will dig their way out under fences to chase prey, putting them at risk of being hit by a car. They’re also known to disappear down rabbit holes for hours or even days, so recall is an essential skill for Jack Russell Terriers to learn.
There are two types of Jack Russells that are recognised as separate breeds. The Parson Jack Russell is long-legged and taller than the Jack Russell Terrier, and will typically need more exercise as a result.
Jack Russells are highly intelligent dogs, but they’re also very stubborn and strong-willed. They won’t just do anything to please you – they need to be motivated to want to work with you. It requires trust, consistency, patience, and lots of paw-sitivity to successfully train your Jack Russell Terrier.
Unleash your Jack Russell’s potential with some fun training tips.
1. Be positive. Always use positive reinforcement by rewarding good behaviour with lots of praise and delicious treats such as our High Protein Baltic Beef Jerky.
2. Be firm but fair. Jacks need a firm but fair approach when it comes to training, and can benefit from professional dog training to ensure they put their best paw forward from day one.
3. Be consistent. If you let your Jack Russell on the sofa one day, but not the next, this can become confusing, so make sure your commands are the same and the family is aligned with training.
4. Socialise from the start. Socialisation is crucial for the feisty Jack Russell Terrier. Expose them to new people, children, dogs, animals, smells, and situations from an early age to help them become calm and confident canines.
5. Establish who’s boss. The smart and confident Jack Russell is a determined dog that may try to push the boundaries and dominate. Ensure to set clear rules and consistently enforce them. This will help your Jack understand what's expected of them and reduce any unwanted behaviour.
6. Get them used to a lead. Practice indoors where there are fewer distractions, and gradually move to busier environments as they become more comfortable.
7. Prioritise recall. Jack Russells can get themselves into all kinds of trouble when they’re off-lead, such as picking a fight with a big dog or getting lost chasing prey. Use a long line lead and tempting treats such as these low fat Peanut Butter Probiotic Nutty Treats to master the art of recall and keep them safe.
8. Keep the barking at bay. Jack Russells will bark at pretty much anything if you let them. Try to desensitise your dog to triggers by gradually exposing them to stuff that makes them bark, such as people walking past the house or the sound of a car door closing. You should also teach them the ‘quiet’ command, remembering to only reward them when they’re silent.
9. Do trick training. Channel their high energy and intelligence by incorporating tricks into their obedience training. When motivated, Jacks are quick to learn, so teach them how to do ‘high five’, ‘roll over’ or ‘spin’ and prepare to be entertained!
10. Keep training sessions short and sweet. Jacks can get easily bored, so do short 10 minute bursts a few times a day to ensure they stay engaged.
11. Keep them active. The Jack Russell Terrier is a lively breed that has bundles of energy, so engage them in agility, flyball, parkour, or mantrailing to give their brains and bodies a good workout.
12. Incorporate games into training. Harness their curiosity with games of hide-and-seek. These inquisitive pooches love to explore, so teach the ‘come’ command and hide in different rooms in the house. This not only teaches the command but also gives them a fun challenge.
13. Dispel the digging. Bred to flush prey out of their dens, Jack Russells love to dig, so get a sandpit or carve out an area of the garden where they can dig without being destructive.
14. Be patient with their separation anxiety. While they should never be left alone for hours on end, you can help them be more comfortable with their own company by gradually increasing the amount of time you're away from home. Start with small increments (e.g., 5-10 minutes) and make sure they have a toy or puzzle to keep them busy.
Jack Russells are relatively easy breezy on the grooming front, regardless which coat type they have, but it’s worth noting they shed a lot throughout the year.
The smooth coat is short and sleek, and sheds a little less than the other coat types.
The rough-coated Jack Russell (sometimes called the long-haired or wire-haired Jack Russell) has a wiry, weather resistant coat, which is perfect to protect working dogs from the elements. It just needs a bit more grooming to prevent tangling.
The broken coat is a combination of the rough and smooth, providing the best of both worlds. It’s a little harsher than the smooth coat, but not as long or wiry as the rough.
Here are some Jack Russell grooming tips to keep them looking their best all year round.
