Jack Russell Terrier
Summary
The Jack Russell Terrier shares the same historical origin as the Parson Russell Terrier — both descend from the white terriers developed by Reverend John Russell in the 19th century to accompany mounted hunts. The main difference is size and proportion: the Jack Russell is shorter (can be rectangular) and more versatile in terms of height, while the Parson is taller and more square. The Jack Russell is today one of the most popular and recognizable dogs in the world, widely used in film, television, and dog sports.
Physical Characteristics
- Size
- Small
- Height (male)
- 30–36 cm
- Height (female)
- 30–33 cm
- Weight (male)
- 6–8 kg
- Weight (female)
- 6–8 kg
- Life Expectancy
- 13–16 years
- Coat
- three varieties: smooth, rough, and broken (mixed)
- Common Colors
- predominantly white (minimum 51%); with black, tan, or tricolor markings
Temperament & Personality
The Jack Russell is, perhaps, the terrier with the most energy per kilogram of all. It is intelligent, courageous, curious, and completely tireless. Its learning capacity is impressive, but it uses that intelligence equally to circumvent rules. It is affectionate with the family, excellent with active children, but requires firm training and plenty of stimulation — a bored Jack Russell is a force of destruction. It tends to vocalize a lot and to chase anything that moves.
Activity & Exercise
- Energy Level
- Very high
- Recommended Daily Exercise
- 60–90 minutes
Grooming & Care
- Grooming Needs
- Low to moderate
- Shedding
- Moderate
- Bathing Frequency
- Every 4–6 weeks
Health
- Common Health Issues
- Cerebellar ataxia
- Hereditary deafness
- Hip dysplasia
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
- Primary lens luxation
- Recommended Health Tests
- BAER hearing test
- Joint evaluation
- PLL genetic test
Compatibility
- With Children
- Good
- For First-Time Owners
- Not recommended
