Jack Russell Terrier
Well known for being the little clown of the dog world, the Jack Russell is a popular dog choice for active households. Don’t be fooled by his wee size. This pint-sized entertainment bundle will stand his ground and give all that a large dog can.
Jack Russell Terrier At A Glance
| Lifespan | 13-16 years |
| Temperament | A happy and joyous, energetic, and playful wee dog. |
| Suitable | A loveable companion who thrives in a busy and active home. |
| Health | The Jack Russell is typically a healthy dog breed, but like all dog breeds, they can suffer from common health concerns. |
| COMMON CLAIMS | MAXIMUM CLAIM |
|---|---|
| Skin Conditions/Allergy | $1,963.81 |
| Gastrointestinal Conditions | $9,253.60 |
| Heart Condition | $2,409.30 |
| Arthritis | $1,77.66 |
| Tissue Damage or Fracture | $2,902.74 |
| Blood Vessel Disorder | $9,148.95 |
| Respiratory Tract Condition | $5,431.60 |
| Skin Condition/Lumps | $2,949.24 |
| Neoplasia | 2,103.40 |
| Cruciate Ligament | $5,975.62 |
| Mass Lesion | $4,461.68 |
Trainability
The stunning Jack Russell is, first and foremost, a very smart little Terrier. For this reason, first-time dog owners can get a little frustrated regarding training and manageability. In saying this, they thrive in the hands of experienced owners. However, with the proper guidance, leadership and persistence, little Jacky can take pride in their place in any loving home. As many would see, they are highly trainable dogs; however, with exceptional intelligence and independence, they are known for simply getting bored and switching off – or finding something better to entertain themselves. The key is upbeat, fun training and stopping before the boredom sets in. Making training a ‘fun’ game is paramount, as is consistency.
The breed excels in dog sports and hunting activities and will play fetch, Frisbee or any other game involving running for endless hours and remembering that they were bred to hunt foxes nearly 200 years ago. This is another reason it is so important to train your dog. Particularly a solid recall command. Their desire to hunt and chase small prey is immense, so early socialisation with other pets is essential. It is common to hear of first-time JRT owners becoming frustrated that their dog won’t stop chasing the cat, bolting through the house at the speed of light or digging into China. As a Jacky owner, these are characteristics you will come to love. If not, this may not be the right breed match for you.
Grooming
Grooming is super-easy with this breed regardless of whether they are smooth or have a broken coat. A simple weekly brush will keep their coats in excellent condition. They are not smelly dogs and will only require a bath on the odd occasion or if they have found some delectably smelly to roll in. Broken coats will need a strip once or twice a year.
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Common Health Complaints – Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers are generally known for their robust health, but like all breeds, they can be prone to specific health conditions. It’s important to note that individual dogs may not experience these conditions, and a responsible breeder can help minimise the risk through proper breeding practices. Here are some health conditions that can affect Jack Russell Terriers:
- Luxating Patella – Caused by the patella, or kneecap, dislocating or dislodging from its correct position, leading to pain, hindlimb lameness and a reluctance to jump or run. Depending on severity, it can be managed with medication or may require surgical correction.
- Hip Dysplasia – This abnormal development of the hip joint can lead to arthritis; symptoms include pain, lameness and reluctance to exercise. Usually managed with weight management, exercise moderation, medication, or surgery to correct the joint - in severe cases.
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease - A hip joint disease that leads to degeneration, pain, lameness and muscle wasting. Surgery is often required to remove the affected part of the femur.
- Cataracts – The clouding of the eye's lens, leading to impaired vision, typically noted in older Jack Russell Terriers. Surgical removal of cataracts may be suggested.
- Glaucoma – Caused by increased pressure within the eye, which can lead to optic nerve damage. Symptoms can include redness in the eye, squinting, tearing, and vision loss. Your veterinarian may recommend medication or surgery to reduce pressure.
- Deafness – Like many white-headed dog breeds, the Jack Russell Terrier could also suffer from deafness, which can be congenital or acquired. Most dogs live entire lives when suffering from deafness; however, it is crucial to manage their surroundings and implement correct training.
- Von Willebrand's Disease - A bleeding disorder due to a deficiency in the body's ability to clot blood, leading to excessive bleeding from minor injuries. This disease has no cure; however, care during injury and surgery is imperative.
- Allergies – Like many other dog breeds, the Jack Russell can also be hypersensitive to specific allergens, leading to skin issues, such as itching, redness and secondary infections. Identifying and avoiding allergens, medication, medicated shampoos and possibly dietary changes are typically required to manage allergies.
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Exercise Requirements
The JRT needs a lot of physical activity. They love to run and require a good, vigorous daily run alongside a walk. They thrive at dog sports and love jumping and running in this playful weekly adventure. Because they have a strong sense of prey, keeping them on a leash when out and about is a good idea to avoid getting injured. However, if you have confidentially trained your dog, they will enjoy a good run in an off-leash park alongside some backyard fetching fun. They are an incredibly active breed and will become destructive and bored if you do not provide enough exercise.
Intelligence
Jack Russell Terriers make lovely family pets, but care does need to be taken with tiny children. Like with all dogs, being poked and pulled will only be tolerated for so long before being snapped at. It is essential that all interactions between very small children and JRT are supervised, and children need to be taught how to behave around a dog correctly. With older children, the Jack Russell thrives. He’s the non-stop playmate, and his silly antics and mischievous nature will provide endless laughter. They are very loving and loyal dogs. It’s important to remember that they are fox-hunting dogs, so they will likely chase cats and other animals. Training can help reduce this; however, most times, it does not entirely eradicate the instinct to take chase.
Family Friendly
Jack Russell Terriers make lovely family pets, but care does need to be taken with tiny children. Like with all dogs, being poked and pulled will only be tolerated for so long before being snapped at. It is essential that all interactions between very small children and JRT are supervised, and children need to be taught how to behave around a dog correctly. With older children, the Jack Russell thrives. He’s the non-stop playmate, and his silly antics and mischievous nature will provide endless laughter. They are very loving and loyal dogs. It’s important to remember that they are fox-hunting dogs, so they will likely chase cats and other animals. Training can help reduce this; however, most times, it does not entirely eradicate the instinct to take chase.
Indoor/outdoor?
Jack Russell Terriers take well to life outdoors, but they would much rather shadow you around the home and share the couch for a snuggle. It is vital to have good, solid fences. This little guy will dig or jump to find better entertainment. In saying this, an excellent boredom-busting regime is essential. So, get creative to avoid problems! As well as adequate exercise before you leave for work. Digging can be a problem with a Jack Russell, so provide them with a ‘dig zone’, like a child’s clam-shell play pool filled with sand and treats. Many will attest that it is easier to have a ‘dig area’ than to stop the digging entirely. Get them to fall in love with digging in the sand and not soil so you can teach your pup the difference.
Responsible Breeding
It is imperative to only source your Jack Russell Terrier from a qualified and reliable breeder. Don’t forget to ask all the important questions about hereditary problems and, if possible, meet the pups’ mum or dad. Speaking to your local Jack Russell breed club can also assist you in finding the right breeder in your area. Your breeder should have paperwork that shows they regularly test their dogs for genetic diseases and to ensure that the dogs they are breeding from have sound temperaments. It may take a little more time than a spur-of-the-moment choice, but it can save you and your family from the unimaginable pain a sick puppy or dog can entail.
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