Brush their coat once a week using a bristle brush, or a couple of times a week for the rough and broken coats. This will help remove dead hairs from the undercoat and help prevent matting.
Broken and rough-haired Jack Russells should be hand-stripped a couple of times a year. This can be done by a professional who will also give them a pamper session and check their coat and skin for anything that might need your vet’s attention.
They only need to be bathed if necessary, but always use a dog-friendly shampoo. Don’t overdo it though as too many baths can disrupt the Ph balance of their skin and cause irritation or allergies to flare up.
Check their ears for signs of infection and clean regularly; use a soft cotton pad to gently wipe around the inner areas but don’t stick anything down their ear canal.
Trim their nails every month if they don’t wear them down naturally. It’s important you know what you’re doing when it comes to nail trimming, so learn from a professional or let the groomers take care of it.
Don’t forget their teeth and gums. These pups are prone to dental disease, so use a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste daily to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent stinky breath.
Give them a healthy dental stick once a day to keep the doggo dentist at bay!
Jack Russell colours
The Jack’s coat is instantly recognisable and utterly charming. These dogs are predominantly white with different coloured markings over the body and face, with some even sporting adorable eye patches! Common Jack Russell colours are white, white with black or tan markings, or tricolour (white, black, and tan). Black and tan Jack Russells with no white fur do exist, however it’s debated if they’re a Jack Russell at all, due to this breed not being an official purebred.
Properly looked after, cared for and loved, the Jack Russell lifespan is between 13–16 years. However, like all dogs, they’re prone to a few health problems.
Healthy Jack Russells should be seen by a vet at least once a year, with senior dogs (seven years and older) needing more frequent visits. Monitor your pooch regularly and ensure they’re getting what they need for a healthy and happy lifestyle.
Patella Luxation. This is when the kneecaps slip out of place, causing discomfort and pain, and is a common old age problem for Jack Russells. Pet owners can help prevent this by stopping their pooch from engaging in high-impact activities or jumping up and down from high platforms too frequently.
Primary Lens Luxation. This condition is where the ligament holding the eye lens in place deteriorates, causing the lens to become displaced. Signs include red, teary, inflamed looking eyes, and if caught early, it can usually be managed with medication or surgery.
Glaucoma. This condition puts pressure on the eyes due to a blockage, affecting a dog’s vision. Left untreated, it can lead to blindness.
Deafness. Jack Russells have a predominantly white coat, which means they’re prone to deafness due to the lack of melanocytes in the inner ear. Deaf dogs need more care and shouldn’t be allowed off lead in busy areas, but with unique training using signals and vibrations, they can lead happy, fulfilling lives.
Allergies. Allergies can be triggered by food or environmental factors like pollen, grass, household chemicals, dust mites or flea bites. Allergies cause itchy skin and digestive issues. If your dog is excessively scratching, rubbing their face, licking their paws, vomiting or having bouts of diarrhoea, they may be suffering from an allergy.
Legg-Perthes Disease. This hereditary condition causes the head of the femur to receive less blood supply, eventually leading to necrosis where the femur and pelvis connect. It usually affects puppies around 6-9 months old. The most common sign is gradual lameness of the back legs, but it can be treated successfully through surgery.
Dental Disease. This is a common health issue that tends to occur as dogs age, especially small breeds like the Jack Russell. Tartar and plaque buildup leads to inflammation of the gums, and eventually tooth and bone decay. Keep on top of their oral hygiene and consider using specially formulated dental treats and dog food.
Obesity. Jack Russells are highly food motivated, which can lead to them being overfed. Packing on the pounds dramatically reduces their quality of life, but you can prevent obesity through exercise and an appropriate diet, such as Pooch & Mutt’s Slim & Slender kibble. It’s handy to use kitchen scales to measure your pup’s portions too.
Why does my Jack Russell shake?
If your Jack Russell shakes, it could be a sign they’re fearful, excited, nervous, or cold, however tremors can also be a sign of pain. If it continues, take them to the vet to have their joints and vitals checked.
Feeding your Jack Russell Terrier a well balanced diet that’s tailored to their size and medical needs is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner. From helping their coat stay healthy to maintaining a good weight, the food you give them is so im-paw-tant!
