Jack Russell Terrier Guide
About the Jack Russell Terrier breed Jack Russell
Weight: Males and females 7 - 12 kg
Height at the withers:: Males and females 20 - 30 cm
Energy level: High
Life expectancy: 13 - 15 years
Tendency to drool: Low
Tendency to snore: Low
Tendency to bark: High
Tendency to dig:: High
Social needs:: Medium
Designed for:: Fox hunting
Colours: White, white with black or tan patches
Health problems: Generally healthy, with no breed-specific major health issues!
The Jack Russell Terrier is a lively and happy dog that loves to work. They have a lot of energy, so they need plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Jack Russells love to dig and explore. The breed was originally developed for fox hunting, so their hunting instinct is strong. This makes obedience training important – but be prepared, your Jack Russell will most likely, at some point in their life, slip away and explore the neighbourhood on their own.
Grooming your Jack Russell
Jack Russells come in three coat types: smooth, rough, and broken. All three are considered easy to care for. It’s best to hand-strip a Jack Russell rather than clipping their coat. Clipping can make the coat porous, causing it to absorb moisture and dirt more easily, and leaving the dog more vulnerable to the cold in rain and snow. If your Jack Russell has a smooth coat, they’ll only need bathing a couple of times a year, or as needed. If they have a rough coat, they’ll need a wash about every two months. Always use a shampoo specifically designed for dogs.
Trimming your dog's claws
Keeping your dog’s claws trimmed is important! Trim them as needed, but it's best not to wait too long – once a month should be sufficient. It’s better to trim a little and often than to do a lot infrequently. Get your dog used to having their claws trimmed from a young age. In our app, you can find our best tips on how to trim your dog’s claws in the 'Claw Trimming' course!
Socialisation
Jack Russells are often independent and can be stubborn. They often need training to get along well with other pets and people. It’s important that they’re socialised and accustomed to different environments from puppyhood to ensure they grow into confident individuals who fit well into your life. You can learn more about socialisation and environmental training in our app course..
Brushing your dog's teeth
Brushing your dog's teeth can be a challenge at first, but it’s essential for good oral health. Start practising early, be patient and let it take time. You can learn more about how and why to brush your Jack Russell's teeth in our app.
Weight management
They should have a compact and muscular body – a Jack Russell really is a lot of dog packed into a small frame! However, being overweight isn’t good for any dog, so make sure your Jack Russell maintains a healthy weight. In the 'Weight Management' app course, you can learn more about how to keep your dog at a healthy weight, and what to do if they do become overweight. You can also learn how to check your dog's body condition, as demonstrated by Lassie's vet in our app.
Stomach upsets
Dogs sometimes eat things they shouldn’t, which can lead to vomiting and/or diarrhoea. While vomiting and diarrhoea are common reasons for vet visits, in many cases, you can treat these at home. Learn more about when you can and can't treat your dog yourself at home in our app course.
