JACK RUSSELL TERRIER

Temperament: Alert, Inquisitive, Lively

AKC Breed Popularity: Ranks 82 of 197

Height: 10-12 inches

Weight: 9-15 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

Group: Terrier Group

ABOUT THE JACK RUSSELL TERRIER

Developed in England some 200 years ago to hunt foxes, the Jack Russell Terrier, also known as the Parson Russell Terrier, is a lively, independent, and clever little dog. They’re charming and affectionate, but they’re also a handful to train and manage. For experienced dog parents only!

A Jack Russell can fill your days with laughter and love, but only if you can provide him with the attention, training, supervision, and structure he needs. First-time or timid dog owners would do well to start with a less challenging pooch. Do yourself and the dog a favor by considering carefully whether this is the right breed for you. If it is, you’re in for a wild but wonderful ride.

PERSONALITY

The energetic and spirited Jack packs a lot of personality into his small body. Loving, devoted, and endlessly amusing, he enjoys life and all it has to offer. Given half a chance, he’ll pursue his delights over fences and through the streets.

He’s incredibly intelligent, but his wilful nature can make him difficult to train. Friendly toward people, he can be aggressive toward other dogs and any animal that resembles prey, including cats. His fearless nature puts him at risk when he decides to take on a bigger dog.

NUTRITION

The Russell Terrier should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.

HEALTH

The majority of Russell Terriers are happy, healthy little dogs. However, like all breeds, they’re prone to certain health conditions.

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

Deafness

Patellar Luxation

Glaucoma

Lens Luxation

CARE

The Russell Terrier is not a breed for a couch-potato family. High energy levels and a robust personality make this an excellent choice of breed for an outdoorsy family who takes lots of hikes, bike rides, and long daily walks. Finding games he loves to play will help keep his brain and his body exercised. A tired Russell Terrier is a good RT. With an almost limitless supply of energy, this makes a great companion dog for children who understand dogs. The breed has retained a strong prey drive so should be very well socialized early on to circumvent any problems that might result from that trait.

GROOMING

The Russell Terrier’s rough and ready appearance is easily maintained. Coats come in three types: smooth, broken, and rough. The dense, short, smooth coat can be kept looking great with an all-over rubdown with a soft brush or a hound glove once a week. The rough and broken coats will require going over with a brush or a dog comb weekly but are kept mostly natural, with minimal grooming. The Russell’s nails should be trimmed monthly, and his ears checked weekly for debris or excess wax and cleaned as needed.

Source: dogtime, akc.