The amount you feed your Jack Russell will depend on a number of factors, such as whether they’re a puppy or an adult, if you’re using dry food, wet food or a mix, their activity levels, and whether they’ve been neutered or spayed.
A good suggestion for full grown Jack Russells is twice a day, ensuring they’re well fuelled for all their activities. However, despite their active lifestyle, these pocket rockets can quickly pile on the pounds, so make sure they’re not overfed.
The best food for a Jack Russell Terrier is one that’s been developed with their medical needs in mind. Dog food made especially for small breeds is also recommended as the size of the kibble is smaller – perfect for their tiny teeth!
You'll find a handy feeding calculator at the bottom of every product page here at Pooch & Mutt, helping you identify how much of our health-led recipes are right for the age, size and weight of your dog. Take our quick quiz to find your pooch’s perfect food!
Feed a balanced diet
Choose a high-quality, vet recommended dog food that meets their nutritional needs. Try food designed specifically with allergies in mind, or consider adding natural supplements to their diet such as Salmon Oil to boost their physical and mental health.
Protect their joints
Jacks are lively terriers who love to run, jump, and bounce about through life – they’re capable of jumping higher than 5 feet! But to help keep the patella luxation at bay, don’t encourage your Jack to jump up or down from high platforms too often. Also, consider adding Joint Tablet supplements to their diet as an extra preventative measure.
Use a harness
Jack Russells are sturdy but they’re still small, so use a harness when walking them to protect their windpipes and prevent tracheal collapse.
Monitor weight
A healthy Jack Russell weight is anywhere between 5kg and 7kg. Make sure table scraps don’t become a fixture in their diet though, as extra weight puts pressure on a dog’s joints and internal organs, reducing their quality of life.
Look after their eyes
Regular eye tests can detect early signs of glaucoma or primary lens luxation, and a balanced diet rich in omega-3s (found in fish) can help support eye health.
Look after their teeth
Jack Russells are prone to dental disease, so a portion of their daily calories should be allotted to yummy dental treats and chews to help keep their teeth nice and healthy. Schedule in a professional clean once a year to remove tartar and plaque build up.
Take them to the vet
It might not be their favourite place in the world, but regular check-ups with a vet can help identify potential health issues early on.
Always speak to your vet about the best course of action in treating health problems in your dog.
Take a look at the Jack Russell’s dream home.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Type of Owner | Individuals, couples, or families with older children that lead an active outdoor lifestyle. They shouldn’t be away from home for too long and can dedicate lots of time to training. |
| Outdoor Space | A very secure small to medium back garden is preferable, along with access to parks, hiking trails, and the great outdoors. |
| Adaptability | They can fit comfortably into any space, however they need a lot of physical and mental exercise, and are prone to excessive barking, so they might not be suitable for living in a flat. |
| Multi-Pet Home | They’re not generally suited to households with other animals, especially cats, rabbits and other small pets. They could live with another dog if they’ve been raised together and socialised well, but they often thrive being a solo pet. |
The unconditional love of a Jack Russell is priceless, but there are costs to consider if you plan to own one.
The price of a Jack Russell can cost anywhere between £400 and £1,000. The price you pay will depend on the breeder or private seller, and the pedigree of the dog. The average monthly total cost for owning a Jack Russell Terrier is around £50.
Set up costs
Primary vaccines in the UK cost between £40-£70 on average, but this depends where you live and the vets you choose. You’ll also need equipment such as a lead, collar, harness, dog tag (this is a legal requirement), bedding, food bowls, toys, and a crate if you’re crate training. If you decide to neuter your pup, the cost of the operation ranges from £110 to £300, and is usually done between six and 12 months old. Spaying costs can be higher and you should always talk to your vet about the best time to have this procedure done.
Ongoing costs
When it comes to food, these pooches need a high quality dog food packed with vitamins and natural ingredients. On average in the UK, the cost of feeding a Jack Russell is between £25 to £50 per month. On top of this, you’ll also have booster vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and regular accessories like poop bags to buy.
Insurance costs
All breeds are prone to a few health problems, so it’s highly recommended to purchase pet insurance should anything happen. The exact cost of insurance is based on your location, your dog’s age, breed, medical history and the type of cover you choose. Pet insurance prices vary wildly so always compare to get the right protection. (The average annual cost to insure a Jack Russell without any pre-existing conditions is around £250. This might sound a lot but you can’t put a price on peace of mind.)
Get to know the Jack Russell even more with these tidbits and tales about everyone’s favourite little pocket rocket!
They get their name from Reverend John ‘Jack’ Russell, who played a pivotal role in the breed’s development.
They are a different breed to the Parson Russell Terrier. Although they share similar traits, the JRT is smaller and less feisty than the Parson Russell.
The white coat was favoured in developing the breed as they stood out in the field and wouldn’t be mistaken for quarry.
They’re real life jumping Jacks! These spritely dogs can jump as high as 5 feet, despite being only 25-35cm in height.
Jack Russells are dedicated to the cause, and have been known to burrow underground where they can wait for days to chase out prey. This shouldn’t be encouraged though, due to lack of food, water, and the risk of dehydration. Channel this persistence with interesting games, challenges, and toys instead.
They’re natural athletes and excel in lots of canine sports like agility, flyball, and even parkour.
In the early 1800s in Dartmouth, England, a passionate fox hunter and parson named Reverend John Russell – known as Jack to his mates – took it upon himself to develop the ultimate hunting companion. He wanted a fearless, agile, charismatic dog that could flush out foxes from their dens with determination and vigour.
A small white Fox Terrier named Trump had everything he wanted, including quickness, courage, and an unwavering enthusiasm, and it was from this dog that his breeding program began. Puppies that showed the same lively spirit as Trump were selected to continue breeding, ultimately ending in the Jack Russell Terrier we all know and love today.
Two distinct lines were developed under Reverend John Russell’s breeding program, but the Jack Russell Terrier and the Parson Russell Terrier are recognised as two separate breeds in the UK. JRTs are slightly smaller and a little less feisty than the Parson Russell.
Demand for the Jack Russell type dog only increased throughout the 19th century as fox hunting became more popular in England. With a sturdy build and powerful little legs, these pups were trained to relentlessly chase foxes into their dens and burrows without killing them, where they’d then bark to alert their owner of the location.
Not only were they fearless out in the field, but they were charming companions in the home too. They were adored by farmers and hunters for their strong work ethic, sharp mind, and spunky nature.
Reverend John Russell didn’t want his line of terriers to be recognised by the Kennel Club as a pedigree breed, so it took a while for the JRT breed to be registered. In modern times, the Jack Russell Terrier is a beloved pet for many worldwide, and still retains all the spunkiness and feistiness of its ancestors.
Before you bring a new furry friend into your life, you need to know you’re getting it from a reputable source. To help you navigate this decision, here are some essential tips for buying or adopting a Jack Russell.
1. Research the breed. Jack Russells need a lot of physical and mental exercise and prefer to spend their days outdoors, so you need to make sure your lifestyle is suited.
2. Ask potential breeders for references from previous customers, veterinarians, or other breeders. This will help you get an idea of their reputation and the health of their dogs.
3. Beware of scammers. A genuine seller will never ask for money upfront before seeing the dogs, and will always offer for you to see them in person before making a commitment. Also be wary if the price is significantly cheaper than other listings.
4. Always visit the breeder in person to see the mother with her Jack Russell puppies and to check the environment. A responsible breeder or seller will never release the pups before they’re eight weeks’ old.
5. Watch out for people who breed multiple breeds at once. This is a sign they might not have the expertise on JRTs and don’t prioritise their dogs’ health.
6. A reputable breeder will provide a health guarantee for your puppy, including paperwork about their lineage, vaccinations and microchipping.
When adopting a Jack Russell, research the shelter to ensure they’re a reputable rescue organisation, and meet with their adoption specialist to discuss your lifestyle, needs and dog ownership experience. Jacks in shelters may have complex medical conditions or be quite senior, so you’ll need to ensure you have the time, love and dedication to give them a happy fur-ever home.
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